Mannyfresh

Hey, guys

I hope you guys didn't get too excited on the title.

I'm looking for some guidance from any students on here that are or were in medical school.

I have been doing my research, but I want some actual feedback from someone that has gone through the process. Their is nothing like experience.I know its kind of early in the game,but I want to start as early as possible.

As in experience,like:what you did to get accepted,how is actual medical school,etc...

Thanks in Advance,

-Manny

B.C.

Manny,

How about 10 reasons why you want to become a Doctor

and why did you pick UCR for Pre-Med? Why not UCLA, UCI, USC, SF where med schools are offered in conjuntion?

Mannyfresh

I could only think of nine right of the back

1.Fascinated with anatomy and diseases
2.I'm into helping people
3.High interest in science
4.I don't like seeing people suffer
5.The knowledge you gain throughout the career
6.My parents have alot of medical problems
8.Personal(want to show my sisters anything is possible because they tell me its impossible)
9.Grew up with my mom's natural remedies,grew my interest into medicine(Only mexicans know what I'm talking about).

I skipped seven.

I couldn't afford them.I don't want to accept any loans this early in the game.

UCI:I have no excuse,I got in, but I flaked.

Besides UCR's medical school is opening in 2011.

Squirtle

Work hard. Work very hard and don't stop working hard.

Secret to success in everything.

Oh and also work Honestly. That's pretty rare too nowadays.

Apak25

Did they bring back the Thomas Haider Program?

Mannyfresh

Was their a time when the program shutdown? as far as I know its still intact.

Currently,the medical facility is being constructed,so I don't think the program is going to be available when the school opens in 2011/12.

AP1.5

I'm assuming that you're a freshman in college. Based on the experiences of my friends: 1 who just graduated, 1 who just started, and 1 who is applying now, if you're dead set on going to med school and being a doctor, get great grades in school. Of the graduate programs available, it is by far the most difficult to get into. You really need the whole package with grades, MCAT scores, and scores of extracurricular activities that are medically or scientifically related.

The guy who just graduated from med school got a 3.97 gpa in college while being a double major in Biology and Philosophy. While doing that, he was employed full time as a paramedic at first, then he eventually became a firefighter. At the same time, he was volunteering at the hospital and got published in a journal. He went on to going to Harvard Med School (obviously).

There are many ways in, but each way is pretty difficult. Be prepared to study your ass off.

Also, there's a lot of politics and business involved in medicine. It looks glamorous on TV but it's pretty misleading. Doctors always complain that they have too much paperwork and have barely any time to visit patients, and doctors are always jumping through hoops to do what's right for the patient.

Please don't take this as me trying to discourage you, but rather take this as a dose of reality. If you still want to pursue this field, this should further strengthen your resolve. Good luck!

asiantrick

My old roommate at UCR was a med-student also. Let just say that I only see him maybe 2-3 hour a week because all of his time he spent was either in class or in the library. All paid off since he got into USC medical school after he graduated.

Apak25

when I was there it shut down for a few years. Looks like they reinstated it.

If you need some pointers let me know.

Mannyfresh

AP1.5,that was not discouraging,you just motivated/inspired me to take an initiative.Thanks,its going to make me try harder.

Apak25,thanks I will PM you.

Thanks for the input people,it really got me thinking.