My Non-Traditional Path to Med School... and I Still Became a Doctor!

[@thebeatles9]

I took ten years to get my associates, starting at 22. Never went to HS. Sometimes life kicks you down. I'm 34 now and getting ready for MCAT and applications. I have a 4.0 GPA and all pre reqs.

[@msnadia.realtor802]

You give me hope.. I’m the same age and I am starting my process of completing my sciences now

[@thebeatles9]

it's tough getting back into school. We are in a marathon now, not a sprint.@@msnadia.realtor802

[@Myloshonee89]

In all honesty it's hard to be 18 and know exactly what you want to do with your life

[@Azula524]

Im 18 and i tried 2 times and didn’t work, i will do it again thru god i will achieve my dream this time

[@mytube785]

Too bad that you’re no longer posting videos… it’d have been great to hear how you’re doing today

[@chillwavezneuroscience2547]

I feel so comforted by your video, I am 31 and aspire to be a Neuro Surgeon :)))

[@hudaali4856]

Iam 25yrs and and want to be a neurosurgeon. But am afraid I can't be bcz of my age. Can you please share Me your stroy. Are u in medical school right now?. ❤

[@sheeliekittie9298]

that is wonderful! i'm 39 and I hope to be a psychiatrist or pediatrician. I'm worried as I don't have the medical classes and background. but Truly hoping it's not ever too late.

[@janiperez7436]

@@hudaali4856did you ever start pre med? I’m 25 and thinking of finishing up some pre reqs (I have a BSN and worked as a RN for 3 years) and then apply to med school. Will be done by 35 God willing 🙏🏼

[@Alexisvotran]

Big hug of gratitude for sharing this with us. Feel so much less alone as a non-trad student. 💓🌸

[@JesusChristTheOnlyTruth]

I loved watching this video ❤. Thank you so much for all the information! God bless you! ❤

[@docimma]

Girl we must compare notes! I left clerkships to support my family… could only join clin research pharma sector… thankfully acknowledging my medical school completion. Now returning to complete residency 14 years plus a MBA.

[@juliakowalczuk8211]

Can you say more about the admission process and why you decided to become a doctor? Great video by the way :)

[@mytube785]

Joy Alvarado, MD Joy Alvarado holds a Bachelors of Arts in English from the University of Texas at Austin, a Masters of Health Science from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a medical degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. She is a Captain in the US Army and a family medicine resident at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. She enjoys writing and oil painting.

[@mytube785]

With a BS from UT Austin and a MS from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Joy already proved she was very competitive academically. By opt out of her first medical school admission, Dr. Joy showed how unconventional she thinks. It remains a mystery how Dr. Joy handles study and military services. Was she supported by the military to go to Johns Hopkins and University of Texas Rio Grand Valley School of Medicine?

[@bobbyfischer7329]

Anyone watching this. If it isn’t obvious. If you get accepted to a US DO/MD medical school, you go. Opting to do the masters program was a very poor choice objectively. It did work out for her , but look how many more years it took her. She should have said, NEVER do what I did and reject a medical school acceptance (which is the end goal)

[@joshuatoral5105]

Im so happy I watched this. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@joyalvaradomd]

I'm glad you enjoyed my (mis)adventures!

[@selbyroad100]

Dr Alvarado would you please comment on the raw intelligence required to become a doctor, such as IQ and having a lack of science foundation. Do you think you are so bright that you would have become a doctor taking the traditional route? You are very inspirational.

[@HeatherSavonne]

this gives me hope. thank you!

[@aliceladeia9058]

I am also a non-traditional student. I'm an immigrant, and my entire degree was in my country. And now I'm having to go through this whole professionalization path again. I'm currently in the pre-PA course, and I confess that I'm pretty scared by the many barriers I must overcome to get there. Your video encouraged me a lot. ❤

[@msf8297]

i have two very useless USA degrees.

[@clarissedelosreyes7525]

Did you take a 4 years bachelor degree again?

[@irene4633]

I believe in you !

[@Poppomatic64]

I’m 27 and have been nursing this dream. Have a masters in HR of all things lol and a comfortable career. But I’m kinda wishing I could pursue this dream

[@joyalvaradomd]

You all pose great questions! I will be answer them in subsequent videos :D

[@chibiyaten15]

i love your story! i am also a non trad latina working towards applying next year and i am so inspired by you 💓

[@hamzadjemiai4245]

You're such an inspiration! Can you tell how you handled the weird looks and judgemental remarks of your fellow young med students and also from teachers ? And how you overcame that

[@nabeelqureshi6663]

Will you be making a video about the mcat exam ? :)

[@melissajourneys]

You’re innovative and curious approach is one that resonates with me! Thank you for sharing!

[@belanina2005]

I loved this so much! I'm a non-traditional ms2 right now and have moments wishing I was in the same boat as my traditional peers, but it is so important to realize how thru my non-traditional path, I can contribute to changing how doctors look like :D

[@joshuatoral5105]

Dr. Alvarado! Your last video was 2 months ago! What gives?? A little birdy told me you have a pre recorded video ready to upload! Us imperfect candidates need you so we can get the perfect job! 😁

[@joyalvaradomd]

... OK! It's finally published. You inspired me. Why you gotta call me out?? ;)

[@joshuatoral5105]

@@joyalvaradomd 🥳🥳🥳

[@heygorgonzola954]

I am also an English major student. Currently doing my master and studing for medical entrance exam. Your video gave me hope. Thank you. May God bless you😊

[@rodneyh1947]

Generally math and physics majors have the highest acceptance rates into medical school. If i was a patient I would prefer a math or physics major as my doctor because they are sharper in critical thinking.

[@clairepianist]

We should compile a list of schools that are inviting towards nontrads

[@Alexisvotran]

Big hug of gratitude for sharing this with us. Feel so much less alone as a non-trad student. 💓🌸

[@HeatherSavonne]

how old were you when accepted?

[@bettyconfettii]

Please upload again soon

[@zezaaa123]

Oh I love your content! Thanks for sharing

[@Anoldaccount988]

Very informative ❤️ thanks!!

[@danafelder5624]

Great commentary!

[@irmag8386]

Truly inspiring!

[@eman_98]

I read about a police officer that was able to go into medical school on his first time applying. Super crazy how the route plays out for many non-traditional doctors.