Could you post your stats?

[205930]

It would be of great help if you guys can provide a brief overview!
Please help

1. Accepted schools
2. Science/ overal GPA
3. MCAT
4. Extracurricular activities

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[Dental Jarry]

It would be of great help if you guys can provide a brief overview!
Please help

1. Accepted schools
2. Science/ overal GPA
3. MCAT
4. Extracurricular activities

1. I only applied to NYCPM, TUSPM, and Barry. I got into NYCPM, canceled my interview at TUSPM, and never heard back from barry.

2. sgpa 3.28/ cgpa 3.31

3. I took the DAT and got AA19/ TS19/ PAT22

4. 40 hours shadowing dentist, 7 hrs shadowing podiatrist, various philanthropic and volunteering done through my fraternity, had a minor role in the school student association, and did independant research. I never specified the amount of hours on my app.

 

[podiatrystinks]

accepted @ Scholl, TUSPM, Arizona, Iowa, NYCPM
sGPA 3.46 overall GPA 3.63
MCAT 32 DAT AA24
did orthopedic research for 1.5 yrs, dental school drop out

 

[Dental Jarry]

accepted @ Scholl, TUSPM, Arizona, Iowa, NYCPM
sGPA 3.46 overall GPA 3.63
MCAT 32 DAT AA24
did orthopedic research for 1.5 yrs, dental school drop out

haha you dropped out of dental school and now your name is podiatry stinks? What are you gonna try next?

 

[podiatrystinks]

yes dental jarry that is correct...a little more happy with podiatry than dentistry because i feel more like a real doctor but probably going to go to D.O. school next because i feel too limited in podiatry. i think the restrictions in podiatry are stupid, there should be a universal scope not this state by state BS...maybe if they stepped up on the admission standards and stopped letting *****s in with bad MCATs (and i hope to god if it hasn't changed already that it does soon that all schools accept mcat only) and we took the usmle there would be a universal scope and thus to me a better profession.

 

[Dental Jarry]

yes dental jarry that is correct...a little more happy with podiatry than dentistry because i feel more like a real doctor but probably going to go to D.O. school next because i feel too limited in podiatry. i think the restrictions in podiatry are stupid, there should be a universal scope not this state by state BS...maybe if they stepped up on the admission standards and stopped letting *****s in with bad MCATs (and i hope to god if it hasn't changed already that it does soon that all schools accept mcat only) and we took the usmle there would be a universal scope and thus to me a better profession.

One would think that after dropping out of dental school you would have done a little more research before applying to podiatry school over MD or DO school. This state by state BS is not something new. You are either lying or the most indecisive person I've never met.

 

[pipetman]

hold up. NYCPM still accepts DATs? I thought that was phased out and everyone takes the MCAT?

 

[Dental Jarry]

hold up. NYCPM still accepts DATs? I thought that was phased out and everyone takes the MCAT?

I think they take it on a case by case basis..but it def isn't completely phased out.

 

[EchosDad]

yes dental jarry that is correct...a little more happy with podiatry than dentistry because i feel more like a real doctor but probably going to go to D.O. school next because i feel too limited in podiatry. i think the restrictions in podiatry are stupid, there should be a universal scope not this state by state BS...maybe if they stepped up on the admission standards and stopped letting *****s in with bad MCATs (and i hope to god if it hasn't changed already that it does soon that all schools accept mcat only) and we took the usmle there would be a universal scope and thus to me a better profession.

I was a former DPM who quit and became a DO. I'm in my 2nd year of FP residency and ecstatic that I made that decision. You can PM me if you have any questions.

 

[nevertooearly]

....

 

[DJ Quik]

Hey, if you want DO and MD hours, go for it. DPM lifestyle is typically better. I used to be pre dental, but wised up and figured out DPM has a lot more to offer. As far as being confined to the foot, yea, but there are plenty of ways to specialize, Biomechanics, Diabetic, surgery, palliative, etc etc...


Sorry, you wanted stats

Science gpa ~3.0
DAT 19AA 22PAT
MCAT 27Q

I have been doing great so far at CSPM.

Get in now, because it is just getting harder...

 

[podvamp]

He isn't lying. Every year that passes it seems they take the difficulty notch up a few levels to see where the "breaking point" really is for podiatry students in general. 4 years from now they are going to be demanding 30+ on the MCAT just to get in. LOL

 

[air bud]

DMU went from a 25 average MCAT two years ago to a 23 MCAT last year. I had a good MCAT and know many others with relatively good (non-MD) MCAT's. I can only imagine what some people in my class had for MCAT scores for our average to be 23. That being said, with a 3.3 and 23 MCAT average for most pod schools, I would hope UP is the only direction that scores would go.

 

[zmkelchn]

Can't say what my MCAT will be because I'm taking it this summer, but I should be applying with between a 3.5 and 3.6. However, I do have two grades under a B which I am re-taking, so my transcript is by no means perfect. I also have a cancer research fellowship, varsity XC and track for 4 years, resident assistant, and a good amount of volunteer and clinical experience (3 years working in a gastroenterology center)...regardless of whether you apply DPM, DO, MD, or whatever else, make sure you have the clinical experience to be 100% sure this is what you want to do as a lifelong career!

 

[EchosDad]

Hey, if you want DO and MD hours, go for it. DPM lifestyle is typically better. I used to be pre dental, but wised up and figured out DPM has a lot more to offer. As far as being confined to the foot, yea, but there are plenty of ways to specialize, Biomechanics, Diabetic, surgery, palliative, etc etc...


Sorry, you wanted stats

Science gpa ~3.0
DAT 19AA 22PAT
MCAT 27Q

I have been doing great so far at CSPM.

Get in now, because it is just getting harder...

Sorry, but this is a myth. The've been saying this for many, many years. How do you suppose that a podiatrist can somehow have better hours and still get paid well for what they do? Most of what they do is elective. And, it takes the same amount of time to process a pod patient (work-up, treat, etc.) as any other doctor. So how does that add up? Have you met dozens of pods who tell you that they have great hours and are still making bank? Personally, I've never met one. Unless you have an established practice and you're seeing a good number of surgical patients, your hours are going to be at least the same as most PMD's and your reimbursement won't be any better. No offense intended. When I was in pod school I felt exactly the same. They also constantly reminded us of the "aging population" and the increase in physical activity, blah, blah, blah.

Show me some solid evidence for this and not just anectodal talk.

Cheers

 

[zmkelchn]

Sorry, but this is a myth. The've been saying this for many, many years. How do you suppose that a podiatrist can somehow have better hours and still get paid well for what they do? Most of what they do is elective. And, it takes the same amount of time to process a pod patient (work-up, treat, etc.) as any other doctor. So how does that add up? Have you met dozens of pods who tell you that they have great hours and are still making bank? Personally, I've never met one. Unless you have an established practice and you're seeing a good number of surgical patients, your hours are going to be at least the same as most PMD's and your reimbursement won't be any better. No offense intended. When I was in pod school I felt exactly the same. They also constantly reminded us of the "aging population" and the increase in physical activity, blah, blah, blah.

Show me some solid evidence for this and not just anectodal talk.

Cheers

Well, what is your idea of "making bank?" I have met a few, although I agree that it is unrealistic to think you will work 35 hours a week and make $500,000 a year easily. It probably will take years to establish such a practice. HOWEVER, pods to on average have less on call time and more reasonable hours, and have some more flexibility because a large percentage work in private practice. A pod I shadowed at a fairly large group practice (8 DPMs over at Martin F&A in York, PA) said she made about $400,000 the previous year, had two kids, and worked about 45 hours a week. I'm not saying this is going to be typical of everyone, and this is also a large established practice, but I think it is possible to have reasonable hours and "make bank," whatever that may be. You have some flexibility in this field, if you want to take ER call, you can. If you want to do complex surgeries, you can. However, if you want to do more primary care in a private practice, this is also an option. It's very hard to work very little and make a ton in medicine, but that’s how it is across all (or most) specialties. If you really want to make a ton of money, go into plastics or cosmetic derm. Are you a resident in podiatry or in a DO/MD program?? Did you switch fields? I'm not a student yes, and am not even 100% sure I'm going into pod, but that's just my take on the field.

 

[dyk343]

.

 

[EchosDad]

Well, what is your idea of "making bank?" I have met a few, although I agree that it is unrealistic to think you will work 35 hours a week and make $500,000 a year easily. It probably will take years to establish such a practice. HOWEVER, pods to on average have less on call time and more reasonable hours, and have some more flexibility because a large percentage work in private practice. A pod I shadowed at a fairly large group practice (8 DPMs over at Martin F&A in York, PA) said she made about $400,000 the previous year, had two kids, and worked about 45 hours a week. I'm not saying this is going to be typical of everyone, and this is also a large established practice, but I think it is possible to have reasonable hours and "make bank," whatever that may be. You have some flexibility in this field, if you want to take ER call, you can. If you want to do complex surgeries, you can. However, if you want to do more primary care in a private practice, this is also an option. It's very hard to work very little and make a ton in medicine, but that’s how it is across all (or most) specialties. If you really want to make a ton of money, go into plastics or cosmetic derm. Are you a resident in podiatry or in a DO/MD program?? Did you switch fields? I'm not a student yes, and am not even 100% sure I'm going into pod, but that's just my take on the field.

I was a DPM for 3 years, but quit and went to DO school. I'm finishing up my 2nd year of FP residency this year.

There will always be exceptions as with any specialty. My point was that the schools and the APMA make it sound as though it's the norm that podiatrists have "better lifestyles" and more time for family while making good money ("bank" to me is netting more than 140K or so). Sure, they aren't on call like other physicians, but many other physician specialties are also not on call (derm, rads, etc.). And, even primary care docs can choose to not be on call. It's all up to you. I'm planning on doing urgent care or be a hospitalist. No call there. I can work 2 weeks each month as a hospitalist and make over 200k. And that's with benefits, malpractice, vacation, etc. I can work 40 hours or less/week as an urgent care doctor and gross 3k per week. All I would be responsible for would be my (low) malpractice and personal health insurance. A podiatrist, even if they could get that kind of situation, is still going to be responsible for their own health insurance, malpractice insurance, office costs, staff, etc.

My friends and I all bought into this malarky and have yet to see the reality of it.

I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just throwing in my 2 cents. You'd have to ask a good sampling of DPM's who've been practicing in the real world. I would really be surprised if any of them will tell you that they are working less, stressful hours and still making impressive money to have a "great lifestyle"

 

[zmkelchn]

I was a DPM for 3 years, but quit and went to DO school. I'm finishing up my 2nd year of FP residency this year.

There will always be exceptions as with any specialty. My point was that the schools and the APMA make it sound as though it's the norm that podiatrists have "better lifestyles" and more time for family while making good money ("bank" to me is netting more than 140K or so). Sure, they aren't on call like other physicians, but many other physician specialties are also not on call (derm, rads, etc.). And, even primary care docs can choose to not be on call. It's all up to you. I'm planning on doing urgent care or be a hospitalist. No call there. I can work 2 weeks each month as a hospitalist and make over 200k. And that's with benefits, malpractice, vacation, etc. I can work 40 hours or less/week as an urgent care doctor and gross 3k per week. All I would be responsible for would be my (low) malpractice and personal health insurance. A podiatrist, even if they could get that kind of situation, is still going to be responsible for their own health insurance, malpractice insurance, office costs, staff, etc.

My friends and I all bought into this malarky and have yet to see the reality of it.

I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just throwing in my 2 cents. You'd have to ask a good sampling of DPM's who've been practicing in the real world. I would really be surprised if any of them will tell you that they are working less, stressful hours and still making impressive money to have a "great lifestyle"

If you are happy with your decision...great; in the end that's all that matters. From the DPMs I have talked to, most seem to be very happy however. I think it comes down to the person. You are correct that many podiatrist do not run very busy practices and still work a 9-5 job for the first three, five, or even ten years of their life. However, the average number of hours worked is typically lower. At the same time, students should not go into this field if they think it’s fewer hours and therefore less work and easy money. That is completely incorrect, but I don't think the APMA makes it seem that way. You never did go into a pod residency and never practiced in pod. What made you switch after three years however; was it just talking to other Pods in the field? That's a long way to go to change your mind to DO. I think both professions are great and very needed in healthcare, as I am deciding between the two myself. As far as salary goes, the average net from what I have seen seems to be from 120,000 to 180,000. Salary.com (which I'm NOT
saying is always accurate) reports an average from 120k-250k. I'm sure on average; the DPMs making more are working more hours, as it is with a lot of jobs.

Did you have to enter in as a first year DO student? What pod school did you come from?

 

[dtrack22]

Hospitalist? Urgent care? Doesn't sound appealing at all having worked and shadowed in both settings, but that's the point, to each his own. And of course if those pictures were as rosy as you painted them then we wouldn't have a shortage of PC's. We're all guilty of speaking highly of our chosen professions, you, me, the APMA, etc. But I think that's a good thing, means you take pride in your work and hopefully deliver better care because of it.

 

[dtrack22]

.

 

[EchosDad]

If you are happy with your decision...great; in the end that's all that matters. From the DPMs I have talked to, most seem to be very happy however. I think it comes down to the person. You are correct that many podiatrist do not run very busy practices and still work a 9-5 job for the first three, five, or even ten years of their life. However, the average number of hours worked is typically lower. At the same time, students should not go into this field if they think it’s fewer hours and therefore less work and easy money. That is completely incorrect, but I don't think the APMA makes it seem that way. You never did go into a pod residency and never practiced in pod. What made you switch after three years however; was it just talking to other Pods in the field? That's a long way to go to change your mind to DO. I think both professions are great and very needed in healthcare, as I am deciding between the two myself. As far as salary goes, the average net from what I have seen seems to be from 120,000 to 180,000. Salary.com (which I'm NOT
saying is always accurate) reports an average from 120k-250k. I'm sure on average; the DPMs making more are working more hours, as it is with a lot of jobs.

Did you have to enter in as a first year DO student? What pod school did you come from?

1st, thank you for being civil in our conversation. I've had many negative experiences in the past on this forum when offering my opinions.

I did graduate and I did a one year PPMR at L.A. County. I practiced for 3 years and felt a very pervasive sense of dissatisfaction and longing for a more complete medical education.

My reasons for leaving were multi-fold. First and foremost, I didn't feel like a doctor. At least not what I thought a doctor should be. I felt like a "quasi-doctor" or simply a peripheral health practitioner. I didn't feel well versed in anything other than the foot (but was led to believe that the education was "very similar" to medical school). Obviously, someone in podiatry school would be well versed in the foot and ankle, but I was kind of surprised that this was the limit of the education. I had a very superficial knowledge of hypertension, headaches, etc during my residency and years of practice. It was quite frustrating that I was so hamstrung in terms of giving my patients advice about other problems they were having. Hamstrung in terms of knowledge as well as limited scope. My thoughts before getting into pod school were that a doctor is well trained in all aspects of diagnosis and treatment and, if they so desire, can choose an area of specialty after then finish their schooling. You could choose to be an orthopod, but you still have the training and didactics to understand seizures/depression/congestive heart failure.

The 1st two years of pod school mirrors the 1st two years of medical school. No problem with that. It's what happens afterward. You might say "well, what do expect? You're in pod school!"). Yeah, that's true, but then is it fair to call myself a "doctor" when I'm done?? I don't think so.

I am ecstatically happy with my situation now. My goal for so many years was to be a doctor. To be trained as a physician with the potential to help someone with ANY problem that they may present with. Podiatry did not afford me that experience. The extent of my medical education from med school and residency is absolutely LIGHT YEARS from what I experienced as a pod student/resident/practitioner. No comparison.

So, if for whatever reason you really want to be a podiatrist and not a physician, then by all means go to pod school. As of yet, I have not heard a single plausible reason for someone who had the opportunity to get into medical school, but declined it to go to pod school.

 

[janV88]

Even though you state that you could have become an orthopod and still understand seizures/depression/congestive heart failure, I think you would still be as unhappy as you were as a pod.

To be trained as a physician with the potential to help someone with ANY problem that they may present with.

From the above quote, it is obvious that your calling is PCP. Specialists don't have this ability.

 

[EchosDad]

Even though you state that you could have become an orthopod and still understand seizures/depression/congestive heart failure, I think you would still be as unhappy as you were as a pod.



From the above quote, it is obvious that your calling is PCP. Specialists don't have this ability.

I didn't actually say that I could have become an orthopod (although I never applied to those residencies). My point is that ALL MD/DO residents learn about every aspect of medicine during their entire 4 years of med school. They do all types of rotations - OB, ortho, anesthesia, etc. And, when they are interns, they ALL are exposed to a variety of specialties. This education allows them to be very familiar with most disease states and how to treat them. When they choose a specialty, they will become more learned in that discipline all the while having this past training in general medicine. Having said that, an orthopod would be crazy to try and treat CHF just as an FP would be crazy to do surgery on a hip fracture. A podiatrist does not have the same education nor do they have the same training.

What did you mean by this "I think you would still be as unhappy as you were as a pod?" Are you saying that I would be unhappy no matter what I did?? If that's what you meant, it sounds more like you're defending podiatry than actually having a cogent debate with me. I am DELIRIOUSLY happy with my med school training and my current residency experience. It's a different universe. I wake up every day thankful that I made the decision to get out and start all over.

 

[DrMushroomFoot]

cGPA 3.0
sGPA 3.1

MCAT 34Q

Applied to all Pod schools except Barry and Western.

Accepted to every school.

Chose DMU as they offered me their highest renewable Scholarship.

 

[sorham]

To EchosDad,
I am happy you did what makes you happy, that's all that really matters I think that one feels fulfilled with their work. I was wondering if you would be willing to answer a question, if it's not too personal. How did you juggle the student loans, you couldn't possibly pay off the loans accrued in Pod school before turning around and going to medical school, did you just build up more loans from there, or were you independently wealthy before school? If this is too personal you don't have to answer, I am just curious more than anything.

 

[JewOnThis]

I didn't actually say that I could have become an orthopod (although I never applied to those residencies). My point is that ALL MD/DO residents learn about every aspect of medicine during their entire 4 years of med school. They do all types of rotations - OB, ortho, anesthesia, etc. And, when they are interns, they ALL are exposed to a variety of specialties. This education allows them to be very familiar with most disease states and how to treat them. When they choose a specialty, they will become more learned in that discipline all the while having this past training in general medicine. Having said that, an orthopod would be crazy to try and treat CHF just as an FP would be crazy to do surgery on a hip fracture. A podiatrist does not have the same education nor do they have the same training.

What did you mean by this "I think you would still be as unhappy as you were as a pod?" Are you saying that I would be unhappy no matter what I did?? If that's what you meant, it sounds more like you're defending podiatry than actually having a cogent debate with me. I am DELIRIOUSLY happy with my med school training and my current residency experience. It's a different universe. I wake up every day thankful that I made the decision to get out and start all over.

You're right about pods not having the same training as DO's.
We don't massage backs or do cranial manipulation.

And you went from Pod School to D.O. school and landed a FP residency? LOL

Why did you go to D.O. school instead of MD? Let me guess, you wanted to learn OMM/OMT right? LOL

 

[janV88]

I didn't actually say that I could have become an orthopod (although I never applied to those residencies). My point is that ALL MD/DO residents learn about every aspect of medicine during their entire 4 years of med school. They do all types of rotations - OB, ortho, anesthesia, etc. And, when they are interns, they ALL are exposed to a variety of specialties. This education allows them to be very familiar with most disease states and how to treat them. When they choose a specialty, they will become more learned in that discipline all the while having this past training in general medicine. Having said that, an orthopod would be crazy to try and treat CHF just as an FP would be crazy to do surgery on a hip fracture. A podiatrist does not have the same education nor do they have the same training.

What did you mean by this "I think you would still be as unhappy as you were as a pod?" Are you saying that I would be unhappy no matter what I did?? If that's what you meant, it sounds more like you're defending podiatry than actually having a cogent debate with me. I am DELIRIOUSLY happy with my med school training and my current residency experience. It's a different universe. I wake up every day thankful that I made the decision to get out and start all over.

My point was that it seems like you want to be a generalist and going into FP is the right thing for you. I just think that if you became a specialist, like an orthopod for example, you would still feel limited since you will be so focused on bones and muscles...just as you felt limited as a pod.

I understand what your saying. An orthopod still had all that general medical training from the 3rd and 4th year rotations and their intern year. BUT in actual practice, what point is this training if you never use it or forget it entirely?

And being "DELIRIOUSLY happy" has more to do with your personal preference than getting more general medical training.

I also think that the training Podiatrists get now has changed a lot since you went to school. I did a quick google search of "podiatry residency rotations" and here is what I got...

Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati has 1 month rotations in Path, EM, IM, Gen Surg, Anesthesia, Rads, Plastics, Behavioral Science, ID

East Jefferson General Hospital has 1 month rotations in Anesthesia, Path, Rehab, Rads, ER, ID, IM, Derm, Endo, Vasc

Shands Jacksonville has 1 month rotations in Rads, IM, EM, ID, Anesthesia, Gen surg, Vasc, Psych, Plastics.

These were the top 3 results that popped up.

EDIT: Most rotations were 1 month with the exception of Psych and Path which were usually 2 weeks.

 

[janV88]

Oh and sorry for getting off topic.

I interviewed at Temple, NYCPM, DMU, Scholl...in that order. Got accepted at all of them.

sGPA: 3.0, cGPA: 2.9 - I was lazy and didn't study my first few years. Changed all that and finished my last semester with a 4.0. I was naive and I thought I could get by without putting in the work and relying only on my intelligence. Now I know that hard work is where it's all at.

MCAT: 31

ECs: Pre-Opto club board member, Started Pre-Pod club, Usual volunteering experience. Shadowed 2 pods, 1 is a residency director, the brings cases to another residency.

 

[DrMushroomFoot]

An orthopod still had all that general medical training from the 3rd and 4th year rotations and their intern year. BUT in actual practice, what point is this training if you never use it or forget it entirely?

The orthopod may not be the best choice in dealing with a particular disease/ disorder but the point is the orthopod will or should know how to assess and treat the disorder while at the same time being licensed to do so.. whereas us pods may or may not know the problem and CANNOT attempt to treat it unless it involves the foot/ankle.

 

[janV88]

The orthopod may not be the best choice in dealing with a particular disease/ disorder but the point is the orthopod will or should know how to assess and treat the disorder while at the same time being licensed to do so.. whereas us pods may or may not know the problem and CANNOT attempt to treat it unless it involves the foot/ankle.

Yes I understand. But like I said...whats the point? At some point in the orthopod's training they learned to treat a certain disorder and technically they can treat that disorder. But after 5+ years of practice and never seeing or dealing with that same disorder...will the orthopod even want to treat it? What is the point of being able to do something if 99.999% of the time, you won't treat that disorder? It's as good as not being able to treat it.

 

[EchosDad]

You're right about pods not having the same training as DO's.
We don't massage backs or do cranial manipulation.

And you went from Pod School to D.O. school and landed a FP residency? LOL

Why did you go to D.O. school instead of MD? Let me guess, you wanted to learn OMM/OMT right? LOL

Since your comments are painfully ignorant, I'll choose not to encourage more infantile blabber from you.

 

[EchosDad]

To EchosDad,
I am happy you did what makes you happy, that's all that really matters I think that one feels fulfilled with their work. I was wondering if you would be willing to answer a question, if it's not too personal. How did you juggle the student loans, you couldn't possibly pay off the loans accrued in Pod school before turning around and going to medical school, did you just build up more loans from there, or were you independently wealthy before school? If this is too personal you don't have to answer, I am just curious more than anything.

Good question. I'm in heinous debt. Around 400k. But, I was lucky enough to marry someone who makes a very good living as a lawyer so repayment won't be too painful. The trick is to keep her happy so she won't divorce me! I'm sure I'd be panhandling if that happened!!

 

[air bud]

Echosdad,

I think your point of view could be useful for some current/future students on here. I personally don't share your views on a lot of the things you said, but i think this is what the media would call "a teachable moment."

Why did you not pursue general medicine in the first place?
When did you first start having doubts about podiatry?
How did you initially act on your feelings of doubt?
Do you think you waited too long to change, or do you feel you gave it a fair shot?
What was the proverbial "straw"?
Once you started DO, were the ever feelings of regret?
Did you face much pressure from family due to the time already invested?


I do mean these questions with respect, you have a unique insight for these forums.

 

[DrMushroomFoot]

Yes I understand. But like I said...whats the point? At some point in the orthopod's training they learned to treat a certain disorder and technically they can treat that disorder. But after 5+ years of practice and never seeing or dealing with that same disorder...will the orthopod even want to treat it? What is the point of being able to do something if 99.999% of the time, you won't treat that disorder? It's as good as not being able to treat it.

I was just showing the plus side of their extensive training and their capabilities. I've been on a plane when someone up front was having a seizure, the pilot asked if anyone was a doctor, a plastic surgeon came up to the front and was able to treat that patient until we landed. I'll also note that a medical student and a dentist came up to the front and was asked to return to their seats once the plastic surgeon came up and introduced himself. I found that to be quite impressive and a skill worth having imo.

So the question is, how important is this ability? well that answer depends on the individual, I think I'd be nice to have but NOT as important as what interests you personally, which is the reason why I have chosen podiatry and not the DO route.

 

[EchosDad]

Echosdad,

I think your point of view could be useful for some current/future students on here. I personally don't share your views on a lot of the things you said, but i think this is what the media would call "a teachable moment."

Why did you not pursue general medicine in the first place?
When did you first start having doubts about podiatry?
How did you initially act on your feelings of doubt?
Do you think you waited too long to change, or do you feel you gave it a fair shot?
What was the proverbial "straw"?
Once you started DO, were the ever feelings of regret?
Did you face much pressure from family due to the time already invested?


I do mean these questions with respect, you have a unique insight for these forums.

I did want to pursue MD/DO school back in 1992, but I didn't get accepted.

I literally started having doubts about podiatry in the 1st week. This was because their were so many students who were actually just waiting until they heard from MD/DO school, whether it was in the States or overseas. That made me pretty uncomfortable. Many of them did get accepted somewhere else and made like a banana and split.

Well, ultimately, I felt like I couldn't "act on [my] feelings of doubt" I had quit my job in Los Angeles, sold off many of my belongings, gave up my awesome apartment near the beach, told everyone I knew that I was going to be a podiatrist, moved to San Francisco...and, also, I knew that I wasn't getting into med school (though, to be fair, I did not apply to the Caribbean...I had just come back from rural Japan teaching English and I didn't want to live in a desolate place again). So, my feelings were "suck it up", make the best out of a bad situation (but, I also thought that it might not be that bad).

Did I give it a fair shot? Truthfully, I really hated the whole thing by the time I got to my 3rd year (when I found out that we were still going to go to lectures). But again, I thought I was stuck (debt, possibly no other prospects). I didn't need to graduate and practice to know that I wasn't going to do this for the rest of my life. Luckily, I met my wife at the end of 2000 when I had been practicing for about 1 1/2 years. I didn't really begin to think about quitting and trying to get into med school until a couple of years later. I know that the training (and possibly the education) is different today, so I can't compare what I went through to what others go through today. Essentially, I felt (right or wrong) that podiatry misled me (education/jobs/future) and I was plenty pissed. This is a whole other topic. Also, in practice I felt that pretty much any other doctor/nurse practitoner/PA/PT could do what I was doing. I mean, please. Do you really need a 4 year podiatry education to cut a ****ing toenail or a callus? Wound care? I've seen all kinds of people doing that.

"What was the proverbial straw"? Honestly, there were so many "straws", I could have made a Bridge over the River Kwai. I guess one day I just told my wife that I hate podiatry and that there would be no way that I could live like this the rest of my life. I didn't feel like a doctor (by a long shot), I felt like I spent a whole lot of money on nothing and I also thought that I would never really get the level of respect that I thought a doctor should get. I always harkened back to this commercial that was on probably in the 70's or early 80's (I'm 48). It was a little AA boy with his Grandpa on a bus. The boy asks the Grandpa "Grandpa? Is it true that you wanted to be a doctor when you were young?" He says "yes". Then the boy says "what happened". The camera focuses on the Grandpa who gets the faraway look in his face. The announcer then says "A mind is a terrible thing to waste". For me, that commercial scared my ****less. It meant that if I just settled on being a podiatrist and did not pursue my real dream (to be a complete physician) then I would be forever unsatisfied and might have to explain to my own grandson why I didn't chase my own dream.

Feelings of regret when I started DO? Hell no! Feelings of "Whew! I made it! I'm not going to die a podiatrist!!" I'm not kidding. That was something that I said over and over. And each day I was getting a real medical education, I was so freaking happy. I was where I wanted to be!

No pressure from the family. They knew exactly what I was feeling. Best of all, my wife backed me 100% (even knowing that our income was going to drop and my student loans were going to increase).

 

[air bud]

cool.
I am sure some pre-pods are going to jump in here and attack you, but they are really acting on their own insecurities. While I think some of your points of view might be antiquated, they are your views. Hopefully you will start running into more pods that are being trained differently than when you were, and they will begin to change your mind. I know that some pre-pod on here spouting pod school talking points will do nothing to enlighten you as the the current podiatry training. Good luck with FP, this country needs a lot more people who truly enjoy it.

 

[dyk343]

moved to San Francisco...

Obviously you started pod school 18 years ago and many things have changed since then but what did you not like about CSPM (California college of podiatric medicine as it was called previously)?

Did the school have a negative impact on you or was it just the lifestyle of a podiatrist that turned you away. I only ask because CSPM is one of my top choices. Thanks.

 

[janV88]

DrMushroomFoot, That is a main reason why I am going into podiatry, and looked into optometry before...to specialize from the beginning. Yes it would be nice to have all the other general medical knowledge (and I assume it really depends on the individual to retain this info) but practically speaking it might not be that important.

air bud and EchosDad, You guys really bring up a good point that I think quite a few pre-pods are trying to ignore. I feel that there are quite a few pre-pods who go into podiatry for the wrong reasons and end up regretting it. If you go into podiatry, you really need to know that podiatry is for you. Unlike med school, you don't have a variety of specialties to choose from.

 

[dtrack22]

...

 

[JewOnThis]

You ARE a DO.

OMM and Cranial manipulation are not considered real medical education.

 

[zmkelchn]

Over the last 10-20 years, the education has changed quite a bit at DPM schools, primarily in the residencies. Years ago, many DPMs did one or even no residency. Now, nearly all DPMs are completing three year residencies, and many are opting to do a fellowship to further specialize. When I was at Temple, they did emphasize the fact that you are physicians, meaning you must be extremely comfortable with the entire body. A DPM needs to know just as much as an orthopod when performing surgery and feel confident he/she is giving quality, knowledgeable, and safe care. Just because we are foot and ankle doctors does not mean DPMs can neglect the cardiac or neuro systems. However, I would NOT disagree that a DO or MD has a much better education on the entire body, and is in turn more comfortable. A MD or DO F&A surgeon however has LESS training in the F&A itself, with much more training on the entire body and all of its systems.

I think this is a really good thread for everyone to read, as long as we are mature with our comments. I'm very glad you are happy with your career choice, and as long as we respect each other’s professions, I have no problem with what anyone decides to pursue.

 

[zmkelchn]

cGPA 3.0
sGPA 3.1

MCAT 34Q

Applied to all Pod schools except Barry and Western.

Accepted to every school.

Chose DMU as they offered me their highest renewable Scholarship.

wow, nice MCAT

 

[DrMushroomFoot]

wow, nice MCAT

Thanks, with a crappy GPA I had no other choice but to take the MCAT seriously for admissions. Just glad everything work out well.

 

[EchosDad]

You ARE a DO.

OMM and Cranial manipulation are not considered real medical education.

What are you getting at Flamer? Yes, I AM A DO. And, I am totally on par with all of my MD friends (I also passed USMLE 1 and 2), but I also know a lot of OMM that (if you bothered to do any type of research which, obviously, you don't) happens to have medical validity. I don't subscribe to everything that I was taught, but most of it has been shown to be beneficial to all types of patients.

I guess you'll have to take my word for it since it's clear that you speak before you think.

 

[EchosDad]

I get why you left podiatry and that you're happy and that's all fine and dandy. But aren't you just making fun of yourself here? You are a DO and even at a strong DO program (ie Western or DMU), you are getting the same education as a bunch of pod students. I guess I'm just really confused as to the difference between Biochem for pod students and Biochem for DO students?

I never said that there was any difference in the 1st 2 years. In fact, I have repeatedly said the opposite. I should know since I did the pod version and Western's DO version. It's AFTER the 1st 2 years that things diverge.

 

[janV88]

I didn't feel like a doctor.

I don't mean to pick on what you said here and I understand that this is your opinion and I understand your reasons for feeling this way so please don't take my comment as an attack or anything of that sort.

Also, this might not be the best thread to post this on but when I read this I thought back to this thread.

I was browsing through the different forums on SDN and I came across something that I found interesting for those who feel that podiatry is "looked down" upon by other medical specialties. Or that MDs/DOs don't consider Podiatrists "real doctors".

I understand everyone's frustration with my situation. I apologize if it seems I am ungrateful. I am happy and grateful that I matched into derm but the family issue plus not liking the school makes the situation worse. I feel with anesthesia you are considered a real doctor but with derm people think we dont do much in medicine, which isn't true. I feel I may have picked the wrong field. I feel hurt and confused. Thank you all for your responses.

So you don't want to do derm because you're not considered to be a real doctor... that's your best excuse?

Why don't you read up on the anesthesia boards and see if the surgeons consider them to be real doctors. Or read up on the ER boards and see how people call us triage nurses with MDs next to our names.

Basically, the grass is always greener.. yada yada.

Stop being concerned about what people think about your specialty. EVERYONE rips on everyone. Ortho docs are boneheads, neuro don't do anything, psych are crazy people, medicine lecture and pontificate but never get anything done, ER docs triage, anesthesia function like techs, derm only look at skin, radio like to stay in caves.

I mean come on. You're an adult.... start acting like one.

Suck it up and stick with your initial instincts of going into derm. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Geez.