This Nurse is ready to pursue their dream- how can they tackle their academic past?

<p>This Nurse is ready to pursue their dream- how can they tackle their academic past?</p>

329: Bio Degree to RN to MD

This student has a lot on their plate- how do people balance it all? Let's help them out!

<p>This student has a lot on their plate- how do people balance it all? Let's help them out!</p>

328: Balancing a Spouse, Kids, House, and PREMED

This premed is a lesbian looking for schools and communities that will accept her identity. How can she find places that feel safe to her?

<p>This premed is a lesbian looking for schools and communities that will accept her identity. How can she find places that feel safe to her?</p>

327: Is There A Way to Identify LGBTQ+ Friendly Med Schools?

This career changer is struggling to get all the classes she needs. Should she take the leap to quit her job and attend a postbac program full time?

<p>This career changer is struggling to get all the classes she needs. Should she take the leap to quit her job and attend a postbac program full time?</p>

326: Should I Quit My Job and Move Away for a Postbac?

This premed is in substance use recovery and has been sober for a few years. They are willing to do the work, but will med schools even consider them?

<p>This premed is in substance use recovery and has been sober for a few years. They are willing to do the work, but will med schools even consider them?</p>

324: Is My Addiction Recovery History A Deal-Breaker?

This premed asked a professor from a few years ago to write a letter and instead they offered to resend an old letter dated 3 years back. Should the use it?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMappdCon 2023myLORs (promo code OLDPREMEDS)AAMC core competenciesMeded MediaPremed HangoutBlueprint MCAT

<p>This premed asked a professor from a few years ago to write a letter and instead they offered to resend an old letter dated 3 years back. Should the use it?</p><h2>Links:</h2><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-323-can-i-use-a-letter-of-recommendation-from-3-years-ago/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Full Episode Blog Post</a></p><p><a href="https://mappdcon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MappdCon 2023</a></p><p><a href="https://mappd.com/mylors" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">myLORs</a> (promo code <strong>OLDPREMEDS</strong>)</p><p><a href="https://www.aamc.org/services/admissions-lifecycle/competencies-entering-medical-students" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">AAMC core competencies</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Meded Media</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mshqhangout/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Hangout</a></p><p><a href="https://blueprintprep.com/mcat" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Blueprint MCAT</a></p>

323: Can I Use A Letter of Recommendation from 3 Years Ago?

This career changer is being advised to talk about her prior career in her personal statement. She disagrees but feels obligated by her mentor. What now?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaApplication AcademyThe MCAT PodcastPremed HangoutBlueprint MCATThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

<p>This career changer is being advised to talk about her prior career in her personal statement. She disagrees but feels obligated by her mentor. What now?</p><h2>Links:</h2><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-322-should-i-talk-about-my-prior-career-in-personal-statement/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Full Episode Blog Post</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Meded Media</a></p><p><a href="https://store.medicalschoolhq.net/application-academy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Application Academy</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mcat-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The MCAT Podcast</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mshqhangout/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Hangout</a></p><p><a href="https://blueprintprep.com/mcat" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Blueprint MCAT</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Premed-Playbook-Personal-Statement-Interview/dp/168350853X" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em>The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement</em></a></p>

322: Should I Talk About My Prior Career in Personal Statement?

This older premed has work, travel, family, school, and MCAT. Does she really need clinical experience?Links:Full Episode Blog PosteShadowingMeded MediaPremed HangoutBlueprint MCAT

<p>This older premed has work, travel, family, school, and MCAT. Does she really need clinical experience?</p><h2>Links:</h2><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-321-how-important-is-clinical-experience/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Full Episode Blog Post</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/eshadowing/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">eShadowing</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Meded Media</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mshqhangout/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Hangout</a></p><p><a href="https://blueprintprep.com/mcat" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Blueprint MCAT</a></p>

321: How Important is Clinical Experience?

This career changer works full-time as a nurse while taking classes, but an admissions advisor told her she needs to be in school full-time. What now?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaPremed HangoutBlueprint MCAT

<p>This career changer works full-time as a nurse while taking classes, but an admissions advisor </p><p>told her she needs to be in school full-time. What now?</p><h2>Links:</h2><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-320-admissions-advisor-from-a-med-school-discouraged-me/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Full Episode Blog Post</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Meded Media</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mshqhangout/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Hangout</a></p><p><a href="https://blueprintprep.com/mcat" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Blueprint MCAT</a></p>

320: Admissions Advisor From a Med School Discouraged Me

This recent graduate has to do science GPA repair, get clinical experience, and take the MCAT. Is it possible to do all this in 2-3 years?Links:Full Episode Blog PostThe MCAT PodcastMappdMeded MediaPremed HangoutBlueprint MCAT

<p>This recent graduate has to do science GPA repair, get clinical experience, and take the MCAT. Is it possible to do all this in 2-3 years?</p><h2>Links:</h2><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-319-avoid-burnout-in-my-gap-years/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Full Episode Blog Post</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mcat-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The MCAT Podcast</a></p><p><a href="https://mappd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Mappd</a></p><p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Meded Media</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mshqhangout/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Hangout</a></p><p><a href="https://blueprintprep.com/mcat" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Blueprint MCAT</a></p>

319: Avoid Burnout in My Gap Years

The National Society for Nontraditional Premedical &amp; Medical Students, Inc., better known by our website name, OldPreMeds.org or simply OPM, is a professional/pre-professional society and educational conduit for non-traditional students who seek to become Physicians. For those whose path to medicine is not the traditional high school to college to medical school, OPM's mission is to assist and advise on how to successfully prepare, apply, and succeed in both medical schools and residency training programs. Founded in 1998, our now over 10,000 registered members span from the very early premed through attending-level physicians. Many are enrolled or have graduated from medical schools, osteopathic programs, and other clinical health fields, here in the US as well as abroad. www.OldPreMeds.org, is a website community built upon peer-based forums providing resources for all levels of premedical students, medical students, medical residents, pre-health advisors, admissions officers, and other faculty &amp; staff at undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, medical, and post-graduate programs.

The information that Dr. Gray provides has helped me find my path!

The push I needed

This podcast has full of information not only for old premeds

Life changing podcast for career changers

The National Society for Nontraditional Premedical &amp; Medical Students, Inc., better known by our website name, <a href="http://OldPreMeds.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OldPreMeds.org</a> or simply OPM, is a professional/pre-professional society and educational conduit for non-traditional students who seek to become Physicians. For those whose path to medicine is not the traditional high school to college to medical school, OPM's mission is to assist and advise on how to successfully prepare, apply, and succeed in both medical schools and residency training programs. Founded in 1998, our now over 10,000 registered members span from the very early premed through attending-level physicians. Many are enrolled or have graduated from medical schools, osteopathic programs, and other clinical health fields, here in the US as well as abroad. <a href="http://www.OldPreMeds.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.OldPreMeds.org</a>, is a website community built upon peer-based forums providing resources for all levels of premedical students, medical students, medical residents, pre-health advisors, admissions officers, and other faculty &amp; staff at undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, medical, and post-graduate programs.

OldPreMeds Podcast

Today one of our students posed a great question I wanted to talk about. Can you ever be 100% percent sure you are on the right path? Let's discuss! Links:  Full Episode Blog Post Medical School Admissions Consulting  Nontrad Premed Forum MedEd Media Network

<p>Today one of our students posed a great question I wanted to talk about. Can you ever be 100% percent sure you are on the right path? Let's discuss!</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-172-can-you-ever-be-100-sure-you-are-on-the-right-path/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://nextsteptestprep.com/med-school-admissions-consultants/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medical School Admissions Consulting</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p>

172: Can You Ever Be 100% Sure You Are on the Right Path?

Our poster today is wondering if she can get into medical school after starting her undergrad poorly. What should you do if you have a low science GPA? Links and Other Resources:   Full Episode Blog Post Check out our Nontrad Premed Forum, and ask a question of your own! Related episode: What MCAT Score Do I Need if I Have a Low GPA? Related episode: Medical School Mom: Prioritizing Family and School Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at Next Step Test Prep! 

<p>Our poster today is wondering if she can get into medical school after starting her undergrad poorly. What should you do if you have a low science GPA?</p> <h2>Links and Other Resources:</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-112-can-i-get-into-med-school-with-a-low-gpa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></li> <li>Check out our <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nontrad Premed Forum</a>, and ask a question of your own!</li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mp-80-what-mcat-score-do-i-need-if-i-have-a-low-gpa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What MCAT Score Do I Need if I Have a Low GPA?</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-061-medical-school-mom-prioritizing-family-school-and-more/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medical School Mom: Prioritizing Family and School</a></li> <li><strong>Need MCAT Prep?</strong> Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Next Step Test Prep</a>!</li> </ul>

112: Can I Get into Med School With a Low GPA?

As you start to look at your extracurriculars for medical school, you may start worrying that you don't have enough clinical experience. How much is enough? Links and Other Resources:   Full Episode Blog Post Check out our Nontrad Premed Forum, and ask a question of your own! Related episode: How Much Shadowing Do I Need for Medical School? Related episode: Am I Doing Enough Right Now to Get Into Med School? Related episode: What Is the Best Paid Clinical Experience for Medical School? Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at Next Step Test Prep! 

<p>As you start to look at your extracurriculars for medical school, you may start worrying that you don't have enough clinical experience. How much is enough?</p> <h2>Links and Other Resources:</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-121-how-much-clinical-experience-do-i-need-for-med-school-apps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></li> <li>Check out our <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nontrad Premed Forum</a>, and ask a question of your own!</li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-105-how-much-shadowing-do-i-need-for-medical-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Much Shadowing Do I Need for Medical School?</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-141-am-i-doing-enough-right-now-to-get-into-med-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Am I Doing Enough Right Now to Get Into Med School?</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-136-what-is-the-best-paid-clinical-experience-for-med-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Is the Best Paid Clinical Experience for Medical School?</a></li> <li><strong>Need MCAT Prep?</strong> Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Next Step Test Prep!</a></li> </ul>

121: How Much Clinical Experience Do I Need for Med School Apps?

This week we have a very common dilemma for a student who struggled early but found a way to turn it around but is now wondering if she can still get in. Links:  Full Episode Blog Post  Nontrad Premed Forum Send me an email at ryan@medicalschoolhq.net. MedEd Media Network

<p>This week we have a very common dilemma for a student who struggled early but found a way to turn it around but is now wondering if she can still get in.</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-145-can-i-recover-from-a-bad-gpa-to-get-into-med-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p> <p>Send me an email at <a href="mailto:ryan@medicalschoolhq.net">ryan@medicalschoolhq.net</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p>

145: Can I Recover From a Bad GPA to Get Into Med School?

Who should write your letters of rec as a nontrad? Your boss? Your undergrad professors? Or your prereq science professors? Here is everything you need to know! Links:  Full Episode Blog Post  Nontrad Premed Forum MedEd Media Network

<p>Who should write your letters of rec as a nontrad? Your boss? Your undergrad professors? Or your prereq science professors? Here is everything you need to know!</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-165-where-to-get-letters-of-recommendation-as-a-nontrad/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p>

165: Where to Get Letters of Recommendation As A Nontrad

Our student has a masters in Biomedical Engineering and an upward trend. Although in some of their prereqs they have a few C's. Should they retake those classes? Links:  Full Episode Blog Post  Nontrad Premed Forum  AMCAS Course Classification Guide

<p>Our student has a masters in Biomedical Engineering and an upward trend. Although in some of their prereqs they have a few C's. Should they retake those classes?</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-181-when-should-you-consider-retaking-classes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p> <p><a href="https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/course-classification-guide/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> AMCAS Course Classification Guide</a></p>

181: When Should You Consider Retaking Classes

Jay started in the workforce right after college and knew it wasn't for him. He's found his way to medicine but is frustrated that he can't do more, sooner. Links:  Full Episode Blog Post Share your story with us. Dial 833-MYDIARY  Session 140: Burnout in Medicine and Our Newest Project to Help With It!  Nontrad Premed Forum

<p>Jay started in the workforce right after college and knew it wasn't for him. He's found his way to medicine but is frustrated that he can't do more, sooner.</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-141-am-i-doing-enough-right-now-to-get-into-med-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p>Share your story with us. Dial 833-MYDIARY</p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-140-burnout-in-medicine-and-our-newest-project-to-help-with-it/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Session 140: Burnout in Medicine and Our Newest Project to Help With It!</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p>

141: Am I Doing Enough Right Now to Get Into Med School?

If you needed an extra 4-5 years to get above a 3.0 GPA, what would you do? That's what our nontrad premed student is asking on today's podcast episode. Links and Other Resources:   Full Episode Blog Post Related episode: From a 2.7 Undergrad GPA to First Year Medical Student Related episode: Carribean Medical Schools: What You Need to Know Related episode: What MCAT Score Do I Need If I Have a Low GPA? Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at Next Step Test Prep! 

<p>If you needed an extra 4-5 years to get above a 3.0 GPA, what would you do? That's what our nontrad premed student is asking on today's podcast episode.</p> <h2>Links and Other Resources:</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-98-if-i-cant-get-a-3-0-gpa-what-should-i-do-next/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/pmy-261-from-a-2-7-undergrad-gpa-to-first-year-medical-student/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">From a 2.7 Undergrad GPA to First Year Medical Student</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/caribbean-medical-schools-what-you-need-to-know/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carribean Medical Schools: What You Need to Know</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mp-80-what-mcat-score-do-i-need-if-i-have-a-low-gpa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What MCAT Score Do I Need If I Have a Low GPA?</a></li> <li><strong>Need MCAT Prep?</strong> Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Next Step Test Prep</a>!</li> </ul>

98: If I Can't Get a 3.0 GPA, What Should I Do Next?

Our student is looking to delay their application, but is worried they will age out of being accepted to medical school. We discuss their plan and "aging out". Links:  Full Episode Blog Post MedEd Media  Nontrad Premed Forum

<p>Our student is looking to delay their application, but is worried they will age out of being accepted to medical school. We discuss their plan and "aging out".</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-175-does-aging-out-exist-in-medical-school-admissions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p>

175: Does Aging Out Exist in Medical School Admissions

With so many ways to make a difference in healthcare, how can you be certain you want to be a physician? Links:  Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media

<p>With so many ways to make a difference in healthcare, how can you be certain you want to be a physician?</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-215-are-you-sure-you-want-to-be-a-physician/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meded Media</a></p>

215: Are You Sure You Want to be a Physician?

The question today is one from a student who is looking to get more clinical experience and is also looking for paid jobs. He wants to know which is better. Links:  Full Episode Blog Post  Nontrad Premed Forum MedEd Media Network The Premed Years Podcast Specialty Stories The MCAT Podcast Ask Dr. Gray: Premed Q&amp;A

<p>The question today is one from a student who is looking to get more clinical experience and is also looking for paid jobs. He wants to know which is better.</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-136-what-is-the-best-paid-clinical-experience-for-med-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/thepremedyears/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Premed Years Podcast</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/specialty-stories-podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Specialty Stories</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mcat-podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The MCAT Podcast</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/ask-dr-gray-premed-qa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ask Dr. Gray: Premed Q&amp;A</a></p>

136: What is the Best Paid Clinical Experience for Med School?

Our poster today is worried that she isn't doing enough shadowing or volunteering to apply next cycle and is wondering if she should take a gap year to fix it. Links:  Full Episode Blog Post  Premed Diaries Episode 2: The Financial Pressure of a Premed Parent MedEd Media Network  Nontrad Premed Forum Premed Hangout on Facebook The Premed Years Podcast

<p>Our poster today is worried that she isn't doing enough shadowing or volunteering to apply next cycle and is wondering if she should take a gap year to fix it.</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-148-should-i-delay-med-school-apps-to-work-on-extracurriculars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://meddiaries.com/pmd-2-the-financial-pressures-of-a-premed-parent/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Premed Diaries Episode 2: The Financial Pressure of a Premed Parent</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MedicalSchoolHQ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Hangout on Facebook</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/thepremedyears/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Premed Years Podcast</a></p>

148: Should I Delay Med School Apps to Work on Extracurriculars?

Session 79 A common question among stressed out premeds – which do I choose, physician or PA? In this episode, I am sharing some insights into the differences between a physician and a PA as well as how to best choose between the two. [01:18] OldPreMeds Question of the Week: "I'm a new OPM (old premed), 31-year-old single, no kids. After taking a detour from the very traditional path, during my original undergrad 3.47 GPA in Biology, never took the MCAT, I figured out that I wasn't ready for medical school and started pursuing other interests outside of health care." * As a nontraditional student, you're allowed to go pursue other things. If you think you're not ready, maybe you're a little burnt out from the premed path (all of us are a little bit), go and explore some other interests which is what this person did. "Nearly a decade later, I am more convinced than ever that becoming a health care provider is the right career for me but I'm struggling with the decision of MD/DO versus PA. I don't have the requisite health care experience that would make me competitive for most PA programs but I'm going to have to spend one to two years full-time refreshing postbac coursework, taking the MCAT, etc. to go to medical school. So I could just easily spend the time working full-time as an EMT, CNA, or whatever. the problem is can't do both so I need to figure out which path I want to pursue sooner rather than later. I've read some compelling statistics about PA that appeal me - 90% job satisfaction, two times the patient interaction time, 42-hour work week, etc. But those tend to come from sources that seem incredibly biased towards PA over MD. Furthermore, I am not 100% sure I'd be happy long term with the relatively diminished status of PA and/or whether I could do the type of international work as part of my life plan. Any thoughts, feedback, etc. from the OPM community especially from those who have explored decision for themselves would be most appreciated." Here are my thoughts: [03:50] Don't Base It on Job Satisfaction or Work Hours! Deciding between being a physician and a PA -  the problem with this at that high level where you're just comparing work hours and patient interaction time and job satisfaction, that means nothing. Go look at somebody who has the best job satisfaction who's only working 40 hours a week and has great interaction with their clients. You can't choose your career based on job satisfaction, ratings, work hours per week, or patient interaction. If that's how you're going to choose your career then you're not going to be happy in the long run depending on if you made the right choice or not. [05:15] A Huge Difference Between PA and Physician Unfortunately, it's not talked about enough but there's a huge difference between being a physician and being a PA. The PA world will tell you there's not that big of a difference and the physician world will say there is. I am a little biased as I'm a physician. But in practice, depending on what you're doing and on what state you're in considering states have different laws regarding PA's, the work around what a PA can do can vary drastically. I've talked to PA's who want to go on to medical school and I've helped some of them get into medical school and the reason always comes back to not having enough knowledge to be able to treat the patients they want to treat. The physicians would usually tell PA's it's the doctor's job while they go take care of the minor stuff. So there's a huge difference in the types of patients you'll be able to see because your knowledge base is limited, your scope of practice is limited. The role of the PA was created to fill in more of the mundane, easier things that could be algorithmically handed over to a "mid-level" provider. There's a lot of rate around the term "mid-level' but we'll just call it that because that's the terms that's been thrown around for a long time and that's the term that I always use. The PA and NP are trained to take care of easier things. You can't go through PA or NP school and have the same depth of knowledge as a physician to be able to treat the sort of diseases that you would see that a physician treats. You can't. So if you are okay regardless of job satisfaction, hours per week, or any of that stuff, get rid of that. If you are okay working and treating patients who have the sniffles or aches and pains, it's going to be a lot of repetitive things. Medicine in general is repetitive even for physicians. But if you're okay with treating some of the lower acuity things then great, go be a PA. If you're okay not having the full knowledge base to be able to take care of your patients then be a PA. [08:17] How Should You Choose Between a Physician and PA We need PA's and there are plenty of people out there that want to be PA's. They have that mentality, personality, and goals in life that fit with being a PA. But my point here is do not choose physician versus PA based on job satisfaction, patient interaction, and hours per week. Don't base it on years of schooling. Choose physician or PA based on the scope of practice you want and the level of knowledge you want and go from there. The only way you're going to find our is by shadowing a physician or shadowing a PA. Shadow many physicians in different specialties in different areas or shadow PA's in different specialties in different areas and talk to a lot of people. Find out what they like and what they don't like about their job. This is the best way to go about it. [09:23] International Work I'm going to assume that a PA degree is not recognized throughout the whole world. If you're interested in doing international work as a PA, you may want to look into this. For instance, DO or the osteopathic medicine degree started here in the U.S. and it's most recognized here in the U.S. Now the American Osteopathic Association is working on getting more countries to recognize the DO degree and they're doing well. So now as a DO, you can practice in more and more countries but there is a limitation there. Whereas an MD can practice everywhere. So if you are truly interested in international work then really look into the recognition of a PA degree and what privileges and credentials you would have in another setting. [10:36] Final Thoughts Don't look at hours of work or patient interaction or at job satisfaction. Find out what you want based on the depth of knowledge, the skills you learn as a physician versus a PA. Look at everything else in there and you can only do that by shadowing enough. That's how you should choose between a physician or a PA. Links: MedEd Media Network

<h1>Session 79</h1> <p>A common question among stressed out premeds – <em>which do I choose, physician or PA?</em> In this episode, I am sharing some insights into the differences between a physician and a PA as well as how to best choose between the two.</p> <h3>[01:18] OldPreMeds Question of the Week:</h3> <p><em>"I'm a new OPM (old premed), 31-year-old single, no kids. After taking a detour from the very traditional path, during my original undergrad 3.47 GPA in Biology, never took the MCAT, I figured out that I wasn't ready for medical school and started pursuing other interests outside of health care."</em></p> <p>* As a nontraditional student, you're allowed to go pursue other things. If you think you're not ready, maybe you're a little burnt out from the premed path (all of us are a little bit), go and explore some other interests which is what this person did.</p> <p><em>"Nearly a decade later, I am more convinced than ever that becoming a health care provider is the right career for me but I'm struggling with the decision of MD/DO versus PA. I don't have the requisite health care experience that would make me competitive for most PA programs but I'm going to have to spend one to two years full-time refreshing postbac coursework, taking the MCAT, etc. to go to medical school. So I could just easily spend the time working full-time as an EMT, CNA, or whatever. the problem is can't do both so I need to figure out which path I want to pursue sooner rather than later.</em></p> <p><em>I've read some compelling statistics about PA that appeal me - 90% job satisfaction, two times the patient interaction time, 42-hour work week, etc. But those tend to come from sources that seem incredibly biased towards PA over MD. Furthermore, I am not 100% sure I'd be happy long term with the relatively diminished status of PA and/or whether I could do the type of international work as part of my life plan. Any thoughts, feedback, etc. from the OPM community especially from those who have explored decision for themselves would be most appreciated."</em></p> <h2>Here are my thoughts:</h2> <h3>[03:50] Don't Base It on Job Satisfaction or Work Hours!</h3> <p>Deciding between being a physician and a PA -  the problem with this at that high level where you're just comparing work hours and patient interaction time and job satisfaction, that means nothing. Go look at somebody who has the best job satisfaction who's only working 40 hours a week and has great interaction with their clients. You can't choose your career based on job satisfaction, ratings, work hours per week, or patient interaction. If that's how you're going to choose your career then you're not going to be happy in the long run depending on if you made the right choice or not.</p> <h3>[05:15] A Huge Difference Between PA and Physician</h3> <p>Unfortunately, it's not talked about enough but there's a huge difference between being a physician and being a PA. The PA world will tell you there's not that big of a difference and the physician world will say there is. I am a little biased as I'm a physician. But in practice, depending on what you're doing and on what state you're in considering states have different laws regarding PA's, the work around what a PA can do can vary drastically.</p> <p>I've talked to PA's who want to go on to medical school and I've helped some of them get into medical school and the reason always comes back to not having enough knowledge to be able to treat the patients they want to treat. The physicians would usually tell PA's it's the doctor's job while they go take care of the minor stuff. So there's a huge difference in the types of patients you'll be able to see because your knowledge base is limited, your scope of practice is limited. The role of the PA was created to fill in more of the mundane, easier things that could be algorithmically handed over to a "mid-level" provider. There's a lot of rate around the term "mid-level' but we'll just call it that because that's the terms that's been thrown around for a long time and that's the term that I always use.</p> <p>The PA and NP are trained to take care of easier things. You can't go through PA or NP school and have the same depth of knowledge as a physician to be able to treat the sort of diseases that you would see that a physician treats. You can't. So if you are okay regardless of job satisfaction, hours per week, or any of that stuff, get rid of that. If you are okay working and treating patients who have the sniffles or aches and pains, it's going to be a lot of repetitive things. Medicine in general is repetitive even for physicians. But if you're okay with treating some of the lower acuity things then great, go be a PA. If you're okay not having the full knowledge base to be able to take care of your patients then be a PA.</p> <h3>[08:17] How Should You Choose Between a Physician and PA</h3> <p>We need PA's and there are plenty of people out there that want to be PA's. They have that mentality, personality, and goals in life that fit with being a PA. But my point here is do not choose physician versus PA based on job satisfaction, patient interaction, and hours per week. Don't base it on years of schooling. Choose physician or PA based on the scope of practice you want and the level of knowledge you want and go from there. The only way you're going to find our is by shadowing a physician or shadowing a PA. Shadow many physicians in different specialties in different areas or shadow PA's in different specialties in different areas and talk to a lot of people. Find out what they like and what they don't like about their job. This is the best way to go about it.</p> <h3>[09:23] International Work</h3> <p>I'm going to assume that a PA degree is not recognized throughout the whole world. If you're interested in doing international work as a PA, you may want to look into this. For instance, DO or the osteopathic medicine degree started here in the U.S. and it's most recognized here in the U.S. Now the American Osteopathic Association is working on getting more countries to recognize the DO degree and they're doing well. So now as a DO, you can practice in more and more countries but there is a limitation there. Whereas an MD can practice everywhere. So if you are truly interested in international work then really look into the recognition of a PA degree and what privileges and credentials you would have in another setting.</p> <h3>[10:36] Final Thoughts</h3> <p>Don't look at hours of work or patient interaction or at job satisfaction. Find out what you want based on the depth of knowledge, the skills you learn as a physician versus a PA. Look at everything else in there and you can only do that by shadowing enough. That's how you should choose between a physician or a PA.</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="http://mededmedia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p>

79: MD or DO vs PA? How Should I Decide Which is Best?

With a current full-time job, kids and a roof to put over her family's head, this nontrad premed is wondering what she can do to get more exposure to medicine. Links and Other Resources:   Full Episode Blog Post Check out our Nontraditional Premed Forum, and ask a question of your own! Related episode: What is Medical Scribing and How Can It Benefit Premeds? Related episode: What Job Should I Do During My Gap Year? Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at Next Step Test Prep! 

<p>With a current full-time job, kids and a roof to put over her family's head, this nontrad premed is wondering what she can do to get more exposure to medicine.</p> <h2>Links and Other Resources:</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-109-what-kind-of-job-should-i-get-before-applying-to-med-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></li> <li>Check out our <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nontraditional Premed Forum</a>, and ask a question of your own!</li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mshq-136-what-is-a-scribe-and-how-it-can-benefit-the-premed/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What is Medical Scribing and How Can It Benefit Premeds?</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-35-jobs-gap-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Job Should I Do During My Gap Year?</a></li> <li><strong>Need MCAT Prep?</strong> Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Next Step Test Prep!</a></li> </ul>

109: What Kind of Job Should I Get Before Applying to Med School?

Say you have a low GPA and even lower sGPA from undergrad. How do you improve your chances, and should you discuss the challenges behind your grades? Links:  Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media  Nontrad Premed Forum

<p>Say you have a low GPA and even lower sGPA from undergrad. How do you improve your chances, and should you discuss the challenges behind your grades?</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-210-can-you-fix-a-very-low-gpa-and-get-into-med-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meded Media</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p>

210: Can You Fix a Very Low GPA and Get into Med School?

Today we have a nontrad student working full-time who hasn't taken the prereqs in over a decade not scoring well on his full-length exams. What should he do? Links and Other Resources   Full Episode Blog Post Check out my Premed Playbook series of books (available on Amazon), with installments on the personal statement, the medical school interview, and the MCAT. Related episode: 3 Biggest Mistakes When Preparing for the MCAT. Related episode: Should I Apply to Med School This Year or Wait? Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at Next Step Test Prep! 

<p>Today we have a nontrad student working full-time who hasn't taken the prereqs in over a decade not scoring well on his full-length exams. What should he do?</p> <h2>Links and Other Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-118-should-i-postpone-my-mcat-based-on-low-practice-exams/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></li> <li>Check out my <em><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Playbook</a></em> series of books (available on <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon)</a>, with installments on <a href="https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the personal statement</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2lHXoux" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the medical school interview</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the MCAT</a>.</li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mp-5-3-biggest-mistake-preparing-mcat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3 Biggest Mistakes When Preparing for the MCAT</a>.</li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-107-should-i-apply-to-medical-school-this-year-or-wait/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Should I Apply to Med School This Year or Wait?</a></li> <li><strong>Need MCAT Prep?</strong> Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Next Step Test Prep</a>!</li> </ul>

118: Should I Postpone my MCAT Based on Low Practice Exams?

Our student today is trying to decide if they should do a DIY Postbac at a CC or take loans to get a second bachelor's degree. How to decide what is right? Links:  Full Episode Blog Post  Nontrad Premed Forum MedEd Media Network

<p>Our student today is trying to decide if they should do a DIY Postbac at a CC or take loans to get a second bachelor's degree. How to decide what is right?</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-161-diy-postbac-or-second-bachelors-degree/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/forums/forum/premedical-discussion/nontraditional-premed-forum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nontrad Premed Forum</a></p> <p><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p>

161: DIY Postbac or Second Bachelor's Degree

Our student this week is questioning if she should delay graduation vs studying for another degree. She's trying to raise her GPA to be more competitive. Links and Other Resources   Full Episode Blog Post Check out my Premed Playbook series of books (available on Amazon), with installments on the personal statement, the medical school interview, and the MCAT. Related episode: What Should I Do If I Can’t Get a 3.0 GPA? Related episode: What MCAT Score Do I Need If I Have a Low GPA? Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at Next Step Test Prep! 

<p>Our student this week is questioning if she should delay graduation vs studying for another degree. She's trying to raise her GPA to be more competitive.</p> <h2>Links and Other Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-110-should-i-get-a-second-degree-or-just-take-more-classes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Full Episode Blog Post</a></li> <li>Check out my <em><a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Premed Playbook</a></em> series of books (available on <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon)</a>, with installments on <a href="https://amzn.to/2EhxhRf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the personal statement</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2lHXoux" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the medical school interview</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2vVQpU5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the MCAT</a>.</li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/opm-98-if-i-cant-get-a-3-0-gpa-what-should-i-do-next/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Should I Do If I Can’t Get a 3.0 GPA?</a></li> <li>Related episode: <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/mp-80-what-mcat-score-do-i-need-if-i-have-a-low-gpa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What MCAT Score Do I Need If I Have a Low GPA?</a></li> <li><strong>Need MCAT Prep?</strong> Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at <a href="https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Next Step Test Prep</a>!</li> </ul>

110: Should I Get a Second Degree or Just Take More Classes?

Session 56 In this episode, Ryan breaks from what he usually does here on the podcast where he pulls up a questions directly from OldPreMeds.org forum as he talks about this HUGE announcement this past week from the AACOM that affects nontraditional students more than traditional students. Osteopathic medical schools are more favorable to non-traditional students, You may have struggled in the past, did poorly in undergrad or at a community college, gave up on your dream, only to find that passion again and want to try to fulfill that dream and become a physician. You've probably heard that as a nontrad applicant with poor grades in the past, applying to DO schools would be beneficial to you. Historically, that has been the case. NO MORE GRADE REPLACEMENT AACOMAS Application had a grade replacement policy for repeat coursework. However. effective May 1, 2017 (applying in 2017 to start school in 2018), AACOMAS will no longer replace your old grade with your new grade. As per AACOM.org: "Effective May 1, 2017, AACOMAS will include all course attempts in the GPA calculation. This change applies to students matriculating into the 2018-2019 academic year. In the event of multiple attempts of the same course, AACOMAS will no longer drop initial course attempts from the GPA calculation."  Read full notice on AACOM.org Here are the insights from Ryan: This will affect a lot of you who are currently in school retaking classes because you were going to rely on this grade replacement policy. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) did you wrong. If they were planning this policy change, they should have given you a transition period so students currently in school and in the process of repeating classes would have 2-3 years to apply to use the grade replacement policy before it changed. If you applied in 2016 to start in 2017 but you didn't get into medical school, when you reapply this year, your GPA will change according to the new policy assuming you had repeated coursework. The Silver Lining Osteopathic medical schools may continue recalculating weighing your GPA per established admissions practices. Problem: This puts the work onto each of the medical schools which have a lot of work to do to begin with. They usually have filters in place where they can filter out based on a GPA cutoff or MCAT cutoff. If you're a student where your GPA is going to drop from, say 3.6 to 2.6, guaranteed, your 2.6 is going to be filtered out. Solution: Advocate for yourself and speak out to the medical school and ask them to consider taking a look into your application. Major takeaway from this episode: If this is affecting you, keep your head up. Just keep doing well. Advocate for yourself. If this is truly what you want to do, you'll make it work. Links and Other Resources: Read the  actual notice from AACOM. Check out the Specialty Stories podcast on www.medicalschoolhq.net

<h1>Session 56</h1> <p>In this episode, Ryan breaks from what he usually does here on the podcast where he pulls up a questions directly from <a href="http://oldpremeds.org/phpBB3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OldPreMeds.org forum</a> as he talks about this HUGE announcement this past week from the AACOM that affects nontraditional students more than traditional students.</p> <p>Osteopathic medical schools are more favorable to non-traditional students, You may have struggled in the past, did poorly in undergrad or at a community college, gave up on your dream, only to find that passion again and want to try to fulfill that dream and become a physician. You've probably heard that as a nontrad applicant with poor grades in the past, applying to DO schools would be beneficial to you. Historically, that has been the case.</p> <h3>NO MORE GRADE REPLACEMENT</h3> <p>AACOMAS Application had a grade replacement policy for repeat coursework. However. <em>effective May 1, 2017</em> (applying in 2017 to start school in 2018), <em>AACOMAS will no longer replace your old grade with your new grade.</em></p> <p>As per <a href="http://AACOM.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AACOM.org</a>:</p> <p>"<em>Effective May 1, 2017, AACOMAS will include all course attempts in the GPA calculation. This change applies to students matriculating into the 2018-2019 academic year. In the event of multiple attempts of the same course, AACOMAS will no longer drop initial course attempts from the GPA calculation."</em> <a href="http://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/applying/notice-of-repeat-coursework-policy-change" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <em>Read full notice on AACOM.org</em></a></p> <h2>Here are the insights from Ryan:</h2> <p>This will affect a lot of you who are currently in school retaking classes because you were going to rely on this grade replacement policy.</p> <p>The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) did you wrong. If they were planning this policy change, they should have given you a transition period so students currently in school and in the process of repeating classes would have 2-3 years to apply to use the grade replacement policy before it changed.</p> <p>If you applied in 2016 to start in 2017 but you didn't get into medical school, when you reapply this year, your GPA will change according to the new policy assuming you had repeated coursework.</p> <h3>The Silver Lining</h3> <p>Osteopathic medical schools may continue recalculating weighing your GPA per established admissions practices.</p> <p><strong><em>Problem:</em></strong> This puts the work onto each of the medical schools which have a lot of work to do to begin with. They usually have filters in place where they can filter out based on a GPA cutoff or MCAT cutoff. If you're a student where your GPA is going to drop from, say 3.6 to 2.6, guaranteed, your 2.6 is going to be filtered out.</p> <p><strong><em>Solution:</em></strong> Advocate for yourself and speak out to the medical school and ask them to consider taking a look into your application.</p> <h3>Major takeaway from this episode:</h3> <p>If this is affecting you, keep your head up. Just keep doing well. Advocate for yourself. If this is truly what you want to do, you'll make it work.</p> <h2>Links and Other Resources:</h2> <p>Read the <a href="http://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/applying/notice-of-repeat-coursework-policy-change" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> actual notice from AACOM</a>.</p> <p>Check out the <em>Specialty Stories</em> podcast on <a href="http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.medicalschoolhq.net</a></p>

56: Huge News for Nontrads - No More Grade Replacement

Session 60 Taken directly from the OldPreMeds.org forums, today's question comes from a 30-year-old nontraditional student with a professional background in pharmaceuticals and now she's looking at changing her career and committing to medical oncology. OldPreMeds Question of the Week: "I am so happy to have found this community. I am 30 years old with a professional background in pharmaceuticals, formerly a QC Chemist, and currently an oncology R&amp;D project manager, and an academic background in microbiology, a B.S. with a GPA 3.3/4.0, and business MBA 3.8/4.0. Fairly recently, difficult life experiences have helped align my priorities and have increased my desire to help people who are suffering. Because of my interest in solving complex problems, my desire to aid people in life and death situations and my passion to contribute to a relatively nascent scientific field, I believe that I can best serve patients as a medical oncologist. Although I really enjoy my current job, I feel a strong urge to contribute to the enrichment of patient's well-being on a more intimate level. My goal is to decide whether or not to commit to the medical school route by the end of February. To aid in this decision, I have spoken to a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) resident and an Oncology Fellow, and am setting up time to shadow physicians. I am also trying to better understand what would be required for me to be a strong medical school candidate. I would apply in 2018. Does anyone have suggestions they’d like to share? I believe I’d need to take some classes to boost my undergraduate GPA and would need to attain a very strong MCAT score, and would need to start volunteering in a clinic. I want to be sure that if I applied to medical school in 2018 I will be seriously considered so I can start my training as soon as possible." Here are my insights: [03:10] Shadowing, Volunteering, and Clinical Experience The poster has a great background for wanting to enter medicine. She has been exposed to one side of medicine but found a passion to work closer with patients. I would be wary of talking to residents and fellows and medical students about their experiences because you're practically talking to them at the worst possible times in their life. A fellow is probably a little bit less stressed out but the resident is going to be super stressed out so they may not have the best advice for you. Medical students are also going through a tough time in their life. Hence, I am here to give you an advice, who is on the other side where things have already calmed down and you’re done with training. If you're interested in that, the best thing to do is to start shadowing physicians so you can get one-off experiences and their points of view. The best way to tell you if you're going to like the life of a physician is to experience it yourself though shadowing, seeing, and observing in the sense of what it's like to interact with patients. Volunteering is important as well as getting that clinical experience, being around patients and interacting with them. Making sure that you like being around sick people is very important. [05:15] MCAT and Coursework You're going to need a good MCAT score. Your GPA is okay. Having a Microbiology degree, 3.3 is not a great GPA so retaking some of your courses will help boost your GPA assuming you do well in those classes. Do what is easiest for you. Taking them at a community college is fine especially when you're working full time. Taking night classes offered at your local four-year university is fine too. Taking those classes will help prepare you for the MCAT which is going to be the biggest hurdle for you. [06:00] Final Thoughts Shadow. Make sure this is right for you. It's not the end of the world if you don't get in considering that it sounds like you like your current job. But if you truly want to go down this path and really decide to be a physician, then even if you don't get in your first year, figure out why and reapply. Links: OldPreMeds.org MedEd Media Network Shoot me an email at ryan@medicalschoohq.net

<h1>Session 60</h1> <p>Taken directly from the <a href="http://www.oldpremeds.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OldPreMeds.org</a> forums, today's question comes from a 30-year-old nontraditional student with a professional background in pharmaceuticals and now she's looking at changing her career and committing to medical oncology.</p> <h2>OldPreMeds Question of the Week:</h2> <p><em>"I am so happy to have found this community. I am 30 years old with a professional background in pharmaceuticals, formerly a QC Chemist, and currently an oncology R&amp;D project manager, and an academic background in microbiology, a B.S. with a GPA 3.3/4.0, and business MBA 3.8/4.0.</em></p> <p><em>Fairly recently, difficult life experiences have helped align my priorities and have increased my desire to help people who are suffering. Because of my interest in solving complex problems, my desire to aid people in life and death situations and my passion to contribute to a relatively nascent scientific field, I believe that I can best serve patients as a medical oncologist.</em></p> <p><em>Although I really enjoy my current job, I feel a strong urge to contribute to the enrichment of patient's well-being on a more intimate level. My goal is to decide whether or not to commit to the medical school route by the end of February. To aid in this decision, I have spoken to a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) resident and an Oncology Fellow, and am</em> <em>setting up time to shadow physicians.</em></p> <p><em>I am also trying to better understand what would be required for me to be a strong medical school candidate. I would apply in 2018. Does anyone have suggestions they’d like to share? I believe I’d need to take some classes to boost my undergraduate GPA and would need to attain a very strong MCAT score, and would need to start volunteering in a clinic. I want to be sure that if I applied to medical school in 2018 I will be seriously considered so I can start my training as soon as possible."</em></p> <h2>Here are my insights:</h2> <h3>[03:10] Shadowing, Volunteering, and Clinical Experience</h3> <p>The poster has a great background for wanting to enter medicine. She has been exposed to one side of medicine but found a passion to work closer with patients.</p> <p>I would be wary of talking to residents and fellows and medical students about their experiences because you're practically talking to them at the worst possible times in their life. A fellow is probably a little bit less stressed out but the resident is going to be super stressed out so they may not have the best advice for you. Medical students are also going through a tough time in their life. Hence, I am here to give you an advice, who is on the other side where things have already calmed down and you’re done with training.</p> <p>If you're interested in that, the best thing to do is to start shadowing physicians so you can get one-off experiences and their points of view. The best way to tell you if you're going to like the life of a physician is to experience it yourself though shadowing, seeing, and observing in the sense of what it's like to interact with patients. Volunteering is important as well as getting that clinical experience, being around patients and interacting with them. Making sure that you like being around sick people is very important.</p> <h3>[05:15] MCAT and Coursework</h3> <p>You're going to need a good MCAT score. Your GPA is okay. Having a Microbiology degree, 3.3 is not a great GPA so retaking some of your courses will help boost your GPA assuming you do well in those classes.</p> <p>Do what is easiest for you. Taking them at a community college is fine especially when you're working full time. Taking night classes offered at your local four-year university is fine too. Taking those classes will help prepare you for the MCAT which is going to be the biggest hurdle for you.</p> <h3>[06:00] Final Thoughts</h3> <p>Shadow. Make sure this is right for you. It's not the end of the world if you don't get in considering that it sounds like you like your current job. But if you truly want to go down this path and really decide to be a physician, then even if you don't get in your first year, figure out why and reapply.</p> <h2>Links:</h2> <p><a href="http://www.oldpremeds.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OldPreMeds.org</a></p> <p><a href="http://mededmedia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MedEd Media Network</a></p> <p>Shoot me an email at <a href="mailto:ryan@medicalschoohq.net">ryan@medicalschoohq.net</a></p>

60: Deciding if Medicine Is Right For Me at 30 Years Old

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