MA student/Neurology tech seeks mentor

[brudog59]

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Hello Everyone!

After spending some months now shadowing two excellent pediatric neurologists @ Massachusetts General Hospital, I've discovered that this is the field for me! I come to you all today in search of some advice as to how I can realize my goal of becoming a pediatric neurologist. Here is my current situation.

-Currently employed at MGH as an imaging technician within the Neurology department (2 yrs)
-Perform secondary research in a Developmental Neurobiology Lab (wet lab)
-Entering Boston Univeristy for the MA in Medical Sciences Program in September (to boost science GPA/retake MCAT)
-applying to med school in June 2008
-hopefully entering Med school in Sept. 2009

Given this brief profile/timeline, could anyone who is in or trying to get into the field share any "tips" as to what I can do in the next two years to really shape my med school and residency application at the same time (IE continue shadowing, continue my neuro research @ MGH in parallel with my studies @ BU). Any feedback would be extremely useful.🙂

 

[neurologist]

Sounds like a "duh" but pretty much all you have to do from here is get good grades and MCATs.

Definitely keep on working. Although full time work and school will not be easy (esp if you have a family), it shows you can handle a huge workload.

Given your work experience I wouldn't worry about doing much more shadowing. Keeping your fingers in research might be a good idea if you can.

It would help to have "a life" outside of work/school. Some kind of hobbies/interests so you seem like a well-rounded person and not a total tool.

Good luck. And keep an open mind regarding your career . . . you may end up deciding that peds neuro isn't for you after all.

 

[llogg]

Sounds like a "duh" but pretty much all you have to do from here is get good grades and MCATs.

Definitely keep on working. Although full time work and school will not be easy (esp if you have a family), it shows you can handle a huge workload.

Given your work experience I wouldn't worry about doing much more shadowing. Keeping your fingers in research might be a good idea if you can.

It would help to have "a life" outside of work/school. Some kind of hobbies/interests so you seem like a well-rounded person and not a total tool.

Good luck. And keep an open mind regarding your career . . . you may end up deciding that peds neuro isn't for you after all.

I agree on everything except the "have a life" recommendation (at least in regards to your application). All that matters for your application at this point is grades and MCAT. People talk about other things that matter, but they only matter when splitting hairs amongst the people who are going to get in to their first or third choice schools. In your case, your work and research experience fill that portion of your application more than adequately. Since you mentioned retaking the MCAT and upping your GPA, my guess is those are the weak links in your application. They are also the most important. Study hard and good luck.

 

[brudog59]

Thank you both for the useful feedback!