Why I Chose Medicine // My Non-traditional Medical Student Story

Hi there! Today I'm telling you all about my career change from the arts to the sciences, and how I came to that decision. I've never looked back! What's your med school story? Let me know in the comments below :)
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[@didarbakr1216]

Well done. I can’t believe what a close story we are sharing. Iam a second stage medical student and looking forward to being a neurologist 💚

[@ashleydawn8594]

I'm in a similar situation, I went to school for arts (Photography) and I have decided this spring to go back to school and begin my journey into becoming a Psychiatrist. It hit me so sudden and it feels like a calling for me. It's good to see someone else that was interested in arts go into medicine. Love your story!

[@LifeOf_Uno]

Great video. Thanks a lot.! I needed this. Sometimes the smallest things one hears have a big impact on our future decisions.

[@Medumentary]

I missed this comment, thanks so much for taking the time to watch it! I so agree, a small pebble in the water makes many ripples.

[@leaticia9386]

Omg I'm a Carleton student as well, although I am still in my undergrad. I was always interested in knowing more about abroad med schools. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@Medumentary]

COOL!! Go Ravens!!

[@graceebenezer9710]

Thank you for this video ❤️❤️❤️

[@aminatwoods]

I so appreciate this video. Your story sounds too familiar to my own ... mental health challenges in undergrad (that i haven’t really realized up until recently) and my reasons for gravitating to medicine as opposed to a PhD or psych d degree. I’m currently a social worker (LMSW). I would be a much older non traditional student and it’s been refreshing to hear your story as it’s so relatable to my own compared to the other non traditional med student videos I’ve watched. I’m grateful for the your email videos because i would’ve never taken the idea of pursuing med school a seriously without them

[@Medumentary]

Hey! So glad you were able to see your story reflected in part of mine, that was what I hoped for in sharing! Good luck on your path to MD :)

[@sunandamohandas4485]

Thanks for sharing your story.... It means a lot to me

[@inspirationalnurse_rntiara4702]

Wonderful personality such an inspiration I love mental health in between career currently I’m a nurse transfer to a university to finish my last 2 year for my bachelors degree so I can apply to med school keep up the great work and keep smiling

[@MsLuminator]

Finally found your channel. I will eventually catch up. Great content.

[@deonnarorie5975]

Great content ! Thank you !

[@killinsoftly756]

Thank you for this video, the exact same reason why I want to be a psychiatrist. I’m 25 and graduated university and learning how I can get into med school 2 years after graduation.

[@Medumentary]

It's a big learning curve, but if you're really passionate about psych, it'll be worth it in the end!

[@areefareef7675]

Update? Did you do it?

[@dr.anjali9336]

All the best for your future... Go ahead... A great future is awaiting you...😊

[@yayan281]

Woooooowww were literally the same person thank you so much for this

[@soyumyum1514]

Omgg I am just like you in highschool! I love art and film, and I'm NEVER a math kind of person. But in the end I still want to go for medicine. Right now, I'm actually planning to go into psychology for my major as well! I love that you're sharing this story, I can relate to you so much!

[@Medumentary]

Aw I'm glad you can relate! Best of luck with psychology, I hope the best for you!!!

[@IP1995IP]

I related so so much to this video. From being the average A and B student in high school, to being a student currently in college, lost at what career to pursue, feeling down, and possibly depressed. I feel like i'm just going to college to get the paper right now. I'm interested in technology, but I feel like i'd like the major more as a hobby / entrepreneurship, and not an actual job (Where i'm working for someone). I currently attend Uic in Chicago..., and there is this voice in the back of my head that keeps saying to do something in healthcare, as I continue to finish my last 2 years of college. I feel like I won't get the self - fulfillment from this job as something medicine could give me, and that I will forever regret this decision not knowing what could have been. I can pivot from the current courses I am currently taking and get a bachelors in Biology. I decided to take gen ed requirements that went both towards a technology and science degree, before transferring to a 4 year university, so it is a matter of choosing a route. I unfortunately got mediocre grades in some courses, which brought down my gpa. Some B's, some C's. Multiple drops, because I didn't want it to destroy my gpa when I could have done better... I was just doing the classes, because I had to feeling rather emotionally numb / lost. Now, I did pursue a year of medical school before starting college internationally in Europe, but it was a nightmare. It was far too easy. I mean, classes from community college (One level below University, but still college), were harder than what I was learning there. I feel if I go on to pursue the current degree I am pursing (Computer Science) I will not enjoy the career options, hence hating the job, but if I continue to pursue medicine that i'll be judged for my prior academic history, mediocrity, and overall if I do get accepted I feel like I won't be able to handle it / lack the discipline. I know application committees look for improvement, but what if I can't get in? That Biology degree would be worthless, unless I do something else in Healthcare? I have immense amounts of self-doubt, low-confidence, and low self-esteem. I guess this is what years of mess ups and indecision does to you. Do you have any advice to spare? PS. I started watching your vlogs and many others to try and find some answers, and hopefully answers to help myself.

[@Medumentary]

First off, thanks so much for sharing, I'm sure there are other people who can also relate to your experience. Second, I have a few perspectives to offer. One, a biology degree is not necessary to apply to medical school. In fact, admissions are becoming more and more interested in students with diverse backgrounds given that so many med students already have a BS in bio. Biology doesn't make you stand out. So if you're worried about that, I would contact the admissions of some medical schools you're interested in and ask them what programs are appealing to them as an applicant. You can do comp sci and just add in the pre-med pre-reqs and be just fine. That way if you decide medicine is for you, you can get in, but if that doesn't work out then you're still graduating with what you've planned on. Secondly, improvement is important, yes, especially if you're applying to US MD/DO schools. DO schools are a lot more flexible than MD programs and still a level up from going international, so that's one route to look at. Again, I recommend calling admissions and telling them your current academic situation and seeing what they recommend. Third, if you're feeling generally down and depressed, this can have a major impact on how you're doing in school, and your idea of what you want to do with your life in general. See a therapist! Talk to a doc if you need as well. It's important to be in a good mental state of mind when making decisions about your future. Hope that helps! KC

[@piyusha6969]

Your story is very much related to me thanks for sharing

[@Nan88848]

Great video 👍🏽

[@larryk1153]

I feel like people in the first world countries really have it easier in terms of starting over , like she went through the worst and somehow she got to go to the school. I sank into depression in my final senior high-school year and attempted suicide. Spent time in the hospital and at home recovering from Anorexia and suicide attempts. I failed dismally even though I used to be a really smart kid before my depression. It's been going downhill ever since, this year I have decided to retake my gcse so I can finally qualify for medical school and I'm turning 26. I really owe it to myself to excel. I remember growing up, my whole family had high hopes in me because I was the smartest of all the kids, my mom was affected the most by my failure. Even though it's 3times harder in Africa to get into medical school, I'll continue to fight and lose knowing that I tried my best.

[@nalediglazier9596]

I feel you babe. And I am with you too. I am also 26 and thinking of starting my journey into medicine. I have two kids and I can't start till they are both in school since I am a stay at home mom. Wishing you the best on your journey.

[@llewellynouya]

Wish you all the best. You can do it!

[@larryk1153]

@@nalediglazier9596 wow... It makes me happy to know that there are women out there who are going through a similar journey. I wish you all the best my lady

[@larryk1153]

@@llewellynouya thank you

[@Lizzy123658]

Wow we're literally on the same page ! I dropped out of my science classes and persuaded myself to do communications. I am currently in 2nd year in my Undergraduate degree.I was really confused and felt as if this wasn't it for me but now I am really determined to pursuit medicine I'm excited and can't wait.

[@Medumentary]

Things change! Best of luck, I hope my videos are useful for ya :)

[@DrMursiMD]

Omgosh love your hair cut!!

[@Medumentary]

Thanks, ME TOO! I finally hopped on the lob trend and I'm loving it!

[@raeshma1542]

Was waiting for ur video from last 2 weeks....great outfit and great video

[@Medumentary]

Thanks for being patient and kind enough to anticipate my videos! I'm so glad you like them so much!

[@linajohal6487]

HI! Great great video. Thank you so much for sharing :). You truly are a beautiful person inside and out. Keep it up. I was hoping if maybe you can do a video on a break down time wise of rotations in caribbean medical school, how long each rotation is and what is really required to get graded on clinical rotations? Please a more detailed video of timeline. Thanks Love-Lina

[@Medumentary]

Aw thanks so much. I will make a note of this and either cover it in a Q&A or it's own video, pretty basic though! All of your cores are 6wks except for surgery & IM which are 12. That's the standard schedule for most schools. 4th yr electives can be anywhere from 4-12wks.

[@DaughterOfChrist1997]

awesome video! so useful!

[@Medumentary]

Thanks, I'm so glad you thought so!

[@UnforgettableShay]

Wow! I actually moved to Ottawa to study Journalism at Carleton University first year. After first year, I suffered severe health/mental issues and ending up going back home, and transferring to a completely different program and school. It got worse. Years later, I'm wanting to go to medical school. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@77Lacey77]

I’m in a very similar situation. I graduated with my arts degree and decided to go back for my masters but in education. I don’t think it’s my calling and I think medicine is. I’m 25 and I know it’s not too late - I would love to discuss it further with you!

[@sarapetkova3271]

Wow! Were like the same people. I also love art and i live in Canada

[@jenniferlopez3707]

Did you do a post bacc program to take all your pre requisites ?

[@daniellenicolefollosco9500]

Hello! I'm currently on my 4th year of being a communications student. My college life is more or like the same as yours. You know, suffering on self-identity crisis, social anxiety and realizing how undershadowed mental health is especially in our country and age. After graduating next year, I plan on taking some prerequisite classes on the medical field and taking the NMAT (I'm in the Philippines btw) and hopefully go into med school. Thank you so much for sharing your story! Things like these really lifts me up whenever I'm feeling down and losing hope. 😊

[@Medumentary]

That is awesome! I'm glad I was able to lift you up in some way, hopefully I'll be able to keep doing that 😊 good luck with your NMAT!

[@daniellenicolefollosco9500]

@@Medumentary Thank you so much! Keep safe! 💞

[@raeesanawaz4634]

You guys are so lucky!! In south Africa we dont even have chemistry courses to get into med school!! I'm suffering because I didnt do physics(has both physical science and chemistry)in garde/class 12..

[@Hitherehealth]

Can apply to this medschool with my metric degree because i don't have a highschool degree yet and i,m interested in studying and love it but this is the 3rd time my pre med is very disturbed due to uncountable issues so, can i?

[@alexiaadoghe9676]

Where did you take your prerequisites? At the the same university after graduation or like a community college?

[@graceyoungeunchoi7803]

Hi, did you take the MCAT for when you went to SJSM? Love your videos, super informative!!

[@Dressesndeadlifts8290]

hi, I am almost done with my bachelor in business managment and looking for how to get back into medicine. I was a med assistant for 5 years. How do you go back, and how do you make money while in school?

[@oluwatosinoluwaseun7126]

Hi great video just wanted to know what medical school you went to

[@siddhi4393]

what is Canadian American schooling? like are you international if you do that schooling?

[@luisserra9155]

So I’m in my third year of architecture but I really feel like I should be doing so much more to help people. Mental health and brain function are very interesting to me, but I sometimes am skeptical of psychologist’s theories of it and the social science approach on it. I found psychiatry and it seems really interesting but getting into medical school just seems so far out my reach at this point. Can you elaborate on your journey and the school your attending?

[@yrrah89]

I have adhd i hope i am able to manage it in med school

[@brownproud8511]

Can you talk about this in a video about journey of depression and overcoming it instead of us reading it? It just connects us more as a viewer

[@Medumentary]

I have a video talking about depression :)

[@kylechristianmanejero5738]

Actually I'm on that mindset to go for a transition in my life. I was looking for the past months about non-science related courses that went to medical school and truly it proves that anything is possible if you have the courage and the right decision about one's self. I'm studying my undergraduate at the moment in the social sciences field specifically in political science/public administration. I was thinking for many months already that I feel that this transition to medical field is something that I wanted but there are some doubts about it that maybe I should get a science related courser to enter medschool but it's not the case now. Thank you for the inspiration and best wishes to you! :)

[@isabellakonstantinos8923]

I’m currently studying business and engineering at uni and wanna do medicine now too! Do you think I should finish my course or change to a prerequisite course I’m in my first year now

[@Medumentary]

Hey that's awesome! I'd recommend looking into 3-5 med schools that you might be interested in attending & calling their admissions advisors. See what pre-reqs & qualifications you actually need before you go changing your program

[@ariannea964]

Hi! Thank you for sharing your story! Getting right to the question, how difficult was it for your parents, while having a child or children (I'm not sure if you have siblings!), work at their time demanding jobs? I know I have been wanting to pursue medicine for a long time, but I'm torn between Nurse/Nurse Practitioner and moreover, Doctor. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to my kids' baseball or basketball games, for example, if I become a doctor. I have also heard once doctors go a certain route, it's very difficult for them to change their specialty. There are also others who say that it's merely the same thing, and why not just become a doctor. Can you please give me more insight on this aspect? That would be awesome! Thank you!

[@Medumentary]

Hey! Being a parent in medicine is hard, but I think being a parent in medical school would be harder. People do it, though, so long as you have a good support system. My parents managed, I had a nanny until I was 7, whom I loved, and who was the primary care taker in my life for a few years. But in all honesty it didn't make any difference to me because I have so few memories from that age anyway haha. I know it was hard on them to spend time away but they have no regrets about it and neither do I!

[@ariannea964]

Medumentary thank you so much for your response!

[@dershanelbrumantjnolewis7815]

I know it been two years already. Have you think of Doctors in Nursing DRN?

[@Daisy-ml3og]

I’m 23 and have a humanities degree. I didn’t do well in my sciences, so would have to redo them to have a chance to apply to get into medical school. Is it too, I’m in the UK. I’m panicking 😩

[@Medumentary]

Hey! You have lots of time to figure things out. I recommend calling a few med schools you'd be interested in going to & speaking with the admissions advisors. See what GPA & pre-reqs are required and if they have tips for improving your current application. If you need to re-do your courses, you can manage that. Don't give up! If it's truly what you want, you will put the time in to get where you need to be.

[@AZ-wg3eg]

I'm in a boat less traveled as well. Went in the Army (enlisted) Was going to be a cop when I got out. Decided to go to RN school through state college. Did A&P 1,2 microbiology, stats, and other prerequisites. Now halfway through my RN program I keep getting tugs from my heart to go into medicine. I'm an anatomy/phys tutor employed through my school. And was a straight A student before nursing (got my first B in nursing lol) Can you recommend good reputable international schools whether europe or carrabean? Also how did you tackle the prerequisites? Orgo,chem,physics,bio,biochem in a decent amount of time? -cheers from Florida!

[@Medumentary]

Wow what a journey, that's awesome. It sounds like you've built up a great resume for medical school, I think you'd likely be a great candidate from an admissions perspective! I will link a blog post that you'll find really helpful regarding Caribbean schools. I also know of 2 schools in Poland whose names I can't remember. For my school I only had to do the pre-reqs mentioned in the video as I didn't take the MCAT. A lot of international schools won't require you to have the same/as many pre-reqs you'd need to apply to Canada/US schools which can be great if you want to speed up the process of getting the MD. Hope that helps! www.caribbeanmedstudent.com/caribbean-medical-school-rankings/

[@veganlifethebestlife1102]

You have to take general science requirements. Nursing sciences are different from pre-med sciences. If you do good in those apply to USA medical schools, if not then look at international schools.

[@FatTh0r]

If you want to practice in the US then go to school in the US. It’s not worth having to go through further tests and certifications to get board certified for the US when you went to school outside. It will most likely be very tough to get into a good residency program and you’ll get stuck in internal medicine. With your background you should be golden for US schools. Just apply everywhere and get your apps in early

[@veganlifethebestlife1102]

@aesthetics Regardless if you wanna become something like a surgeon or any other kind of "up there" doctor you need to have very high scores. You can't just go to a USA school, score averagely, then expect to be a surgeon.

[@Medumentary]

I agree with @aestheticsbyaversa, aim for US school #1. DO school #2 then consider international schools, unless the main issue is finance which makes things more difficult. Surgery is going to be tough as an IMG, the most IMG friendly seem to be FM, Internal, Psych, Neuro. Not impossible to match elsewhere, just a lot of hoops, and best shot is from a top 4 Caribbean school with unreal Step scores & research. There aren't any other further tests to do if you go the Caribbean route, though. USMLE & specialty specific exams as usual.

[@omniamina2293]

how i can get to one of these schools..i have master degree in Microbiology... and i live outside America

[@Medumentary]

First step, use the internet to research your options re: schools. Second step, call the admissions offices and they will give you all the information you need!

[@ashleykelsey9328]

You are amazing.

[@Medumentary]

nah you are!!

[@ashleykelsey9328]

Medumentary 🥰💕

[@DrAdnan]

Cool to hear your story. Please make some more videos about your 3rd year. I hear different things from the M3's.

[@Medumentary]

I will continue to do that as I make my way through it! Anything specifically about 3rd year that you'd like to know?

[@DrAdnan]

Medumentary Thanks! Maybe how you recommend prepping for each rotation

[@eoinMB3949]

Just seeing this now............I have been in the arts aswell, but I feel medicine calling to me. I can do sciences no problem, its not like I dont cant anything with them. The only problem I have is that I dont actually like sciences. I love the idea of being a doctor and helping people but the science thing leaves me feeling cold. Is that a deal breaker? Did you find that you were ok with the sciences once you were in Med school or is it the kind of thing that gets better and more relevant to helping people the further along the journey you are?

[@DaishaView]

Did you take your prereqs at a community college?

[@Medumentary]

Nope, took them where I did my undergrad!

[@ainleyamunyela]

Hey. What do you use to edit your videos?

[@Medumentary]

Hey, I use the iMovie that came with my MacBook

[@khushboorawat8399]

👌👌👍👍👍 I'm sure u'll become a good doctor !! :)

[@Medumentary]

thanks!

[@hibaimene9684]

Thanks for sharing ^_^ How old were you ?

[@Medumentary]

No prob! I was 21 when I started

[@sabakhwaja231]

which med school u in

[@Medumentary]

SJSM

[@rvpemail3695]

Did you graduate you AB course? How old were you when you got into med school?

[@Medumentary]

What do you mean by AB course? I was 21 when I started :)

[@kimberlymay1923]

how old are you?

[@Medumentary]

25 :)

[@velaudankutty]

You are so beautiful :)

[@vanhoot2234]

are you still interested in doing psychiatry?

[@Medumentary]

Yes, very! Bummed because my psych rotation got pushed back to September as my last core, so I have to wait forever!

[@vanhoot2234]

best for last

[@Medumentary]

🤞🏼

[@ChichiMarie]

That’s what I want to do as well! There is a huge need for us. I am rooting for you!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🎉🎉🎉

[@Medumentary]

I agree! Thanks & I am so rooting for you too!!

[@hadramcoltzau6135]

Yummy i like this a lot.,