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New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Contemplating...
(Message started by: Lizzie2 on May 22nd, 2006, 10:47pm)

Title: Contemplating...
Post by Lizzie2 on May 22nd, 2006, 10:47pm
So I've been thinking about some things lately.  I've heard some things about the masters program I am in which are not that great, and it's led me to consider finishing up my pre-requisites (which consists of only 2 classes) and biting the bullet to go to medical school.  That was my dream my entire life....and I put it aside because of how much I was in the hospital, how crappy I felt all the time, etc...

My biggest concerns would be the fact that I still owe a year to my current job, which is fine since I would need time to finish up the pre-req's and take the MCATs.  If I stop being a full time RN, however, byebye health benefits, which is BAD for me!  Oh and that cost issue.....  And the worry that perhaps I'm just not cut out for this....

Any input?  I'm sitting here studying pathophysiology, and I feel like if I'm going to do this halfway, I may as well follow my dream and go all the way.  Just don't know if it's the right thing, however!  I don't feel smart enough some days.....!

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by Barry_T_Coles on May 22nd, 2006, 11:00pm
It's like going somewhere new.
If you never ever go, you'l never ever know.

Good Luck with what ever you choose.
Barry

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by Lizzie2 on May 23rd, 2006, 1:04am
Thanks for the messages :)  This is what I'd be considering:

http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/index.shtml

Although, I'd have to find out if they would take me since I don't need to complete all the courses...only 2 of them!  They may advise that I simply take the courses on my own through a community college or something...

But they do have a partnership with my current university that I could apply to med school immediately and be accepted upon condition of successful completion of the program.

Hmm.....  Now how to tell this to my parents...

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by sandie99 on May 23rd, 2006, 4:59am
Carrie,

it's YOUR life! What makes you happy? What YOU want to do?  :)

I've realized that once I've decided what are the right things for me to do, the rest of the world (including my strong-willed, determined mum) will come aboard once they understand that I'm serious.

It's good that you took the time to consider all options and all the sides. It's clear that you already KNOW what YOU truly want and all you need now is support.

I know that you know your folks better than we ever can, but I'm sure that if they are even bit like my mother, they will want the best for you and will support you. Even if that would not happen right after you've tolf them. But once you explain them your plan and what you're going to do and then firmly follow it (no matter what obsticles you'll face) they'll be there for you. :)

Good luck, Carrie! :)
Let us know how things progress. :)

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by Dragnlance on May 23rd, 2006, 9:43am
Hi Carrie,

You mentioned that med school is the dream you have had your whole life.

Follow your dream. If you dont, you will have that one regret all the rest of your life.

I understand hard choices. In my case, it is not a lifelong dream, just a crossroads. In your case, follow your dreams. You will be surprised just how far you can go.
All my best wishes Carrie

Lance

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by tanner on May 23rd, 2006, 10:37am


 Carrie, let me know when you will be accepting new patients :)

unless your going to be a proctologist or something (gotta find an old man for that kinda checkup) ::)

 you know that you are smart enough !!!

..look at all the brainiacs you hang out with here ;;D....tim

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by Karla on May 23rd, 2006, 10:52am
You had better make up your mind and get your application in in a hurry.  If you are even considering it I would get my application in.  Sounds like there is a waiting list starting.  People from this year that didn't get in will be given special consideration for next year.  I would go for it.  In the meantime, I would start looking for a local clinic that accepts patients based on income and has a sliding fee scale.  That way you can see a dr relatively cheap and get your scripts filled.  Our local clinic has a partnership with a local pharmacy to get perscriptions filled for free or at a discount.  Good luck in what you deside.  

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by Lizzie2 on May 23rd, 2006, 12:30pm
Sanna,

Thanks for your support - you already know what I think because I replied to the message you left me on my blog.  I appreciate that! :)


Lance,

I read your crossroads post last night...I wish you the best of luck in that decision as well.  I will respond to your post, but personally I would do what makes you happiest.  You can settle for less money much more easily if you are doing something you love.  Sounds like I should listen to my own advice and follow my dreams, too!



on 05/23/06 at 10:37:50, tanner wrote:
unless your going to be a proctologist or something (gotta find an old man for that kinda checkup) ::)

 



Some men say the best person for that job is a woman with small hands!  LMAO....

No, I'd be most likely to go into neurology (headaches) or pediatric neurology, neonatology, just about anything in peds...


And you're right - very smart crowd I hang out with here....smarter than most doctors I know...and I mean that. ;)


Karla,
I wouldn't be applying for this year!  I still have 2 classes to complete plus the MCATs.  Bryn Mawr College won't accept applications for post-bacc 2007-2008 until this fall, and I still owe time as a full-time RN, too.  But the nice thing about Bryn Mawr is that they have a lot of partnerships with medical schools so that I could apply early decision as soon as I start their program...without having had full completion of all my other courses.  It's something to look into, I guess!

To address your other point - you're right about the clinics.  Philadelphia has a number of health districts where the doctors visits are free, but I probably wouldn't go there really...!  The other option is that connected to major academic health centers, they often have residents' clinics.  I go to a psychiatrist at a residents' clinic and I don't have any insurance coverage for mental health. (Despite having a blue cross PPO plan!)  So he lowered the rate based on what I could afford.  I know they have them in other specialties, too.  I would definitely have SOME insurance and prescription coverage, but probably not a good plan like I have now!  I'd definitely have togo the Welder's O2 route, for instance, which hopefully by now, I know enough people that I could figure that out!  Thanks for the suggestions... :)

Love you guys,
Carrie :)

Title: Re: Contemplating...
Post by Charlie on May 23rd, 2006, 11:30pm
My only suggestion it to make sure you don't make decisions that won't leave you an option. Take your time if you can. Don't close any doors yet.

Charlie



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