Greetings~
Okay, this is officially my first post. Well, I’m in dire need of support from my fellow non-trads. I’m 28 years young, already finished my bachelors, starting post bacc in Spring 2012 and plan on taking the Mcat in January and I have this intense desire to apply the 2012-2013 cycle to allopathic and osteopathic schools.
The problem is that I don’t feel that I have support whatsoever from my family, friends and co-workers.Hell, I don’t care if anybody approves< I’m doing this for me and this is my passion!
You see my family think that I’m too old to enter this profession(which I know is a hoax). I work in a micro lab, in which my fellow co-workers whom most are competitive premeds(hate premeds) and look down on me because of my age(although they fall within the same age range.
I think most of my lack of support comes from work. One of my co-workers had the audacity to say that he does not think I will become a doctor(because he is a stereotypical stupid premed). And my boss’ temp replacement stated that she wont allow to move my work schedule to nights untill she sees fit and who cares if I need to take classes._thank God my old boss is back, she is willing to work out my schedule .
Bottom line is this, I need encouraging words and support. We all need and should support each other. This journey is challenging as it is and we nontrads that is, are in it together.
Sorry
Sorry for the long posts you guys! I was just frustrated because I deal with this negativity on an everyday basis.
DrLasVegas
You can do this. Who cares what the lab folks think, family, friends, etc? If this is what you want to do with your life then go for it. You are on the right site for support. Good Luck!
No one knows what is best for you except you. My (very loving) doctor friends told me for years not to apply to medical school because it was such a long haul. One day I read somewhere that when you die, you are alone–that is, none of your advisors is going to be there to feel regret or fulfillment or whatever. I know that sounds morbid, but it’s true–you are responsible for your own happiness.
As an aside–if you are taking the MCAT in January (before the MCAT), why are you doing the post-bacc? Just curious.
drlasvegas,
Your e-mail is pretty self-evident that you’re determined to apply to medical school, regardless of your age or what others say to you.
“I’m 28 years young”
“Hell, I don’t care if anybody approves< I’m doing this for me and this is my passion!”
Your username alone - drlasvegas - is a statement that you’ve already set your intentions of becoming a doctor (unless your initials are D.R., in which case, ignore this last point)
Why let the uninformed and discriminatory views of those pre-meds at work create a psychological barrier for you? Everybody has a different path to medicine, and yours is unique to you.
I’ve dealt with naysayers (all of them were physicians I volunteered with/worked for) for the past 10 years, and I naively internalized what they told me. The result was a mental roadblock that I had to overcome through regaining faith in myself by taking courses as a post-baccalaureate student, going to graduate school, doing extensive volunteer work with vulnerable populations, and conducting clinical research and getting publications. That was my unique journey, and it helped me gain perspective on why I wanted to pursue medicine and what kind of doctor I wanted to become.
All of those personal hardships you face will make you a stronger person and a more determined candidate for medical schools.
Surround yourself with supportive people and continue to set good intentions for yourself. You’ll get there in your own way; just remember to enjoy the journey and don’t let anybody hijack your dreams.
@ Farfalle Vive: AMEN!
@ drlasvegas: This is YOUR path, my friend, and you have to find it for yourself. I lied to myself for a very long time, put med school up on a pedestal, and ended up going through the darkest time of my life because I did.
The fact is, you either CAN go to medical school or you CAN obtain the skills you need to make it there . . . and then go to med school! If you have the passion, the skill will follow because you will constantly be sharpening it.
Never give up! Never surrender!
Hi!
I agree with what the other posts here have said, you’ve decided that becoming a Dr. is the best thing for YOU and don’t let other people put you down. How I like to look at it is all those doubts these co-workers have is really how they feel about themselves and they seem to be projecting it onto you, it’s not an accurate reflection of your situation. As you seem dedicated this path, remember it does get better. Also, if you are actually in las vegas there is a strong post bacc premed community at UNLV that from my experience is very supportive. Keep your head up and you’ll succeed!
I’m starting a post-bacc, (actually a 2nd bachelors) for various reasons.
A. I didn’t do so hot in my premed classes
B…Also, it has been 6 years since I’ve taken them.
C. I want to show future adcom that I can handle science coursework. Also, I want to have my courses to be recent
D. And I have an interest in clinical micro(micro,hem,etc)
E. I work full-time
And not to mention the cost! It’s cost effective of doing a 2nd bachelors vs. a formal post bacc
I plan on taking 45-60 semester units of upper division science course work
lol…my username does imply doctor, and las vegas is my cat’s name.
Yes, I’ve pretty much made up my mind in choosing medicine as a career path.
I’m just focused on setting foot to this journey and staying positive(by being encouraged and encouraging others).
It’s a bit unsettling to have your own mother say that you can’t do this…as if this was detrimental thing to do for myself! 
- drlasvegas Said:
Is your cat a high roller?
- drlasvegas Said:
A. I didn't do so hot in my premed classes
B..Also, it has been 6 years since I've taken them.
C. I want to show future adcom that I can handle science coursework. Also, I want to have my courses to be recent
D. And I have an interest in clinical micro(micro,hem,etc)
E. I work full-time
And not to mention the cost! It's cost effective of doing a 2nd bachelors vs. a formal post bacc
I plan on taking 45-60 semester units of upper division science course work
remember that you you dont have to finish the second bachelor's, though it sounds like your on the 3 year (at least) post-bacc plan. I assume that you will apply after your 3rd year as a typical premed would?
Relax, take a breath or three, and remember this isn’t a sprint :).