Session 582
Sanjana is a premed student who shares her nontraditional journey to medical school. Listen as we bust some myths about this crazy premed world and getting into medical school.
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.
Sanjana’s Interest in Medicine
Sanjana traces her deep-rooted interest in medicine back to her childhood when she declared at age 3 that she wanted to become a doctor. Sanjana’s passion for the medical field was further fueled by her family’s unfulfilled dreams of pursuing a career in medicine, instilling in her a strong desire to carry on that legacy.
Despite facing financial constraints and a lack of guidance at times, Sanjana remained steadfast in her commitment to becoming a physician. She was driven by her belief in the power of medicine to transform lives.
“As a doctor and a medical professional, I have the power to change those stories of real human lives… that’s not only a power, but also a privilege, a great responsibility.”
Exploring Other Passions
Sanjana had a variety of other passions and interests she explored throughout her educational journey. She was a published author, indicating a talent for writing, and was also professionally trained in Indian classical dance.
Sanjana acknowledges that she loved to pursue multiple passions, including these creative outlets, and at times considered pursuing them as potential career paths. However, Sanjana ultimately felt that the medical field would allow her to have the greatest impact on people’s lives. This led her to remain dedicated to her dream of becoming a physician.
Her Decision to Pursue Medicine in the United States
When the time came to continue her education, Sanjana made the decision to return to the United States . She believed she would have access to the robust academic resources and opportunities she needed to thrive as a pre-med student.
Despite facing financial challenges and a lack of guidance, Sanjana navigated her way through a community college and then transferred to a smaller university.
Sanjana’s Community College Experience and the Medical School Interview
Despite the misconceptions and doubts expressed by some about the impact of starting at a community college, Sanjana remained steadfast in her conviction that it was the right choice for her.
To her pleasant surprise, her community college experience did not become a point of contention during her medical school interviews. Rather than being viewed as a liability, Sanjana was able to effectively convey the valuable leadership opportunities and personal growth she had experienced at the smaller institution.
By highlighting the connections she had made and the skills she had honed, Sanjana demonstrated to the admissions committees that her community college background had, in fact, strengthened her as an applicant. She was able to showcase her resilience and adaptability – qualities that are highly sought after in aspiring medical professionals.
Sanjana’s Proactive Approach to Her Application
Securing Robust Premed Support
When it came time for Sanjana to transfer from the community college to a four-year university to complete her bachelor’s degree, she was meticulous in her research to ensure she would have access to the necessary premed resources and support.
Sanjana made a concerted effort to connect with the university’s premed advising office. She thoroughly vetted their program and the level of guidance they could provide to aspiring medical students.
“I wanted to make sure that the school that I was attending, even if it was small, knew what it meant to be a premed and what was required in the application process.”
She was determined to find a school that had a strong academic curriculum. She was also looking for a dedicated team of advisors who understood the unique needs and challenges of the premed track. By taking this proactive approach, Sanjana was able to identify a university that could offer her the personalized support and mentorship she needed to navigate the rigorous premed journey.
Exploring Clinical and Shadowing Experiences
At the community college, she was limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, but once she transferred to the four-year university, Sanjana hit the ground running. She reached out to professors, the premed advising office, and explored the university’s connections with local healthcare facilities to identify internships, shadowing programs, and other clinical exposure opportunities.
Sanjana made sure to get involved in these experiences even before her first semester started. That way, she could accumulate the necessary clinical hours and gain valuable practical insights into the medical field.
The Challenges of Balancing Premed Responsibilities
For Sanjana, the hardest aspect of being a premed student was the sheer volume of responsibilities she had to juggle simultaneously. Without the benefit of extensive guidance or support, Sanjana found herself navigating multiple jobs, clinical volunteering hours, and the need to maintain exceptional academic performance, all while preparing for the MCAT.
Studying for the MCAT for Just Two Weeks!
Sanjana’s decision to only study for the MCAT for two weeks was primarily due to the competing demands on her time as a premed student. She found herself juggling multiple responsibilities. She had a job to support herself financially. At the same time, she was doing clinical volunteering and excelling academically.
With so many priorities vying for her attention, Sanjana was unable to dedicate the recommended amount of time to MCAT preparation.
She acknowledges that this was not the ideal approach and that, in hindsight, she would have allocated more time to thoroughly prepare for the exam. However, Sanjana’s exceptional academic performance and ability to excel despite the limited preparation time ultimately worked in her favor. She achieved a decent MCAT score that met the requirements of the medical schools she was applying to.
“I underestimated the amount of time that it would take to prepare for the MCAT.”
Sanjana’s Determined Approach to the Medical School Application Process
Despite the challenges she faced, Sanjana approached the medical school application process with unwavering determination. She worked diligently to complete her primary and secondary applications, ensuring they were submitted on time, even if it meant sacrificing some personal time.
Sanjana’s strength as a writer honed through her experience as a published author, allowed her to craft compelling personal statements and essays that effectively conveyed her passion for medicine and her unique experiences.
“When you write about your experiences, and they say show, don’t tell – that approach also helped me make sure that I was sending out the right messages about who I was as an applicant.”
Furthermore, Sanjana took a proactive approach to preparing for her medical school interviews. She thoroughly reviewed her application materials and practiced her responses to potential questions. Her attention to detail and commitment to presenting her best self during the interview process paid off.
Getting Her First Interview Invite
She was able to secure her first interview invitation as early as August, a testament to the strength of her application.
While Sanjana acknowledges that, in hindsight, she would have applied to a broader range of medical schools, her focused and strategic approach ultimately led to her success in gaining acceptance to her desired program.
Preparing for the Interviews
Sanjana understood the importance of the interview process in the medical school admissions journey. She approached it with the same level of dedication and attention to detail that she had applied to other aspects of her application. Aware that her written materials represented who she was as an applicant, Sanjana thoroughly reviewed her personal statement, activities, and secondary essays before each interview.
Beyond simply refreshing her memory on the content, Sanjana also practiced her responses in front of a mirror, anticipating potential questions that might arise during the interview. She researched common interview questions and sought out information from past interviewees to gain insights into the types of topics that might be discussed.
Sanjana’s preparation also extended to ensuring she was mentally and physically prepared for the interviews. She made sure to get a good night’s rest before each session, recognizing the importance of being well-rested and focused.
Sanjana’s Reflections on Her Premed Journey and Areas for Improvement
Looking back on her premed journey, Sanjana acknowledges that there are a few aspects she would have approached differently.
Firstly, Sanjana recognizes that she could have been more strategic in her approach to the MCAT. Admitting that she underestimated the time and preparation required for the exam, Sanjana says she would have allocated more time to studying and practicing, rather than the rushed two-week timeline she had initially followed.
“I would have appreciated some guidance on how to apply broadly.”
Secondly, Sanjana reflects that she could have applied to a broader range of medical schools, rather than focusing primarily on institutions within a specific geographic location. While her location-based approach was influenced by practical concerns, such as the ability to attend interviews, Sanjana believes that expanding her application pool could have opened up additional opportunities.
Sanjana’s First Medical School Acceptance
For Sanjana, the moment she received her first medical school acceptance was nothing short of exhilarating. While on vacation in Pennsylvania, Sanjana was overjoyed to learn that she had been accepted to a medical school in the same state. She describes the experience as a “sign” that her dream of becoming a doctor was finally coming to fruition. Sanjana shared this momentous news first with her friends, who were the initial witnesses to her excitement and sense of accomplishment.
Sanjana’s Thoughtful Approach to Selecting Her Medical School
Having received multiple acceptances, Sanjana was faced with the important decision of choosing the medical school that would be the best fit for her. Rather than making a hasty decision, Sanjana took the time to carefully evaluate each of the schools that had offered her a spot.
Sanjana’s evaluation process involved a multifaceted approach. She conducted virtual “second looks” to gain a deeper understanding of the schools’ programs, curriculum, and overall culture, even though she was unable to visit the campuses in person. Sanjana also reached out to current students to get their perspectives on the learning environment and collaborative nature of the programs.
In addition to the academic and social considerations, Sanjana also factored in the financial implications of each option. She knew she had to select the medical school that would provide the best value and support for her educational goals.
By meticulously weighing the various factors, Sanjana was able to make an informed decision that aligned with her priorities and long-term aspirations.
Sanjana’s Exciting Future in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
As Sanjana embarks on the next chapter of her medical journey, she is filled with excitement and a sense of purpose. Her primary area of interest lies in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, a specialty that she finds particularly compelling.
Sanjana is drawn to the reconstructive aspects of plastic surgery, such as addressing issues related to cleft palates, burns, and trauma. She is eager to delve deeper into these areas and learn how she can use her medical expertise to make a tangible difference in the lives of her patients. Sanjana believes that this field aligns with her desire to not only provide medical care but also to have a transformative impact on the lives of those she serves.
Final Words of Wisdom
Looking back on her own nontraditional premed journey, Sanjana’s parting words of wisdom to her younger self and other aspiring medical students are simple yet profound: trust in your decision and believe in yourself.
“You’ve made the right decision for yourself. You may second-guess yourself… But if this is your calling… just have patience, and believe in yourself to keep going.”
She acknowledges that there may be moments of self-doubt or external skepticism, but emphasizes the importance of maintaining patience and perseverance in the face of challenges.
