Transition to Med School

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Dah-ling, you were an ER nurse weren't you? Do you ever even remotely remember taking a bathroom break? :wink: :p I suspect it may be worse (need a leg bag?).
So I am savoring every last minute of Arizona sunshine (no more 360 days of perfect, cloudless, days :( ). It's in the 70's today with a nice breeze. But maybe, on that rare day off, we should catch up with each other, that is if I haven't developed PGY-1emergencymedicineresident sleeping sickness :D I'll post and let you know when I've been deployed to the East Coast. Til then, I'm. . . ted, the desert rat. :cool: :cool: :cool:

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CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I was NP prior to med school (I did one of the few NP programs that didn't require RN first, so I don't really have the same kind of experience you did). Now I'm well into my third year, and finding that my prior clincial experience is paying off very well.

I have chosen to try to keep my prior experience quiet around both residents and attendings. I had several othter jobs, plus some serious health problems prior to med school which I use to answer the inevitable "What did you do before medical school" question. I decided to keep quiet because I want to avoid having higher expectations for myself than for my classmates. Though the role of physician is different, I'd rather not risk jepordizing any grade by having someone think I should be doing better than I am because of my background.

Plus, the first two years consist largely of sitting on your butt memorizing a great deal of trivia...you may be surprized at the pracitical things you will forget as you clear out brain space. The advantage comes when you get back into the environment when you start seeing patients. Plus the exams in the clinical rotations are largely clincally based and I have found myself answering questions based on prior knowlege, not necessarily on anything I learned during the rotation.

Good luck
 
Hey md03,

I should congratulate you too, for your accomplishment. Soon (and very soon) you'll be going through the turmoil (unless you know ahead of time that you will match in the program and specialty of your desires) that myself and countless other fourth years just went through. I do hope and pray that the transition is not as crazy as mine was.

I didn't tell any of preceptors I was a nurse either, if they found out (like my fellow classmates tipping them off, which didn't happen often) they did tend to think I knew things I had never been exposed to, so they thought they didn't have to teach it to me. I'm grateful that didn't happen often. I also agree about the tests, I never studied for any of the shelf exams and passed every one (Thank God!!!!!) Best of luck to you!
 
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Hi, i know i posted this in another question but no one answered but here we go. When a nurse goes to med school, does (s)he go there for less time than the other students?
 
I figured I'd check to see if I could liven this place up since the server was down for a while. Hey is anyone out there? Kat, neurogirl, anyone? Just want to say hi. :cool: <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :cool:
 
Hey Ted!

Trying to keep my head above water here in Neuro (took the 3rd of 7 Neuro Exams today--this is the system that never ends)! Actually, I feel some NFT forming in my neocortex (next to the SP, of course)...or maybe it's the necrosis in my hippocampus...?.... :p

I've decided to simulate an anterior cerebellar lobe lesion this evening while doing my small vegetable impersonation in front of the TV, catching up on all the shows I've taped. Hopefully, my lateral corticospinal tracts will not give out as I attempt to perform my nightly ADL's..... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

AAAAahhhhhhhh! 31 more days, 6 Exams to go until the end of the semester and my 1st yr of medschool! :clap:

Keep those fingers crossed to help me stay afloat! Blub!

Kat :D
 
The sound of fingers crossing from the desert all the way to Erie!

EEEEKS, seven neuro exams, what were they thinking? It's obvious they may not be thinking at all, or too much, oh it's too much for my amygdala, area 44 and 45, my optic chiasm is probably in trouble too! What to do? Should we increase or decrease the amount of dopamine going to the brain, and where are glutamine and glutamate when you need them, I'm so confused.

31 days can't come fast enough for me, that puts me at or after graduation. AAAAAHHHHHHHHH, can't wait. :clap: :clap: :clap:

Oh, I ran out of life preservers, keep treading that water, you know I'm out here on mega dry land cheering you on! :D :cool: :D ted
 
Congratulations NurseyK and all the other nurses on this threat who have been accepted to medical school. I am also about to embark on this journey from RN to MD. I've will start med school in September.

I must say that I have been blessed. My coworkers (for the most part) have been wonderful during this entire process. The nursing staff has really cheered me on. I sorry to hear that some of you did not receive the same support and encouragement. I don't know if it made a difference, but my coworkers were aware of what I was trying to do from the start. They were there to encourage me throught the stress of the MCATS and the entire application process. We screamed together when the acceptances came.

I have only one complaint. When I tell people I'm going to medical school, I get questions like--"Are you going to be a PA?" or "I thougt you were a nurse?"

Thanks for reminding of just how wonderful the people are that I work with. Good luck to all of you starting med school.
 
Hey Kat,

Time sure does fly (when you are being tortured beyond the bounds of reason :wink: ). There are only 25, count'em, 25 more days until I hang up that short white coat and badge that boldly proclaims the bearer as STUDENT and take on the title of tedsadoc, D.O. Can't believe I've made it this far. :clap: :clap: :clap:

You are in the homestretch girlfriend, don't quit now, you are 1/4 of the way done. I'll be celebrating right along with you in '05 (provided I make it out of residency alive) when you graduate cause I'll hit yet another milestone in this new found career, "attending-hood" (just a tedism here). Well, I for one, am glad to hear that you are hanging in there. I'll be back to post more trivial updates as time goes on. Best of luck on those exams, and my fingers are still crossed. ted :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
Ted's official countdown:

1. Two more days (and the last 2 days of rotations) until my fourth year is officially over! :clap: :D :clap: :D :clap:

2. Eleven, count'em 11 days until graduation and D.O. status.

I just figured I'd share that piece of info with you. Till next time :clap: :clap: :clap:
 
I AM DONE! First year of medschool is HISTORY and my head is firmly above water! Woo-woo!!!! :clap:

Time to catch up on some serious sleep for about 2 weeks (I already told everyone that I'm slipping into a coma for that amount of time -- don't bother to call :wink: )....

After I emerge neurologically intact - but still sleepy - from my coma....Ted, we MUST meet sometime over the summer. I can scoot down to the City by MetroNorth real easy (I used to do it for my job at one time). I'm still interested in a Forensics rotation...maybe check out the digs down there -- you did a rotation like that, hmm? I'm still seriously eyeballing Virgina for it though (might as well do a "dream" rotation at one point in my life, huh?)....Right now, I am sooooooo dern happy that I am DONE with first year!!

Ted, I'm feeling your joy over your new "role" in healthcare! Congrats, and you know my well-wishes are with you always! (hey...do I have to address you as Dr. Ted now?? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> )

Kat :D :cool:
 
Congratulations Kat!!!!!

But wow, my fingers and toes probably need some counterstrain from all that crossing (for your good luck there :D ).

IT'S OVER!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! SCHOOL'S OUT FOREVER, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, I'M A DOC NOW. Okay, I've calmed down now. Yes, we will have to do lunch before I have to inhale it on the run. I'll send you a pm with info when I get back. Now the countdown to graduation. 9 more days. Ahhhhhhh :cool: :clap: :cool:
 
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Hey -- I think we learned finger and toe counterstrain...hmmmm...how's about a little HVLA?? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
 
oooh noooo not the rack'em and crack'em techniques!!! I just got done doing a 2 week rotation in our OM clinic. It was the best way to end my school career. Dr. Devine is the director here and I think he knew Jones. Anyway, counterstrain is the move!!!! (Though I prefer using muscle energy on my patients)

Dr. Ted, hmmmm, let me contemplate that thought :D Naaaaah, wait until you have to do your EM rotation down here, then we'll talk :D Only kidding.

About forensics, let me in on why Virginia, did you see something about the place I didn't? Maricopa was the move (the desert yields some of the most interesting objects, you never know when you might happen upon someone that someone else was trying to cover up)
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by tedsadoc2002:
•....director here and I think he knew Jones.
Maricopa was the move (the desert yields some of the most interesting objects, you never know when you might happen upon someone that someone else was trying to cover up)•••••..sooo...that'll make him about a couple of hundred years old?? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> ....Seriously, we have a Doc here that took classes from Jones too, I guess it was a heck of a class (our Doc here is HOOKED)....I think one of our Clinicians also took a class from A.T., too... :p <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> (OK, OK, I'm a little giddy today)

That sounds mighty gooey...hmmmmm.... :D ....I had someone back home put a bug in my ear about Virginia Commonweath being "THE" place to do Forensics. I guess when you think about it, any and all areas of the country have their "experts" in the field (we even have a nationally renound Doc in the field back home -- ever see those "Autopsy" specials on HBO? He's on there.) I guess maybe now that I think about it, I'm just looking for something "different" from "home base"...but when you think about it..crime is crime..... :wink:

Kat :)
 
Now, now Kat (how many neuro exams did you take?) I wrote "desert" not "dessert" (or maybe I'm confused, just got back from celebrating with one of my classmates).

Though crime is crime, all decomps are not the same. Accelerated (the hotter the desert) vs. the "slow release" (cooler weather) and those darned environmental elements, diamondbacks (no, not Randy Johnson et al), coyotes, etc all make for an interesting brew <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> You just don't find that in the wetter, colder parts of this vast country. But anyway, I've had some profs tell me it was a good idea to have taken this elective, I think you too should "go for the gold" :wink:
 
This reply is primarily for Sarena, who brought up the issue. Sadly, the genreal public doesnt' understand that the term "medical school" implys that one is going there to become a physician. Therefore, any female who goes to medical school is assumed to be going to be something percieved to be "less" than a physician.

It happens to me all the time. When I moved to the city where my medical school is, the first time I attended a church and told peole I had moved to the city to go to medical school, the response I got was, "Oh, so you are going to be a nurse?" When I'm suturing patients in the trauma center here, they ask me, "how long have you been a nurse?". I walk by patients, they call me "nurse". Male nurses get called "doc" and my male classmates never get called "nurse"

On the other hand, some patients have thought I was acutally the doc in charge of their care. Especially on surgery, several patients (after the chief had talked to them and their family in detail about their operation and what was found) asked me if I was the one who did the operation. Go figure.

Anyway, I'm now starting the process of researching residency programs. It's almost harder than researching medical schools. I came to medical school thinking I'd likely wind up in ER, with surgery as a second choice. I've come to realize that all the drawbacks of ER would drive me nuts. Plus I love the OR. So, general surgery it is.
 
Oh, yeah, I forgot to answer coolthang's question too. No, nurses don't get any credit in medical school for anything done prior. Pretty much no one does. Several people in my class had masters' degress in things like cell biology, physiology, biochem. The only person who got any credit was a person with a PhD in biochem, and he only got out of the biochem class.

The medical school wants you to do everything their way. Plus, the classes are presented from a very different standpoint. I'd had anatomy before, but never anything like the Gross Anatomy in med school. It's far more detailed. In microbiology, you are taught things like the mechanism of action of the various toxins that some bugs secrete. The focus in med school is a lot more molecular.

Plus, as a nurse practitioner, in those classes we focused more on primary care...how to diagnose and treat otitis media, for example. In med school, the classes in the first two years seem to focus a whole lot more on more complicated things (lots and lots of lectures on cancer, including memorizing the genes that are mutated in various cancers as well as staging). Also the focus is strong on rare disorders. So much so that when you get to the clinical areas, it's very difficult for the average medical student to diagnose common problems. It's as if you learn the rare stuff in the first two years, then the more common stuff in the second two years.
 
NurseK, and others...

I was a nurse's aide for three years. I'm also a male, so I haven't encountered the kinds of discrimination you've received. (I'm also a traditional student.)

With that said, however, I have encountered discrimination from my aunt, who's a nurse. Every one of my relatives and coworkers congratulated me upon being accepted to medical school, but all my aunt had to say was "So, did you know that I make more than many doctors on a per hour basis." And I was like, good for you. And then she was like to my parents "So, is he going to be a REAL doctor?(implying that I got into chiro school or something)" And "how can he do medicine if he spent four years studying mathematics and physics?"

See, my aunt is one of these people who has always wanted to be a doctor but for some reason or another didn't go through with it. She makes my parents buy these vitamin and minerals and writes "prescriptions" on the bottles as if my parents can't read: "Take twice a day for flu, cold, cough, headache, stress--mental stress NOT physical stress." Cracks me up. But the point is, you guys are right... jealousy happens a lot upon nurses... even family members can get jealous.
 
moo,

Many congratulations and much good luck in the future!

P.S. your aunt will just have to get over it.
 
More trivia,

Countdown to graduation: 6 more days.

Just picked up the cap and gown. My sister the DPM will hood me. My niece will have 2 doctors to hood her when she graduates in '05!

And the beat goes on. . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Way to go Ted!

I'm sure you're modeling that cap and gown around the house like Cindy Crawford.... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

work it..work it.... :clap:

Kat :D
 
Kat,

How did you know I had that RuPaul music pumping? :D <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :D
 
PEEK-A-BOO!!! I see you......

<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

Kat :D
 
Tedsadoc,
Congratulations...you only have one more day and you'll be a physician. As a classmate of NurseyK, I wish you nothing but the best in life.

NurseyK,
Hey Lady...doesn't it feel nice to be a MSII :) See you in August...have a great summer...it'll be our last.
 
just wanted to add my bit on the public's unawareness of what medical school is...I was taking a cpr class at my school this past spring and one of the medics was showing us some techniques. The next thing I know, she turns and asks us, "so, did you guys like have to go to college to come here?" We were all blown away and we thought she was joking but she just stood there waiting for an answer.

then at church, I told a lady a was a medical student and she said, "oh, you're going to be a pharmacist or nurse, right?"

I could go on but I'll stop here.
 
Thanks apple!

Yes in approx. 42 hours, the D.O. degree is mine, all mine! Conrgratulations on successfully finishing up your first year in med school, the rest now is just icing on the cake :cool: :clap: :cool:
 
tedsadoc,
When you start studying for step 1 of the boards?
 
I started studying a little bit during 2nd quarter of 2nd year but I was active in many organizations and school sponsored events that it really didn't get cranking until 3rd quarter finals were over and I plugged away at it 8-12 hours a day for 3 weeks. I did well. :cool: :cool: :cool:

I used first aid for the boards and the high yield books.
 
Thanks Apple - I hope your having as much fun as I am at doing **nothing** :D :cool:

Dr. Tedsadoc, DO....WOO-WOO!!! Make sure you picture me :clap: as you work that cap and gown across the stage at Graduation....

Kat :D
 
Whew!

It's all over, the fat lady sang, and when all was said and done, it's tedsadoc, D.O.
It was nice ceremony (the a.c could have been better) but it was weird to have my name repeated with the title behind it and my huge contingent (family and friends from NY and church family from Phoenix) cheering me on! In the long run an awesome end to 4 long, hard fought, but rewarding years. Thanks so much to all on this thread for the congrats and support. God bless.

Ted, D.O. :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
Just wandered over here...I am also a classmate of Nursey K and I just wanted to tell you congratulations, tedsadoc! You've shown me that there actually IS light at the end of this very long tunnel! :D

Congratulations again!
 
Thanks,

LECOM seems to be well represented here :D Good luck to you as you continue on. Sometimes you'll think that that light is a freight train, but in addition to studying hard I prayed (a lot). A little faith in God goes a long way. I have a strong feeling you and your classmates will be partying something fierce in '05. Post then, maybe we can all reminisce about these days <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
 
Hey Kat,

How's the vacation going? Getting enough shut-eye? The last of my family went home yesterday and I've managed to sell a few pieces of furniture. I'm hoping to sell the rest and leave by next weekend. I will hate to leave now that summer is in full bloom here (109 and climbing) :wink: <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :wink:

Lots of goodbyes to say and things to put away before the desert is just a memory. Can't believe that it's come down to this. Be seeing you eventually (on the East side). tedthedoc.
 
I'm so happy for you TedsaDOnow... :clap:

My brain is just turning into a great big slab o' jello over here! I went to the library and have been catching up on all my favorite authors. June 13th I am headed for Sandles St. Lucia Halcyon -- fun in the sun! I've been pouring over the brochures to the point where I have my umbrella and beach spot picked out already.... :cool: Needless to say, I've been in heavy training -- got to get the ol' liver in shape... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

I'm not sure if I want to go back to work yet. I'm enjoying not dealing with the work bullsh*t, if you know what I mean. I've been chatting with a few of my friends (former co-workers), and the hospital is getting some major BAD press lately (ie: State coming in to investigate, numerous lawsuits, etc). I don't know if I want to get in the middle of all that, ya know? I've already had 2 lawyers call about cases when I was in school (of course, they called at the most inappropriate time before some huge exams); nothing bad, they just needed me and my notes as a witness, blah, blah. I've decided to let things lie, what will be, will be....(I said that to my friend Liz and she told me that I must be relaxed if I'm getting philosophical on her. <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> )

Be safe coming back East to us.

Kat :)
 
Sandals? WOW, you are someone I should have known (so I could do the Kato Kaelin, just invite myself as the houseguest) :wink: <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> :wink:
Anyway, I agree with you, I wouldn't be walking into that kettle of vile fish at what I would call (if I wuz you) my FORMER place of employment! Enjoy the cool drinks and sunshine for me, I'm not really a lie in the sun beach type (more like how much adventure and trouble can I get myself into). Talk to you soon. tedthedoc.
 
Well all, I have been keeping up with this thread for some time now, and have found it very inspiring I must add!!!But,now I am at a loss for action, I am currently completing my associates in nursing(less than a year left)-why do a BSN??(will still get paid), and my plans are to continue with my BA in philosophy(jr year) and then work on my required courses and the MCAT..I have chosen to do this because I have a husband and a child, and to not rush the added stress..Yet, I am reading all of the catty ignorance encountered in the workplace..??? Is this a good idea for me to go on and do this? I believed that this devised plan would give me an insight to the medical field and plus a nice pocket of change, but OMG, WTF. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> I have never been one to care about what others think of me, and I am aware that this kind of immaturity is not found everywhere, yet, I sympathize with some of you, because encouragement is desired and helpful...
I apologize for getting off the current subject, but I am very curious and some insights would help..I am only 23, yes, a youngun, prior navy and all the other good recs..Yet, I, ummm, well, what are some opinions....For those of you going on to med school, congratulations and best wishes, and those applying The best of luck as well. :clap: Keep your head up, because trouble doesnt last always, theres a light at the end-i know its a lil sappy,but its what my mother always tells me!! :wink: :p
 
You'll have an associate's degree in nursing? So you don't have to have a bachelor's (BSN) in nursing if you believe med school is where you are headed. Taking your pre-reqs with your degree requirements are quite acceptable (in fact probably preferred).

Your timetable is strictly up to you, remember to always get family input (seems like such a simple common sense thing, but you wouldn't believe how many people forget)about starting up your career.

Some people never find the exact right time for everyone and just have to plunge in. I had no one else but myself to consider so I just went for it. I had classmates (male and female) with children and they got through.

Best of luck to you. You've got time on your side. :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
My opinion

allopathic schools frown on nurses or any kind of professional....
the thinking is, they will just drop being a physcian for something else if they were willing to change once...

osteopathic schools like people with patient care experience....

jason
AZCOM class of 2006
 
Thank you all for your input and suggestions,
I am currently in the process of finishing my associates in nursing, in TN and the states surrounding, there is a much need for RN's, as possibly everywhere else, and they are giving away free money to those who desire to become an RN, Im not one of the lucky candidates, but I found it as an opportunity,and I had began the program after I got of the Navy so I figured I would finish, and gain the extra experience, and plus I do not want to add extra financial strain on my family, time is on my side. I plan to apply for med school around 2004 or 2005..

I reread the first reply, I am in my junior year at the Univ of Memphis doing my BA in philosophy and my medschool req's and extras, and of course at a CC completing my ASN....not sure if I misunderstood...but just in case, heres the corrections. :)
 
hi guys. i'm frm singapore n i'm a newbie. i need
some help here.
i saw some of the posts and it said
tt nurses are accepted to med schools.
how is tt possible? i'm currently pursuing a diploma in nursing. is there anyway that i cld study medicine after my diploma? do i still have to meet the prerequisites? like A level biology, chemistry n physics? i intend to study overseas.
thanx.
 
caramel_MD

I didn't misunderstand, I wasn't clear in my response, you said you were pursuing a Bachelor's in Philosophy and what I should have said was, complete your Philosophy degree reqs with your pre-med science reqs and that is more than adequate. Like Jason_AZCOM mentioned (and this is what I was alluding to) allopathic (MD) schools are not as friendly to former health care professionals (take myself as a case in point) as osteopathic schools, so your best bet is to complete your degree in something other than nursing.

lilaque,

I am only familiar with requirements in the U.S. Here, you can pretty much get a baccalaureate (bachelor's degree) in any subject as long as you take the required sciences like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics. Then students here (or interested in studying medicine here) take the MCAT (medical college admission test) apply for school and pray hard to get in. Nurses here do not get advanced standing or automatic admission to medical school. I am not sure if this is the information you wanted, but I hope it helps. :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
lilaque,

I am only familiar with requirements in the U.S. Here, you can pretty much get a baccalaureate (bachelor's degree) in any subject as long as you take the required sciences like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics. Then students here (or interested in studying medicine here) take the MCAT (medical college admission test) apply for school and pray hard to get in. Nurses here do not get advanced standing or automatic admission to medical school. I am not sure if this is the information you wanted, but I hope it helps. :cool: :cool: :cool: [/QB][/QUOTE]

You mean Advanced level chemistry, biology, etc?
i don't have to take the MCAT test if i'm a foreigner?

thanx.
 
Anyone attending medical school in the U.S. (foreign or native) must take the MCAT for admission, no exception (that I know of).

I do not know what you mean by advanced level, anyone applying must have college/university undergraduate (bachelors degree preferred but can be taken at an associate degree program) level biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. These are the minimum science requirements. Hopefully this is clearer.
 
man... this is complicated. nvm.
thanx a million anyway. :)
 
Thanks alot for the information and suggestions...
 
no problem caramel_md and best of luck to you. :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
Whew! PALS is over, look out NY here I come (Saturday that is). 106 today and cooking in the desert. I am actually looking forward to a cooling trend. See you then :clap: :clap: :clap: :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
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