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Unfolding Nature Shop: Unfolding Nature: Being in the Implicate Order

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Anyone do med school?
    #16587192 -

I'm working towards transferring to a UC as a psych major, but I'm starting to think that keeping a med school option open is a good idea, after completing undergraduate studies. Ideally though, I want to go to graduate school for a PhD in clinical psychology.

Anyone take the med school route? Seems like a lot of work to me. A lot of calc and O-chem not to mention the cost and competetiveness of attending a med school. But the career field seems very interesting and challenging to me. It also is seems to yield a very good and stable income.

So what do you guys think? Is this something I should work at/option to keep open even though I am totally intimidated by it?


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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16587241 -

I know that, with a psych major, you have so few options with just a bachelors. you basically have to go to grad school if you are actually wanting to do something in psychology.

i thought about doing the med school route for awhile. i know that there are schools out there that will pay for your tuition and give you a yearly stipend of about $30,000. because, not including the first year, much of your training is doing actual work. but, yeah, if you're not into chemistry then stay away from med school

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16587263 -

Depending on the medical specialty you're comparing it to, a PhD will be just as much time.  For a PhD you're looking at 5+ years of grad school and 3+ of a post doc.  That's approximately equivalent to the 4 years of med school and a 4 year residency.  Obviously, other medical specialties may be longer.

In terms of job placement, an MD will be much easier. Overall, you can probably do the job of the PhD with an MD, but not vice versa.


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...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge.  It is an indellible experience; it is forever known.  I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did.

Smith, P.  Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27.

...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely.

Osmond, H.  Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: badchad]
    #16587413 -

xxblahblablahxx said:
I know that, with a psych major, you have so few options with just a bachelors. you basically have to go to grad school if you are actually wanting to do something in psychology.

i thought about doing the med school route for awhile. i know that there are schools out there that will pay for your tuition and give you a yearly stipend of about $30,000. because, not including the first year, much of your training is doing actual work. but, yeah, if you're not into chemistry then stay away from med school


I'm not totally into chem so maybe grad school is the better option

badchad said:
Depending on the medical specialty you're comparing it to, a PhD will be just as much time.  For a PhD you're looking at 5+ years of grad school and 3+ of a post doc.  That's approximately equivalent to the 4 years of med school and a 4 year residency.  Obviously, other medical specialties may be longer.

In terms of job placement, an MD will be much easier. Overall, you can probably do the job of the PhD with an MD, but not vice versa.


I really don't know. I think a PhD in clinical psychology is more up my alley, therefore less stress and BS to go through so :/


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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16587479 -

bananaman said:
I really don't know. I think a PhD in clinical psychology is more up my alley, therefore less stress and BS to go through so :/


If you want to do clinical work (talk therapy), then look into a PsyD.  Much easier to obtain, way less hassle.


--------------------
...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge.  It is an indellible experience; it is forever known.  I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did.

Smith, P.  Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27.

...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely.

Osmond, H.  Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: badchad]
    #16587640 -

I'll be doing some med school stuff starting this fall. Its more crystallography/cell biology related rather than actual medical stuff.


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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: mellowparty]
    #16587685 -

mellowparty said:
I'll be doing some med school stuff starting this fall. Its more crystallography/cell biology related rather than actual medical stuff.


In the U.S., its not uncommon for grad students to take a few classes right alongside the medical students.

Depending on the field, you'll also see MD's sitting on the faculty as research professors, doing strictly research.  Obviously, MD's usually partake in clinical research, but not always.


--------------------
...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge.  It is an indellible experience; it is forever known.  I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did.

Smith, P.  Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27.

...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely.

Osmond, H.  Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16587734 -

bananaman said:
I'm working towards transferring to a UC as a psych major, but I'm starting to think that keeping a med school option open is a good idea, after completing undergraduate studies. Ideally though, I want to go to graduate school for a PhD in clinical psychology.

Anyone take the med school route? Seems like a lot of work to me. A lot of calc and O-chem not to mention the cost and competetiveness of attending a med school. But the career field seems very interesting and challenging to me. It also is seems to yield a very good and stable income.

So what do you guys think? Is this something I should work at/option to keep open even though I am totally intimidated by it?



DO NOT stop with only a psych degree of any kind. It is a very low income field; It is rewarding in that you are helping others, but you do this while making very little money and working very shitty hours. If you are really motivated to continue your pursuit of a psych degree, take the minimum psych required classes each semester (like 1 per semester), and fill the rest of your units with science, mathematics, etc... until you have the premed requirements filled. Or just switch majors to a more scientific field. MD is a GREAT option, in my opinion

Again, DO not hurry up for your bachelors in psych, you will regret it.

Also, do some internship work, and research work as well. Dont waste your time on this.


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notapillow said: "you are going about this endeavor all wrong. clear your mind of useless fear and concern. buy the ticket, take the ride, and all that.... "

ChrisWho said: "It's all about the journey, not the destination."

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: Mickalopagus]
    #16587818 -

I've never heard of anyone describing med school as requiring "a lot of calc" maybe one semester tops.  None of the classes you would take in med-school require calculus, (I mean real calculus)..
.

If your not a fan of chem than med-school is not a good choice.  Maybe try taking an O-Chem class from a CC that you have never gone too before, that way if you fail it wont disrupt your GPA.  You will find that you will need to take your education further than a bachelors degree as a psych major, whether you realize it now or later.  When applying for graduate school it is important to have a solid GPA, a good resume, and recommendations so keep that all in mind.

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16587971 -

If you are sticking with psych.. start working your butt off to ensure you can continue on with a psych PHD, cause a psych major isn't worth much.

In terms of med school, it is awesome.  Calc and Chem are hoops you have to jump through in undergrad to get there, but in reality you don't have to know that much about them to survive (although understanding them does make stuff easier).

If you do want to go to med school, start working on it now.  In reality it isn't that difficult to get in... it is more about doing all the things required on the checklist (volunteering, shadowing, research etc), but it is a lot more work than a psych major would be.  There are times you will have to stay in to study when friends are going out (but really not that much).

Totally worth the pain though, even as only a med student you get to do some cool shit.

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: Mickalopagus]
    #16588353 -

Thanks guys, all really great responses on here.

badchad said:
bananaman said:
I really don't know. I think a PhD in clinical psychology is more up my alley, therefore less stress and BS to go through so :/


If you want to do clinical work (talk therapy), then look into a PsyD.  Much easier to obtain, way less hassle.


Psy.D programs seem really great and it looks like they offer most, if not all of the perks of a PhD training and liscensing. I still feel like having a PhD after your name just looks better though, but I'm not too sure. Hopefully Psy.D graduates get more and more of the recognition they deserve, because they sound essentially equal.


badchad said:
mellowparty said:
I'll be doing some med school stuff starting this fall. Its more crystallography/cell biology related rather than actual medical stuff.


In the U.S., its not uncommon for grad students to take a few classes right alongside the medical students.

Depending on the field, you'll also see MD's sitting on the faculty as research professors, doing strictly research.  Obviously, MD's usually partake in clinical research, but not always.


Yes, I believe PhD/PsyD students go through a very similar process as med students in terms of internships (residency?) and some research. So you're right, it's probably a good idea to make friends with future med students and see what undergrad courses they are taking.


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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: hailtothethief]
    #16588514 -

mick said:
DO NOT stop with only a psych degree of any kind. It is a very low income field; It is rewarding in that you are helping others, but you do this while making very little money and working very shitty hours. If you are really motivated to continue your pursuit of a psych degree, take the minimum psych required classes each semester (like 1 per semester), and fill the rest of your units with science, mathematics, etc... until you have the premed requirements filled. Or just switch majors to a more scientific field. MD is a GREAT option, in my opinion

Again, DO not hurry up for your bachelors in psych, you will regret it.

Also, do some internship work, and research work as well. Dont waste your time on this.


This is great info. There is no way I'm gonna stop with just a BA. I'm better than that. I'm pretty motivated right now hopefully I can continue take some more psych (developmental/research) while at CC. I should also take calculus and O chem just for experience. Maybe I'll totally hate it but who knows. This way I won't be hurrying to get a bachelors.  Internships, research and stuff seem like big factors too. That would look good for med school as well as grad school I suppose. If I do end up at M.S I would really aim for an MD. That would be so cool. That way, I could even be a psychiatrist. They make $$$$ like crazy.


Phttth said:
I've never heard of anyone describing med school as requiring "a lot of calc" maybe one semester tops.  None of the classes you would take in med-school require calculus, (I mean real calculus)..
.

If your not a fan of chem than med-school is not a good choice.  Maybe try taking an O-Chem class from a CC that you have never gone too before, that way if you fail it wont disrupt your GPA.  You will find that you will need to take your education further than a bachelors degree as a psych major, whether you realize it now or later.  When applying for graduate school it is important to have a solid GPA, a good resume, and recommendations so keep that all in mind.


I think a lot of med schools want you to have at least some calculus experience. Take a look at the MCATs for example. But yeah I'll take at least one semester of calc, and probably even some O chem. I would try to get the best profs too so I don't screw my GPA, I don't know about taking the classes at a completely different school. Yeah I ain't stopping at a bachelors. No way. And like you said solid GPA, a good resume, and recommendations are important no matter what I do.


hailtothethief said:
If you are sticking with psych.. start working your butt off to ensure you can continue on with a psych PHD, cause a psych major isn't worth much.

In terms of med school, it is awesome.  Calc and Chem are hoops you have to jump through in undergrad to get there, but in reality you don't have to know that much about them to survive (although understanding them does make stuff easier).

If you do want to go to med school, start working on it now.  In reality it isn't that difficult to get in... it is more about doing all the things required on the checklist (volunteering, shadowing, research etc), but it is a lot more work than a psych major would be.  There are times you will have to stay in to study when friends are going out (but really not that much).

Totally worth the pain though, even as only a med student you get to do some cool shit.


Great reply. Gives me some hope about keeping that med school option open. Thanks for lessening the intimidation factor a bit.

Yeah I've been working my ass off at CC to get the requirements knocked out and to keep a high GPA. I'm trying to transfer to a UC (UCLA finger crossed). This year I'm going to take more advanced psych classes as well as some calc and o chem for some exposure.

What I'm getting at though, is can I major in psychology (BA) and go to med school afterwards (instead of continuing with doctoral study)?  With some exposure to material (undergrad chem and calc) and preparation (for MCAT) of course...


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X___________________

Edited by bananaman (07/25/12 07:44 PM)

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16588552 -

I haven't but I went to middle school with a girl who is. I see her every week or so on Facebook posting about how it's going to kill her. Seems tough.


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Take a look at my journal

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: Darwin23]
    #16588557 -

her career wont be much different.

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: Darwin23]
    #16588585 -

Darwin23 said:
I haven't but I went to middle school with a girl who is. I see her every week or so on Facebook posting about how it's going to kill her. Seems tough.


Hmmm, in that case, maybe she spends too much time on facebook. haha


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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16588593 -

Maybe I'll get a PHD and MD and be like Fraiser



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X___________________

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16588697 -

Quote:
bananaman said:

What I'm getting at though, is can I major in psychology (BA) and go to med school afterwards (instead of continuing with doctoral study)?  With some exposure to material (undergrad chem and calc) and preparation (for MCAT) of course...


Yes you can major in psych, however there are certain classes you need to take that are per-requisites for med school (some schools can have small differences, such as requiring Biochem).  You can find these pre-reqs online, but in reality you should talk to a pre-med adviser if you have one at your community college (might not have one) or at UCLA if you end up there.

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: hailtothethief]
    #16588720 -

hailtothethief said:
Quote:
bananaman said:

What I'm getting at though, is can I major in psychology (BA) and go to med school afterwards (instead of continuing with doctoral study)?  With some exposure to material (undergrad chem and calc) and preparation (for MCAT) of course...


Yes you can major in psych, however there are certain classes you need to take that are per-requisites for med school (some schools can have small differences, such as requiring Biochem).  You can find these pre-reqs online, but in reality you should talk to a pre-med adviser if you have one at your community college (might not have one) or at UCLA if you end up there.



Ahhh, thank you


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X___________________

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: bananaman]
    #16588727 -

bananaman said:
Psy.D programs seem really great and it looks like they offer most, if not all of the perks of a PhD training and liscensing. I still feel like having a PhD after your name just looks better though, but I'm not too sure. Hopefully Psy.D graduates get more and more of the recognition they deserve, because they sound essentially equal.
 


Nope.  In general PsyD's are looked down upon by PhD's and MD's.  They will not receive funding for research and typically don't hold faculty appointments (e.g. they aren't college professors).  The degree is considered a "professional" degree, not an academic one.    It's designed to get people on the couch for therapy and thats about it.


--------------------
...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge.  It is an indellible experience; it is forever known.  I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did.

Smith, P.  Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27.

...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely.

Osmond, H.  Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436

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Re: Anyone do med school? [Re: badchad]
    #16588803 -

badchad said:
bananaman said:
Psy.D programs seem really great and it looks like they offer most, if not all of the perks of a PhD training and liscensing. I still feel like having a PhD after your name just looks better though, but I'm not too sure. Hopefully Psy.D graduates get more and more of the recognition they deserve, because they sound essentially equal.
 


Nope.  In general PsyD's are looked down upon by PhD's and MD's.  They will not receive funding for research and typically don't hold faculty appointments (e.g. they aren't college professors).  The degree is considered a "professional" degree, not an academic one.    It's designed to get people on the couch for therapy and thats about it.


Oh okay. I always felt like PhDs were better anyway. More work but more respectable, more opportunities, etc... Hmmm. I'll just have to decide whats best when the time comes, but PhD sounds a lot more appealing.


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Unfolding Nature Shop: Unfolding Nature: Being in the Implicate Order

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