Hi,
Recently graduated at a CSU with BA Biology degree with a 2.82 GPA/2.86 Math & Science GPA, general upward trend from two CC's which were both a 2.60 GPA. I have some undergrad research experience with 3 research projects/presentations, and I've had trouble deciding whether a research career or whether an MD-PhD is right for me. I like the idea of being able to do patient care while doing some research projects, but I haven't really settled in yet. I have heard that usually MD-PhD professionals will either stick to research or patient care.
I'm looking to accomplish both clinical and research experience by working both part-time at a hospital pharmacy as a pharmacy tech and also by working as a research assistant. Does this seem like a logistical or realistic approach to gaining experience in both? I've worked in retail pharmacy for almost 6 years, but transitioning into hospital is a little daunting. Also, getting my foot in the door as far as academic research outside of undergrad without getting into a master's program seems like a good route for me to explore without any full on education commitment.
I am considering DIY post-bac route or some sort of SMP, but after spending 10 continuous years trying to get my bachelor's degree (I failed and repeated A LOT of CC classes and dealt with academic burnout/depression), I'd like to take a step back from academic coursework for at least a year or two to take care of my health and work on myself before I make that kind of commitment again. It sucks a bit that my past attempts in CC have come back to bite me as far as academic opportunities, but I am trying to make do with my current circumstances rather than be fully disadvantaged by them.
Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated.
Recently graduated at a CSU with BA Biology degree with a 2.82 GPA/2.86 Math & Science GPA, general upward trend from two CC's which were both a 2.60 GPA. I have some undergrad research experience with 3 research projects/presentations, and I've had trouble deciding whether a research career or whether an MD-PhD is right for me. I like the idea of being able to do patient care while doing some research projects, but I haven't really settled in yet. I have heard that usually MD-PhD professionals will either stick to research or patient care.
I'm looking to accomplish both clinical and research experience by working both part-time at a hospital pharmacy as a pharmacy tech and also by working as a research assistant. Does this seem like a logistical or realistic approach to gaining experience in both? I've worked in retail pharmacy for almost 6 years, but transitioning into hospital is a little daunting. Also, getting my foot in the door as far as academic research outside of undergrad without getting into a master's program seems like a good route for me to explore without any full on education commitment.
I am considering DIY post-bac route or some sort of SMP, but after spending 10 continuous years trying to get my bachelor's degree (I failed and repeated A LOT of CC classes and dealt with academic burnout/depression), I'd like to take a step back from academic coursework for at least a year or two to take care of my health and work on myself before I make that kind of commitment again. It sucks a bit that my past attempts in CC have come back to bite me as far as academic opportunities, but I am trying to make do with my current circumstances rather than be fully disadvantaged by them.
Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated.