What Will your Backup Plan Be?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
PhilliesPhan

PhilliesPhan

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Messages
57
Reaction score
0
As many of you know, only a small percentage of applicants actually matriculate into medical school. Because medical school acceptance is so low, I am interested in knowing what your backup plans are. So far, I have two (in order):

1. Become an engineer for SEPTA's commuter rail operations in Philadelphia. After one or two years of work experience operating trains in the Philadelphia area, I would reapply for medical schools.

2. Currently, I am a biochemistry major. I really enjoy this major as I have always been a math and science person. My second plan would take me to graduate school for chemistry or biochemistry. I would then seek employment at a major pharmaceutical company, such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sanofi Pasteur, etc. I would also consider reapplying for medical school.

What are your backup plans?
Members don't see this ad.
 
At this point in my life, I have already done almost everything I've wanted to do.

I've had a career in theater, was a rennie, started multiple businesses, been a consultant, worked with NASA, etc.

If my partner is willing to convert, I am going to become a rabbi as a backup, but he seems unwilling. Probably because of the haf dam brit.

Other than that, I don't know, finish editing my books and get them published?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
I always tell myself that if medical school didn't work out I would do one of three things.

1. Get an MBA, join Drop-Out Club, become a venture capitalist for some corporate firm.
2. Get a PhD in Chemistry, become a professor, work my way towards president of a university.
3. Go back to school for computer engineering, spend countless hours programming, work for Google, enjoy their nap pods.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Members don't see this ad :)
Call medical schools up and ask to discuss why I got rejected, incorporate criticism, continue volunteering, research, get my professors update letters, reinvent myself, and reapply. I'm way too invested in this to try anything else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
I always thought it would be cool to be an air pirate like Don Karnage from TailSpin
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users
PhilliesPhan said:
As many of you know, only a small percentage of applicants actually matriculate into medical school. Because medical school acceptance is so low, I am interested in knowing what your backup plans are. So far, I have two (in order):

1. Become an engineer for SEPTA's commuter rail operations in Philadelphia. After one or two years of work experience operating trains in the Philadelphia area, I would reapply for medical schools.

2. Currently, I am a biochemistry major. I really enjoy this major as I have always been a math and science person. My second plan would take me to graduate school for chemistry or biochemistry. I would then seek employment at a major pharmaceutical company, such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sanofi Pasteur, etc. I would also consider reapplying for medical school.

What are your backup plans?
Click to expand...

Interesting you're bringing up being an engineer for SEPTA all things considered right now...:laugh:

However, I'm not entirely sure what I would do if I failed to get into med school. Ive invested a ton into this process, but I'm the type that gets discouraged easily and idk if I could put myself through a second cycle, financially and emotionally. So back up plan? Well, I have the credentials to get into top pharmacy schools but I don't want to do that. I'd probably get my RN/bsn so I could get my crnp.
 
I am gonna be a high school teacher and start my underground lab (a lab built underground). Who knows? I might discover something amazing and have too much money that I need dedicated storage room.
 
I haven't seriously considered a backup plan yet, because I'm just starting cycle #1. I've decided to give myself three cycles before I quit. So likely at the beginning of cycle #3 (let's hope it doesn't come to that) I will come up with a backup plan.

If I had to choose right now it would probably be attorney.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Either Medical Physics or PhD in Biomedical Engineering (focusing on imaging physics)

Or go work for the NSA
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
If I get multiple interviews but don't get in anywhere, I'll spend the 2015 working on my app basically full-time.

If I get no interviews, or don't get in in 2015...PA school or grad school.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
canadianinusa said:
I'm a technical project manager in a tech company. My backup plan is to stay here. My husband, on the other hand? If I don't get in, he has to move to be with me. He'll have a harder time finding a faculty job where I live, so he will need a backup plan. Currently he's thinking data science.
Click to expand...

Silly point, but you can also move to where your husband is (and has a faculty job)?
 
There is no backup. I am getting in somewhere. If not this year, then next.

If I am told that there is no hope for me to become a doctor anywhere, not even via an offshore school, then NP.
 
Probably become a teacher and get involved in the school council/run for positions in the district. Then eventually go back and get my masters/PhD in education and work in education reform/teach at a university.

Or I'd go into healthcare reform and teach at a university.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
marry a rich, fat woman and call it a day
 
Work for a start up like my computer science friends: work hard but party hard.
Then regret not going to medical school in my 30s when coding gets old.
Plan A worked out, but that was Plan B.
 
This is my first cycle. If I don't get in, I'd find out why and how I can improve my application. I'd work on that and try again next year. If that doesn't work out, I have a masters degree in anatomy. I'd probably teach.
 
If you need a back up for a year then I highly suggest an AmeriCorps position. Pays off debt and medical schools respect the program.

That was probably going to be my back up if all else failed last year.
 
Obviously, I would see why I got rejected, get feedback, and try for a few more cycles. But if I've tried for multiple cycles and still nothing, then I'd probably need to get a job somewhere. Maybe, I'll go for business, get an MBA, and work for a fund. Though, I don't think I'll be happy making the 1 percent richer.
 
mrh125 said:
Call medical schools up and ask to discuss why I got rejected, incorporate criticism, continue volunteering, research, get my professors update letters, reinvent myself, and reapply. I'm way too invested in this to try anything else.
Click to expand...

This.

I feel like anyone who is serious about their goal to become a physician isn't considering "back up plans" that are largely removed from healthcare, except maybe for PA or nursing or something else a little scaled back in healthcare. Becoming a physician isn't a hobby that you change when things get hard or you hit a roadblock. If you already view it that way, it might be time to do some soul searching and potentially save yourself the trouble of even applying.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Post bacc people! Exhaust all avenues prior to considering a backup.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
heartsink said:
This.

I feel like anyone who is serious about their goal to become a physician isn't considering "back up plans" that are largely removed from healthcare, except maybe for PA or nursing or something else a little scaled back in healthcare. Becoming a physician isn't a hobby that you change when things get hard or you hit a roadblock. If you already view it that way, it might be time to do some soul searching and potentially save yourself the trouble of even applying.
Click to expand...

Let me know how that works out for you if you get to the point of being on round 4 like I am and the nursing schools say you would have to redo your entire degree because nothing transfers. If you get fed up enough, you might want to do something that is unrelated.

I've already worked in a number of fields and realized what I don't like and what I do like. I was previously clergy a long time ago but it was in a different religion.

My backup plan is rabbinical school because I am a very knowledgeable and reasonably observant Jew now (I wasn't before).

Some of the things that attracts me to the rabbinate are things that attract me to medicine as well. Both are "helping" professions that require good listening skills. You are going to be with your patients (or congregants) through good times and bad. Both require intelligence, especially if you are arguing halacha. I can work in a hospital for both (hospital chaplain which is definitely what I'd consider). You are going to be at life cycle events for both (although more if you are a rabbi obviously.) You will make similar money in both. Both teach but different subjects obviously.

The benefit that rabbi has over physician in my eyes is not having to arrange for coverage over Jewish holidays. Also fewer drug reps annoying the shul. ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 users
heartsink said:
I feel like anyone who is serious about their goal to become a physician isn't considering "back up plans" that are largely removed from healthcare, except maybe for PA or nursing or something else a little scaled back in healthcare. Becoming a physician isn't a hobby that you change when things get hard or you hit a roadblock. If you already view it that way, it might be time to do some soul searching and potentially save yourself the trouble of even applying.
Click to expand...

I totally disagree. I want to be a physician, I don't want to "work in healthcare".

If I couldn't be a physician then I would find another career that would draw on a similar skill/interest sets that drew me to becoming a physician in the first place. Healthcare is not the only way to work with people, to make a difference, to be a leader, to work as a part of a diverse team, to stay in touch with research, to make money, it is not the only practical application for interdisciplinary sciences, and it is not the only career for me.

It sounds to me as though you are not identifying the underlying reasons you are interested in becoming a physician. If you stop, make a list, and really think hard, I am sure that you can find other careers that will allow you to fulfill most (if not all) of your goals. I bet you can even think of some careers that are not related to healthcare at all!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 8 users
I'm on round two and I'm giving myself 3 tries in total. If I don't get in this round or next, I'll probably go a completely different direction. I've always wanted to learn a bunch of languages. I could be a translator.
 
I'm all in!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
I would probably become a Child Life Specialist, or work in forensics, for a couple of years. Then I would re-apply.
 
my backup plan was to go to an accelerated nursing program and then go for APRN, or go for PA school.
I've always wanted to do healthcare so these just made the most sense as a backup
 
My major is Chemistry, which I absolutely LOVE, so I would probably do something with that. I think I would either become certified to teach high school Chemistry or get my PhD in it and become a college professor.

Of course, this back up plan will only be utilized if all avenues to medical school have been completely exhausted.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
heartsink said:
This.

I feel like anyone who is serious about their goal to become a physician isn't considering "back up plans" that are largely removed from healthcare, except maybe for PA or nursing or something else a little scaled back in healthcare. Becoming a physician isn't a hobby that you change when things get hard or you hit a roadblock. If you already view it that way, it might be time to do some soul searching and potentially save yourself the trouble of even applying.
Click to expand...

I can't speak for anyone else, but I couldn't continue as an RN if I didn't get into med school. It would be exquisitely painful to watch year after year as med students turned residents turned into fellows and attendings, knowing I'd never be one of them. I've done that and it is part of my inspiration for finally doing this. So, people who say that they would do something else entirely are not necessarily dilettantes who aren't really committed. They may just be unwilling to settle for less than their goal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users
Be a trophy wife and be a stay at home mom with a nanny who raises my children.

In seriousness, the above. That's the good life. But I suppose I would finish writing my book and be a relationship therapist and reapply to medical school with this useless psychology degree because I realized I still wanted to be a doctor. A real one. No offense.
 
correctlywrong said:
I can't speak for anyone else, but I couldn't continue as an RN if I didn't get into med school. It would be exquisitely painful to watch year after year as med students turned residents turned into fellows and attendings, knowing I'd never be one of them. I've done that and it is part of my inspiration for finally doing this. So, people who say that they would do something else entirely are not necessarily dilettantes who aren't really committed. They may just be unwilling to settle for less than their goal.
Click to expand...

Very much this!!!!! I concur on this too.
 
My backup/run-away-when-med-school-gets-scary plan is to be a bartender/farm hand somewhere warm.
 
familyaerospace said:
Let me know how that works out for you if you get to the point of being on round 4 like I am and the nursing schools say you would have to redo your entire degree because nothing transfers. If you get fed up enough, you might want to do something that is unrelated.
Click to expand...

If this is your fourth round applying to med schools then there is a major "but" that you're not saying. That means you either need to interrogate adcoms more about why you didn't get in, or apply more broadly, or apply to DO schools. People don't apply four times with no acceptances for no good reason.

I already have to redo a second round of college because nothing in my first four years of college mattered for medicine, and by the time i finally apply (~2016) i will have completed over six and a half years of undergraduate work. During all of this i'll still be working full time right up until matriculation. I have another decade of schooling and training before i'll be an attending assuming no other roadblocks hit me. I have accepted this as a sacrifice i'm making because becoming a doctor is my life choice.

But yeah i'll let you know how that works out.

kyamh said:
I totally disagree. I want to be a physician, I don't want to "work in healthcare".

If I couldn't be a physician then I would find another career that would draw on a similar skill/interest sets that drew me to becoming a physician in the first place. Healthcare is not the only way to work with people, to make a difference, to be a leader, to work as a part of a diverse team, to stay in touch with research, to make money, it is not the only practical application for interdisciplinary sciences, and it is not the only career for me.

It sounds to me as though you are not identifying the underlying reasons you are interested in becoming a physician. If you stop, make a list, and really think hard, I am sure that you can find other careers that will allow you to fulfill most (if not all) of your goals. I bet you can even think of some careers that are not related to healthcare at all!
Click to expand...

That's fair. If you break it down into the specifics of skills utilized, or populations worked with, or purpose behind a profession, you're right, you could fulfill some of these equally well being a doctor or being something else. For me, this is not the case. I want to work in mental health with a correctional / forensic population, and I want to be the last word in a patients overall care and plan for treatment. Forensic psychology drew me for a long time, but psychologists are limited: forensic psychiatry is my true ultimate goal and I can't imagine any other profession having the freedom to do all I want to do as a forensic psychiatrist.
 
Last edited:
ciestar said:
Interesting you're bringing up being an engineer for SEPTA all things considered right now...:laugh:

However, I'm not entirely sure what I would do if I failed to get into med school. Ive invested a ton into this process, but I'm the type that gets discouraged easily and idk if I could put myself through a second cycle, financially and emotionally. So back up plan? Well, I have the credentials to get into top pharmacy schools but I don't want to do that. I'd probably get my RN/bsn so I could get my crnp.
Click to expand...

Hahaha, right?! This is only because my boyhood dream was to become an engineer (although, at the time, I think I was more interested in Amtrak and CSX). Plus, SEPTA engineers also make great salaries. This, combined with the fact that I know almost everything about all the former PRR and Reading lines that SEPTA runs on (I'm just that nerdy) makes this an ideal alternate career for me.

heartsink said:
This.

I feel like anyone who is serious about their goal to become a physician isn't considering "back up plans" that are largely removed from healthcare, except maybe for PA or nursing or something else a little scaled back in healthcare. Becoming a physician isn't a hobby that you change when things get hard or you hit a roadblock. If you already view it that way, it might be time to do some soul searching and potentially save yourself the trouble of even applying.
Click to expand...

I consider alternate careers in non-medical fields because I have never been interested in just one thing. I'm currently planning on adding a Business major or minor in with my Biochemistry degree due to my dream of owning and operating my own multinational corporation. I also plan to go into politics when I get older. Before medicine, I wanted to be a commercial airline pilot. I was also thinking about becoming an attorney (most likely to practice criminal law). Even though my ultimate desire is a career in medicine, I have interests vested in many different fields.
 
heartsink said:
If this is your fourth round applying to med schools then there is a major "but" that you're not saying. That means you either need to interrogate adcoms more about why you didn't get in, or apply more broadly, or apply to DO schools. People don't apply four times with no acceptances for no good reason.

I already have to redo a second round of college because nothing in my first four years of college mattered for medicine, and by the time i finally apply (~2016) i will have completed over six and a half years of undergraduate work. During all of this i'll still be working full time right up until matriculation. I have another decade of schooling and training before i'll be an attending assuming no other roadblocks hit me. I have accepted this as a sacrifice i'm making because becoming a doctor is my life choice.

But yeah i'll let you know how that works out.
Click to expand...

If you saw my signature, you would see that I had applied to DO schools as well as internationally. You can see my stats in my first three rounds on my mdapps (my fourth round MCAT is blank as I am waiting for a new score to come in.)

It's well known that my "problem" is. I am a 32 year old mixed race gay transsexual Jewish career changer, all of which are *very* obvious. The transsexuality tends to be a problem and the DO school (round 1) stated that was the reason I was rejected because OMM has to be balanced. And if you tell me that it's illegal to do that, I can tell you it is not illegal at all. Transsexuals are subject to legal discrimination in 34 states.

I had two schools that had issues with me being Jewish. One was me being Jewish at all and the other me being Orthodox both said as such during the interview. One had an objection to the fact I studied in yeshiva in Israel for a number of years.

Two other schools (both I am on the waitlist on) state that it's not uncommon to have applicants apply to their school 4 to 5 times before an acceptance. One also suggested a MS (which is what I have) was not good enough and that I should consider a PhD because 38 science CLASSES (not credits) is only average for their class but then they've also waitlisted me twice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
I'm going to get my Bachelors in nursing so I'll probably keep working as a nurse, and if I want to go back to school go for NP or CRNA.
 
familyaerospace said:
It's well known that my "problem" is. I am a 32 year old mixed race gay transsexual Jewish career changer, all of which are *very* obvious. The transsexuality tends to be a problem and the DO school (round 1) stated that was the reason I was rejected because OMM has to be balanced. And if you tell me that it's illegal to do that, I can tell you it is not illegal at all. Transsexuals are subject to legal discrimination in 34 states.

I had two schools that had issues with me being Jewish. One was me being Jewish at all and the other me being Orthodox both said as such during the interview. One had an objection to the fact I studied in yeshiva in Israel for a number of years.
Click to expand...
I somewhat get schools docking points for the trans part, because as a society we're still largely ignorant about that topic. However, it's ridiculous to think your Jewish faith would hurt your app significantly at even one or two schools. Makes no sense. This is America.
 
Keep trying until I figure out that medical schools really don't want me. I might become an animal rights lawyer or go for a Psy. D.

Also, I might open a Dojo and teach. I'll work my way up to Shihan and become a wise old oracle in the middle of the Georgia mountains. But I plan to do that as a doctor, too.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Try for another 2 or 3 cycles, adding in DO schools. If there's still no dice, try to become a PA or an NP. Then an RN. Then a paramedic. Then just stick with my EMT-B license and use that. Then become a hospital janitor. I want to stay in the ER really badly no matter the role (well, except as patient).
 
I don't need a backup plan at this point, but I wanted to say that several years ago, my backup plan accidentally led me to medicine.

I wanted to be a mathematician (focusing on abstract number theory). My backup plan was to become a dolphin trainer, so I started working with animals in various roles. Eventually, I was told I needed a BS in biology, I added a major in neuroscience, joined a lab, fell in love with research, worked with an MD (my research advisor), got some clinical experience, and ended up doing something radically different than what I thought I wanted.
 
There's no reason to have a Plan B because it distracts from Plan A.
 
Shams al Deen said:
I somewhat get schools docking points for the trans part, because as a society we're still largely ignorant about that topic. However, it's ridiculous to think your Jewish faith would hurt your app significantly at even one or two schools. Makes no sense. This is America.
Click to expand...

I had one state that being Jewish was a problem (I reported that school to the ADL) and another had a problem with the fact I am observant and by observant I mean I can pass as an Orthodox Jew even when I am not dressing the part. That school had a recent antisemitic attack.
 
J Senpai said:
I mean animal rights. However, please don't immediately associate that with extremism.
Click to expand...

As I understand, animal rights activists believe that animals have the same rights as humans and go on to equate keeping house pets, especially work animals such as on farms, with indentured servitude/slavery. I don't consider this "extreme" - to me, extremists use force and violence in service of their beliefs - I see this as a logical conclusion stemming from my understanding of animal rights entail. I'm trying really hard to no put my foot in my mouth here, rather, I am interested to find out more since I never meet animal rights supporters in my current environment.

Do you mind sharing you frame your beliefs? PM is fine too, I realize this is really not what the thread is about :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Next unread thread

Similar threads

L
MD as backup to DVM?
Replies
15
Views
2K
lungstongueseyeballs
L
S
Will there be a big interview wave after Thanksgiving?
Replies
4
Views
1K
LizzyM
LizzyM
P
If you could go back and tell yourself anything before your first med school interview what would it be?
Replies
9
Views
868
pablo213
pablo213
X
PI LoR will be late
Replies
5
Views
691
Alejandro
A
M
Schools that will Review your App without MCAT Scores
Replies
10
Views
2K
chilly_md
chilly_md
Top