DPM, PharmD, MD, Help my with me career planning!

[Darklord]

Hi All! Sorry about the title of the thread.

I am a high school student and I applied to a Combined-MD program and a Combined PharmD Program. I believe I have a good chance at getting into both, but I always like to have third (or fourth options LOL).

The combined-MD program is a little competitive, but I believe I interviewed well; nevertheless, this post is about what happens if I don't get in.

Well logically the plan was I go to pharmacy school (the program is really easy to get into); I have shadowed a hospital pharmacist (in a small 15 bed hospital), and found her life to be okay. I know there are real clinical pharmacists out there (who round inpatients) and that clinical pharmacy is an option, but I would love to have more control over the patient, besides recommending drug therapy. No, I don't see myself working retail; also, their salary is an issue.

I would not like to reapply to med school (if I can't get in the easy way, what chance do I have a the long way?) and would definitely not like to go to the Caribbean, so I am considering podiatry. I believe it is a great profession as you have the ability to do inpatient, outpatient, and surgery.

As I have seen, there is some bad sentiment for podiatrists, so instead of relying on second hand information, I will ask you Pod students directly!

How do you feel about your career choice?
What were your stats?
How many of you have undergrad degrees?
How hard is residency?
What is the job market like?
Are you considering private practice?
How's your life for your specialty and practice?
What about fellowships?

Also any recommendations about certain pod school?

Thanks for your help and wish me luck!

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[cool_vkb]

Hi All! Sorry about the title of the thread.

I am a high school student and I applied to a Combined-MD program and a Combined PharmD Program. I believe I have a good chance at getting into both, but I always like to have third (or fourth options LOL).

The combined-MD program is a little competitive, but I believe I interviewed well; nevertheless, this post is about what happens if I don't get in.

Well logically the plan was I go to pharmacy school (the program is really easy to get into); I have shadowed a hospital pharmacist (in a small 15 bed hospital), and found her life to be okay. I know there are real clinical pharmacists out there (who round inpatients) and that clinical pharmacy is an option, but I would love to have more control over the patient, besides recommending drug therapy. No, I don't see myself working retail; also, their salary is an issue.

I would not like to reapply to med school (if I can't get in the easy way, what chance do I have a the long way?) and would definitely not like to go to the Caribbean, so I am considering podiatry. I believe it is a great profession as you have the ability to do inpatient, outpatient, and surgery.

As I have seen, there is some bad sentiment for podiatrists, so instead of relying on second hand information, I will ask you Pod students directly!

How do you feel about your career choice?
What were your stats?
How many of you have undergrad degrees?
How hard is residency?
What is the job market like?
Are you considering private practice?
How's your life for your specialty and practice?
What about fellowships?

Also any recommendations about certain pod school?

Thanks for your help and wish me luck!

and people say my posts are ....

 

[Darklord]

I don't get it. Your posts are what? This is a serious issue!

Also, I believe I didn't articulate one point clearly clearly. If it so happens that I do not get into a the combined MD program, I will join the pharmacy program and leave it if I get into POD school (within the 2 year undergraduate part, as it is a 6 year program), if you guys here convince me of podiatry. LOL.

Do not think I am being arrogant here about getting into pharmacy school. I strongly believe I have a good chance. GRRRRrr

 

[StaphRx]

Ok, I don't have the right to convince you to go into podiatry or any other profession, but I'll share with you my opinions and thoughts...

I know getting into programs is not going to be an issue for you, and you might like to have all the options available and then you choose what you want to go into (I was the same way). BUT keep in mind that you should be doing your own research about each profession and shadow (not just for your resume/CV and to say you did it) but really take the opportunity to see if you can picture yourself in that profession, lifestyle, and if you are capable to be a doctor in that field.

Getting into schools is nothing, congrats...but the more important issue is staying in, being interested in the profession, working hard, and staying committed to it to the end...otherwise, you're wasting time, money and energy doing something you don't like. But you're still young, so making mistakes is only natural...

I know people who got into the programs right after high school, and spent 6 years doing something they wish they didn't get into. I know some people, like myself, who gets into professional schools after college, and realize it's not for them anymore...and end up switching careers, within the medical field...so not exactly a conflict of interest. Just be good in everything, have manual skills, extracurricular/community services, good grades, be well-rounded...

Go shadow more, actually go talk to students/professionals, see what people are posting on SDN, but don't believe everything and don't get influenced by SDN postings...people are free to express their opinions and thoughts here and sometimes it's nice to see the different perspectives. Good luck on your decision. All are terrific professions, just find where you fit best into!

 

[Darklord]

Hello Staph,

Thank you for your post. I know you can't make me become a podiatrist but I would like to you try to recruit me .

After all, that's literally what the programs are trying to do here. You would be dumbfounded if I gave you the 6 year Pharmacy program stats.

You mention not being happy with your career and switching within the medical field. I really do not believe I will do that; I would never like to spend that much time in school. I mean look at the cashier at Walmart; he doesn't want to be a cashier; I wouldn't either, but he does it anyway it becomes his job. I don't want to study Physics 1 right now, but I will. I don't want to become a retail Pharmacist, but I will rotate through retail.

I know I won't be sad disappointed by Clinical Pharmacy; some states and in the USPHS, pharmacists are even allowed to prescribe and take the place of an outpatient clinician (argh I don't like outpatient stuff!).

Anyway, the point is I want to become a real doctor. I know very few people who actually switch out of medicine outside of residency. I mean that's why it is so difficult to get into medical school. The school loses money if you drop out.

This thread is about Podiatry because it is the only Doctorate program I know of that allows you to practice Real medicine without being an MD (I don't like dentistry! it is too cosmetic).

I, don't know if I have the brains to get into medical school the long way. I have heard of way too many stories and seen the competition firsthand in California. This is why I want a second choice, so I always know that I am aiming for.

I like the idea of being a podiatrist: you can do inpatient, outpatient, surgery, ect. I just want to hear about your choices and experiences in the Podiatric Medicine field. This is why I am posting here in the Pod Student's Section and not the Pre-Pod.

C'mon people; I just want a little advice

 

[Gryhu]

For the love of god! PLEASE SEARCH. Heck, you don't even have to search. Just look at the threads below yours.

All of your questions have been answered in recent threads. Most of them have been active within the past couple of days.

 

[Gryhu]

...I would not like to reapply to med school (if I can't get in the easy way, what chance do I have a the long way?)...

The easy way? Combined BS/MD programs are ridiculously hard to get into. At my school you had to have something like a 2300 SAT and almost straight A's in high school. You would also have to maintain a 3.6 GPA every year and score higher than average on the MCAT. Doesn't sound like a walk in the park to me.

A lot of people do well, even crappy, in high school and end up getting into medical school. They change the way they do things in college and end up having a 3.5+GPA and 30+ MCAT. Aren't those the magic numbers for MD school?

 

[cool_vkb]

Hello Staph,

Thank you for your post. I know you can't make me become a podiatrist but I would like to you try to recruit me .

and why would we do that? we are humble students not admission recruiting staff.

 

[uberconfuzzled]

In all honesty, I don't think those combined programs are very good. You grow and learn A LOT about yourself in college. I've seen plenty of people come into a university with their minds set on going to medical school but end up doing something other than medicine--either because of academics or by choice. Hell, I've seen professionals make career changes 20 years in because they were too unhappy.
Not trying to discourage you or anything. If you're sure or even just somewhat sure (because no one is ever absolutely sure) about what program, then go for it. You'll save time and money. But if you don't really know, and I'm guessing you fit in this category or else you wouldn't have posted the question, should you be committing yourself to such a long and difficult program? I literally changed my career choice every 6 months when I was in college. I was finally set on applying to MD school my 3rd year until I found about podiatry. I realized I had a foot fetish. haha

 

[Gryhu]

Anyway, the point is I want to become a real doctor.

Any body that holds a doctorate degree is a "real doctor." Whether its DPM, Ph.D, MD/DO, PharmD, DDS/DMD, OD, DTP, DC...whatever, they've earned the title doctor.

Learn more here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_(title)

Maybe you should be a teacher?

Other than House and Doogie Howser, I haven't really met any "fake doctors."

I've also decided to help you with your questions:

How do you feel about your career choice? Great
What were your stats? 3.5sci/3.6cum haven't taken MCAT yet
How many of you have undergrad degrees? Will have one
How hard is residency? As hard as you want it to be
What is the job market like? great
Are you considering private practice? sure am
How's your life for your specialty and practice? fantastic, helping people and making $$, what's better?
What about fellowships? A lot of fellowships are available to pods, sometimes even MD ones are filled up by pods.

 

[Darklord]

I am not that stupid of a high school student!

Bahaa, I know a pharmacist is a doctor; now I realize I should have put in physician in that quote; Also, I have and will continue to read your threads. I just wanted to talk to you guys personally.

I think I would know a little bit about pharmacy before I was called to an interview. It is just that they are not respected that much in terms of retail, and in the hospital pharmacy. It is just how you describe you F&A ortho specialists, except when you compare it to pharmacy: "who are you to question my prescription!" "I'm the pharmacist, the keeper of the drugs" The newer docs show pharmacists much more respect; it's just that I guess pods can read x-rays, order lab tests, and prescribe, while pharmacists can't. I guess I just want to be more of a physician.

Uberfuzzeled, there are some easy to get into combined programs. They are just well hidden . Like I said, I have interviewed already.

Also, I go to a small but reputable engineering school for 3 classes and pretty much live there. I know how people change their majors and are not static in career choices. Fear not for me, I am Asian. I will be a health science professional, it just depends on what I get into.

It is also true that when I do dorm and go full time that I MIGHT become uber asian smart and get into a contiguous US MD school. But like I said, I like to have plans D, E, and F in place.

Bahaa, you mentioned fellowships, and now I am interested... DPMs have their own beginning residencies as opposed to an orthopedic surgeons (ortho residency + fellowship in F&A). What type of fellowships are available? I've tried the F&A surgeons website, but they just show fellowships for ortho surgeons.

Please, can you guys be more friendly. Show the love to the young high school-er.

 

[Gryhu]

Some DPM fellowships:

http://www.apma.org/Members/Education/CPMEAccreditation/Fellowships/CPME800updated608.aspx

Not sure where you would find information about ortho F&A fellowships.

 

[dtrack22]

Please, can you guys be more friendly. Show the love to the young high school-er.

Sorry, but for many of us on this forum that would be illegal.

I know I won't be sad disappointed by Clinical Pharmacy; some states and in the USPHS, pharmacists are even allowed to prescribe and take the place of an outpatient clinician (argh I don't like outpatient stuff!).

At this point you have no idea of what you want to do...you are 18 at the oldest and have yet to step foot on a college campus. If you have taken courses at a college/university then you still don't realize what it is like to be IN college since you're the weird high-school kid in everyone else's science class.

All that being said, it sounds like you want to be a physician. Don't go into a pharm program if you want to be a physician...its that simple. If you don't get into your programs, go to college, get your undergraduate degree and begin applying to Medical schools the summer before your senior year. Make sure you maintain a 3.6 GPA, score a 27 on the MCAT (a score of 9 on each section), and have over 500 hours of clinical work/shadowing, and 500 hours of community service. Apply to at least 15 schools and you're golden. OR shadow a pod, realize that you prefer podiatry over other medical sub-specialties and apply for pod school with whatever GPA and MCAT you'd like and you're golden.

 

[Darklord]

Why would that be illegal to be nice. No offense guys, but you are the meanest people I have met online, ever (in my short teen years of existence).

The whole part of going to the pharmacy program is so I have a reserved seat in pharmacy school, just in case things go haywire.

Okay people I am not confused. Also, I am Asian. I want to get into a Contiguous US health science professional program. Does that make me confused?

I know:
I want to be a physician
I don't want to be a retail pharmacist

I can always go to MD or DO school after pharmacy school.

Also, when I walk on campus (which I am there from 10AM-10PM literally), people ask me if I am a damn Grad Student. I don't look or act like a high schooler. I hang around with Masters, Doctorate students and professors. I live away from home and sometimes alone and I take 15 hours. Okay.

All of you guys write like getting into a Contiguous US DO or MD school is cake: Just get a 27, and a 3.7, with about 500 hours of clinical and 500 of nonclinical. That takes a lot of work and a lot of time.

This is the main reason I am interested in Podiatry is because it is easy to get into and you are a real physician.

I am a little disappointed by the fellowship programs for PODs though, there are like 20 seats? What fellowship - residency programs overlap with MDs?

 

[StaphRx]

Why would that be illegal to be nice. No offense guys, but you are the meanest people I have met online, ever (in my short teen years of existence).

I think "illegal" was referring to the "show the love" part of your post, if I am correct... if you want to meet "nice" people, I think the dental forum is nicer.

The whole part of going to the pharmacy program is so I have a reserved seat in pharmacy school, just in case things go haywire.

Make sure it's something you like...or those combined and 6-year programs you are getting into will make you miserable , and you'd wish that you just went straight into a college, have the best 4 years of your life, and can still go into MD/DO programs after the 4 years.

Okay people I am not confused. Also, I am Asian. I want to get into a Contiguous US health science professional program. Does that make me confused?

I know:
I want to be a physician
I don't want to be a retail pharmacist

Don't bring up the Asian issues or stereotypes. You're in America, no one is discriminating any ethnic or race. I am Asian too, but that doesn't qualify me for anything, doesn't make me "unconfused", and it doesn't make me any better than the non-Asians. We still go to school, study, take exams, etc. all the same; and we aren't all interested in healthcare professions (I was actually encouraged to do Accounting or Finance!!!).

All of you guys write like getting into a Contiguous US DO or MD school is cake: Just get a 27, and a 3.7, with about 500 hours of clinical and 500 of nonclinical. That takes a lot of work and a lot of time.

This is the main reason I am interested in Podiatry is because it is easy to get into and you are a real physician.

Make sure, once again, that you like what you are getting into. It's not going to be easy, but it's doable. I went to a 4-year university graduated with a BS degree (had a great dorm/campus experience), and can still get into professional schools. Don't prepare yourself with "backup" plans, because you WILL end up slacking off after knowing your "safety" plans. If you like Podiatry, go for it. If you like Pharmacy, go for it. If you like both, do your combined program thingy.

It might be "easy" to get into, but look at the drop rates and stats. People fail out or leave the program. You might get into programs, but what happens if you aren't capable of staying in?

Just don't forget, it not going to be easy, especially if you're doing something you don't like...trust me! If you want to have a little social life (I don't mean going wild every week, or having drunk stories...but just having friends, movie nights, etc.), go to a 4-year college, get some social fun from it while balancing school and you won't regret it once you realize med schools' first 2 years are horrible for having that social life you once craved. Some people cut off contact with family and friends to study hard those early medical school years.

 

[bigpharmD]

Why would that be illegal to be nice. No offense guys, but you are the meanest people I have met online, ever (in my short teen years of existence).

The whole part of going to the pharmacy program is so I have a reserved seat in pharmacy school, just in case things go haywire.

Okay people I am not confused. Also, I am Asian. I want to get into a Contiguous US health science professional program. Does that make me confused?

I know:
I want to be a physician
I don't want to be a retail pharmacist

I can always go to MD or DO school after pharmacy school.

Also, when I walk on campus (which I am there from 10AM-10PM literally), people ask me if I am a damn Grad Student. I don't look or act like a high schooler. I hang around with Masters, Doctorate students and professors. I live away from home and sometimes alone and I take 15 hours. Okay.

All of you guys write like getting into a Contiguous US DO or MD school is cake: Just get a 27, and a 3.7, with about 500 hours of clinical and 500 of nonclinical. That takes a lot of work and a lot of time.

This is the main reason I am interested in Podiatry is because it is easy to get into and you are a real physician.

I am a little disappointed by the fellowship programs for PODs though, there are like 20 seats? What fellowship - residency programs overlap with MDs?

Let me remind you that just because you go to pharmacy school does not mean you have to work retail. Pharmacists work in gov, big pharma, hospital, FDA, CDC, academia, insurance companies and the list goes on. You can publish in the NEJM, JAMA, CHEST, etc. The CEO of St. Judes Cancer hospital is a PharmD (one of the most well known pediatric cancer hospitals in the nation). Many of the non-clinical opportunities available for MDs are also available for PharmDs. Quite frankly I think a PharmD is one of the most versatile degrees ( i know i am biased) if you are willing to work hard and explore other opportunities.

Quite frankly if you came in and I was on the admission committee I would tell you to get out and go experience some life rather than spend 18 hours a day at your high school.

 

[dtrack22]

Why would that be illegal to be nice

If you didn't pick up on my joke then you are in no way ready for college...

bigpharmD is exactly right in his last piece of advice. And I know that you don't understand why since you are still in high school. It's like when you're parents told you something and you thought they were full of s*** at the time...only to find out that they were right all along (who'd a thunk?). And if you don't think you need any additional experience then I urge you to ask AMCAS why they have an entire section of the application for medical school devoted to listing 15 "EXPERIENCES"...although you probably don't know what I'm talking about

 

[Darklord]

"If you didn't pick up on my joke then you are in no way ready for college..." I never understood jokes very well, but that does not mean I am not college material.

Also, when did I say that I am not ready for any experience.

I know that pharmacists work in a variety of settings. I have spoken extensively with the Combined Pharmacy Program recruiter (who is co-chair of the admissions committee). I wholeheartedly believe that she sees my application quite exceptional, so for those of you that believe otherwise....you can go screw yourself.

A couple of people have told me what you guys are regurgitating; however, after they got to know me better and what I have done, they back off and think otherwise.

I know what I want to do. I have applied everywhere. Current combined program students have told me what prejudice they have gone through. Hey, if you don't believe that 16-18 year olds can't be accepting into: pod, md, do, or pharm school then I don't really care. We have the seat reserved for us. The class of 2015 with my name on it. Some people will be jealous...

Also, I only mentioned I don't like retail pharmacy to prove that I have career choices in mind.

I am not some confused teen who wants to do random crapp. My career choices will not change. I see countless confused people that do change, but I will not. FYI, my parents never say random crapp to me and I don't get mad at them. I am usually the one that tells my parents how to do random crapp.

I just wanted to learn about podiatry and now I am getting bagged at, and having to post in my defense.

Jesus (I'm not christian ).

 

[NatCh]

Darklord, I say this with complete respect: if you do not get into the combined MD program then my advice is to go to college and get a plain old baccalaureate degree.

Not podiatry college, not pharmacy college, not dental college...just a regular old college. Pick a place with big, green lawns where kids toss the frisbee on the quad while skipping class. Find a school where you can go out on Friday night with friends, drink beer, listen to a live band, and wake up at noon the next day with maybe some regrets and embarrassing memories of the previous night.

Becoming a doctor of any sort is a big accomplishment, one in which you will be proud, but at some point it is just a job, and you'll have around 40 years to do this job. However, the window of opportunity to be "a college student" is short. I don't mean just going to college, because you can do that at any age, even after you retire if you want, but a "college student" in the full sense of the term. There is A LOT of personal growth that happens during that time.

I'm of the camp that says college should be for personal enrichment rather than just career training. There's so much more one can get out of college other than job prep. As long as you can maintain decent grades, sign up for as many classes in every unfamiliar department that you can! Do a bunch of extracurriculars. Get off the couch and go to events. Do everything in excess! College is the time of life when you can do things that adults wouldn't do then get a bye for it. "I did do that once...but I was in college, hehhhh!" Just try not to get a disease or die in the process.

Nat

 

[GetnMyFtNtheDor]

Darklord,
I'm not sure if anyone on this forum is intentionally trying to discourage you from persuing a career in medicine or podiatric medicine. Granted, a few bad jokes and terrible comedians, I think the point that the previous posters are trying to make is; know what you're getting yourself into. Unlike MD/DO school, you can not change what you want to specialize in with podiatry. If you go to pod school, you will be working with feet, and feet alone(maybe ankles). Shadow a couple podiatrists to get a feel for the field before making a decision. This is what they mean by "experience". I gather that you are still young. Keep in mind, that as you experience life you will change. I have changed SO much since my freshman year in undergrad. I can now say that I am actually a man; not just a little boy trying to be a man. Make sure that whatever path you choose is your calling. Almost everyone wants to be a doctor, but make sure it's your calling in life. period. With that being said, I'm not trying to discourage you at all. I want you to follow your dreams. Just make sure, you know what your dream is. If you're not sure what your calling is, just listen to life and follow your destiny.

 

[cool_vkb]

Darklord, I say this with complete respect: if you do not get into the combined MD program then my advice is to go to college and get a plain old baccalaureate degree.

Not podiatry college, not pharmacy college, not dental college...just a regular old college. Pick a place with big, green lawns where kids toss the frisbee on the quad while skipping class. Find a school where you can go out on Friday night with friends, drink beer, listen to a live band, and wake up at noon the next day with maybe some regrets and embarrassing memories of the previous night.

Becoming a doctor of any sort is a big accomplishment, one in which you will be proud, but at some point it is just a job, and you'll have around 40 years to do this job. However, the window of opportunity to be "a college student" is short. I don't mean just going to college, because you can do that at any age, even after you retire if you want, but a "college student" in the full sense of the term. There is A LOT of personal growth that happens during that time.

I'm of the camp that says college should be for personal enrichment rather than just career training. There's so much more one can get out of college other than job prep. As long as you can maintain decent grades, sign up for as many classes in every unfamiliar department that you can! Do a bunch of extracurriculars. Get off the couch and go to events. Do everything in excess! College is the time of life when you can do things that adults wouldn't do then get a bye for it. "I did do that once...but I was in college, hehhhh!" Just try not to get a disease or die in the process.

Nat

Your the best!

 

[Darklord]

Finally some nice people.

I know I should enjoy college and I will (if I get into a combined MD program). I will have 4 years to sit and enjoy, while having to study for like one hard class a semester (like o -Chem ooo).

Anyway, I am just paranoid and want a seat. I don't want all of my hard highschool work to go in vain, also I don't want to waste my my parents money, they have spent thousands.

I know many people personally who have gotten their plain old BSs or BAs and have not gotten in to medical school.

Anyway, can we finally shift the discussion from me to Podiatry? I am interested in the school and the jobs.... Can you guys like give me a rank of schools from best to worst? with like average MCATS.

 

[GetnMyFtNtheDor]

This is a great website for any official stats you may need


http://www.aacpm.org/html/statistics/stats_applicants.asp

 

[kelus]

this is the weirdest forum ever

im speechless....

 

[NatCh]

this is the weirdest forum ever

im speechless....

You should try hanging out at a podiatry convention sometime.

 

[kelus]

You should try hanging out at a podiatry convention sometime.

LOL

 

[air bud]

i can only imagine this kids bedside manner.... i am going to be completely out of line here and tell you i feel incredibly sorry for you that somebody in your life has mentally and emotionally abused you and forced their ideas of success and whatever else upon you. "doctor" is not the answer to all of lifes problems.

once again, i know i am out of line, but i am saying what 80 plus percent of the people reading this are thinking.



ha. just saw his name. "dark"lord. maybe this explains something...

and yes i am being a negative nancy. too bad... suck it

 

[NatCh]

i can only imagine this kids bedside manner.... i am going to be completely out of line here and tell you i feel incredibly sorry for you that somebody in your life has mentally and emotionally abused you and forced their ideas of success and whatever else upon you. "doctor" is not the answer to all of lifes problems.

once again, i know i am out of line, but i am saying what 80 plus percent of the people reading this are thinking.

ha. just saw his name. "dark"lord. maybe this explains something...

and yes i am being a negative nancy. too bad... suck it

It's an Asian thing. I understand:

[Mom] "You go to school study hard become doctor get good job not become dishwasha!"

[Natch] "Okay mom. I'll go to podiatry school."

[Mom] "Hunnnh? What wrong with DO school??? You go to DO school instead!"

[Natch] sigh...

[Mom] "You talk to Uncle Jiap. He Dermatologist. He tell you what to do!"

 

[Gryhu]

You should try hanging out at a podiatry convention sometime.

Haha I know what you mean. The NY conference a couple of weeks ago was basically an AARP meeting in disguise.

 

[kelus]

i can only imagine this kids bedside manner.... i am going to be completely out of line here and tell you i feel incredibly sorry for you that somebody in your life has mentally and emotionally abused you and forced their ideas of success and whatever else upon you. "doctor" is not the answer to all of lifes problems.

once again, i know i am out of line, but i am saying what 80 plus percent of the people reading this are thinking.



ha. just saw his name. "dark"lord. maybe this explains something...

and yes i am being a negative nasty. too bad... suck it

was all that really necessary?


as for the dark lord,it may be more productive (and less nasty) to pick a couple of people who reacted positively to you and pm them for further discussion. I only say this because its harder for some people to understand your situation, thus the negativity
as your considering podiatry, i hope you keep in mind a majority of pod posts thus far were trying honestly help, even if the advice did not fit your current plans
i wish you all the best and i hope you get this resolved

 

[Darklord]

The combined program just email and said that they would be accepting a few "highly qualified, exceptional" applicants early. Praying....

As for the *****s that think I am some abused weird psychotic student, I will address their posts after school.

The Asian thing was true and funny: DPM??? What about DO? ROFL actually I think they are even more familiar with pharmacy than podiatry, I only have one distant cousin that chose pod.

Peace out.

 

[air bud]

so this kid has generated 30 plus posts in less than a day in the pod forum. and that you will "address my post" later speaks more volumes. you appear to already be on edge and have issues of some kind, I doubt all the crap that can come with being a pod student "ie everyone gets in, not real doctors" would be good for you. With that, I will no longer post on this thread and instead sit back in amusement/dismay at your following posts.

 

[Darklord]

I will sit amused watching observing your silence now ROFL. I hate it when *****s believe that they have proven a point when someone literally has to do crapp. Check the timing of my post dip**** 7:40AM. I have to go to ******ed high school by 8:00 AM!

I am not some abused ***** Asian. I am Indian; our parents give us greater autonomy than my unlucky East Asian Counterparts (I know there are exceptions). I'm glad I checked this thread. Now, I have full control of what I am doing; I am leaving my parents in 4 months for Summer Session and they will no longer have control of my life okay?

Does that make you happy Mr. Airbud?

If you read my other posts, they will affirm this. I am the one who discovered these programs, and I am the one who worked my but off applying to them. The only thing is I feel guilty because I spent thousand s of my parents dollars. Whether you are jealous because you didn't get into a program, or whether you didn't have money or autonomy, or whether you wasted years of your life, I frankly don't give a damn.

I thank those people that are giving my supportive PMs which I was looking for as opposed to this Cyber Bullying Crapp.

I just want to talk about the podiatric profession

Peace,
Darklord

 

[feets22]

Finally some nice people.

I know I should enjoy college and I will (if I get into a combined MD program). I will have 4 years to sit and enjoy, while having to study for like one hard class a semester (like o -Chem ooo).

Anyway, I am just paranoid and want a seat. I don't want all of my hard highschool work to go in vain, also I don't want to waste my my parents money, they have spent thousands.

I know many people personally who have gotten their plain old BSs or BAs and have not gotten in to medical school.

Anyway, can we finally shift the discussion from me to Podiatry? I am interested in the school and the jobs.... Can you guys like give me a rank of schools from best to worst? with like average MCATS.

Plain old BSs and BAs? Really? In the same post where you called highschool hard work? Most ppl on this board busted their asses to EARN those degrees and then continued on from there.....I suggest you do the same.

Another thing. No one on this board is going to "recruit" you to become a podiatrist. Especially when you are considering it as your backup while you are still in highschool. We are in podiatry because we want to be....not because we didn't get into to some fast track MD program.

 

[Darklord]

I don't know what ****ty high school you went to, but in greater LA we have high schools that are as hard as the UC System. People here literally say that after their high school experience a biology major at UCLA is easy and it is true: University High, Troy High School, Whitney High School, Fairmont High School, ect.

High school is tough. It's just that you don't know ****, of course it is!

I'm pretty sure that podiatry is a back up plan for many people on this forum. If I really wanted to be a foot surgeon, wouldn't I be a F&A specialist?

Anyway some people have really legitimate reasons for podiatry over medicine because they don't want to spend their entire college experience in stress and academic competition. They may want to graduate early. They may just want a chilled profession, which is cool inmy opinion.

Podiatry is interesting and it is a good field. It's the 2nd doctor in my opinion (opposed to those DNP threads out there). lol, anyway...

It's kind of funny how you guys like to pick on the little people, especially when you are not doing a really good job.

SDN for high school-ers

 

[uberconfuzzled]

I don't know what ****ty high school you went to, but in greater LA we have high schools that are as hard as the UC System. People here literally say that after their high school experience a biology major at UCLA is easy and it is true: University High, Troy High School, Whitney High School, Fairmont High School, ect.

High school is tough. It's just that you don't know ****, of course it is!

I'm pretty sure that podiatry is a back up plan for many people on this forum. If I really wanted to be a foot surgeon, wouldn't I be a F&A specialist?

Anyway some people have really legitimate reasons for podiatry over medicine because they don't want to spend their entire college experience in stress and academic competition. They may want to graduate early. They may just want a chilled profession, which is cool inmy opinion.

Podiatry is interesting and it is a good field. It's the 2nd doctor in my opinion (opposed to those DNP threads out there). lol, anyway...

It's kind of funny how you guys like to pick on the little people, especially when you are not doing a really good job.

SDN for high school-ers

I don't think people are picking on you because you're a high school student. I commend you for being so on task with everything at such a young age. If you have that much passion and fervor for medicine, I'm sure you'll be a great doctor (or pharamcist or whatever).

But people are showing you animosity in response to the very harsh generalizations you are making.
1. You have no proof to say that "many" people here are using podiatry as a backup. There are a lot of pre-pods and pod students who get angry when you make statements like that. And the term "2nd doctor" sounds quite demeaning.
2. College is not only about the classes, its about the experience. This is the only time you can pretend to be an adult without actually having to be one. FYI. I went to Univeristy High. The classes at the UC might not have been that much more difficult, but the competition was a lot more intense and I learned a lot.
3. I am East Asian and I don't think I'm "unlucky." I know plenty of Indians with far more restrictions than me or my other East Asian friends. So, please stop with the sterotypes.
4.To the OP, you can find out a lot using the search function. And if you're still not sure, go shadow a Podiatrist.
5. Why do you want to go into Medicine, anyway?

 

[feets22]

I don't know what ****ty high school you went to, but in greater LA we have high schools that are as hard as the UC System. People here literally say that after their high school experience a biology major at UCLA is easy and it is true: University High, Troy High School, Whitney High School, Fairmont High School, ect.

High school is tough. It's just that you don't know ****, of course it is!

I'm pretty sure that podiatry is a back up plan for many people on this forum. If I really wanted to be a foot surgeon, wouldn't I be a F&A specialist?

Anyway some people have really legitimate reasons for podiatry over medicine because they don't want to spend their entire college experience in stress and academic competition. They may want to graduate early. They may just want a chilled profession, which is cool inmy opinion.

Podiatry is interesting and it is a good field. It's the 2nd doctor in my opinion (opposed to those DNP threads out there). lol, anyway...

It's kind of funny how you guys like to pick on the little people, especially when you are not doing a really good job.

SDN for high school-ers

Great! If college is going to be so easy for you then what are you even worried about? Got to UCLA get a 4.0 and score that 45t on the mcat and choose any med school you want! I heard harvard is pretty good.... by the sounds of your amazing highschool they will probably just give you an honorary MD.

P.S. lay off my highschool.....I'm proud of my s***ty highschool.

 

[Darklord]

Okay,

Firstly, do you have any proof either? I only have one cousin who was in that situation and went to POD school. The scenarios do make sense podiatry is an excellent back up option. Also the 2nd doctor is actually a complement when you look at it from the Pharmacy Perspective. I do not know of any *Professional* Degree that allows one to practice real human medicine that is not MD DO.

Secondly, yes college is about both classes and experience that is why I want to go there. I know competition is difficult that is why I am working as hard as I can to get into a combined program.not only about the classes, its about the experience. This is the only time you can pretend to be an adult without actually having to be one.

Thirdly, I posted that there were exceptions on the thread okay. California is full of Asians and they very from place to place. We are Asians and people will have different experiences. Also, whatever I posted is because some ***** was accusing me of being an abused teen!

Fourthly, I believe now that I can learn nothing from this thread now. I am better off spending my time in other things. This is probably the worst online conversation I have ever had.

Fifthly, I will obviously not post my personal statement, but I became interested in podiatry after seeing a podiatrist perform foot surgery. I didn't really care much for podiatry before then.

 

[GetnMyFtNtheDor]

You guys should really lay off this dude...all he wants is a few questions answered. Sometimes we are so quick to bash people in this forum. That's what we have moderators for, let them do the bashing if something is out of line. No new poster should have to be crucified over the internet because they ask a question or say something we don't like. You must understand that they are coming to this forum out of ignorance. I use the term ignorance because they just don't know much about the field and they want to know more. In the beginning, we did not have the answer to all the questions either. Someone had to kindly show us, or point us in the right direction. Don't you realize this forum may be some people's determining factor on whether they want to persue this field? Kind of like a first impression; it should be warm and friendly, not defensive, not argumentative, and not negative. We are not the gatekeepers of podiatry; leave that to the admissions department of the schools. If you don't have anything positive to post on this thread, why are you posting at all?

 

[dtrack22]

GetnMyFtNtheDor:
This "dude" writes like a female...and I will not get off her.

Darklord:

Firstly, do you have any proof either? I only have one cousin who was in that situation and went to POD school. The scenarios do make sense podiatry is an excellent back up option. Also the 2nd doctor is actually a complement when you look at it from the Pharmacy Perspective. I do not know of any *Professional* Degree that allows one to practice real human medicine that is not MD DO.

The proof is in the forum. Many of us have been around the forum for awhile and have gotten to know one another. Most of us are not using podiatry as a backup...unless by backup you mean I wanted to be an MD until a talked to/shadowed/was operated on one too many unhappy/divorced/overworked MD's.

Secondly, yes college is about both classes and experience that is why I want to go there. I know competition is difficult that is why I am working as hard as I can to get into a combined program.not only about the classes, its about the experience. This is the only time you can pretend to be an adult without actually having to be one.

You don't want to go to college though...you want to go straight into medical school. These combined programs do not leave time for intramurals, parties, frisbee (if you hang out with Natch in Bend, OR ), etc. You won't have time to be an RA, join a club, be a part of student gov., etc. And you are missing the whole point of college, as evident by that last sentence. You go to college to delay adulthood. You gain valuable knowledge, build invaluable relationships, and prolong the time you get to be a kid with limited responsibility. And IMO, at this rate, you are going to be one incredibly awkward adult.

Thirdly, I posted that there were exceptions on the thread okay. California is full of Asians and they very from place to place. We are Asians and people will have different experiences. Also, whatever I posted is because some ***** was accusing me of being an abused teen!

How are you going to act like an adult when you make excuses like a child?

Fourthly, I believe now that I can learn nothing from this thread now. I am better off spending my time in other things. This is probably the worst online conversation I have ever had.

If you really are leaving take GymMan with you...

Fifthly, I will obviously not post my personal statement, but I became interested in podiatry after seeing a podiatrist perform foot surgery. I didn't really care much for podiatry before then.

Be an ortho then, as far as I'm concerned my future profession won't miss you

 

[dtrack22]

You just got LAWYERED...How I Met Your Mother, anybody?

 

[jonwill]

This thread is going the wrong way. Everybody settle down and feel free to give Darklord input concerning his original questions. Otherwise, don't bother. I'm usually pretty liberal in allowing debate but this one's getting awful close to closing.

 

[whiskers]

This thread needs to be moved to the pre podiatry forum.
He's just another redundant high school kid who thinks he is going to change the world and everyone should be impressed that he even considered podiatry... But he still needs to ask his question in the appropriate place in my opinion.

What if every prepod applicant had their "evaluate my stats" post in this forum, it would turn into the prepod forum.

Kid, Take your question to the prepod forum and I will personally answer it, if I feel like it is worth my time./

I will say that everyone I know went to high school and you are not even finished yet. Maybe start from step one and get some real accomplishments before promoting yourself to super doctor status, OK? I mean you haven't even lived on your own yet and are still sipping on mommys cup and daddys money.

And yes, being a podiatrist was my back up plan! My original plan of living off my parents for the rest of my life while I dreamed of doing great things with my life but taking no real tangible action... just sitting around playing with my toys and video games, failed when my parents finally kicked me out of the house after graduating high school and told me to do something with my life.


BTW, the line for super doctor is pretty full, take a ticket and have a seat it's going to be a long wait.

 

[UW66]

If you really are leaving take GymMan with you...

Please god lol.



Take Nats advise. Growing up is more than just celebrating your birthday evey 365 days, and college is where a lot of it happens. Take some astronomy classes, volunteer somewhere, have some beers, and meet some sorority girls.

Like a few here have said, many career-only driven people end up with personalities like zip codes in kansas. And coming from an undergrad that had an enormous asian population (Im not racist, its simply a fact) i also got to see those kids first hand. Dont get me wrong there were some hella white nerds too, but for whatever reason it was more prevalant amongst the asian/indian population.

Dont be one of those kids, yaknow......and theres nothing wrong with being hard working and goal orientated, but for a well rounded life experience......go find a 4 year university, meet some awesome people there, and do the college thing.


anyway, best of luck. In the end go with your gut though, and what you think will make YOU happy, cause whats life worth if ya aren't happy.

 

[air bud]

damn it. i wish i knew how to quit you. i said i was done.


darklord, you do realize podiatry and medicine in general deals with people. The ability to relate to people from different socio-economical backgrounds is crucial. There basically two places to gain some initial exposure. The real world (business world--not the tv show) and college.

somehow, in the span of two days, you have managed to alienate dozens of people reading this thread. As podiatry becomes more competitive, who a person is and their personality will become more important. Good stats will not be everything, as there will (hopefully) be more qualified applicants.

on a lighter note, I would like to congratulate you on joining others such as thetachi, squiliana, gym man and others atop the pantheon of pod forum notoriety.

 

[tracheatoedoc]

If you're smart enough to be considered for a 6 year MD program, why are you even considering Podiatry. Podiatry is essentially for B and C students and obviously you are better than that.
If you don't get the 6yr thing, go to UCLA and graduate in 3 years and then it will be aa 7yr thing.
If you liked watching some pod do foot surgery, and it excited you, then you probably would like all kinds of surgery. Neurosurgery? That would make your Korean friend's parents envious.

 

[toothsome]

I think "illegal" was referring to the "show the love" part of your post, if I am correct... if you want to meet "nice" people, I think the dental forum is nicer.

Haha-That is one of the funniest things i've read on the forums

Anyways, Just go to a 4 year UG program. You will miss out on alot of parties if you do a 6 year program. And that's what college is about.

 

[cool_vkb]

If you're smart enough to be considered for a 6 year MD program, why are you even considering Podiatry. Podiatry is essentially for B and C students and obviously you are better than that.
.

Woah woah! i hope this was a joke but you usually never joke so iam getting nervous thinking about the coming storm . Iam gonna run to get my popcorn. Let the bashing begin...

 

[kelus]

You guys should really lay off this dude...all he wants is a few questions answered. Sometimes we are so quick to bash people in this forum. That's what we have moderators for, let them do the bashing if something is out of line. No new poster should have to be crucified over the internet because they ask a question or say something we don't like. You must understand that they are coming to this forum out of ignorance. I use the term ignorance because they just don't know much about the field and they want to know more. In the beginning, we did not have the answer to all the questions either. Someone had to kindly show us, or point us in the right direction. Don't you realize this forum may be some people's determining factor on whether they want to persue this field? Kind of like a first impression; it should be warm and friendly, not defensive, not argumentative, and not negative. We are not the gatekeepers of podiatry; leave that to the admissions department of the schools. If you don't have anything positive to post on this thread, why are you posting at all?

wow, im impressed with your ability step outside the mudslinging and call for peace.
nice job, its nice to have some help in trying to calm irate people down.
thanks

 

[whiskers]

tracheatoedoc, you know that is not entirely true.

Good students always seem to go to where the money is and by all accounts, family practice and internal medicine is a death sentance without a fellowship in terms of earning potential, and reimbursements are even paultry compared to minor pod procedures.

I mean why would anyone go to med school and residency for 13 yrs to be earning about the same amount as a PA or NP? That is the way medicine is today and it is unfortunate.

While the medical field trades platitudes and insults... earnings are erroding at a rapid pace and the best and brightest are no longer being lured into the medicine grind.

This is not to say that there is no talent, but to be realistic, you have to admit that the applicant pool is marginal with a herd mentality and very few creative thinkers.

Most are hard workers for sure, as that is what is rewarded in medicine, but few are creative. They are cookie cutter doctors who spend their lives in a middle class lifestyle enslaved to debt and to their perceived status.

In general, these days, more and more B/C students are entering medicine in general as the high scoring ones are entering other professions.

We may see a temporary glip with this type of economy, but the trend is towards B/C students for medicine due to it's far lower earning potentials than even 20 years ago.

You and I both know this and to pretend that osteopath and MD programs are not scooping up their share of 3.0 students is really being dishonest.