Session 581
Nisha Dilma and Dr. Gray discuss the future of medical education, emphasizing the importance of empathy, authenticity, and hands-on learning. They also share personal experiences with medical school applications, highlighting the emotional toll of rejection and the value of persistence and resilience. Both speakers stress the financial burden of medical school and the importance of starting early to secure scholarships.
For more podcast resources to help you with your medical school journey and beyond, check out Meded Media.
Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.
Grandfather’s Influence on Nisha’s Passion for Medicine
Nisha’s interest in becoming a doctor was first sparked by her grandfather, who was a general surgeon in Iran. Nisha grew up witnessing her grandfather’s work and the deep personal connection he had with his patients, especially in their small town community.
Nisha was drawn to the ability to make such an impact on people’s lives as a physician, something she hadn’t witnessed in other professions. She was particularly impressed by the way her grandfather was able to become a part of his patients’ families, going beyond just providing medical care.
As Nisha explored other potential career paths, such as real estate, she found that the level of personal connection and impact she saw in her grandfather’s medical practice was lacking. This reinforced her desire to pursue a career in medicine, where she could have that same meaningful impact on her patients’ lives.
Gaining Hands-On Clinical Experience
Seeking to further explore her passion for medicine, Nisha took a gap year after her initial unsuccessful medical school application. During this time, she became a medical assistant, which allowed her to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience.
In her role as a medical assistant, Nisha was able to have direct, one-on-one interactions with patients. This gave her the opportunity to see firsthand the difference she could make in people’s lives through her work in healthcare.
Nisha found these patient interactions to be incredibly rewarding, as she was able to witness the positive impact she could have. This experience helped solidify her commitment to pursuing a career in medicine, as she saw the tangible benefits of her work.
“If you could be a medical assistant… whatever you can do to get your foot in the door and start, really interact with people one-on-one.”
Based on her own experience, Nisha strongly recommends that premed students seek out clinical experience, such as working as a medical assistant, EMT, or patient care technician. She believes this not only looks impressive on medical school applications, but also helps students confirm their passion for a career in healthcare.
Developing as a Communicator
Nisha’s clinical experience during her gap year as a medical assistant proved to be a transformative period in her personal and professional development. Through her direct interactions with patients, she was able to grow as an individual and hone her communication skills.
Improving Storytelling and Communication
Nisha found that her clinical experience allowed her to move beyond simply listing her accomplishments on her medical school application. Instead, she was able to effectively communicate her experiences through storytelling, highlighting the personal growth and insights she gained.
When Nisha applied to medical school a second time, she was able to showcase these improved communication and storytelling skills in her application materials. This allowed her to present a more compelling and authentic narrative, which ultimately contributed to her successful acceptance.
Leveraging Experiences to “Stand Out”
Nisha’s ability to thoughtfully reflect on and articulate her clinical experiences set her apart from other applicants. By demonstrating her personal development and passion for medicine, she was able to craft a stronger application that resonated with the admissions committees.
Journey from Premed to Neuroscience Major
Nisha began her college journey as a premed student, with the goal of eventually becoming a doctor. Initially, she majored in biology, as she believed that was the typical premed path. However, Nisha later switched to a neuroscience major, as she was still interested in the sciences and found the field of neuroscience quite fascinating.
Focus on getting clinical experience.
Despite her academic focus, Nisha recognized that clinical experience was crucial for her future medical school application. She knew that simply having a strong GPA and taking the right pre-requisite courses was not enough to gain admission to medical school. Nisha understood the importance of gaining hands-on experience in the healthcare field to confirm her passion for medicine.
During her time as a neuroscience major, Nisha made a concerted effort to seek out clinical experience opportunities. She worked as a medical receptionist, which she initially mistook for clinical experience, and also volunteered in various healthcare-related roles. These experiences, though not directly related to patient care, helped Nisha solidify her commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.
“Sometimes I really feel like I was just doing it to look good on paper, and not really chasing after things that I was passionate about.”
Focus on pursuing your passions.
Reflecting on her premed journey, Nisha acknowledges that she sometimes felt she was simply checking off boxes to make her application look good, rather than truly pursuing her passions. She wishes she had explored other areas of the medical field beyond research and clinical experience, as she believes this could have led her to discover additional interests or specialties within the healthcare industry.
The Emotional Roller Coaster of the Medical School Application Process
Nisha’s experience with the medical school application process was akin to an emotional roller coaster. She poured her heart and soul into preparing her application, investing countless hours and resources into making herself a competitive candidate. The anticipation and hope leading up to the decisions were palpable.
However, when Nisha faced rejection from medical schools, the experience was devastating. She felt as though the rejections were a personal failure, questioning whether she was truly cut out to become a doctor. The emotional toll of being told she was not good enough to be a physician was overwhelming.
Nisha found herself in a state of uncertainty and self-doubt. She began to wonder if she had wasted her college years pursuing a dream that was now slipping away. The prospect of switching career paths and abandoning her lifelong aspiration to be a doctor weighed heavily on her.
Lack of Support and Understanding
As a first-generation college student, Nisha did not have the benefit of family members or close friends who had been through the medical school application process. This lack of understanding and support only compounded the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.
Despite the setbacks and emotional challenges, Nisha ultimately decided to persevere. She recognized that her passion for medicine was too strong to give up, and she was inspired by seeing other students continue to pursue their dreams despite facing multiple rejections. This determination and resilience would ultimately lead Nisha to success in her second application cycle.
Frustration with the High Costs of Medical School
Throughout Nisha’s journey to becoming a doctor, the financial aspect of pursuing a medical education has been a constant source of frustration and concern.
The astronomical costs associated with applying to and attending medical school have been a significant burden for Nisha and her family.
Nisha expressed her dismay at the sheer financial commitment required just to apply to medical schools. From the MCAT exam preparation to the secondary application fees, the upfront costs can be prohibitive, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students.
Looking ahead to the actual cost of attending medical school, Nisha is acutely aware of the staggering tuition fees she will be facing. The prospect of taking on substantial student loan debt to finance her medical education is a daunting prospect, one that weighs heavily on her mind.
Lack of Affordability
Nisha questions why medical education in the United States has become so unaffordable. She notes that the high costs are pricing out many talented and deserving individuals from pursuing a career in medicine. She believes this is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed to ensure that the medical field remains accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Importance of Financial Literacy
Recognizing the financial challenges, Nisha has emphasized the importance of financial literacy and education for premed and medical students. She encourages her peers to explore scholarship opportunities and learn effective strategies for managing their finances during and after medical school.
Nisha’s determination to become a doctor, despite the daunting financial obstacles, is a testament to her passion and resilience. However, the high costs of medical education remain a significant barrier that must be addressed to ensure that the medical profession is truly accessible to all.
Nisha’s Decision to Pursue the Osteopathic (DO) Route
When Nisha faced rejection from medical schools during her initial application cycle, she had to carefully consider her next steps. One of the key decisions she made was to focus her efforts on applying to osteopathic (DO) medical schools, rather than allopathic (MD) programs.
Exploring the Osteopathic Approach
Nisha took the time to thoroughly research and understand the osteopathic philosophy and approach to medicine. She was particularly drawn to the emphasis on holistic patient care and the integration of osteopathic manipulation techniques into the medical training.
Nisha’s decision to pursue the DO route initially raised some concerns from her parents, who were unfamiliar with the distinction between allopathic and osteopathic medicine. However, Nisha was able to educate her family on the similarities and differences, ultimately convincing them that the DO path was the right choice for her.
Financial Considerations and Finding Your Fit
In addition to the philosophical alignment, Nisha’s decision to focus on DO programs was also influenced by financial factors. Applying to both MD and DO schools can be an expensive endeavor, and Nisha had to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of each option.
Ultimately, Nisha’s interest in pursuing sports medicine and her desire to incorporate osteopathic manipulation techniques into her future practice made the DO route a natural fit. She believed the additional training and expertise in this area would be invaluable in achieving her career aspirations.
Nisha’s thoughtful approach to exploring the osteopathic medical field and her commitment to aligning her educational path with her personal and professional goals ultimately led her to a successful second application cycle and acceptance into a DO program.
Dealing with the 504 MCAT
When Nisha initially applied to medical school, she faced a significant hurdle in the form of her MCAT score. Despite having a strong GPA of 3.98, Nisha’s MCAT score was a 504, which is considered on the lower end of the spectrum for allopathic (MD) medical school admissions.
Nisha seriously considered retaking the MCAT in an effort to improve her score and potentially increase her chances of acceptance at MD programs. However, she was ultimately deterred by the financial constraints she faced.
As a first-generation college student, Nisha did not have the financial resources to dedicate the time and money required to thoroughly prepare for and retake the MCAT. The opportunity cost of taking time off from work to study for the exam was simply too high.
“A lot of students don’t take into account this entire process studying for the MCAT, right? applying to medical school, doing your secondaries putting a deposit down
Given the financial limitations, Nisha made the strategic decision to focus her efforts on applying to osteopathic (DO) medical schools, where her MCAT score of 504 was considered more competitive. She recognized that the DO pathway aligned well with her interests in primary care and sports medicine.
While Nisha’s MCAT score was not ideal for MD programs, she was able to leverage her strong GPA, clinical experiences, and improved communication skills to craft a compelling application for DO schools. Her dedication and passion for medicine shone through, ultimately leading to her acceptance.
Improved Application the Second Time Around
When Nisha applied to medical school for the second time, she was able to significantly enhance the quality and impact of her application compared to her initial attempt.
Leveraging Clinical Experience
Nisha’s gap year experience as a medical assistant proved to be a transformative one. Through her direct interactions with patients, she was able to develop a deeper understanding of the medical field and the role of a physician. This hands-on experience allowed her to communicate her passion and commitment to medicine in a more authentic and compelling way.
Enhancing Storytelling and Communication Skills
Nisha’s clinical experience also helped her improve her storytelling and communication abilities. Rather than simply listing her accomplishments, she was able to weave narratives that showcased her personal growth, insights, and dedication to the medical profession. This allowed her to present a more well-rounded and engaging application.
Demonstrating Unique Perspectives
By drawing on her diverse experiences, both in and out of the medical field, Nisha was able to differentiate herself from other applicants. She was able to offer unique perspectives and demonstrate her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, a valuable asset for a future physician.
Aligning with Osteopathic (DO) Medicine
Nisha’s decision to focus her second application cycle on osteopathic (DO) medical schools also proved to be a strategic move. Her understanding of the DO philosophy and her interest in areas like sports medicine resonated with the admissions committees, leading to multiple acceptances.
#1 Tip for Exploring Scholarships for Med School
When it comes to navigating the financial challenges of pursuing a medical education, Nisha has a clear top recommendation for aspiring medical students: utilize the Moss Am ons app.
Nisha describes the Mos app as a game-changer when it comes to finding and applying for medical school scholarships. She likens the app’s functionality to “Tinder for scholarships,” as it allows users to swipe right or left on various scholarship opportunities that match their profile and qualifications.
Nisha’s Bright Future Ahead
Nisha plans to continue her medical education, pursuing either a family medicine or internal medicine residency, with the eventual goal of specializing in sports medicine. Beyond her medical training, Nisha remains committed to supporting and inspiring other premedical students, sharing her story and insights to help them navigate their own journeys.
