thinking about med school. Serious question, please no strident criticism.?

Question

I am 23 now, I have been thinking what to do with my life. The thing I love the most is helping people, I have worked at prisons, and even a boot camp for juveniles. I also serve in the us army in the field artillery, as target acquisition. I have always dreamed of getting an M.D. However I know that is very hard to obtain that title. I am not dreaming, or saying this after a show of grey's anatomy. Now I am a criminal justice major in college. The closest thing to science I have taken was philosophy. I am aware that I would have to take at least biology, maintain a good GPA. I also am aware of how competitive med schools are, and how they look at certain credentials, i.e. MCAT scores, volunteer work, researching, etc. I know all about dedication, and commitment; for that is what it takes to get into, and to succeed in med school. I have dealt with a lot of adversity in the military, especially being a combat MOS. Thank you for your appreciating my aspiration, and notions

Answer 1

You seem to know exactly what the price you will pay to follow your dream will be, and the rewards that will follow. I can't think of anyone better suited to pursue Med School.

Figure this - you will probably be around 30, 32 by the time you finish. You will probably work until your 65 or 70. So you'll have 40 YEARS to follow your dream.

It's worth it. You know what you have to do and have made the commitment to do it. Take the prereqs, study for the MCAT, and apply.

Go for it.

Answer 2

I served for 12 year US Army and the last six of those was as a Field Artillery Officer so I know where you are coming from. I have a friend who used to be an obese and abused housewife for many years until after two grown kids she lost all the extra weight, got into shape and entered medical school at age 45 in Monterrey, Mexico.

She has one year left to go—she had a BS in biology that for years she never used in any type of work endeavor. Believe you can, work hard, you already know the value of self discipline from your military background so employ that and go for it!!

Answer 3

I'm not sure what your question is, but here is a link that will give you an overview of the process involved in getting a MD: http://people.howstuffworks.com/becoming-a-doctor.htm

I'd also recommend that you review the web site put up by the Association of Amercian Medical Colleges (tons of info there): http://www.aamc.org/

You might want to spend a few hours reviewing your state university's web site to learn as much as you can about their program.

I'd also recommend you go to the StudentDoctorNetwork: http://www.studentdoctor.net/

If you are considering an offshore school because of lower admission requirements, you should visit ValueMD to read frank discussions about the schools from current and former students at each school: http://www.valuemd.com/

Good luck!

Answer 4

It's a noble profession - why not? The only problem is that you will need to take a number of science classes first, before you can take the MCAT, but people do stranger career moves all the time. Go for it, and I wish you luck.

Answer 5

Go for it!
You have the intelligence and willingness to work.
Your history will show up well as an added factor for the test results.
If that's what you want to do, try it!
If you don't you will kick yourself in the *** for not trying for the next 60 years.
Good luck, and work hard,
Dave

Answer 6

Follow your dream, for it will become a reality.