Hello everyone, just registered and after looking over the forums a bit thought I would ask a question that may not have a clear answer:
How might having a background in medical physics change how I am perceived as a medical school applicant and after that as I am seeking a radonc residency?
I have an M.S. in Medical Physics and have worked in radiation oncology for a while and enjoy it very much. While I love physics, an evolution of my interest in cancer medicine has led me to ponder whether returning to school for my M.D. (potentially M.D./Ph.D.) would be a good decision for me.
Putting aside that very personal decision and just focusing on the process of getting into medical school and then a radonc residency, how do you think my situation might benefit or hurt me?
As far as grades are concerned I am very strong, a 4.0 both as an undergrad and as a graduate. Obviously I am intimately familiar with the workings of radiation oncology departments and with cancer care itself, though of course I don't claim an M.D.'s expertise in patient management. I've not taken the MCAT but lets make a bold assumption and say I do well on it (I've always been an excellent standardized test taker, even in my weaker subjects).
Would application reviewers take my background in radiation oncology seriously or would they see my career change as being wishy-washy? Is the field of radiation oncology so difficult to enter that going to medical school would be betting against my better interests if it were the only specialty I was interested in pursuing? It isn't as if I am struggling now, I have a high six-figures job and no debt. While I would hate to sacrifice what I have for a failed attempt at becoming a radonc...nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.
Really just curious about the fundamental question: do you think a background in medical physics and radiation oncology would be helpful or hurtful to me if I were to pursue medical school with the intent of becoming a radiation oncologist?
Cheers.
How might having a background in medical physics change how I am perceived as a medical school applicant and after that as I am seeking a radonc residency?
I have an M.S. in Medical Physics and have worked in radiation oncology for a while and enjoy it very much. While I love physics, an evolution of my interest in cancer medicine has led me to ponder whether returning to school for my M.D. (potentially M.D./Ph.D.) would be a good decision for me.
Putting aside that very personal decision and just focusing on the process of getting into medical school and then a radonc residency, how do you think my situation might benefit or hurt me?
As far as grades are concerned I am very strong, a 4.0 both as an undergrad and as a graduate. Obviously I am intimately familiar with the workings of radiation oncology departments and with cancer care itself, though of course I don't claim an M.D.'s expertise in patient management. I've not taken the MCAT but lets make a bold assumption and say I do well on it (I've always been an excellent standardized test taker, even in my weaker subjects).
Would application reviewers take my background in radiation oncology seriously or would they see my career change as being wishy-washy? Is the field of radiation oncology so difficult to enter that going to medical school would be betting against my better interests if it were the only specialty I was interested in pursuing? It isn't as if I am struggling now, I have a high six-figures job and no debt. While I would hate to sacrifice what I have for a failed attempt at becoming a radonc...nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.
Really just curious about the fundamental question: do you think a background in medical physics and radiation oncology would be helpful or hurtful to me if I were to pursue medical school with the intent of becoming a radiation oncologist?
Cheers.