- Joined
- Sep 20, 2013
- Messages
- 81
- Reaction score
- 30
The deadline is fast approaching and I need to make a decision. When I started, I was very interested in podiatry, but after speaking with several MDs, DOs, and DPMs, I am starting to second guess myself.
I have a 3.88 cGPA, 3.95 sGPA, research, many hours of shadowing , +850 volunteer hours including two medical missions to Africa, I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathology with 2000+ clinical hours, I have good LORs, and I teach an undergraduate course at the university I graduated from. I am in my late 20's with a family, I have NO MCAT score(scheduled for Jan 2014), and I am finishing up my physics courses. I had a 3.3 my first year and then two semesters of W's due to contractual obligations with my work. I have attended 5 different schools and have 4.0 at 3 of them, including the university that actually granted my degree.
Podiatry:
Pros- Seems like an excellent career that allows a great mix of clinical and surgical procedures. I can enter podiatry school in the Fall of 2014(I feel like I am getting older and the earlier time is really attractive to me). Podiatrists treat people from all age groups and do some pretty awesome procedures. The foot is actually pretty sweet.
Cons- There is current residency shortage that may or may not be a problem in 4 years. No flexibility(you go to podiatry school, you can't switch when you decide you want fix hips instead of feet). There is a lot of disparity in the profession(I haven't personally seen this, but the DPMs I have shadowed tell me its true).
Osteopathic Medical School:
Pros- Gives you the opportunity to experience different specialties before choosing a path. I know at least a dozen nontraditional students in DO schools, I know 1 in MD. More desirable locations for my family(strange but true). They will look at my application as a whole.
Cons- No guarantee that you will match into the specialty you want. The majority of DOs match into primary care(this may be not be a con for you or me, I haven't decided yet). Very expensive compared to the other two options.
Allopathic Medical School:
Pros- Gives you the opportunity to experience different specialties before choosing a path. I have a cheap in-state school. The best opportunity to pursue a competitive specialty.
Cons- I would need to retake two of the classes that I took online. No guarantee that I will match into the specialty I want. I am going to have to kill the MCAT. I have heard that the MDs schools will be more critical of my W's. It will take longer than the other 2 options.
I have honestly enjoyed every healthcare experience I have ever had. It all seems so awesome. I am more interested in being good at what I do, than what initials are behind my name. They all appear to be great options, but I would really like to hear from those in my situation or those that were. Feel free to share any advice. If you don't want to write a giant post just use the poll. Thanks.
I have a 3.88 cGPA, 3.95 sGPA, research, many hours of shadowing , +850 volunteer hours including two medical missions to Africa, I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathology with 2000+ clinical hours, I have good LORs, and I teach an undergraduate course at the university I graduated from. I am in my late 20's with a family, I have NO MCAT score(scheduled for Jan 2014), and I am finishing up my physics courses. I had a 3.3 my first year and then two semesters of W's due to contractual obligations with my work. I have attended 5 different schools and have 4.0 at 3 of them, including the university that actually granted my degree.
Podiatry:
Pros- Seems like an excellent career that allows a great mix of clinical and surgical procedures. I can enter podiatry school in the Fall of 2014(I feel like I am getting older and the earlier time is really attractive to me). Podiatrists treat people from all age groups and do some pretty awesome procedures. The foot is actually pretty sweet.
Cons- There is current residency shortage that may or may not be a problem in 4 years. No flexibility(you go to podiatry school, you can't switch when you decide you want fix hips instead of feet). There is a lot of disparity in the profession(I haven't personally seen this, but the DPMs I have shadowed tell me its true).
Osteopathic Medical School:
Pros- Gives you the opportunity to experience different specialties before choosing a path. I know at least a dozen nontraditional students in DO schools, I know 1 in MD. More desirable locations for my family(strange but true). They will look at my application as a whole.
Cons- No guarantee that you will match into the specialty you want. The majority of DOs match into primary care(this may be not be a con for you or me, I haven't decided yet). Very expensive compared to the other two options.
Allopathic Medical School:
Pros- Gives you the opportunity to experience different specialties before choosing a path. I have a cheap in-state school. The best opportunity to pursue a competitive specialty.
Cons- I would need to retake two of the classes that I took online. No guarantee that I will match into the specialty I want. I am going to have to kill the MCAT. I have heard that the MDs schools will be more critical of my W's. It will take longer than the other 2 options.
I have honestly enjoyed every healthcare experience I have ever had. It all seems so awesome. I am more interested in being good at what I do, than what initials are behind my name. They all appear to be great options, but I would really like to hear from those in my situation or those that were. Feel free to share any advice. If you don't want to write a giant post just use the poll. Thanks.
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