rn to md personal statement

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RN to MD: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Considering a move from scrubs to a white coat? You may have had various reasons for choosing to be a registered nurse (RN) while secretly wishing to become a medical doctor (MD). Maybe your kids were too young or the idea of paying off med school loans felt like climbing a mountain. The good news is you can make a change now. The RN to MD path is there for the taking.

If you are curious about how to go from RN to MD, this article is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including medical school requirements, MCAT preparation, tuition fees, and career outlook.

Benefits of Going from RN to MD

• Increased autonomy: As an MD, you gain greater autonomy in decision-making. You’ll be leading patient care and determining treatment plans.
• Expanded scope of practice: You’ll be able to perform tasks you haven’t done before, such as diagnosing patients and performing certain medical procedures.
• Higher earning potential: The average doctor’s salary in the U.S. is $239,200 per year, while the average nurse’s salary is $94,480 per year.

How to Go from RN to MD: 5 Steps

This transition requires careful planning, dedication, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. The path to becoming an MD for an RN involves the following strategic steps:

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Medical schools require a completed bachelor’s degree. While they don’t usually specify the field, some schools lean towards sciences like microbiology or biology. If you have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), fantastic — you’re all set.

People aiming for medical school often lean towards these majors :

• Biological sciences
• Physical sciences
• Social sciences
• Specialized health sciences
• Math and statistics

Step 2: Pick the Medical Schools You’ll Apply To

Start by picking out several medical programs that interest you and look into their admission requirements. Why choose multiple programs instead of just one? Medical programs are highly competitive , and applying to several increases your chances of admission. Keep in mind that medical schools may have different requirements . However, the most common ones you’ll come across include:

• Pre-medical coursework. Applicants are typically required to complete certain pre-med courses like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. Some schools may also have additional requirements.
• GPA. Many med schools set a minimum GPA, and having a competitive GPA is a big factor in the admission process.
• MCAT. Applicants must take the medical college admission test (MCAT), a standardized exam assessing problem-solving, critical thinking , and knowledge in natural, behavioral, and social sciences. Competitive scores are crucial for admission.
• Extracurricular activities. Medical schools value well-rounded applicants. Being active in extracurriculars, community service, research, and clinical experiences enhance your application.
• Letters of recommendation. Applicants usually need letters of recommendation from professors, healthcare professionals, or other individuals who can speak to their character, academic abilities, and suitability for a career in medicine.
• Personal statement. A well-written personal statement is often required, allowing applicants to explain their motivations for pursuing a career in medicine, their relevant experiences, and what they bring to the medical school community.
• Interview. The interview assesses communication skills, interpersonal qualities, and the applicant’s understanding of and commitment to the field of medicine.

After checking out the requirements, you may realize there are some prerequisite courses you still have to take. You can either take these courses individually at your local college or university or enroll in a pre-med postbaccalaureate course .

Step 3: Pass the MCAT

Next, the MCAT is essential for medical school admission because it provides a standardized, objective measure of applicants’ knowledge and skills on a national level. This exam consists of four sections:

• Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
• Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
• Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior
• Critical analysis and reasoning skills

Step 4: Complete Medical School

Submit your applications to accredited medical schools . Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your nursing experience and commitment to the medical profession. After you’re admitted, stay committed to your studies. Successfully complete the medical school curriculum, including classroom learning and clinical rotations.

Step 5: Finish Residency and Licensure

After graduating from medical school, enter a residency program in your chosen specialty. Residencies provide intensive, supervised training in a particular medical field. Once completed, obtain licensure to practice medicine in your state or region. This typically involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Paying for Medical School

The average total cost of medical school is $235,827, or $58,968 per year. It’s important to note that not all medical schools cost the same, and can range from $161,972 for in-state, public schools to $264,704 for out-of-state, private schools.

What Are Alternatives to an MD?

There are alternative paths to advance your medical career, like exploring advanced practice nursing roles. Here are some examples:

• Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
• Adult–gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)
• Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
• Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP)
• Women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP)
• Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)

MD vs. RN: Salary

When comparing earnings in the healthcare field, registered nurses earn $94,480 annually, while the average medical doctor’s salary is notably higher at $239,200 per year.

Overall employment for MDs is projected to grow 3% in the next decade — in line with the average expected growth for all occupations. The job growth for RNs , however, is expected to grow 6% in the same time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions: Going from Nurse to Doctor

How long would it take for a nurse to become a doctor.

If you want to go from RN to MD, how many years will you need? Let’s explore the average timeline .

• Completing pre-medical coursework typically takes 2 to 3 semesters.
• Taking the MCAT requires a few months for preparation.
• Applying to medical school usually includes a waiting period.
• Completing medical school takes about 4 years.
• Completing residency training is generally between 3–7 years, depending on your specialty.
• Obtaining a medical licensure takes a few months.

The entire process — from earning a BSN to becoming a licensed doctor — often takes around seven to nine years or more. Keep in mind that individual timelines may vary based on a range of factors.

Are there specific RN to MD programs I can apply to?

There are no specific RN to MD bridge programs, and making the transition typically involves a more traditional route of completing pre-medical coursework and attending medical school.

NP vs. MD — what’s the time difference?

The time to complete schooling for NP vs. MD degrees is generally shorter for NPs. NPs typically require around two to four years, while MDs can take approximately four to seven years, including medical school, residency, and licensing.

How hard is medical school compared to nursing school?

Medical school is generally considered more academically rigorous and demanding than nursing school. The intensity of medical school coursework, the depth of medical knowledge, and the duration of education contribute to the perception of greater difficulty.

What is the passing score for the MCAT?

Achieving a good MCAT score generally means hitting 511 or higher, and none of the section scores should drop below 127.

Find Best-Fitting Nursing Jobs

While you are contemplating an RN to MD career change, why not try a new nursing job? We can help you find work you love. Learn how IntelyCare can match you with nursing jobs that would be a great fit.

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The Medical School Personal Statement: How To Stand Out

Posted in: Applying to Medical School

Impressive GPAs and MCAT scores, research experience, physician shadowing , and meaningful volunteer work are only one part of a successful medical school application . You may meet all other medical school requirements , yet face rejection.

One thing can help you stand above the rest : A compelling personal statement.

The medical school personal statement is important because it highlights your hard work, your pre-medical school accomplishments, and why you’re a better candidate than everyone else. 

In other words: Who are you, what makes you unique, and why do you deserve a spot in our school?

We’ve helped thousands of prospective medical students increase their odds at acceptance with better personal statements. Now, we’ll show you exactly how to do it. 

Working on your personal statement? Speak with a member of our enrollment team who can walk you through the step-by-step med school application process from start to finish.

Table of contents, what’s in a great med school personal statement.

An excellent medical school personal statement should contain:

• Passion for an area of the healthcare field.
• Storytelling that captures the reader’s attention from the first sentence.
• Emotion and personality to show (not tell) admissions committee members who you are.
• A unique answer to the question, “Why do you want to be a doctor?”

A powerful personal statement shows that you are the kind of candidate who will make an exceptional physician and be a valuable asset to the school during your medical education. Additionally, it helps to distinguish your application from the many other students with similar MCAT scores and GPAs.

A weak personal statement would, in turn, have the opposite effect.

Not only does the personal statement weed out unqualified candidates, but it also serves as a foundation for many interview discussions and questions . 

Admission committee members often only have a few minutes to review an application. Personal statements provide them with the right amount of information. Since it’s possible this is the only part of your application they’ll read, it needs to be perfect .

When writing your personal statement, you’ll also want to note the AAMC core competencies that are expected of all medical professionals. Some, if not all, of these competencies should shine through in your application essay .

The AAMC premed competencies include: 

• Professional competencies:  Factors like communication skills, interpersonal skills, commitment to learning and growth, compassion, dependability, and cultural awareness and humility
• Science competencies:  Understanding of human behaviors and living systems, both of which are best demonstrated in data-driven measures like research, MCAT scores, and science GPA (in other words, not things that necessarily need to be displayed in your personal statement)
• Thinking & Reasoning competencies:  Critical thinking, reasoning, scientific inquiry, and written communication

It’s important to show passion for something specific — a group of underserved people, a type of patient, the benefit of a particular area of medicine, etc. Your passion should be evident, non-generic, and authentic. Ask yourself, “What makes a good doctor?”

It’s crucial to avoid cliches in your personal statement, like claiming you want to become a doctor “to help people.”

Dr. Renee Marinelli, Director of Advising at MedSchoolCoach, warns that certain cliches may not truly represent meaningful experiences that influenced your decision to pursue medicine.

You may have decided to become a doctor from experiencing a kind physician as a child, but that personal experience doesn’t convey genuine passion. Your enthusiasm for medicine doesn’t need to originate from a grand experience or sudden revelation.

Your interest in medicine probably developed gradually, perhaps when you fell in love with psychology during college and volunteered at nursing homes. You don’t need a lifelong dream to demonstrate passion and become an outstanding doctor.

2. Storytelling

A memorable personal statement captures the reader’s attention from the first sentence, which you can do with an interesting personal story or anecdote. Including some creativity, ingenuity, humor, and character.

Immersing the admissions committee in your personal statement allows you to show , not just tell , how your experiences have impacted your journey to medicine.

Don’t repeat the data your admissions committee can read on the rest of your application — SHOW the passions and experiences that have led you to this field using a narrative approach.

Consider the following examples of statements about a student’s volunteer experience at a food pantry:

"“Through my work at the local food pantry, I came to understand the daily battles many individuals face, and it allowed me to develop deeper empathy and compassion.” “When I saw Mr. Jones, a regular at the kitchen, struggling to maneuver his grocery cart through the door, I hustled over to assist him. My heart sunk when I saw he was wearing a new cast after having been assaulted the night prior.”

Which do you think performed better in terms of conveying personal characteristics? Your personal statement is a deep dive into one central theme, not about rehashing all of your experiences. 

3. Emotion & Personality

An engaging personal statement allows your unique personality and real emotions to shine through.

As Dr. Davietta Butty, a Northwestern School of Medicine graduate, avid writer, pediatrician, and MedSchoolCoach advisor, puts it,

“I think the best personal statements are the ones that showcase the applicant’s personality. Remember that this is your story and not anyone else’s, and you get to say it how it makes sense to you.” 

This is why storytelling is such an important part of personal statement writing. Your writing process should involve quite a bit of writing and editing to express emotion in a relatable, appropriate way.

A Note On Writing About Tragedy

One way you can show who you are is by expressing an appropriate level of emotion, particularly about challenging or tragic experiences. (But don’t worry — not everyone has a tragic backstory, and that’s perfectly fine!)

If you are discussing a tragedy, don’t go into an extended explanation of how you feel — show emotion and your personality while sticking to the plot.

Personal tragedies, such as the death of a loved one, can powerfully motivate a personal statement. In a field where life and death constantly clash, experiences with death might appear impressive qualifications; however, approach them cautiously.

Focus on the reasons behind your motivation, rather than the details of the tragedy. Explain how the experience impacted your medical career aspirations, including skill development or perspective changes.

How have you applied these new skills or perspectives? How would they contribute to your success as a medical student?

4. Why You Want To Be a Doctor

Becoming a doctor is no small feat. What journey brought you here?

Writing things like “I want to help people” or “I want to make a difference” won’t set you apart from all the other students applying for medical school .

Knowing who you want to serve, why you want to help them (in story form), and where you’d like to end up will show admissions officers that you are serious about your medical career.

After all, this career doesn’t just involve many years of post-graduate education — you need a significant motivation to see this career through. That’s what admissions committees are looking for!

Read Next: Medical School Interviews: What To Do Before, During & After  

How long is a personal statement for medical school?

Your statement is limited to:

• 5,300 characters (including spaces) on the AMCAS application ( MD programs )
• 5,000 characters on the TMDSAS (Texas MD programs)
• 5,300 characters for AACOMAS ( DO programs )

That’s roughly 500-700 words, or 3 double-spaced pages of text.

We typically suggest our students divide their personal statement into about 5 full paragraphs — an intro, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Pro tip: Do not type directly into the text box — if something goes wrong, you’ll lose all of your work. Write in another program first, then copy and paste the edited copy into the application text box.

Use a text-only word processing tool (TextEdit on Mac devices or Basic Text Editor on Windows), or type the essay into Microsoft Word or a Google Doc. Just remember to save the file as a *.rtf. This will eliminate formatting issues when you copy and paste the essay into the AMCAS box.

Read Next: How to Successfully Reapply to Medical School and Get a “Yes!”

How To Write a Personal Statement For Medical School

Your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your passion for medicine and your unique experiences. Be genuine, focused, and concise; your personal statement will leave a lasting impression on medical school admissions committees.

Some questions you may want to consider while writing your personal statement are:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that has yet to be disclosed in another application section?

In addition, you may wish to include information such as unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits. Comment on significant academic record fluctuations not explained elsewhere in your application.

With thousands of students, we’ve developed a nine-step process for how to write a personal statement that’s sure to get noticed. Follow these steps in order to uplevel your personal statement writing.

1. Choose a central theme.

Sticking to one central theme for your personal statement may sound tricky, but sticking with a central theme can give your statement more of a rhythm.

Here are a few examples to use when thinking of a central theme:

• What is an experience that challenged or changed your perspective on medicine?
• Is there a relationship with a mentor or another inspiring individual that has significantly influenced you?
• What was a challenging personal experience that you encountered?
• List unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
• What is your motivation to seek a career in medicine?

2. Choose 2-4 personal qualities to highlight.

Keep this part brief and highlight the strengths that will make you an exceptional doctor.

What sets you apart from others? What makes you unique? What are you particularly proud of about yourself that may not be explained by a good GPA or MCAT score?

Here are a few examples of quality traits great doctors possess:

• Persistence
• Reliability
• Accountability
• Good judgment under pressure
• Excellent communication skills
• Leadership skills

3. Identify 1-2 significant experiences that demonstrate these qualities.

In this section, you should include that these experiences exemplify the qualities above and outline your path to medicine.

The top experiences college admissions seek are research projects , volunteer activities, and mentorship.

Here are a few ways to narrow down what makes an experience significant:

• Which experiences left you feeling transformed (either immediately, or in retrospect)?
• Which experiences genuinely made you feel like you were making a difference or contributing in a meaningful way?
• Which experiences radically shifted your perspectives or priorities?
• Which experiences have truly made you who you are today?

Pro tip: If you’re still in your third year of pre-med and want to participate in more experiential projects that will support your future medical career, check out Global Medical Brigades . We partner with this student-led movement for better global health, and brigades are a transformative way to begin your medical career.

4. Write a compelling introduction.

Your personal statement introduction is the first thing the admissions committee will read. The first paragraph should be a catchy, attention-grabbing hook or story that grabs the reader’s attention and sets up the main point of your essay .

Check out this webinar for more examples of what makes a great introduction.

5. Use storytelling to write the body paragraphs.

Since the goal is to achieve depth rather than breadth (5,000 characters isn’t a lot!), focus on key experiences instead of discussing everything you’ve accomplished. Remember, you’ll have the Work & Activities section to share other relevant experiences.

Use the following five-step formula to elaborate on important experiences in the body paragraphs of your personal statement:

• Discuss why you pursued the experience.
• Mention how you felt during the experience.
• Describe what you accomplished and learned.
• Discuss how your experience affected you and the world around you.
• Describe how the experience influenced your decision to pursue medicine.

The best personal statements tell a story about who you are. “Show, don’t tell,” what you’ve experienced — immerse the reader in your narrative, and you’ll have a higher chance of being accepted to medical school.

6. Create an engaging conclusion.

Your goal is to make the person reading want to meet you and invite you to their school! Your conclusion should:

• Talk about your future plans.
• Define what medicine means to you.
• Reflect on your growth.
• Reiterate how you’d contribute to your school’s community and vision.

7. Use a spellchecker to proofread for basic errors.

Misusing “your” instead of “you’re” or misspelling a few important words can negatively impact how your personal statement is received. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation should be perfect on your personal statement.

Use Grammarly or a similar spellchecker to check for errors before completing your personal statement. You can also use an AI tool like ChatGPT for proofreading, although it’s more likely to make sweeping changes.

8. Edit your draft.

Editing your personal statement a few times over will benefit you in the long run. Give yourself time to write, edit, reread, and re-edit your personal statement before submitting it with your application.

You can use AI technology like ChatGPT for small edits or to help you add in information where you might feel stuck, but don’t rely too much on it.

9. Ask a few trusted people to read your draft.

Have at least one friend, family member, and at least one person who’s a medical professional review your draft. A  professor in your pre-med program would be a great person to review your draft.

Be willing to receive as much feedback as your trusted people are willing to give. Don’t get caught up in obsessing over one statement you really like if all three of your readers suggest cutting it.

If you’d like a professional eye on your personal statement, consider a personal statement editing service. Our editors are medical professionals, often who have reviewed personal statements and applications submitted to admissions committees.

We’d love to help you craft a personal statement that’s sure to stand out.

30 prompts to inspire your personal statement.

Here are 30 prompts to inspire your personal statement: 

• Describe a defining moment in your life that solidified your desire to pursue a career in medicine.
• Discuss a challenging situation you faced and how it shaped your perspective on healthcare.
• Reflect on a time when you made a meaningful impact on someone’s life through your actions or support.
• Explain your motivation for wanting to become a physician and how it has evolved over time.
• Describe a personal quality or skill that will contribute to your success as a medical professional.
• Discuss the importance of empathy and compassion in the medical profession and share a personal experience demonstrating these qualities.
• Reflect on a specific medical case or patient that inspired you and how it influenced your future goals.
• Share a story about an interaction with a mentor or role model who has inspired your path in medicine.
• Describe a time when you overcame adversity or faced a significant challenge in your journey to medical school.
• Explain how your background, culture, or upbringing has influenced your perspective on healthcare.
• Discuss a medical issue or topic you’re passionate about and why it’s important to you.
• Describe your experience working or volunteering in a healthcare setting and the lessons you’ve learned.
• Reflect on a time when you had to adapt or be resilient in a challenging situation.
• Discuss how your interest in research or innovation will contribute to your career as a physician.
• Share a personal experience that has shaped your understanding of the importance of teamwork in healthcare.
• Describe a leadership role you’ve held and how it has prepared you for a career in medicine.
• Discuss the impact of a specific medical discovery or advancement on your decision to pursue medicine.
• Reflect on your experience with a particular patient population or community and how it has influenced your perspective on healthcare.
• Share your thoughts on the role of social responsibility in the medical profession.
• Explain how your experiences with interdisciplinary collaboration have prepared you for a career in medicine.
• Describe a time when you advocated for a patient or their needs.
• Share your experience with a global health issue or project and how it has impacted your perspective on healthcare.
• Discuss your interest in a specific medical specialty and why it appeals to you.
• Reflect on a time when you encountered an ethical dilemma and how you resolved it.
• Describe an experience that demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.
• Share a story about a time when you had to think critically and problem-solve in a healthcare setting.
• Discuss how your experiences with diverse populations have informed your approach to patient care.
• Describe an experience that highlights your ability to communicate effectively with others in a medical setting.
• Reflect on a time when you demonstrated your commitment to patient-centered care.
• Share your thoughts on the importance of balance and self-care in the medical profession and how you plan to maintain these practices throughout your career.

Avoid These Common Personal Statement Mistakes

Avoid these 5 common mistakes students make when writing their personal statements: 

• Clichés : “I just want to help people,” “from a young age,” “I’ve always wanted to,” and “for as long as I can remember,” are just some of the overused phrases in personal statements. Other clichés we’ve seen often include saying that you’ve wanted to be a doctor for your whole life, using overly dramatic patient anecdotes, or prideful-sounding stories about how you saved a life as a pre-med student. Eliminate clichés from your writing.
• Typos/grammatical errors: We covered this already, but the grammar in your statement should be flawless . It’s hard to catch your own typos, so use grammar checking tools like Grammarly and ask your readers to look for typographical errors or grammar problems, too.
• Name-dropping: At best, naming a prominent member of the medical community in your statement sounds braggadocious and will probably be brushed off. At worst, an adcom reader may think poorly of the person you mention and dismiss you based on the connection. If you do know a well-known and well-respected person in the medical field and worked closely with them, request a letter of recommendation instead.
• Restating your MCAT score or GPA : Every character in your personal statement counts (literally). Don’t restate information already found on your application. If your application essay is being read, an algorithm has already identified your prerequisite scores as being worthy of reviewing the rest of your application.
• Using extensive quotes from other people: This is your chance to show who you are. Quoting a philosopher or trusted advisor in these few precious characters takes away from the impact you can have. A single short quote might be okay if it’s highly relevant to the story you’re telling, but don’t go beyond that.

Should you use ChatGPT to help you write?

ChatGPT is a great AI tool to help you get your personal statement off the ground. However, since this is your personal statement, ChatGPT won’t be able to effectively write transitions or tie your personal statement together.

Only you can effectively convey what being a doctor means to you. Only you carry the experiences in your mind and heart that have compelled you to pursue this competitive profession. Don’t rely on artificial intelligence to fake those experiences — it will show, and not in a good way.

We’ve found that ChatGPT can help speed the processes of ideation , editing, and grammar-checking. If you’re not using it to emulate human experiences but just treating it as a helpful assistant, go for it! 

When should you start writing your personal statement?

Begin writing your personal statement early enough to have months of reflection and editing time before your application cycle begins. We recommend writing your personal statement as the first step when applying to medical school , starting in December or January before applications open.

As you progress, anticipate revising multiple versions of your draft. Spend time reflecting on your life experiences and aspirations.

Dr. Katzen, MedSchoolCoach Master Advisor and previous admissions committee member at GWU, recommends starting your personal statement in December/January if you plan to apply in May/June (you should!). 

This gives you plenty of time to have others review it or to get professional personal statement editing services. It also gives you time to write multiple drafts and be 100% satisfied with your final essay.

Read Next: A Complete Guide to the Residency Match Process

9 Personal Statement Examples That Led To Med School Acceptance

We’ve included some of our favorite medical school personal statement examples below. Each of these was written by a student who was accepted at one or more programs of their choice.

1. Embracing Diversity: Healing Through Cultural Connections

Student Accepted to Case Western SOM, Washington University SOM, University of Utah SOM, Northwestern University Feinberg SOM

With a flick and a flourish, the tongue depressor vanished, and from behind my ear suddenly appeared a coin. Growing up, my pediatrician often performed magic tricks, making going to the doctors’ feel like literal magic. I believed all healthcare facilities were equally mystifying, especially after experiencing a different type of magic in the organized chaos of the Emergency Department. Although it was no place for a six-year-old, childcare was often a challenge, and while my dad worked extra shifts in nursing school to provide for our family, I would find myself awed by the diligence and warmth of the healthcare providers.

Though I associated the hospital with feelings of comfort and care, it sometimes became a place of fear and uncertainty. One night, my two-year-old brother, Sean, began vomiting and coughing non-stop. My dad was deployed overseas, so my mother and I had no choice but to spend the night at the hospital, watching my brother slowly recover with the help of the healthcare providers. Little did I know, it would not be long before I was in the same place. Months later, I was hospitalized with pneumonia with pleural effusions, and as I struggled to breathe, I was terrified of having fluid sucked out of my chest. But each day physicians comforted me, asking how I was, taking time to reassure me that I was being taken care of, and explaining any questions related to my illness and treatment. Soon, I became excited to speak with the infectious disease doctor and residents, absorbing as much as I could to learn more about different illnesses.

In addition to conventional medical settings, I also came to view the magic of healing through other lenses. Growing up, Native American traditions were an important aspect of my life as my father had been actively involved with native spirituality, connecting back to his Algonquin heritage. We often attended Wi-wanyang-wa-c’i-pi ceremonies or Sun Dances, for healing through prayer and individuals making personal sacrifices for their community. Although I never sun danced myself, I spent hours in inipis, chewing on osha root, finding my own healing through songs. In addition to my father’s heritage, healing came from the curanderismo traditions of Peru, the home of my mother, who came from a long line of healers, which involved herbal remedies and ceremonies in the healing of the mind, body, energy and soul. I can still see my mother preparing mixtures of oils, herbs, and incense while performing healing rituals. The compassion and care she put into healing paralleled the Emergency Department healthcare providers.

Through the influence of these early life experiences, I decided to pursue a career in the health sciences. Shortly after starting college, I entered a difficult time in my life as I struggled with health and personal challenges. I suddenly felt weak and tired most days with aches all over my body. Soon, depression set in. I eventually visited a doctor, and through a series of tests, we discovered I had hypothyroidism. During this time, I also began dealing with an unprocessed childhood trauma. I decided to take time off school, and with thyroid replacement hormones and therapy, I slowly began to recover. But I still had ways to go, and due to financial challenges, I made the difficult decision to continue delaying my education and found work managing a donut shop. Unbeknownst to me, this experience would lead to significant personal growth by working with people from all walks of life and allowing me time for self-reflection. I found myself continuously reflecting on the experiences in the hospital that defined my childhood and the unmatched admiration I had for healthcare workers. With my renewed interest in medicine, I enrolled in classes to get my AEMT license to get more experience in the medical field.

As my health improved, I excelled in my classes, and after craving the connections of working with others, I became a medical assistant. In this position, I met “Marco,” a patient who came from Mexico for treatment. Though I spoke Spanish while growing up, I had little experience as a medical interpreter. However, I took the opportunity to speak with him to learn his story. Afterwards, he became more comfortable, and I helped walk him through the consultation process, interpreting the physician’s words and Marco’s questions. This moment showed me the power of connecting with others in their native language. As a result, I began volunteering at a homeless clinic to continue bridging the language barrier for patients and to help advocate for the Latinx community and those who struggle to find their voice.

My journey to become a doctor has been less direct than planned; however, my personal trials and tribulations have afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with incredible people who have been invaluable to my recovery and personal development. Most importantly, I have seen the value of compassionate and empathetic care. Though I have not recently witnessed any sleight of hand or vanishing acts, what healthcare providers do for patients can only be described as magic. I look forward to bringing my diverse background as a physician and expanding my abilities to help patients in their path to healing.

2. The Calling to Heal From the Battlefield

Student Accepted to Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Harvard Medical School, Yale SOM

I’ll never forget his screams of pain.

It was the first time I had heard a man cry for help, and it shook me to my core. It had been a long night of training in South Korea for me and my fellow Army Rangers. We were reaching the end, heavy with exhaustion, when my friend took the direct impact of an explosive to his leg. The shockwave momentarily rattled my sense of balance. Struggling to see in the dark, I switched on my headlamp. In that instant, all I could focus on was his face. His eyes darted back and forth, sweeping the surroundings for any semblance of help, but all I could do was stand there and watch as our medics treated him.

No amount of training prepared me to see a friend in pain. As I watched the helicopter fly him away, I couldn’t help but think— even though I’d gone through some of the best military training in the world, in that moment, I could do nothing for him. Fortunately, he is okay, but had there been no medic available, the situation could have ended with tragedy. That night, I realized that through a career in medicine, I could be more than just a bystander to suffering— I could be in the position to not only reduce unnecessary pain but to also help those affected by conflict and trauma be restored to the fullness of life.

Upon returning home from this deployment, I shifted my focus to developing my skills in trauma care. I completed various trainings on caring for casualties in a combat environment and preparing non-medic Rangers to provide self-aid or buddy-aid in the absence of a medical provider. In a final scenario-based training lane, I helped lead my team in the treatment and packaging of a trauma patient for evacuation, setting a record time in our company and earning a military medal. This achievement, however, was only the beginning. These trainings and my successes served as a foundation that I built upon to ensure I could provide life-saving care in combat situations.  I continued to hone this skillset over my next two combat deployments as a machine gunner to Afghanistan, where, I was prepared to use these critical abilities to decrease mortality on the battlefield. In medicine, like in the army, the actual practice of one’s craft may be life or death. Therefore, evolving both dependability and proficiency during training is imperative in preparation for that final test, both in war and in medicine.

After leaving the military, confronting injury and trauma continued to be a reality. A year after exiting the service, two Army Ranger leaders whom I knew were critically injured on a mission overseas. One was my former team leader, who was shot in the neck, and the other was caught in an explosion that later resulted in a triple amputation. The relentless efforts of doctors and nurses is the reason why both of these brave men are alive today. Recognizing that without the diligent care of these medical professionals, these men would not have survived, I became ever more dedicated to serving others.

While in college, this dedication pushed me to routinely visit the West Haven VA Hospital to provide a community of support for the older, disabled veterans there. I first began visiting this hospital for my own medical care but witnessing the suffering of the other veterans at the hospital spurred me to return repeatedly not as a patient, but as a friend to my fellow veterans.  As a veteran and student, seeing and hearing about the pain and loss of function experienced by many other veterans reminded me of the importance of advocacy in healthcare: to understand, to care for, and to fight for those who are unable to do so themselves.

I continued to see these effects of conflict while volunteering as a tutor to individuals from the Middle East who were affected by the very war I served in. Alaa lives in Syria and dreams of becoming a surgeon. Together, Alaa and I discussed chemistry, biology, and math. Despite his love of learning and dedication, the instability of his community, which was plagued by violence, often barred him from focusing on his studies and committing to a routine tutoring schedule. Although I’ll never intimately know the reality of growing up in a war-torn country, working with Alaa taught me to keep the bigger picture of healthcare in mind. It reminded me that a career as a physician would provide me with the capability to help those like Alaa who are affected by conflict.

When I reflect on medicine, I draw many parallels to my life in army special operations. The training is intense, the hours are long, and the structure is hierarchical. The mission, above all else, is to provide the best outcome for those around you. On my journey to a career in medicine, I plan to continue to add to what I’ve learned from my experiences so far: humility, empathy, dependability, communication, teamwork, and leading from the front. For over four years I lived by the Ranger Creed, and I plan to imbue the same ethos in serving as a physician— to keep myself mentally alert and morally straight, to shoulder more than my share of whatever task presents itself.  In crossing from the path of a warrior to that of a healer, I hope to continue a life of service to improve the human condition and reduce unnecessary suffering in the world one person at a time.

3. Community-based Health and Empathy: Serving Underserved Communities in Crisis

Student Accepted to Weill Cornell

My path to medicine was first influenced by early adolescent experiences trying to understand my place in society. Though I was not conscious of it at the time, I held a delicate balance between my identity as an Indian-American and an “American-American.”

In a single day, I could be shooting hoops and eating hotdogs at school while spending the evening playing Carrom and enjoying tandoori chicken at a family get-together. When our family moved from New York to California, I had the opportunity to attend a middle school with greater diversity, so I learned Spanish to salve the loss of moving away and assimilate into my new surroundings.

As I partook in related events and cuisine, I built an intermixed friend group and began to understand how culture influences our perception of those around us. While volunteering at senior centers in high school, I noticed a similar pattern to what I sometimes saw at school: seniors socializing in groups of shared ethnicity and culture. Moving from table to table, and therefore language to language, I also observed how each group shared different life experiences and perspectives on what constitutes health and wellness. Many seniors talked about barriers to receiving care or how their care differed from what they had envisioned. Listening to their stories on cultural experiences, healthcare disparities, and care expectations sparked my interest in becoming a physician and providing care for the whole community.

Intrigued by the science behind perception and health, I took electives during my undergraduate years to build a foundation in these domains. In particular, I was amazed by how computational approaches could help model the complexity of the human mind, so I pursued research at Cornell’s Laboratory of Rational Decision-Making. Our team used fMRI analysis to show how the framing of information affects its cognitive processing and perception. Thinking back to my discussions with seniors, I often wondered if more personalized health-related messaging could positively influence their opinions. Through shadowing, I had witnessed physicians engaging in honest and empathetic conversations to deliver medical information and manage patients’ expectations, but how did they navigate delicate conflicts where the patients’ perspectives diverged from their own?

My question was answered when I became a community representative for the Ethics Committee for On Lok PACE, an elderly care program. One memorable case was that of Mr. A.G, a blind 86-year-old man with radiation-induced frontal lobe injury who wanted to return home and cook despite his doctor’s expressed safety concerns. Estranged from family, Mr. A.G. relied on cooking to find fulfillment in his life. Recognizing the conflict between autonomy and beneficence, I joined the physicians in brainstorming and recommending ways he could cook while being supervised. I realized that the role of a physician was to mediate between the medical care plan and the patient’s wishes in order to make a decision that preserves their dignity. As we considered possibilities, the physicians’ genuine concern for the patient’s emotional well-being exemplified the compassion that I want to emulate as a future doctor. Our discussions emphasized the rigor of medicine—the challenge of ambiguity and the importance of working with an individual to serve their needs.

With COVID-19 ravaging our underserved communities, my desire to help others drove me towards community-based health as a contact tracer for my county’s Department of Public Health. My conversations uncovered dozens of heartbreaking stories that revealed how inequities in socioeconomic status and job security left poorer families facing significantly harsher quarantines than their wealthier counterparts. Moreover, many residents expressed fear or mistrust, such as a 7-person family who could not safely isolate in their 1 bedroom/1 bath apartment. I offered to arrange free hotel accommodations but was met with a guarded response from the father: “We’ll be fine. We can maintain the 6 feet.” While initially surprised, I recognized how my government affiliation could lead to a power dynamic that made the family feel uneasy. Thinking how to make myself more approachable, I employed motivational interviewing skills and even simple small talk to build rapport. When we returned to discussing the hotel, he trusted my intentions and accepted the offer. Our bond of mutual trust grew over two weeks of follow-ups, leaving me humbled yet gratified to see his family transition to a safer living situation. As a future physician, I realize I may encounter many first-time or wary patients; and I feel prepared to create a responsive environment that helps them feel comfortable about integrating into our health system.

Through my clinical and non-clinical experiences, I have witnessed the far-reaching impact of physicians, from building lasting connections with patients to being a rock of support during uncertain times. I cannot imagine a career without these dynamics—of improving the health and wellness of patients, families, and society and reducing healthcare disparities. While I know the path ahead is challenging, I am confident that I want to dedicate my life to this profession.

4. Creating a Judgment-Free Zone with The Power of Acceptance in Healthcare

Student Accepted to George Washington SOM and Health Sciences, Drexel University COM

Immigrating into a foreign country without speaking a word of the language is a terrifying task for anyone. My mentee at Computers4kids, Sahil, came to the United States at seventeen and had been struggling to integrate with society due to the language barrier. Although I was born in the United States, I can empathize with the struggle he encounters daily, since both my parents and many members of my family have dealt with the same issues. Often, these barriers exacerbate mundane issues the immigrant population faces as they have difficulty finding people who can understand and care for them. Since I am bilingual in Farsi, when Sahil approached me with his driving instructions manual written in Dari, I thought I could teach him the rules of the road with no issues. I asked him to read the first sentence, but he diverted his gaze and mumbled that he did not know how to read. As I realized he seemed embarrassed by his illiteracy, I placed my hand on his shoulder and assured him that he could learn. I increased my weekly hours at the site to spend an equal amount of time on the rules of the road and on phonetics and reading. Within a few months, he was more comfortable greeting others around the Computers4Kids site and participating in interactive projects. Upon reflection, I appreciate the importance of creating a judgment-free zone that encourages learning and reciprocal care. Once Sahil noticed that I saw him no differently after learning of his illiteracy, he was ready and willing to work on the basics of language and reading, instead of solely memorizing words.

I did not realize how pivotal a judgment-free zone in a medical environment is until I worked at the University of Virginia Emergency Department as a medical scribe. Although I had scribed at a smaller hospital before, I had always strived for a position at a high-volume healthcare center and level one trauma center. Close to the end of a long shift, I walked into the room of a patient with the chief complain of ‘Psychiatric Evaluation’.  A male patient with schizophrenia was hyperventilating and speaking through tears as he described seeing his deceased wife and daughter everywhere he looked. Between short breaths, he mentioned he was going to Florida to attack the person who “murdered his family”. The resident diffused the situation by acknowledging the patient’s feelings and suggesting that he stayed for psychiatric help instead of flying to Florida. Eventually, the patient agreed and was admitted. Seeing the resident create this judgment-free environment was eye opening, as the previously distressed patient was now accepting counseling. The powerful influence of acceptance can lead to valuable insights about patients’ lives, potentially increasing the range of care one can administer.

I decided to transition to primary care in the most recent fall season because I would be able to build a more personal relationship with families in my community. I began working at Union Mill Pediatrics and was finally able to serve the community I grew I up in. I was given the responsibility of acting as the primary contact for a few families with children who have autism. Dr. Maura and I perused the plan of care for one of these children, Ayaan, determined by the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), to ensure that set therapeutic goals were reasonable and generalizable. When I asked Salwa, Ayaan’s mother, about some of the goals set by her BCBA and the school, she mentioned they would repeat exercises he already knew how to complete. I informed Salwa of her right as a patient to bring up her concerns with Ayaan’s teachers. I was overjoyed when she updated me that she instructed Ayaan’s teacher to continue putting his hearing aid in despite Ayaan’s constant cries. Salwa explained that the tantrums would curb after two days, which proved to be true. Similarly to how I encourages Salwa to advocate for her son, I will advocate for my patients and help them develop confidence to speak about their needs. After finding her voice as the patient’s guardian, Salwa gained the confidence to ask about a support group as she faces difficulties raising Ayaan alone. After some research, I found a few active groups to send her. By proving to Salwa I had her best interests in heart, she opened up to me about her mental health issues, which enabled me to extend the appropriate resources her way.

I have witnessed the potential that physicians have at work to forever change a family’s quality of life by being open-minded and remaining judgment-free. As a physician, I will aim to provide for my community through attentive healthcare and community service. I will advocate for my patients with cultural, language or socioeconomic barriers to healthcare. Building a trusting relationship with my future patients can result in a more productive office visit and enhance my ability to administer holistic care. My goal is for patients to leave their visit with not only a reasonable plan of care, but also a greater appreciation of their health and their rights as patients.

5. The Intersection of Medicine and Creativity

Student Accepted to Hackensack Meridian SOM, Nova Southeastern CoOM/KPCOM

Growing up, I inherited a deep admiration for medicine. From my grandfather’s chilling stories as a forensic psychiatrist assessing mental fitness, to my father’s heroic accounts as a pediatric dentist operating on toddlers with severe tooth decay, I was enamored with the honor of healing. These exposures nurtured my natural curiosity and innate aptitude for the sciences. Yet my mother, who had studied dance and theatre, instilled in me a fervent love of the arts and creative practice. Following in her footsteps, I took up multiple musical instruments, attended a high school for the arts, and earned a degree in art history coupled with a dance minor. Still, my dream was to pursue medicine, and though it seems counterintuitive, my love of art has only facilitated my enduring love of science, reinforcing why pursuing a career as a holistic, health-centered physician is my deepest aspiration.

My affinity for the health sciences began in the dance studio, where I devoted many hours of my adolescence. Dance, insidious in its promotion of grotesque health practices, demanded that I limit my calories to 1,200 a day counting everything from ibuprofen to a stick of gum, and to dance through a severe hamstring tear. My conceptions of health were severely warped until college dance came to my rescue. These new progressive teachers uplifted dancers of all physical and cognitive abilities, distributed scientific journals on effective warm-up techniques, and abandoned conventional dance norms. I was disturbed by all the unlearning I had to do, but eager to reacquaint myself with my body and disseminate new knowledge. Thus, I was honored when dance again presented an opportunity in health, as I was hired to teach dance at my childhood summer camp. Here, I could separate my curriculum from unreasonable physical expectations and interpersonal competition. I found a fierce sense of joy and fulfillment from being an advocate for physical and emotional health, and I knew I wanted to continue helping others heal while also deconstructing my own negative health experiences.

These formative experiences in the arts profoundly supported my intellectual development, allowing me to thrive in science-based settings and ultimately prompting me to seek out colleges with robust research programs. At the University of Michigan, I had the privilege of participating in a campus research lab, undoubtedly resulting in my most valuable college experience. The world of scientific inquiry can be intimidating, but after a year of reading dozens of papers and learning novice lab protocols, I began my own independent investigation of zebrafish retinas. My goal was to uncover the mechanisms of retinal regeneration in fish, thus addressing vision loss. The excitement I felt in utilizing challenging lab techniques, working with animals, witnessing the culmination of my efforts through image analysis, and being a part of such life-altering research was unmatched. What once seemed like magic was now tangible; I was an artist helping craft the solutions to science’s unanswered questions. In the context of my multidisciplinary interests, my research reinforced the creative, humanitarian side of science, and that science was where I felt compelled to take action and build a career.

Art continued to deepen my passion for and understanding of medicine. The revolutionary approaches of my dance teachers modeled the importance of critique as it pertains to health. This was not a new concept to me; my high school art teachers had urged us to challenge institutional weaknesses. It was not until college, however, that I realized how this line of thinking intersects with medicine. Studying art history, I repeatedly encountered artists whose work tackled issues in health. Keith Haring confronted the AIDS crisis when society had turned on the gay population, and Marc Quinn confronted the disease of addiction in his self-portrait sculptures, made entirely of his own frozen blood. Art, I learned, is so often a response to disease, be it physical, mental, or sociological. These artists had been champions of health in light of its stigmas and politics; art thus fostered new intentions, instilling within me an ardent goal of social activism through medicine.

Art has contributed to my journey, and while it is not my ultimate goal, I hope to incorporate my artistically based insights into my work in science and medicine as a health and social justice advocate. I am driven to continue exploring these intersections, having compiled an entire portfolio on the connection between dance and science, researched disability in the arts, and pursued my personal interest in LGBTQ+ health advocacy by connecting with and shadowing a variety of gender care physicians. My intention to pursue medicine is personal, fulfilling, and pressing, and I take seriously the responsibility I will have as a physician to be a mogul for change in areas of healthcare that compromise the human experience. Further, my natural inclination towards science and involvement in academic research has instilled in me the confidence and skills necessary to be an effective medical practitioner. With this balanced mindset, I know I will contribute to a more ethical and well-rounded approach to healthcare.

6. Innovation in Medicine and a Quest for Discovery

Student Accepted to Johns Hopkins SOM, Washington University SOM, Hofstra Zucker SOM

As a notoriously picky nine-year-old with a penchant for grilled cheese, I was perplexed when I learned that my younger sister, Rachel, had been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I felt a sting of betrayal knowing my comfort food was the culprit for Rachel’s terrible stomach aches. Yearning to understand how my favorite food was poisoning my favorite person, I developed an insatiable desire to discover the “why” behind Celiac. As Rachel’s doctor explained her disease, I was both fascinated that a simple protein could cause so much damage and inspired by the doctor’s compassion. He described every detail in a way Rachel would understand, addressed her every concern, and held her hand when she was scared. I wanted to be just like Rachel’s doctor so that I too could use science to decipher medical mysteries while also reassuring my patients that I would be their advocate and help them heal.

My interest in medicine drove me to learn more about what it meant to be a doctor. As a freshman in high school, I arranged a shadow day with Dr. M, a cardiologist. He taught me about echoes, showed me a pacemaker implantation, and in the midst of a cardioversion, even beckoned me over to press the button that discharged the defibrillator. I could not contain my excitement recounting how much I had learned during my first day in a clinical setting. From there, my curiosity skyrocketed and I embarked on a relentless pursuit to explore the spectrum of the medical field. I was moved by the supportive atmosphere of the NICU, struck by the precision involved in ophthalmology, absorbed by the puzzle-like reconstruction of Mohs surgery, and awed by the agility of cardiothoracic surgery. Between high school and college, I shadowed over a dozen physicians, cementing my interest and furthering my passion for a future medical career.

My college classes allowed me to immerse myself further in the study of the human body. Following my fascination with cancer, I secured an internship working on a melanoma immunotherapy clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health. I savored the stimulation, grasping new experimental techniques and developing assays; but my work took on even greater meaning when I learned that my grandfather had been enrolled in an early-stage immunotherapy trial himself while battling mucosal melanoma. Although immunotherapy did not heal my grandfather, I was immensely proud to be advancing the science years later. Through long nights and evolving experiments, I gave the trial its final push through an FDA approval checkpoint; ultimately, my contributions will help more grandparents go into remission. The most fulfilling moments came every Monday when I accompanied the leading physician scientists on their rounds. As I met patients, listened to their stories, and celebrated their improvements, the pulsating blister on my thumbpad from endless pipetting became akin to a medal of honor. Reflecting on these encounters, I wanted to continue driving scientific innovation, but I also wanted a more active and personal impact in the patient’s experience.

My desire to connect with patients brought me to Alliance Medical Ministry, a clinic serving uninsured, disadvantaged communities in North Carolina. I stepped up to lead efforts to organize a community COVID-19 vaccination clinic, communicating personally with every eligible patient and arranging vaccine appointments for over a thousand people across the hardest hit areas of Raleigh. The experience became even more rewarding when I trained to administer vaccines, becoming a stable, anchoring presence from the beginning to the end of the process. One memorable patient, “Amy,” had not seen a doctor in years because of the associated financial burden. When she came to the clinic suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis, she was not even aware of her diabetes diagnosis. While I waited with her for transportation to the ER, she expressed her fears about contracting COVID at the hospital. However, she emphatically dismissed my suggestion about receiving a vaccine. I listened intently to all her concerns. Not only was she worried about the vaccine infecting her with the virus, but also her history of being denied healthcare due to her socioeconomic status had instilled fears that she would not be taken care of should she have an adverse reaction. I took her hand in mine and reassured her of the clinic’s mission to provide care regardless of ability to pay. I further explained everything I knew about how the vaccine worked, its safety and efficacy, and how my body reacted when I received my own injection. I could not help but beam behind my N95 when days later, Amy returned, sat in my chair and confidently rolled up her sleeve for me to give her the protective shot.

I have grown by exploring the multifaceted world of medicine through shadowing, pioneering research to advance patient care at the NIH, and cultivating trusting relationships with patients from the vaccine clinic. As a doctor, my desire to be an innovative thinker and problem solver will fuel my unrelenting quest for discovery throughout a lifetime of learning. Most importantly, I aspire to use my medical knowledge to improve lives and establish meaningful patient partnerships, just as Rachel’s doctor did with her.

7. Transforming Pain into Purpose: Inspiring Change in the Field of Medicine

Student Accepted to UCSF SOM, Harvard Medical School

Countless visits to specialists in hope of relief left me with a slew of inconclusive test results and uncertain diagnoses. “We cannot do anything else for you.” After twelve months of waging a war against my burning back, aching neck and tingling limbs, hearing these words at first felt like a death sentence, but I continued to advocate for myself with medical professionals. A year of combatting pain and dismissal led me to a group of compassionate and innovative physicians at the Stanford Pain Management Center (SPMC). Working alongside a diverse team including pain management specialists and my PCP, I began the long, non-linear process of uncovering the girl that had been buried in the devastating rubble of her body’s pain. From struggling with day-to-day activities like washing my hair and sitting in class to thriving as an avid weightlifter and zealous student over the span of a year, I realized I am passionate about preventing, managing and eliminating chronic illnesses through patient-centered incremental care and medical innovation.

A few days after my pain started, I was relieved to hear that I had most likely just strained some muscles, but after an empty bottle of muscle relaxers, the stings and aches had only intensified. I went on to see 15 specialists throughout California, including neurologists, physiatrists, and rheumatologists. Neurological exams. MRIs. Blood tests. All inconclusive. Time and time again, specialists dismissed my experience due to ambiguous test results and limited time. I spent months trying to convince doctors that I was losing my body; they thought I was losing my mind. Despite these letdowns, I did not stop fighting to regain control of my life. Armed with my medical records and a detailed journal of my symptoms, I continued scheduling appointments with the intention of finding a doctor who would dig deeper in the face of the unknown. Between visits, I researched my symptoms and searched for others with similar experiences. One story on Stanford Medicine’s blog, “Young Woman Overcomes Multiple Misdiagnoses and Gets Her Life Back”, particularly stood out to me and was the catalyst that led me to the SPMC. After bouncing from doctor to doctor, I had finally found a team of physicians who would take the profound toll of my pain on my physical and mental well-being seriously.

Throughout my year-long journey with my care team at the SPMC, I showed up for myself even when it felt like I would lose the war against my body. I confronted daily challenges with fortitude. When lifting my arms to tie my hair into a ponytail felt agonizing, YouTube tutorials trained me to become a braiding expert. Instead of lying in bed all day when my medication to relieve nerve pain left me struggling to stay awake, I explored innovative alternative therapies with my physicians; after I was fed up with the frustration of not knowing the source of my symptoms, I became a research subject in a clinical trial aimed at identifying and characterizing pain generators in patients suffering from “mysterious” chronic pain. At times, it felt like my efforts were only resulting in lost time. However, seeing how patient my care team was with me, offering long-term coordinated support and continually steering me towards a pain-free future, motivated me to grow stronger with every step of the process. Success was not  an immediate victory, but rather a long journey of incremental steps that produced steady, life-saving progress over time. My journey brought me relief as well as clarity with regard to  how I will care for my future patients. I will advocate for them even when complex conditions, inconclusive results and stereotypes discourage them from seeking continued care; work with them to continually adapt and improve an individualized plan tailored to their needs and goals, and engage in pioneering research and medical innovations that can directly benefit them.

Reflecting on the support system that enabled me to overcome the challenges of rehabilitation, I was inspired to help others navigate life with chronic pain in a more equitable and accessible way. Not everyone has the means to work indefinitely with a comprehensive care team, but most do have a smartphone. As a result, I partnered with a team of physicians and physical therapists at the University of California San Francisco to develop a free mobile application that guides individuals dealing with chronic pain through recovery. Based on my own journey, I was able to design the app with an understanding of the mental and physical toll that pain, fear, and loss of motivation take on patients struggling with chronic pain. Having features like an exercise bank with a real-time form checker and an AI-based chatbot to motivate users, address their concerns and connect them to specific health care resources, our application helped 65 of the 100 pilot users experience a significant reduction in pain and improvement in mental health in three months.

My journey has fostered my passion for patient-centered incremental medicine and medical innovation. From barely living to thriving, I have become a trailblazing warrior with the perseverance and resilience needed to pursue these passions and help both the patients I engage with and those around the world.

8. Overcoming Bias, Stigma, and Disparities in Medicine

Student Accepted to University of Florida COM

Growing up as a Black woman, my family’s experiences with racial bias in medicine were central to my perception of doctors. From my grandmother’s forced electric shock therapy in the Jim Crow South that resulted in severe brain damage, to my father’s ignored appendicitis that led to a near-death infection after rupturing, every trip to the doctor came with apprehension. Will these strange men with sharp tools heal me or hurt me? This question repeated in my head as I prepared to undergo my first surgery to remove suspiciously inflamed lymph nodes at age 11. I woke up groggy from anesthesia with a negative cancer diagnosis but a blistering third degree burn. The surgeon had successfully removed the malignant masses but had left the cauterizing iron resting on my neck in the process. Today when I look in the mirror and see the scar, I am reminded of the troubling reality that myths such as black people having thicker skin and less sensitive nerve endings are still pervasive in the medical field. By challenging the systemic disparities in medicine that disadvantage minority populations, I vow to my inner child that I will be a different kind of doctor, a doctor who values the patient as much as the procedure.

My experiences with a variety of communities, minority and majority, stem from growing up in a military household that came with frequent relocations. I was exposed to a wide range of communities from an early age—rural Oregon to tropical Hawaii, industrious Japan to politicized D.C, sunny San Diego and finally to radical Berkeley where I  began my pre-medical education. I chose to view medicine from an anthropological lens while at Cal and supplemented my coursework with community service.  As co-coordinator of UC Berkeley’s chapter of Peer Health Exchange, my 9th grade students were, at first,  mistrusting –even with my Angela Davis-esque afro, I was clearly not from Oakland and not quite old enough to be lecturing them. But it was the Good Samaritan Law lecture, during which students learned they would not face police penalty for calling 911 if a friend was in trouble, that I finally gained their trust. One student shared, “I always worried that I wouldn’t be able to call for help because I’m undocumented.”  Later as a health advocate at UCSF, I encountered the same sentiment from families in the pediatric clinic who worried that accessing healthcare for a sick child might put their immigration or legal status at risk. I learned that to get to the root of barriers to access, trust is invaluable. Navigating marginalized spaces with cultural competency is an asset that I pride myself in.

I carried this foundation into my research and clinical work on HIV, a disease that disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities and is often left untreated by the stigmas surrounding medicine for these communities. As an HIV PreP Navigator at the Oasis clinic, I was on rotation when a thirteen-year-old girl was referred to the clinic after testing positive for HIV. We analyzed her T cell count and viral load, and discovered she fit the AIDs criteria.   In the following weeks, we worked on medication adherence, and as the girl’s CD4 count rose, so did her spirits and mine. Medicine is more than just a diagnosis and prescription—it is active compassionate treatment. It is holding steady when the entire ground seems to shake with the magnitude of an illness. It is being able to look a patient in the eye and truly see them despite the myriad of differences.

The disparities and differences in patient circumstances has been emphasized by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing this disproportionate effect of the virus on minority communities, I worked at a COVID-19 testing facility in one of the most underserved and impoverished communities in the Los Angeles’ area. Assuring patients of the safety of Covid testing measures was a big part of the job. “Have you done it?” They would ask. “What about Tuskegee?”  Being Black, I felt the burden of responsibility that came with these questions. How could I have such faith in medicine knowing the traumatic past? My response was simple, “I believe in the science. I can explain PCR testing to you if you like.” By eradicating some of the mystery surrounding these lab techniques, people felt more comfortable.  The opportunity to serve as a trusted community leader by directly interacting with patients and working on a team with doctors, EMTs, and nurses amid an international crisis reaffirmed my journey into medicine.

Zora Neale Hurston once wrote, “mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to ‘jump at de sun.’ We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground.” As an aspiring physician, these words have served as a motivating mantra. To “get off the ground” for me means to become the first medical doctor in a lineage of sharecroppers and farmers. Medicine has been my “sun” for as long as I can remember; its promise to bring light has kept me jumping at every opportunity. Like my grandmother, my father, and so many others, I have experienced disparity in medicine. The scars that mar our bodies are my constant reminder that there is much work to be done. I see medicine as the ability to directly enact that change, one patient at a time.

9. Navigating Personal Struggles to Become a Compassionate Physician

Student Accepted to Touro CoOM, Nova Southeastern CoOM/KPCOM

I fight the heavy sleepiness that comes over me, but before I know it, I am out like a light. Forty-five minutes later, I wake up with a sore throat, watery eyes, and an intensely cold, painful feeling plaguing my entire right leg. Earlier, my parents and I arrived at the Beckman Laser Institute for another treatment of my port-wine stain birthmark. Despite my pleas to not undergo these procedures, my parents still took me twice a year. As I was rolled into the cold, sterile operating room on a gurney, I felt like I was experiencing everything from outside of myself. Despite my doctor’s and nurses’ best efforts to comfort me, I felt my heart racing. Feelings of apprehension and fear of the unknown flooded my senses at the sight of beeping machines and tubes that seemed to go everywhere. As the anesthesiologist began to administer the “sleepy juice,” I felt sad, realizing that my birthmark was a permanent resident on my leg and that I would have to receive this treatment for the rest of my life.

As an adult, I am grateful my parents continued to take me to the laser institute. Starting treatment so early aided in the lightening of my birthmark, which did wonders to improve my self-confidence. However, I suffered daily, feeling like I constantly had to hide something about myself. I kept my secret from everyone except my parents. Despite there being several medical doctors in my family, I knew that any sign of illness or disease would be held against me socially amongst other Egyptians. My secrecy was made even more difficult by the advice of my doctor to avoid certain physical activities, as they could worsen the underlying pathology of the veins in my legs. On his advice, I only wore long pants and would not run with other children during recess and gym class. This all added to the isolation I felt growing up, not knowing anyone with a similar condition to mine. Even as a child, no amount of explaining or encouragement could make me understand the benefit of those painful laser treatments.

What eventually changed my perspective was the team of compassionate doctors and nurses who have been caring for me since I began this journey. I was particularly touched when one of my doctors shared with me that she had also undergone a procedure that she would be performing on me. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Not only was she a specialist in the field, but her empathy for what I would soon go through became a source of instant comfort and ease for me. I knew that what she said was heartfelt, and not simply an attempt to convince me to undergo a procedure. I realized then that one of the reasons I had felt so afraid was because I had been alone in what I was going through.

A few years later, I attended a conference held by the Vascular Birthmark Foundation, where a variety of specialists convened to discuss port-wine stain birthmarks and other related conditions. Once we arrived at the hotel where the conference would take place, I met a woman who had a facial port-wine stain birthmark. As we began sharing stories about our experiences with our condition, we connected over how difficult it had been to receive treatment. We both knew what it felt like to be told that the birthmark was simply a cosmetic issue, and that any form of treatment we received would have no corrective purpose, if it was even considered treatment in the first place. There was a certain sense of freedom that I felt in finally being able to talk about my illness with someone I could trust to understand. Thinking back to the doctor who connected with me over a procedure she had also experienced as a patient, I felt truly called in that moment to pursue my goal of becoming a vascular physician. My goal would be to become a source of comfort and familiarity for patients who struggle as I have, to give them the same relief that I experienced from finally being understood.

Despite the pains I went through, I now realize that the experiences I have had as a patient can help me better understand what it means to be a physician. By being an excellent listener and openly sharing my experiences with receiving treatment, I can foster an honest and safe physician-patient relationship. I believe this approach will not only comfort my patients, but also help them make informed decisions about their treatment. My commitment to this approach has also led me to choose a DO path for my medical career. Having researched the holistic treatment approach that a DO delivers, I realized that being treated by a DO would have done wonders for my self-confidence and overall health as a young patient. The aspects of my port wine stain that were always left untreated were the emotional and social side effects of my condition. As a DO in the dermatology or interventional radiology specialty, I hope to gain the tools to provide empathetic and comprehensive care to my patients that reassures them that they are not alone in their journey to better health.

Want to read a few more great samples? We also broke down the things that make these 3 personal statements excellent and compelling.

Other Resources For Personal Statement Writing

Do you want to learn even more about personal statements? Dive into these great resources!

FREE MEDICAL SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT WEBINARS

Preparing Your Personal Statement For Medical Programs : Hosted by MedSchoolCoach Director of Writing & College Advising, Jennifer Speegle.

Creating the First Draft of Your Medical School Personal Statement : Hosted by MedSchoolCoach advising and writing advisors, Ziggy Yoediono MD and James Fleming.

Where to Begin When Writing Your Personal Statement : Hosted by MedSchoolCoach Associate Director of Writing and College Advising, Jennifer Speegle, Associate Director of Advising, Ziggy Yoediono MD, and Writing Advisor, Carrie Coaplen Ph. D.

The Medical School Personal Statement – What Makes a Great Intro and Why It’s Important : Hosted by Director of Advising, Dr. Renee Marinelli, MD, Master Advisor, Dr. Ziggy Yoediono, MD, and Founder of MedSchoolCoach, Dr. Sahil Mehta, MD.

THE PROSPECTIVE DOCTOR PODCAST

Episode 2 – The Personal Statement

Episode 42 – Writing Your Personal Statement

Episode 76 – How to Tackle the Medical School Personal Statement

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Medical School Personal Statement Examples That Got 6 Acceptances

Featured Admissions Expert: Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

These 30 exemplary medical school personal statement examples come from our students who enrolled in one of our medical school admissions consulting programs. These examples led to multiple acceptance for our student’s dream schools. In this article we'll also provide you a step-by-step guide for composing your own outstanding personal statement from scratch. If you follow this strategy, you're going to have a stellar statement whether you apply to the most competitive or the easiest medical schools to get into .

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

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Article Contents 31 min read

Stellar medical school personal statement examples that got multiple acceptances, medical school personal statement example #1 – six acceptances.

I made my way to Hillary’s house after hearing about her alcoholic father’s incarceration. Seeing her tearfulness and at a loss for words, I took her hand and held it, hoping to make things more bearable. She squeezed back gently in reply, “thank you.” My silent gesture seemed to confer a soundless message of comfort, encouragement and support.

Through mentoring, I have developed meaningful relationships with individuals of all ages, including seven-year-old Hillary. Many of my mentees come from disadvantaged backgrounds; working with them has challenged me to become more understanding and compassionate. Although Hillary was not able to control her father’s alcoholism and I had no immediate solution to her problems, I felt truly fortunate to be able to comfort her with my presence. Though not always tangible, my small victories, such as the support I offered Hillary, hold great personal meaning. Similarly, medicine encompasses more than an understanding of tangible entities such as the science of disease and treatment—to be an excellent physician requires empathy, dedication, curiosity and love of problem solving. These are skills I have developed through my experiences both teaching and shadowing inspiring physicians.

Medicine encompasses more than hard science. My experience as a teaching assistant nurtured my passion for medicine; I found that helping students required more than knowledge of organic chemistry. Rather, I was only able to address their difficulties when I sought out their underlying fears and feelings. One student, Azra, struggled despite regularly attending office hours. She approached me, asking for help. As we worked together, I noticed that her frustration stemmed from how intimidated she was by problems. I helped her by listening to her as a fellow student and normalizing her struggles. “I remember doing badly on my first organic chem test, despite studying really hard,” I said to Azra while working on a problem. “Really? You’re a TA, shouldn’t you be perfect?” I looked up and explained that I had improved my grades through hard work. I could tell she instantly felt more hopeful, she said, “If you could do it, then I can too!” When she passed, receiving a B+;I felt as if I had passed too. That B+ meant so much: it was a tangible result of Azra’s hard work, but it was also symbol of our dedication to one another and the bond we forged working together.

My passion for teaching others and sharing knowledge emanates from my curiosity and love for learning. My shadowing experiences in particular have stimulated my curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around me. How does platelet rich plasma stimulate tissue growth? How does diabetes affect the proximal convoluted tubule? My questions never stopped. I wanted to know everything and it felt very satisfying to apply my knowledge to clinical problems.

Shadowing physicians further taught me that medicine not only fuels my curiosity; it also challenges my problem solving skills. I enjoy the connections found in medicine, how things learned in one area can aid in coming up with a solution in another. For instance, while shadowing Dr. Steel I was asked, “What causes varicose veins and what are the complications?” I thought to myself, what could it be? I knew that veins have valves and thought back to my shadowing experience with Dr. Smith in the operating room. She had amputated a patient’s foot due to ulcers obstructing the venous circulation. I replied, “veins have valves and valve problems could lead to ulcers.” Dr. Steel smiled, “you’re right, but it doesn’t end there!” Medicine is not disconnected; it is not about interventional cardiology or orthopedic surgery. In fact, medicine is intertwined and collaborative. The ability to gather knowledge from many specialties and put seemingly distinct concepts together to form a coherent picture truly attracts me to medicine.

It is hard to separate science from medicine; in fact, medicine is science. However, medicine is also about people—their feelings, struggles and concerns. Humans are not pre-programmed robots that all face the same problems. Humans deserve sensitive and understanding physicians. Humans deserve doctors who are infinitely curious, constantly questioning new advents in medicine. They deserve someone who loves the challenge of problem solving and coming up with innovative individualized solutions. I want to be that physician. I want to be able to approach each case as a unique entity and incorporate my strengths into providing personalized care for my patients. Until that time, I may be found Friday mornings in the operating room, peering over shoulders, dreaming about the day I get to hold the drill.

Let's take a step back to consider what this medical school personal statement example does, not just what it says. It begins with an engaging hook in the first paragraph and ends with a compelling conclusion. The introduction draws you in, making the essay almost impossible to put down, while the conclusion paints a picture of someone who is both passionate and dedicated to the profession. In between the introduction and conclusion, this student makes excellent use of personal narrative. The anecdotes chosen demonstrate this individual's response to the common question, " Why do you want to be a doctor ?" while simultaneously making them come across as compassionate, curious, and reflective.

This person is clearly a talented writer, but this was the result of several rounds of edits with one of our medical school admissions consulting team members and a lot of hard work.

If your essay is not quite there yet, or if you're just getting started, don't sweat it. A good personal statement will take time and editing. 

I was one of those kids who always wanted to be doctor. I didn’t understand the responsibilities and heartbreaks, the difficult decisions, and the years of study and training that go with the title, but I did understand that the person in the white coat stood for knowledge, professionalism, and compassion. As a child, visits to the pediatrician were important events. I’d attend to my hair and clothes, and travel to the appointment in anticipation. I loved the interaction with my doctor. I loved that whoever I was in the larger world, I could enter the safe space of the doctor’s office, and for a moment my concerns were heard and evaluated. I listened as my mother communicated with the doctor. I’d be asked questions, respectfully examined, treatments and options would be weighed, and we would be on our way. My mother had been supported in her efforts to raise a well child, and I’d had a meaningful interaction with an adult who cared for my body and development. I understood medicine as an act of service, which aligned with my values, and became a dream.

I was hospitalized for several months as a teenager and was inspired by the experience, despite the illness. In the time of diagnosis, treatment and recovery, I met truly sick children. Children who were much more ill than me. Children who wouldn’t recover. We shared a four-bed room, and we shared our medical stories. Because of the old hospital building, there was little privacy in our room, and we couldn’t help but listen-in during rounds, learning the medical details, becoming “experts” in our four distinct cases. I had more mobility than some of the patients, and when the medical team and family members were unavailable, I’d run simple errands for my roommates, liaise informally with staff, and attend to needs. To bring physical relief, a cold compress, a warmed blanket, a message to a nurse, filled me with such an intense joy and sense of purpose that I applied for a volunteer position at the hospital even before my release.

I have since been volunteering in emergency departments, out-patient clinics, and long term care facilities. While the depth of human suffering is at times shocking and the iterations of illness astounding, it is in the long-term care facility that I had the most meaningful experiences by virtue of my responsibilities and the nature of the patients’ illnesses. Charles was 55 when he died. He had early onset Parkinson’s Disease with dementia that revealed itself with a small tremor when he was in his late twenties. Charles had a wife and three daughters who visited regularly, but whom he didn’t often remember. Over four years as a volunteer, my role with the family was to fill in the spaces left by Charles’ periodic inability to project his voice as well as his growing cognitive lapses. I would tell the family of his activities between their visits, and I would remind him of their visits and their news. This was a hard experience for me. I watched as 3 daughters, around my own age, incrementally lost their father. I became angry, and then I grew even more determined.

In the summer of third year of my Health Sciences degree, I was chosen to participate in an undergraduate research fellowship in biomedical research at my university. As part of this experience, I worked alongside graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical students, physicians, and faculty in Alzheimer’s research into biomarkers that might predict future disease. We collaborated in teams, and by way of the principal investigator’s careful leadership, I learned wherever one falls in terms of rank, each contribution is vital to the outcome. None of the work is in isolation. For instance, I was closely mentored by Will, a graduate student who had been in my role the previous summer. He, in turn, collaborated with post docs and medical students, turning to faculty when roadblocks were met. While one person’s knowledge and skill may be deeper than another’s, individual efforts make up the whole. Working in this team, aside from developing research skills, I realized that practicing medicine is not an individual pursuit, but a collaborative commitment to excellence in scholarship and leadership, which all begins with mentorship.

Building on this experience with teamwork in the lab, I participated in a global health initiative in Nepal for four months, where I worked alongside nurses, doctors, and translators. I worked in mobile rural health camps that offered tuberculosis care, monitored the health and development of babies and children under 5, and tended to minor injuries. We worked 11-hour days helping hundreds of people in the 3 days we spent in each location. Patients would already be in line before we woke each morning. I spent each day recording basic demographic information, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, weight, height, as well as random blood sugar levels, for each patient, before they lined up to see a doctor. Each day was exhausting and satisfying. We helped so many people. But this satisfaction was quickly displaced by a developing understanding of issues in health equity.

My desire to be doctor as a young person was not misguided, but simply naïve. I’ve since learned the role of empathy and compassion through my experiences as a patient and volunteer. I’ve broadened my contextual understanding of medicine in the lab and in Nepal. My purpose hasn’t changed, but what has developed is my understanding that to be a physician is to help people live healthy, dignified lives by practicing both medicine and social justice.

Want to hear more medical school personal statement examples that got accepted?

28 More Medical School Personal Statement Examples That Got Accepted

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t I pursue medicine sooner?\u201d Is the question that now occupies my mind. Leila made me aware of the unprofessional treatment delivered by some doctors. My subsequent activities confirmed my desire to become a doctor who cares deeply for his patients and provides the highest quality care. My passion for research fuels my scientific curiosity. I will continue to advocate for patient equality and fairness. Combining these qualities will allow me to succeed as a physician. ","label":"Med School PS Example #10","title":"Med School PS Example #10"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

" It was the middle of the night when I received the call that my friend was trying to jump off the 30th floor of an apartment building. When I got to her, all I could see was anguish and fear in her eyes as she looked back at me from the balcony. I was eventually able to talk her down, but this was only one of many times I came to her aid as she struggled with mental illness."

Medical school personal statement example: #12

" I lost my brother before I had the opportunity to meet him. Technology was not advanced enough in my hometown in India for my mother to know she had lost her child before it laid still in her arms."

Medical school personal statement example: #13

" After six years of being in the closet, I came out to my parents as bisexual in the middle of a family dinner, blurting out the confession as I couldn’t hold it in anymore ... To me, this was just one small piece of me and my identity that was different but for some, it makes all the difference."

Medical school personal statement example: #14

" While shadowing primary care physicians, neurologists and a laryngologist however, I realized just how untrue the idea of doctors failing to feel helpless can be ... Looking back now, I didn’t yet comprehend that doctors were human and didn’t always have all of the answers. This was my first encounter with the limitations of medicine."

Medical school personal statement example: #15

" Having been both a patient and a teacher, I have experienced the importance of paying attention to brief moments that can offer great transformation."

Medical school personal statement example: #16

" “Who are you?” At 20 years old, I stood face to face with my abuela, but I was now a stranger. Our relationship had been erased with those three simple words. My abuela, as I had known her, was gone."

Medical school personal statement example: #17

" As a child growing up, I faced signs in Mandarin and Hindu scriptures with a mixture of curiosity and frustration. Across the street from my childhood home, I saw the effect of misunderstanding played out in reverse at the hospital ... I could not hear the conversations, but I recognized the expression on the receptionist’s face each time she spoke to a Hindi-speaking patient—wrinkled nose and a raised eyebrow with a look of confusion. At a young age, I understood how discouraging even simple communication could be across a language barrier."

Medical school personal statement example: #18

" The high pitched siren broke silence in a frosty winter morning. Stationed on the curbside was an ambulance with flashing red and white lights with my mother inside. Not long ago, our car skidded on ice and hit a tree ... In the next few days, I sat alongside my mother in the hospital, praying that her pain would ease and she would recover soon."

Medical school personal statement example: #19

" Coping with my mother’s visual hallucinations, amnesia, and overall emotional instability was frustrating and exhausting. I was heartbroken watching the strong, independent woman who raised me struggle to be herself. Nevertheless, I witnessed the necessity of having faith and proper support in overcoming hurdles such as these."

Medical school personal statement example: #20

" While it was devastating to learn that there was no treatment for NCL, it highlighted the importance of medical research ... The connection the doctors developed with my family, the way they taught us about NCL, and the hope their research on NCL gave us helped drive my curiosity and love for medicine."

Medical school personal statement example: #21

" We were passing through the blinding lights of New York City when the incident happened. It happened slowly, like in a movie. Shuffling along the crowded sidewalk, holding my mother’s hand, I suddenly felt her fingers slip from my grasp."

Medical school personal statement example: #22

"W hen I was ten years old, I had an uncle I’d never met before come to visit. When my mother introduced him to us, she told us that he was a travelling physician for doctors without borders ... He told us that his job was to provide care for people in need, regardless of race, nationality, class, or creed. 'One day, maybe you can join me,' he said."

Medical school personal statement example: #23

" When I was young, I wanted to be just like my father ... As I got older, the veil of importance I always viewed him with began to lift – the smoke in front of my eyes swept away in a cold gust of wind. On my 16th birthday, he gave me the only advice he would ever give before he died."

Medical school personal statement example: #24

" As I watched smoke curl around my grandfather’s chapped hands, I often wondered if the burning red tip of the cigarette kept him warm in the cold prairie winter ... Cigarettes were bad for you, he'd say, yet he continued the ritual every workday. Adults always told us they were bad for your health. But nobody told Grandpa he shouldn’t smoke."

Medical school personal statement example: #25

" To me, being a psychiatrist is like dropping a few coins in a cup. It doesn’t seem like enough, but little by little, those coins start to add up."

Medical school personal statement example: #26

" I wasn’t supposed to live past the age of 25. Growing up in a neighborhood where drug use was commonplace and crime rates were high, every young person could see what their future held every day on the walk home from school."

Medical school personal statement example: #27

" When we returned home after the mission trip, that sense of pride hung around. I reflected on my trip, and I realized ... while dentistry still didn’t spark my passions, my interest in medicine had been ignited."

Medical school personal statement example: #28

"' People like Annie have problems that won’t go away,' Dr. Dean said, 'but that doesn’t mean we can’t help.'"

Medical school personal statement example: #29

" We were out on patrol one night and heard shouting. We called it in and ran over, fearing the worst. What we found was a small boy – one of the local kids – who had tripped and scraped his knee. Well, didn’t Jeff patch him up with his field kit, showing a great bedside manner for a guy in full tactical gear."

Medical school personal statement example: #30

" I’m not decrying loud music, but ... a series of bad decisions and ignored warnings may have condemned me to a future of obnoxious background noise."

Are you a medical school reapplicant? Check out some medical school reapplicant personal statement examples. ","label":"NOTE","title":"NOTE"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Tips to Create Your Exemplary Medical School Personal Statement

Your med school personal statement is one of the most important medical school requirements . It tells your story of why you decided to pursue the medical profession. Keep in mind that personal statements are one of the key factors that affect medical school acceptance rates . A well-written personal statement can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection!

“Personal statements are often emphasized in your application to medical school as this singular crucial factor that distinguishes you from every other applicant. Demonstrating the uniqueness of my qualities is precisely how I found myself getting multiple interviews and offers into medical school.” – Dr. Vincent Adeyemi, MD

Personal statements remain one of the most challenging parts of students' journeys to medical school. Here's our student Melissa sharing her experience of working on her personal statement:

"I struggled making my personal statement personal... I couldn't incorporate my feelings, motives and life stories that inspired me to pursue medicine into my personal statement" - Melissa, BeMo Student

Let's approach this step-by-step. Here's a quick run-down of what we'll cover in the article:

#1 Review What Makes a Strong Medical School Personal Statement

Before discussing how to write a strong medical school personal statement, we first need to understand the qualities of a strong essay. Similar to crafting strong medical school secondary essays , writing a strong personal statement is a challenging, yet extremely important, part of your MD or MD-PhD programs applications. Your AMCAS Work and Activities section may show the reader what you have done, but the personal statement explains why.

This is how Dr. Neel Mistry, MD and our admissions expert, prepared for his medical school personal statement writing:

"The personal statement is an opportunity for you to shine and really impress the committee to invite you for an interview. The personal statement is your chance to be reflective and go beyond what is stated on your CV and [activities]. In order to stand out, it is important to answer the main questions [of medical school personal statements] well: a bit about yourself and what led you to medicine, why you would make an ideal medical student and future physician, what attracts you to [medicine], and what sets you apart from the other candidates. The key here is answering the last two questions well. Most candidates simply highlight what they have done, but do not reflect on it or mention how what they have done has prepared them for a future medical career." - Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

A personal statement should be deeply personal, giving the admissions committee insight into your passions and your ultimate decision to pursue a career in medicine. A compelling and introspective personal statement can make the difference between getting a medical school interview and facing medical school rejection .

As you contemplate the task in front of you, you may be wondering what composing an essay has to do with entering the field of medicine. Many of our students were surprised to learn that medical school personal statements are so valued by med schools. The two things are more closely related than you think. A compelling personal statement demonstrates your written communication skills and highlights your accomplishments, passions, and aspirations. The ability to communicate a complex idea in a short space is an important skill as a physician. You should demonstrate your communication skills by writing a concise and meaningful statement that illustrates your best attributes. Leaving a lasting impression on your reader is what will lead to interview invitations.

#2 Brainstorm Ideas to Make Your Medical School Personal Statement Stand Out

Personal statements for medical school often start by explaining why medicine is awesome; but the admission committee already knows that. You should explain why you want a career in medicine. What is it about the practice of medicine that resonates with who you are? Here are some additional questions you can consider as you go about brainstorming for your essay:

• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What is something you want them to know about you that isn't in your application?
• Where were you born, how did you grow up, and what type of childhood did you have growing up (perhaps including interesting stories about your siblings, parents, grandparents)?
• What kinds of early exposure to the medical field left an impression on you as a child?
• Did you become familiar with and interested in the field of medicine at an early stage of your life? If so, why?
• What are your key strengths, and how have you developed these?
• What steps did you take to familiarize yourself with the medical profession?
• Did you shadow a physician? Did you volunteer or work in a clinical setting? Did you get involved in medical research?
• What challenges have you faced? Have these made an impact on what you chose to study?
• What are your favorite activities?
• What kinds of extracurriculars for medical school or volunteer work have you done, and how have these shaped who you are, your priorities, and or your perspectives on a career in medicine?
• What was your "Aha!" moment?
• When did your desire to become a doctor solidify?
• How did you make the decision to apply to medical school?

You shouldn't try to answer all of these in your essay. Try a few main points that will carry over into the final draft. Start developing your narrative by prioritizing the most impactful responses to these prompts and the ideas that are most relevant to your own experiences and goals. The perfect personal statement not only shows the admissions committee that you have refined communication skills, but also conveys maturity and professionalism.

Here's how our student Alison, who was a non-traditional applicant with a serious red flag in her application, used her brainstorming sessions with our admissions experts to get a theme going in her medical school personal statement and her overall application package:

"I think it was during my brainstorming session that we really started talking about... what the theme [was] going to be for my application. And I think that was really helpful in and of itself. Just [reflecting] 'Hey, what's your focus going to be like? How are we going to write this? What's the style going to be?' Just to create an element of consistency throughout..." Alison, BeMo Student, current student at Dell Medical School 

After brainstorming, you should be able to clearly see two to four key ideas, skills, qualities, and intersections that you want to write about.

As you begin thinking about what to include in your personal essay, remember that you are writing for a specific audience with specific expectations. The admissions committee will be examining your essay through the lens of their particular school's mission, values, and priorities, as well as the qualities of an ideal physician.

"Make it easy for the reader to be able to work [their] way through [your personal statement]. Because, at the end of the day, I think one thing that helped me a lot was being able to think about who was going to be reading this application and it's going to be these people that are sitting around a desk or sitting at a table and [go] through massive numbers of applications every single day. And the easier and more digestible that you can make it for them, gives you a little bit of a win." - Alison, BeMo student, current student at Dell Medical School

You should think about your experiences with reference to the AAMC Core Competencies and to each school's mission statement so that you're working toward your narrative with the institution and broader discipline in mind. The AAMC Core Competencies are the key characteristics and skills sought by U.S. medical schools.

You are not expected to have mastered all of these competencies at this stage of your education. Display those that are relevant to your experiences will help demonstrate your commitment to the medical profession.

#4 How to Answer the Prompt, Without a Prompt

Your personal statement is, in essence, an essay prompt without a prompt. They give you free rein to write your own prompt to tell your story. This is often difficult for students as they find it hard to get started without having a true direction. However, you can think of this question as essentially having the prompt “why do you want to become a doctor?” . Here are some questions to guide your self-reflection:

• The moment your passion for medicine crystallized
• The events that led you toward this path
• Specific instances in which you experienced opportunities
• Challenges that helped shape your worldview
• Your compassion, resilience, or enthusiastic collaboration
• Demonstrate your commitment to others
• Your dependability
• Your leadership skills
• Your ability to problem-solve or to resolve a conflict

These are personal, impactful experiences that only you have had. Focus on the personal, and connect that to the values of your future profession. Do that and you will avoid writing the same essay as everyone else. Dr. Monica Taneja, MD and our admissions expert, shares her tip that got her accepted to the University of Maryland School of Medicine :

"I focused on my journey to medicine and opportunities that I sought out along the way. Everyone’s path and validation is unique, so walking the reader through your growth to the point of application will naturally be different, but that's what I wanted to share in my personal statement." - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

#5 reflect on your theme.

Admissions committees don't want your medical school resumé in narrative form. All that stuff is already in the activities section of the application. This is where you should discuss interesting or important life events that shaped you and your interest in medicine (a service trip to rural Guatemala, a death in the family, a personal experience as a patient).

“The essay is not about what you have been through; it's about who it made you into.” – Dr. Vincent Adeyemi, MD

One suggestion is to have an overarching theme to your essay to tie everything together, starting with an intriguing personal anecdote. Alternatively, you can use one big metaphor or analogy through the essay.

Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD encourages you to be creative when it comes to the theme of your personal statement:

"It is very easy to make the 'cookie-cutter' personal statement. To a reviewer who is reading tens of these at a time it can become quite boring. What I did was [tell] a story. Like any good novel, the stories' first lines are meant to hook the reader. This can be about anything if you can bring it back and relate it to your application. It could be about the time your friend was smashed up against the boards in hockey and you, with your limited first aid experience helped to treat him. It is important that the story be REAL." - Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Your personal statement must be well-organized, showing a clear, logical progression, as well as connections between ideas. It is generally best to use a chronological progression since this mirrors your progression into a mature adult and gives you the opportunity to illustrate how you learned from early mistakes later on. Carry the theme throughout the statement to achieve continuity and cohesion. Use the theme to links ideas from each paragraph to the next and to unite your piece.

#1 Review Medical School Personal Statement Structure

Writing the first draft of your essay, it is important to keep an outline in mind: The essay should read like a chronological narrative and have good structure and flow. Just like any academic essay, it will need an introduction, body content, and a conclusion. 

Introduction

The introductory sentence of your essay will most certainly make or break your overall statement. Ensure that you have a creative and captivating opening sentence that draws the reader in. The kinds of things that inspire or motivate you can say a lot about who you are as a person.

“ Like any good novel, the stories' first lines are meant to hook the reader. This can be about anything if you can bring it back and relate it to your application. It could be about the time your friend was smashed up against the boards in hockey and you, with your limited first aid experience helped to treat him.” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD

That is a lot of work for a single paragraph to do. To better help you envision what this looks like in practice, here is a sample introduction that hits these main points.

I was convinced I was going to grow up to be a professional chef. This was not just another far-fetched idealistic childhood dream that many of us had growing up. There was a sense of certainty about this dream that motivated me to devote countless hours to its practice. It was mostly the wonder that it brought to others and the way they were left in awe after they tried a dish that I recall enjoying the most creating as a young chef. But, when I was 13, my grandfather was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, and I realized that sometimes cooking is not enough, as I quickly learned about the vital role physicians play in the life of everyday people like my family and myself. Although my grandfather ended up passing away from his illness, the impact that the healthcare team had on him, my family, and I will always serve as the initial starting point of my fascination with the medical profession. Since that time, I have spent years learning more about the human sciences through my undergraduate studies and research, have developed a deeper understanding of the demands and challenges of the medical profession through my various volunteer and extra-curricular experiences, and although it has been difficult along the way, I have continued to forge a more intimate fascination with the medical field that has motivated me to apply to medical school at this juncture of my life. ","label":"Sample Introduction","title":"Sample Introduction"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

Check out our video to learn how to create a killer introduction to your medical school personal statement:

In the body of your essay, you essentially want to elaborate on the ideas that you have introduced in your opening paragraph by drawing on your personal experiences to provide evidence.

Depending on the details, a selection of volunteer and extracurricular experiences might be discussed in more detail, in order to emphasize other traits like collaboration, teamwork, perseverance, or a sense of social responsibility – all key characteristics sought by medical schools. Just like an academic essay, you will devote one paragraph to each major point, explaining this in detail, supporting your claims with experiences from your life, and reflecting on the meaning of each plot point in your personal narrative, with reference to why you want to pursue a medical career.

The conclusion is just as important as the introduction. It is your last chance to express your medical aspirations. You want to impress the reader while also leaving them wanting more. In this case, more would mean getting an interview so they can learn more about who you are!

Your final statement should not be a simple summary of the things you have discussed. It should be insightful, captivating, and leave the reader with a lasting impression. Although you want to re-emphasize the major ideas of your essay, you should try to be creative and captivating, much like your opening paragraph. If you can link your opening idea to your last paragraph it will really tie the whole essay together.

#2 Show, Don't Tell

The narrative you construct should display some of your most tightly held values, principles, or ethical positions, along with key accomplishments and activities. If you see yourself as someone who is committed to community service, and you have a track record of such service, your story should feature this and provide insight into why you care about your community and what you learned from your experiences. Saying that you value community service when you've never volunteered a day in your life is pointless. Stating that your family is one where we support each other through challenge and loss (if this is indeed true), is excellent because it lays the groundwork for telling a story while showing that you are orientated towards close relationships. You would then go on to offer a brief anecdote that supports this. You are showing how you live such principles, rather than just telling your reader that you have such principles:

"Remember to use specific personal examples throughout your statement to make it more impactful and memorable for the readers. Often, painting a picture in the reader’s mind in the form of a story helps with this." - Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

A lot of students make the mistake of verbalizing their personal attributes with a bunch of adjectives, such as, "This experience taught me to be a self-reliant leader, with excellent communication skills, and empathy for others..." In reality, this does nothing to convey these qualities. It's a mistake to simply list your skills or characteristics without showing the reader an example of a time you used them to solve a problem. The person reading the essay may not believe you, as you've not really given them a way to see such values in your actions. It is better to construct a narrative to show the reader that you possess the traits that medical schools are looking for, rather than explicitly stating that you are an empathetic individual or capable of deep self-reflection.

While it may be tempting to write in a high academic tone, using terminology or jargon that is often complex or discipline-specific, requiring a specialized vocabulary for comprehension. You should actually aim to write for a non-specialist audience. Remember, in the world of medicine, describing a complex, clinical condition to a patient requires using specific but clear words. Use words that you believe most people understand. Read your personal statement back to a 14-year-old, and then again to someone for whom English is not their first language, to see if you're on the right path.

Ultimately, fancy words do not make you a good communicator; listening and ensuring reader comprehension makes you a good communicator. Show them your communication skills through clear, accessible prose, written with non-specialists in mind. A common refrain among writing instructors is: never use a $10 word where a $2 word will suffice.

#4 Display Professionalism

Professionalism may seem like a difficult quality to display when only composing a personal statement. After all, the reader can't see your mannerisms, your personal style, or any of those little qualities that allow someone to appear professional. Professionalism is about respect for the experience of others on your team or in your workplace. It is displayed when you are able to step back from your own individual position and think about what is best for your colleagues and peers, considering their needs alongside your own.

One easy way to destroy a sense of professionalism is to act in a judgmental way towards others, particularly if you perceived and ultimately resolved an error on someone else's part. Sometimes students blame another medical professional for something that went wrong with a patient.

They might say something to the effect of:

"The nurse kept brushing off the patient's concerns, refusing to ask the attending to increase her pain medications. Luckily, being the empathetic individual that I am, I took the time to listen to sit with the patient, eventually bringing her concerns to the attending physician, who thanked me for letting him know."

There are a couple of things wrong with this example. It seems like this person is putting down someone else in an attempt to make themselves look better. They come across as un-empathetic and judgmental of the nurse. Maybe she was having a busy day, or maybe the attending had just seen the patient for this issue and the patient didn't really need re-assessment. Reading this kind of account in a personal statement makes the reader question the maturity of the applicant and their ability to move past blaming others and resolve problems in a meaningful way. Instead of allocating blame, identify what the problem was for the patient and then focus on what you did to resolve it and reflect on what you learned from the whole experience.

One last note on professionalism: Being professional does not mean being overly stoic, hiding your emotions, or cultivating a bland personality. A lot of students are afraid to talk about how a situation made them feel in their personal statement. They worry that discussing feelings is inappropriate and will appear unprofessional. Unfortunately for these students, emotional intelligence is hugely important to the practice of medicine. Good doctors are able to quickly identify their own emotions and understand how their emotional reactions may inform their actions, and the ability to deliver appropriate care, in a given situation. So, when writing your personal statement, think about how each experience made you feel, and what you learned from those feelings and that experience.

Step 3: Write Your First Draft of Your Personal Statement

As you can see, there is a LOT of planning and consideration to be done before actually starting your first draft. Properly brainstorming, outlining, and considering the content and style of your essay prior to beginning the essay will make the writing process much smoother than it would be you to try to jump right to the draft-writing stage.

“I wrote scores of essays at my desk in those few weeks leading up to application submission. I needed it to be perfect. Do not let anyone tell you to settle. There was no moment when I had this shining light from the sky filtering into my room to motivate me. The ultimate trick is to keep writing. It is impossible to get that perfect essay on the first try, and you may not even get it on your fifteenth attempt, but the goal is to keep at it, keep making those edits, and never back down.” – Dr. Vincent Adeyemi, MD

As you're getting started, focus on getting content on the page, filling in your outline and getting your ideas arranged on the page. Your essay will go through multiple drafts and re-writes, so the first step is to free write and start articulating connections between your experiences and the characteristics you're highlighting. You can worry about flow, transitions, and perfect grammar in later drafts. 

#1 Did You Distinguish Yourself From Others?

Is your narrative unique? Our admissions expert Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, shares how she got the attention of the admissions committee with her personal statement:

"I found it helpful to give schools a 'punch-line'. As in I wanted them to remember 1-2 things about me that are my differentiators and I reiterated those throughout [the personal statement]." - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

Use your narrative to provide a compelling picture of who you are as a person, as a learner, as an advocate, and as a future medical professional. What can you offer?

Remember, you will be getting a lot out of your med school experience, but the school will be getting a lot out of you, as well. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, so use this opportunity to highlight what you bring to the table, and what you will contribute as a student at their institution. Make them see you as a stand out from the crowd .

#2 Does My Essay Flow and is it Comprehensible?

Personal statements are a blessing and a curse for admission committees. They provide a better glimpse of who you are than MCAT scores or GPAs. But they are long and time-consuming to read. And often, they sound exactly alike.

Frankly, if your personal statement is pleasant to read, it will get read with more attention and appreciation. Flow is easier to craft through narrative, which is why you should root the statement in a story that demonstrates characteristics desirable to medical schools . You want this to be a statement that captures the reader's interest by creating a fluid, comprehensible piece that leads the reader to not only read each paragraph but want to continue to the next sentence.

#3 Did You Check Your Grammar?

It is always important to carefully edit your medical school personal statement . Read your statement out loud to yourself and you will almost certainly find an error (and likely several errors). Use fresh eyes to review the statement several times before you actually submit it, by walking away from it for a day or so and then re-reading it.

This step can make or break your essay. Do not waste all the effort you have put into writing, to only be discarded by the committee for using incorrect grammar and syntax.

#4 Did You Gather Feedback From Other People?

While the tips above are all very useful for writing a strong draft, nothing will benefit you more than getting an outside appraisal of your work. This may sound obvious, but it's still an absolute necessity.

“It was very helpful for two of my mentors to review my statements before submitting my application. Ensure you trust the judgement and skills of the person to whom you would be giving your personal statement for review.” – Dr. Vincent Adeyemi, MD

Avoid having people too close to you read your work. They may refrain from being too critical in an effort to spare your feelings. This is the time to get brutal, honest feedback. If you know someone who is an editor but do not feel that they can be objective, try and find someone else.

Want more examples? Check out our video below:

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Med School Personal Statement

Part of your essay's body can include a discussion of any discrepancies or gaps in your education, or disruptions in your academic performance. If you had to take time off, or if you had a term or course with low grades, or if you had any other extenuating circumstances that impacted your education, you can take time to address these here. You can approach this in your essay similarly to the question “what is your greatest weakness” that may get asked during interviews.

You will also be able to address weaknesses or setbacks in your AMCAS Statement of Disadvantage or your adversity secondary essay , so make sure there is not too much overlap between these and your personal statements.

Use your personal statement to emphasize your ability to persevere through whatever life has thrown your way. Most of all, if you feel like you have to explain yourself, take accountability for the situation. State that it is unfortunate and then redirect it to what you learned and how it will make you a better doctor. Always focus on being positive and do not lament on the negative situation too much.

Mistakes to Avoid in Medical School Personal Statements

Here are some mistakes that may raise a red flag in your personal statement:

Check out this video on the top 5 errors to avoid in your personal statement!

FAQs and Final Notes

This Ultimate Guide has demonstrated all the work that needs to be done to compose a successful, engaging personal statement for your medical school application. While it would be wonderful if there was an easy way to write your personal statement in a day, the reality is that this kind of composition takes a lot of work. As daunting as this may seem, this guide lays out a clear path. In summary, the following 5 steps are the basis of what you should take away from this guide. These 5 steps are your guide and sort of cheat sheet to writing your best personal statement.

5 Main Takeaways For Personal Statement Writing:

• Brainstorming
• Content and Theme
• Multiple Drafts
• Revision With Attention to Grammar

While a strong personal statement alone will not guarantee admission to medical school, it could absolutely squeeze you onto a  medical school waitlist , off the waitlist, and onto the offer list, or give someone on the admissions committee a reason to go to battle for your candidacy. Use this as an opportunity to highlight the incredible skills you've worked and studied to refine, the remarkable life experiences you've had, and the key qualities you possess in your own unique way. Show the admissions committee that you are someone they want to meet. Remember, in this context, wanting to meet you means wanting to bring you in for an interview!

Your personal statement should tell your story and highlight specific experiences or aspects of your journey that have led you to medicine. If your first exposure or interest in the medical field was sparked from your own medical struggles, then you can certainly include this in your statement.

All US medical schools require the completion of a personal statement with your AMCAS, TMDSAS or AACOMAS applications. Medical schools in Canada on the other hand, do not require personal statements but may have essay prompts that are similar in nature.

Think about whether or not that bad grade might reflect on you poorly. If you think it will, then it's best to address the academic misstep head-on instead of having admissions committees dwell on possible areas of concern. 

No! Students arrive to medicine in all sorts of ways, some change career paths later in life, some always knew they wanted to pursue medicine, and others slowly became interested in medicine through their life interactions and experiences. Your personal statement should address your own unique story. 

While your entire statement is important, the opening sentence can often make or break your statement. If your opening sentence is not eye-catching, interesting, and memorable, you risk your statement blending in with the large pile of other statements. 

Having your statement reviewed by family and friends can be a good place to start, but unfortunately they will often not be able to provide unbiased feedback and may not have the expertise necessary to understand nuance in statements.

If you have enough time set aside to write your statement without juggling multiple other commitments, it normally takes at least 6-8 weeks to write your statement. 

The goal is to show as many of them as you can in the WHOLE application: this includes your personal statement, sketch, reference letters, secondary essays, and even your GPA and MCAT (which show critical thinking and reasoning already). So, you don’t need to address them all in your essay.

Yes, you can. However, if you used an experience as a most meaningful entry, pick something else to talk about in your essay. 

The reality is, medical school admission is an extremely competitive process. In order to have the best chance of success, every part of your application must be stellar. 

The ones that honestly made the most impact on you. You'll need to reflect on your whole life and think about which experiences helped you grow and pushed you to pursue medicine. Ideally, experiences that show commitment and progression are better than one-off or short-term activities, as they usually contribute more to growth.

Dr. Lauren Prufer is an admissions expert at BeMo. Dr. Prufer is also a medical resident at McMaster University. Her medical degree is from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. During her time in medical school, she developed a passion for sharing her knowledge with others through medical writing, research, and peer mentoring.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Get some inspiration to start writing your Medicine Personal Statement with these successful examples from current Medical School students. We've got Medicine Personal Statements which were successful for universities including Imperial, UCL, King's, Bristol, Edinburgh and more.

Personal Statement Examples

• Read successful Personal Statements for Medicine
• Pay attention to the structure and the content
• Get inspiration to plan your Personal Statement

Personal Statement Example 1

Check out this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, UCL, QMUL and King's.

Personal Statement Example 2

This Personal Statement comes from a student who received Medicine offers from Bristol and Plymouth - and also got an interview at Cambridge.

Personal Statement Example 3

Have a look at this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, Edinburgh, Dundee and Newcastle.

Personal Statement Example 4

Take a look at this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for King's, Newcastle, Bristol and Sheffield.

Personal Statement Example 5

Pick up tips from this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, Birmingham and Manchester.

Personal Statement Example 6

This Personal Statement comes from a student who got into Graduate Entry Medicine at King's - and also had interviews for Undergraduate Medicine at King's, QMUL and Exeter.

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RN to MD: How to Apply Your Nursing Experience to Becoming a Doctor

A look at the invaluable contributions nurses can make in healthcare by becoming an md..

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the transition from a Registered Nurse (RN) to a Medical Doctor (MD) represents a distinctive and challenging journey that embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and an unwavering dedication to patient care. This article explores the unique trajectory of individuals who have traversed the path from nursing to medicine, shedding light on the valuable experiences nurses bring to the medical field and the impact of their diverse backgrounds on patient outcomes.

The decision to pursue an MD after establishing a foundation as an RN is a testament to the evolving roles within the healthcare profession. Nurses, with their hands-on experience in patient care and a deep understanding of the intricacies of healthcare delivery, bring a unique perspective to the realm of medical practice. This journey is not merely a career shift; it is a transformation that draws upon the strengths cultivated in nursing and integrates them into the broader context of medical education. From honed communication skills to a profound empathy for patients, the qualities ingrained in the nursing profession become powerful assets in the pursuit of a medical degree. These individuals not only bridge the gap between nursing and medicine but also contribute to a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

This article explores the symbiotic relationship between nursing and medicine, highlighting the invaluable contributions of nurses who embark on the transformative path from RN to MD. Learn more about how to become a Registered Nurse.

Why Nurses Make Good Doctors

Nurses, with their extensive training and hands-on experience, embody a wealth of qualities and skills that seamlessly translate into success in the demanding field of medicine. The transition from being an RN to pursuing an MD is a natural evolution that capitalizes on these attributes, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of patient care.

Thriving in High-Pressure Situations: Nursing is a profession that often operates on the front lines of healthcare, requiring individuals to navigate high-pressure situations with composure and precision. This ability to think on one’s feet and make critical decisions under stress is a hallmark of nursing practice and proves invaluable in the fast-paced environment of medical practice.

Mastering the Art of Multitasking: In the intricate web of patient care, multitasking is an essential skill, and nurses are adept at balancing numerous responsibilities simultaneously. This skill is particularly advantageous in medical practice, where doctors often juggle diverse patient cases, administrative duties, and continuous learning.

Maintaining Composure and Emotional Resilience: The emotional toll of patient care is a shared experience in nursing and medicine. Nurses, through years of tending to patients with diverse health conditions, develop emotional resilience and the ability to maintain composure in emotionally charged situations. This emotional intelligence proves crucial when delivering difficult news, handling distraught family members, or managing the emotional aspects of medical practice.

Patient-Centered Approach: Nurses possess an intimate understanding of the patient experience, emphasizing holistic care and focusing not only on the ailment but also on the overall well-being of the individual. This patient-centered approach aligns seamlessly with the evolving paradigm of medicine, where a comprehensive understanding of the patient is paramount to delivering effective and personalized healthcare.

Empathy and Effective Communication: Empathy is a cornerstone of nursing, and the ability to connect with patients on a human level is a skill that resonates well in medical practice. Effective communication, another vital attribute cultivated in nursing, is essential for building trust with patients, collaborating with colleagues, and ensuring seamless healthcare delivery.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Nursing operates at the intersection of various healthcare disciplines, and nurses are accustomed to collaborating with diverse professionals to provide comprehensive care. This interdisciplinary nature positions nurses as effective team players in the medical field, where collaboration among specialists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals is critical for optimal patient outcomes.

How to Become a Doctor as a Nurse

Here’s a step-by-step guide for nurses interested in pursuing a medical career:

• Self-Assessment and Research: Consider how your nursing experience aligns with the goals of becoming a physician. Explore various medical specialties to determine which aligns best with your interests and career aspirations.
• Educational Requirements: Research the specific requirements for medical school admission, including prerequisite courses, GPA, and standardized test scores. Evaluate your nursing education to identify any prerequisite courses you may have already completed.
• Gain Clinical Experience: Highlight relevant clinical experiences from your nursing career in your application. Emphasize patient interaction, medical exposure, and any specialized areas of nursing.
• Academic Preparation: If needed, enroll in post-baccalaureate programs or additional coursework to fulfill these requirements. Understand the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) requirements and create a study plan.
• Build a Strong Application: Update your resume to include relevant nursing experiences, education, and any additional coursework, write a compelling personal statement that articulates your journey from nursing to medicine, and secure strong letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and commitment.
• Application Process: Familiarize yourself with the application services, such as the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) in the United States. Follow the application guidelines and submit all required materials.
• Financial Planning: Explore financial aid options for medical school. Look into scholarships, grants, and loans to support your academic journey. Develop a budget to manage expenses during the application process and potential transition to medical school.
• Time Management: Develop a realistic study schedule that balances work, family, and academic commitments. Communicate with your employer, family, and friends about your decision. Seek support to manage the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities.
• Prepare for Interviews: Prepare for medical school interviews by practicing common interview questions. Consider participating in mock interviews to enhance your communication skills.
• Stay Informed and Stay Resilient: Keep yourself informed about changes in medical school admissions, requirements, and application processes. Understand that the transition from nursing to medicine may present challenges. Embrace resilience, stay focused on your goals, and adapt as needed.

Pathways to becoming an MD

Registered Nurses interested in becoming Medical Doctors can pursue several pathways to achieve their goal. It’s important to note that the specific requirements and pathways may vary based on individual circumstances, educational backgrounds, and regional regulations. Here are common pathways for RNs aspiring to become MDs:

Traditional Medical School Pathway

• RNs typically hold a nursing degree, which may be an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. To pursue medical school, a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field is often required or strongly recommended.
• Medical schools have specific prerequisite courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. RNs may need to complete any missing prerequisites.
• Passing the MCAT is a standard requirement for medical school admission. RNs should prepare for and take the MCAT to demonstrate their readiness for medical education.
• RNs can apply to medical schools in the United States through centralized application services like AMCAS.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

• Some universities offer post-baccalaureate programs designed for individuals with a non-science undergraduate degree, including those with a nursing background. These programs help students complete necessary science coursework and prepare for the MCAT.
• Some medical schools offer special admission tracks or programs for career changers, including RNs similar to MEPN programs for those switching careers into nursing. These programs recognize the unique skills and experiences of individuals transitioning to medicine.

Accelerated Bachelor’s to MD Programs

• Certain medical schools offer accelerated programs that allow individuals to earn both a Bachelor’s degree and a medical degree in a shortened timeframe. These programs often require a strong academic record and may be suitable for RNs with a non-science undergraduate degree.

Bridge Programs

• Some medical schools may offer specific pathways for RNs, allowing them to bridge their nursing education to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) and then proceed to medical school. These programs recognize the clinical experience and knowledge acquired during nursing practice.

Direct Entry or Second-Degree MD Programs

• In some countries or regions, there are medical schools that accept individuals with non-traditional backgrounds directly into MD programs. These programs are designed for individuals who already possess a Bachelor’s degree, regardless of the field.

Seek guidance from academic advisors, career counselors, and mentors who can provide insights into the specific requirements and pathways available for RNs pursuing a medical career. Be sure to highlight the clinical experience gained as an RN in your application. Admissions committees often value hands-on patient care experience, and this can set RNs apart from other applicants.

Research and requirements

RNs considering the transition to medical school should carefully research and tailor their approach based on their individual circumstances, educational backgrounds, and the requirements of the medical schools they aspire to attend. Additionally, staying informed about changes in admission criteria and seeking support from mentors can enhance the likelihood of a successful transition from nursing to medicine.

Understanding the specific prerequisites, academic criteria, and standardized testing expectations ensures that aspiring medical students are well-prepared to meet the rigorous demands of medical school admission. Comprehensive research also aids in tailoring academic and professional experiences to align with the preferences and values of prospective medical institutions. Additionally, gaining insights into the unique aspects of each medical school’s application process enables candidates to strategically present their nursing backgrounds and experiences, emphasizing the qualities that make them exceptional candidates for medical education.

Essential academic steps to pursuing an MD degree

To successfully transition from being a Registered Nurse (RN) to pursuing a Medical Doctor (MD) degree, there are essential academic steps that individuals need to undertake:

1. Evaluate Prerequisite Courses: Identify the specific prerequisite courses required by medical schools. Common prerequisites include biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, and mathematics. Evaluate your existing academic background to determine if any of these courses need to be completed.

2. Complete Prerequisite Courses: Enroll in and successfully complete any missing prerequisite courses. This may involve taking additional undergraduate courses, participating in post-baccalaureate programs, or utilizing other educational pathways to fulfill the necessary academic requirements.

3. Prepare for the MCAT: Familiarize yourself with the content and format of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all sections of the exam, including biological and biochemical foundations, chemical and physical foundations, psychological, social, and biological foundations, and critical analysis and reasoning skills.

4. Utilize MCAT Resources: Access MCAT review materials such as prep books, practice exams, and online resources. Consider enrolling in MCAT preparation courses if additional support is needed. Regularly practice with timed exams to build endurance and assess progress.

5. Focus on Academic Excellence: Maintain a strong academic record in all coursework, not just the prerequisites. Admissions committees consider overall GPA and performance in challenging courses. Strive for excellence to demonstrate your preparedness for the academic rigor of medical school.

6. Seek Academic Advising: Consult with academic advisors or pre-medical advisors to ensure that your academic plan aligns with your career goals. They can provide guidance on course selection, academic timelines, and strategies for success.

7. Engage in Clinical Experiences: Continue gaining clinical experience, drawing on your nursing background. This hands-on experience not only reinforces your commitment to patient care but also strengthens your medical school application.

8. Stay Informed: Stay updated on any changes to medical school admission requirements and the MCAT. Regularly check the official websites of medical schools you are interested in for the most accurate and current information.

Time management and strategic planning

Balancing work, family, and academic commitments during the transition from being a Registered Nurse to pursuing a Medical Doctor degree requires effective time management and strategic planning. Here are some practical pieces of advice:

• Create a Detailed Schedule: Develop a detailed schedule that includes dedicated time blocks for work, family, and academic commitments. Clearly outline study periods, clinical hours, and personal time to maintain a sense of structure and organization.
• Prioritize Tasks: Identify and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on high-priority items first, ensuring that essential responsibilities are addressed promptly while minimizing stress and last-minute rushes.
• Set Realistic Goals: Establish realistic and achievable academic goals. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach helps prevent feeling overwhelmed and allows for a steady progression toward your academic objectives.
• Communicate Openly: Communicate openly with your employer, family, and support network about your educational pursuits. Establish clear expectations regarding your schedule, commitments, and the potential need for flexibility during peak academic periods.
• Delegate Responsibilities: Delegate tasks whenever possible. Share responsibilities with family members, if applicable, and seek support from friends or colleagues. Delegating can help distribute the workload and create a more sustainable balance.
• Utilize Time Efficiently: Identify pockets of time that can be used efficiently for academic activities. This might include utilizing breaks at work for focused study sessions, incorporating family time into study breaks, or using commute time for listening to educational podcasts or reviewing study materials.
• Embrace Flexibility: Recognize that flexibility is crucial during this transitional period. Be adaptable to unforeseen changes in your schedule and adjust your plans accordingly. A flexible mindset can help manage unexpected demands without causing unnecessary stress.
• Take Care of Your Well-Being: Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ensure that you allocate time for rest, exercise, and relaxation. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential for sustaining productivity and managing stress.
• Incorporate Family Time: Integrate dedicated family time into your schedule. This not only strengthens your support system but also ensures that your family feels valued during the transition. Clear communication about study periods can help set expectations.
• Seek Academic Support: Explore available academic support services, including tutoring, study groups, and mentorship programs. These resources can provide additional assistance and streamline your learning process.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate small milestones and achievements along the way. Recognizing progress, no matter how incremental, helps maintain motivation and fosters a positive mindset during the demanding transition.

Remember that achieving balance is an ongoing process, and adjustments may be necessary as circumstances evolve. By employing these practical strategies, you can navigate the challenges of balancing work, family, and academic commitments, ensuring a smoother transition into medical education.

Tips for Navigating the Application Process

Steps for the medical school application process.

Let’s take a look at the best practices involved in applying to medical school:

• Prerequisites: Carefully research and understand the prerequisite courses required by medical schools. Ensure you have completed all necessary coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, and mathematics.
• Prepare for the MCAT: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and prepare thoroughly. Use study materials, practice exams, and review courses to perform well on this critical component of the application.
• Academic Record: While medical schools consider various aspects of your application, maintaining a strong overall GPA, especially in prerequisite courses, is essential.
• Clinical Experience: Emphasize your nursing experience in your application. Clearly articulate how your clinical background has equipped you with valuable skills, insights, and a unique perspective on patient care.
• Extracurricular Activities: Showcase any extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or volunteer experiences that highlight your commitment to healthcare and community service.
• Letters of Recommendation: Select recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and suitability for medical school from healthcare professionals or supervisors who can attest to your clinical skills.
• Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that articulates your journey from nursing to medicine. Clearly express your motivations, experiences, and the unique qualities you bring to the medical field.
• Interviews: Prior to interviews, practice responding to common questions. Be ready to discuss how your nursing experience has prepared you for the challenges and responsibilities of medical practice. Use interviews as an opportunity to showcase strong communication skills, empathy, and a patient-centered approach. Relate specific experiences from nursing that demonstrate these qualities.

Overcoming challenges and obstacles

If age or a non-traditional background is perceived as a challenge, address it proactively in your application. Emphasize the unique perspectives and maturity that come with your experiences. Emphasize the strengths that come with being an RN, such as practical clinical experience, empathy, and a proven ability to handle responsibility. Mitigate concerns about competitiveness by demonstrating your readiness for medical school through a strong academic record, solid MCAT scores, and compelling personal statements. It’s also important to clearly explain why you are transitioning from nursing to medicine. Illustrate how this shift aligns with your long-term career goals and desire to contribute to patient care on a broader scale. Lastly, address concerns about balancing work and studies by highlighting your proven time management skills from your nursing career. Illustrate instances where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities.

Remember, the admissions process values diversity, and nursing experience is an asset that can set you apart. Presenting your unique journey and proactively addressing potential challenges will strengthen your medical school application.

How to Prepare for the MCAT

The MCAT is a computer-based exam lasting approximately 7.5 hours. It assesses both scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills. Here are the best practices for preparing for the MCAT:

1. Understand the key components of the exam:

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

2. Effective MCAT Preparation:

• Begin preparation well in advance to allow for a comprehensive review of content and ample practice.
• Develop a structured study schedule that balances content review, practice exams, and targeted review sessions.
• Use reputable prep books to review content in the tested areas.
• Access online resources, including practice exams, question banks, and interactive study modules.
• Consider enrolling in MCAT prep courses that provide structured guidance and additional resources.

3. Bridging the Gap between Nursing and Medical School Content:

• Leverage your nursing knowledge to identify overlapping concepts in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Understand the interconnectedness of medical sciences and nursing principles.
• Transition from memorization to critical thinking. The MCAT emphasizes the application of knowledge in complex scenarios.
• Apply clinical reasoning skills developed in nursing to analyze and solve medical problems.

4. Study Strategies for Nurses Transitioning:

• Incorporate clinical application sessions into your study routine. Relate medical concepts to real-world scenarios encountered in nursing practice.
• Discuss case studies with healthcare colleagues to broaden your perspective.
• Integrate nursing experiences into your study sessions. Relate medical content to patient cases or healthcare situations you’ve encountered.
• Connect theoretical knowledge to practical applications for a more holistic understanding.

5. Multidisciplinary Study Groups:

• Join or form study groups with diverse backgrounds, including other healthcare professionals or pre-med students. This fosters collaborative learning and exposes you to varied perspectives.
• Engage in discussions that integrate nursing and medical viewpoints.

6. Clinical Anatomy and Physiology Review:

• Utilize resources that bridge clinical anatomy and physiology, focusing on practical applications in patient care.
• Explore anatomy and physiology review materials tailored to healthcare professionals transitioning to medical studies.

7. Patient-Centered Approach Resources:

• Access materials that emphasize a patient-centered approach, aligning with the holistic care perspective developed in nursing.
• Explore case studies and literature emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding patient experiences.

8. Mental Preparation:

• Acknowledge the unique challenges of transitioning from nursing to medical school, and approach the journey with a growth mindset.
• Embrace the learning curve and understand that your nursing experience brings valuable skills to the medical field.
• Develop confidence in your ability to adapt. Remind yourself of the critical skills you’ve gained in patient care, teamwork, and communication.
• Connect with mentors or healthcare professionals who successfully transitioned from nursing to medical school for guidance and encouragement.

9. Practical Application and Simulations:

• Engage in virtual patient simulations that replicate clinical scenarios. This reinforces medical concepts in a familiar context.
• Practice making medical decisions and diagnoses through interactive simulation tools.
• Arrange clinical observation opportunities to witness medical professionals in action. This provides firsthand exposure to medical practices and enhances your understanding of the medical field.

Navigating the academic transition from RN to medical student requires a strategic approach that capitalizes on nursing knowledge while preparing for the unique demands of medical education. Effective MCAT preparation, bridging content gaps, and leveraging tailored study strategies are key elements to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Academic Transition: From RN to Medical Student

Transitioning from nursing to medical school involves significant academic challenges and adjustments. One of the primary challenges is adapting to the depth and breadth of medical school coursework, which encompasses a more extensive understanding of basic sciences and clinical applications. RNs making this transition may find themselves grappling with the intensity of scientific material, the intricacies of medical terminology, and the demanding pace of medical education. Additionally, the shift from a nursing care focus to a more comprehensive and specialized medical perspective requires a recalibration of critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of disease processes, diagnostics, and treatment modalities.

To address these challenges, a wealth of resources is available to provide academic support and facilitate effective time management for RNs transitioning to medical school. Peer study groups, tutoring services, and access to online platforms offering supplementary materials and practice questions are valuable resources for mastering complex medical concepts. Time management becomes crucial during this academic transition, and efficient study schedules, coupled with effective organizational strategies, can help RNs balance the demands of medical coursework with existing professional and personal responsibilities.

The hands-on patient care exposure, honed communication skills, and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team cultivated during nursing practice are invaluable assets. These skills not only contribute to a smoother transition into clinical rotations but also foster a patient-centered approach to medical education. The empathetic understanding of patient needs, developed through nursing experience, enhances the medical student’s ability to connect with and advocate for patients. The adaptability and resilience developed in nursing can prove to be strengths in navigating the rigors of medical school, contributing to a well-rounded and compassionate approach to healthcare. For those RNs who are interested in advanced nursing degrees, you can explore a Master of Science in Nursing program .

Gaining Clinical Experience as a Medical Student

A nursing background serves as a strong foundation for enhancing clinical skills during medical training. Nurses enter medical school with a wealth of hands-on experience in patient care, communication, and teamwork. The ability to conduct thorough patient assessments, administer medications, and navigate complex healthcare scenarios are skills that are directly transferable to medical practice. The attention to detail and precision developed in nursing, coupled with an understanding of the holistic patient experience, contribute to a robust clinical skill set in medical training.

Gaining diverse clinical experiences is essential for building a well-rounded medical education. While a nursing background provides a strong foundation, exposure to various specialties, patient populations, and healthcare settings enriches the medical student’s perspective. It also helps medical students develop a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of medical disciplines and promotes a patient-centered approach to care.

Networking with healthcare professionals and leveraging existing connections from nursing practice is a strategic approach for medical students. Nurses transitioning to medical school can tap into their professional networks to gain insights, mentorship, and valuable advice. Establishing connections with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals provides opportunities for shadowing, informational interviews, and exposure to various medical specialties. These networking efforts not only expand the medical student’s understanding of different medical fields but also foster mentorship relationships that can guide them through the challenges of medical education.

RN vs. MD: Salary and Job Outlook

Salary and job outlook for nurses.

Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, and their salaries vary based on factors such as education, experience, and location. According to the BLS , the mean annual wage for registered nurses in the United States is around $77,000. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the nurse’s specialization, level of education, and the region in which they work. Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists, often earn higher salaries than registered nurses.

The job outlook for nurses is generally positive. Nursing is a growing field with increasing demand due to factors such as an aging population, evolving healthcare needs, and nursing shortages. According to the BLS , employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This positive job outlook reflects the ongoing need for skilled healthcare professionals, including nurses, to provide patient care in various settings.

Salary and job outlook for doctors

Physicians, including medical doctors (MDs), earn significantly higher salaries compared to nurses, reflecting the extensive education and training required. Physicians’ salaries can vary based on specialty, experience, and location. According to the BLS , the mean annual wage for physicians and surgeons in the United States is around $239,000. Specialized fields like neurosurgery or cardiology may command even higher salaries, while primary care physicians generally earn less.

The job outlook for physicians is generally favorable, with demand varying by specialty and geographic location. The need for healthcare services, coupled with an aging population and increasing chronic health conditions, contributes to a steady demand for physicians. The BLS indicates a projected employment growth of 3% for physicians and surgeons from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Factors such as retirements, geographic disparities, and the distribution of healthcare resources can influence the demand for physicians in specific regions and specialties.

Benefits of Pursuing a Career as a Doctor

Pursuing a career as a doctor comes with the potential for significant financial benefits, albeit with a substantial investment in medical education. While the cost of medical school can be high, and the training period is lengthy, the earning potential for doctors is generally considerable. Physicians, especially those in specialized fields, often command higher salaries compared to many other professions. The extensive education and training required to become a doctor not only open the door to a fulfilling and respected career but can also lead to financial rewards in the long run. The potential for higher income, coupled with the intrinsic value of contributing to patient care and well-being, makes the financial investment in medical education an attractive prospect for those committed to the medical profession.

Both nursing and medical careers are poised for sustained growth due to the increasing demand for healthcare professionals. The long-term career prospects in both fields underscore the stability and importance of healthcare professions in meeting the ongoing needs of individuals and communities. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, both nurses and doctors are well-positioned for fulfilling and secure career paths.

Personal benefits

Transitioning from nursing to becoming a doctor brings about personal benefits that extend beyond the professional realm. One of the foremost advantages is the fulfillment derived from achieving a long-held personal goal and the sense of intellectual accomplishment associated with completing the rigorous medical education journey. This transition allows individuals to embrace a heightened sense of autonomy and decision-making authority in patient care, fostering a deeper connection with the medical field. Additionally, the expanded scope of practice and the opportunity to engage in advanced specialization enable individuals to align their careers with personal passions and interests, contributing to a more personally gratifying and purpose-driven professional life. The personal growth and self-discovery inherent in transitioning to a role with increased responsibility and leadership opportunities can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Professional benefits

Doctors, with their advanced medical training, have the opportunity to lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams, shaping treatment plans and influencing healthcare policies. The potential for specialization provides a pathway for individuals to become experts in specific medical fields, contributing to advancements in healthcare and potentially influencing the trajectory of medical research. The enhanced earning potential associated with medical careers can lead to greater financial stability and the ability to pursue professional development opportunities. Furthermore, doctors often enjoy a higher level of professional recognition and prestige within the healthcare community, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in their contributions to patient care and the broader medical landscape.

Challenges and Demands of a Medical Education

The transition from nursing to medical education involves a substantial leap in academic intensity. Medical school demands an in-depth understanding of complex scientific concepts, a mastery of medical terminology, and the ability to apply critical thinking skills in diverse clinical scenarios. The volume of material to be covered is extensive, requiring disciplined study habits and a commitment to continuous learning. The rigorous demands can be mentally and emotionally taxing, necessitating resilience and effective coping mechanisms to navigate the academic challenges.

Time Constraints and Work-Life Balance

The time commitment required for medical education is a significant challenge, especially for individuals transitioning from established nursing careers. Medical students often face demanding schedules, balancing lectures, clinical rotations, and study sessions. Time constraints can lead to challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, impacting personal relationships and overall well-being. Learning to efficiently manage time becomes crucial to navigating the demands of medical education while sustaining a fulfilling personal life.

Need for Adaptability

The ability to be adaptable is a key requirement in transitioning from nursing to medical education. The shift involves acclimating to a different learning environment, adopting new study techniques, and adjusting to the expectations of medical school. Adaptability is also crucial during clinical rotations, where medical students must quickly integrate into various healthcare settings and adapt to diverse patient populations. The need for flexibility extends to evolving healthcare practices, technological advancements, and changes in medical curriculum, requiring individuals to stay open-minded and adaptable throughout their medical education journey.

Financial Considerations

The financial aspect poses a challenge, as pursuing medical education involves significant costs, including tuition, living expenses, and potential loans. Many individuals transitioning from nursing may face financial constraints, particularly if they are supporting families or have existing financial commitments. Balancing the financial demands of medical school with personal and family responsibilities requires careful planning and may involve making sacrifices to manage the financial strain associated with the transition.

Emotional Impact

The emotional toll of transitioning from nursing to medical education should not be underestimated. Facing the illness and suffering of patients during clinical rotations can be emotionally intense, requiring individuals to develop resilience and effective coping mechanisms to maintain their emotional well-being. Seeking mentorship, utilizing available resources for academic and emotional support, and developing strategies to maintain work-life balance are essential components of a successful transition from nursing to the rigorous demands of medical education.

Strategies for overcoming challenges

By implementing the following strategies, individuals transitioning from nursing to medical education can enhance their ability to overcome challenges, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and navigate the demands of the rigorous academic journey effectively. It’s crucial to approach the transition with a proactive mindset, seeking support and utilizing available resources for a smoother and more successful experience.

Utilize Support Systems: Build a robust support system that includes family, friends, mentors, and fellow students. Communicate openly about the challenges you are facing and seek support when needed. Having a network to share experiences and offer advice can be invaluable during the transition.

Embrace Flexibility: Recognize that flexibility is essential during this transition period. Be adaptable to changes in your schedule and adjust plans accordingly. This mindset allows for better stress management and the ability to navigate unexpected challenges.

Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Setting realistic goals helps prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and allows for a more measured and sustainable approach to the transition.

Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable priority. Allocate time for activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, relaxation, and hobbies. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for sustained academic success and overall life satisfaction.

Effective Study Techniques: Experiment with various study techniques to find what works best for you. Active learning methods, such as group discussions, flashcards, and teaching concepts to others, can enhance retention and make studying more efficient.

Seek Mentorship: Connect with mentors who have experienced a similar transition. They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and emotional support. Mentorship can offer perspective on overcoming challenges and navigating the unique aspects of transitioning from nursing to medical education.

Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of academic support services offered by the medical school, such as tutoring, study groups, and workshops. These resources can provide additional assistance and help you stay on track academically.

Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between your academic and personal life. When engaging in study sessions, focus solely on academics, and when taking personal time, fully disconnect from academic pressures. Establishing boundaries contributes to a healthier work-life balance.

Financial Planning: Develop a comprehensive financial plan that considers tuition, living expenses, and potential loans. Explore scholarship opportunities, part-time work options, or financial aid programs to help alleviate financial stress during the transition.

Regular Reflection: Regularly reflect on your progress and experiences. This self-reflection can provide valuable insights into your strengths, areas for improvement, and adjustments needed in your approach. It helps maintain a proactive stance toward overcoming challenges.

Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, into your routine. These practices can enhance focus, reduce stress, and contribute to overall mental well-being during the transition.

Explore More About Gaining Foundational Nursing Skills Today!

Embarking on the transition from Registered Nurse (RN) to pursuing a Medical Doctor (MD) degree involves navigating challenges and seizing unique opportunities. The journey promises personal and professional growth, expanding both the scope of practice and potential impact on patient care. While the rigorous demands of medical education and the need for adaptability may seem daunting, these challenges are pathways to becoming a compassionate and well-rounded doctor. Recognizing the value of nursing experience in honing critical skills, fostering empathy, and cultivating a patient-centered approach, RNs are well-equipped to contribute significantly to the medical field. Your experiences uniquely position you to become a doctor who not only understands the complexities of healthcare but also approaches medicine with a compassionate and holistic perspective.

Eagle Gate’s nursing programs are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic healthcare landscape. Whether you are looking for an entry-level program in healthcare, such as a Practical Nursing Program , or you are considering seeking advanced nursing education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing program , either as a career or a steppingstone, our programs provide a supportive learning environment for your professional growth. Embrace the opportunities ahead and take the next steps toward realizing your aspirations in the medical field.

While this blog may occasionally contain information that relates to Eagle Gate College's programs or courses, the majority of information provided within this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to represent the specific details of any educational offerings or opinions of Eagle Gate College.

*Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 4/5/2024)

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Win $20,000 for med school tuition from Blueprint MCAT!

Session 234

Our guest on today’s episode is Sarah, a former CTICU nurse who is currently a 3rd-year medical student aspiring to become a cardiothoracic surgeon! She shares with us her transition from being a nurse to being a medical student, and the challenges that came with that. If you’re a nurse thinking about making this same transition and worried about how your colleagues are going to react, take a listen to learn from Sarah’s experience.

[05:15] Her Interest in Being a Physician

Sarah’s initial interest in health care was mainly influenced by her dad, who is an engineer and would always call “Nurse Sarah” to treat the wounds he got from woodworking. Then the show ER came out, and seeing that inspired her even more to help people.

Not the best student in high school, Sarah wanted to help people and thought that being a nursing associate may be the quickest route. Also, being traditionally raised, Sarah thought that as a girl, nursing was her natural path into medicine.

[08:30] Taking Things One Step At a Time

Sarah’s path to nursing was not smooth or easy as she had to teach herself math, which she always struggled with in school. While in nursing school, she saw her first open-heart surgery, which she thought was so cool. Already a year into nursing school, she talked one day with her academic advisor and expressed her interest in going to medical school, but the advisor told her to take things one step at a time.

She Didn’t Know If She Could Become a Doctor

Sarah got a job as a nurse after graduation, then got married shortly after and established her personal life more. She wanted to work a bit to be able to save money and then go back to school to get her biology degree to work toward becoming a doctor. But she didn’t know if she could still be a doctor, and self-doubt kept her in nursing for about a year and a half before she finally started to move forward.

[Related episode: From Nursing to Accepted Premed, A Story of Lost Confidence ]

Sarah thinks her self-doubt mainly came from her academic performance, being a nontraditional student and not having the highest scores in school. She had this picture in her head that in order for someone to be a doctor, you have to be a 4.0 student and have everything aligned, so she thought her background would not be appreciated. Her biggest hindrance was thinking they only want the best, so she wasn’t good enough.

[11:36] Working with Mentors and Getting Discouraged by Physicians

Sarah was lucky enough to find a good mentor in her nurse supervisor, who totally encouraged her and supported her in her desire to go to medical school. Sarah had actually found that many physicians she worked with discouraged people from going to medical school. That made her a little apprehensive, but her mentor really pushed her forward, instilled faith, and saw things in her that she didn’t see in herself.

Shortly after she spoke with her nurse supervisor about her interest in going to medical school, a new trauma surgeon started, and Sarah found out she was a former critical care nurse herself. So she met with her one-on-one, and the surgeon helped her draft her personal statement. Knowing this mentor who went from critical care nurse to surgeon, the path became more tangible for her.

[Related episode: How Will Being a Nurse Affect My Application to Medical School? ]

[15:40] Why Not Nurse Practitioner?

Sarah’s mentor helped affirm her decision that she wanted to be a doctor, not a nurse practitioner . They could relate to each other, both wanting to be the ones to make the full decision and be the one who shaped of the plan of care for the patients.

She definitely hates the term “mid-level providers” most hospitals use, but she knew those were not the avenue for her. Having worked at a community hospital to academic centers throughout different states, Sarah saw how varied their roles were from hospital to hospital, practice to practice, state to state. In one place, the nurses couldn’t even interpret if an NG tube was placed properly on an x-ray. In short, the autonomy varied based on practice, hospital, and state, which was something Sarah did not like.

Another reason Sarah wanted to take the medical school path is that as a nurse, you take orders from doctors, and while you can question them, in the end, if you don’t agree with something it’s hard to stomach that.

Sarah says nurses have a bit of a sixth sense sitting at the bedside all day, which can’t be conveyed in any other way sometimes. Not having the authority to do what she knows the patient needs was not something she was looking for.

[18:10] Articulating Why You Want to be a Doctor During Interviews

At every single medical school interview, this question of why she didn’t just become an NP or PA always came up. Sarah recommends to nurses going into medicine that they need to prep for this question. You need to know why you didn’t, and it needs to be a good reason.

Sarah adds that there needs to be introspection and maturity in your decision, and you need to be able to articulate that clearly to those interviewing you. They want to know you’re doing it for the right reasons and that you’ve looked into other avenues.

Focus on the Patients

Half of Sarah’s reason for going to medical school is an intense interest in learning the pathophysiology of things. That knowledge and passion to learn more about the why of things, although they have always been a big component for her, are not enough by themselves. She wants to use that knowledge to formulate more holistic plans for her patients and be able to provide plans of care she truly believes in. She wants autonomy to use her knowledge to help patients.

You can always study and learn more, no matter what your job is, but as a physician, you get to apply that knowledge directly into hands-on patient care with the most autonomy to help your patient. Having this in your heart when you’re explaining why you want to be a doctor,  and emphasizing the ability to impact patients, is definitely the way to approach it.

[Related book:  The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview ]

[22:20] Dealing with Negativity and Working With Others

Sarah has quite a remarkable approach in how she deals with her negative interactions, saying there is always something to take away from it. It’s about taking negative energy and turning it into something positive, which is also what you should go for in life in general.

Sarah explains you’re always bound to come across conflict in your career, so you need to be able to convey that to the people interviewing you. They need to know you can work with people and that you’re willing to listen and work toward to a resolution together.

[24:06] Nursing While Taking Medical School Prereqs

About a year and a half into nursing, Sarah met with an academic advisor at a four-year institution and he laid the timeline for applying to medical school. Sarah proudly says this was the right first step.

It can be hard taking classes at a four-year university while working since they have traditional school hours and not everything is available online. Luckily Sarah’s nursing job had flexible hours. She worked every single weekend for at least 24 hours, and then she would sometimes pick up eight-hour shifts too.

As to why she didn’t go to a community college that may give a more flexible schedule, Sarah explains that an A from a top-10 school versus an A from a very small community college may mean different things. So she saw it as a way for her to prove to medical schools that she went to a good institution and did well there.

[27:22] Four-Year Universities versus Community College for Premed

As for the idea that medical schools look at four-year institutions and community colleges differently, Sarah obtained this information from meeting with different admissions advisors, as well as from doctors that served on admission committees. I agree with it to some extent.

A lot of students will look at two different four-year institutions and will look at one that they’re maybe not excited to go to, thinking it’s going to be a bigger hit on their medical school application or it’s going to be looked at more favorably. But truthfully, once you’re up to a four-year school, unless you’re talking Harvard versus some podunk university in Alabama, the name of your undergraduate school doesn’t matter much. And while I wouldn’t advise doing all your prereqs at a community college, even that won’t necessarily ruin your chances .

[30:20] Starting Medical School and Leveraging Her Nursing Background

Sarah was used to handling stress as an ICU nurse also going to school, but she still found medical school stressful. She acknowledges the need for a good, strong support group around you. She says the analogy of drinking through a fire hose couldn’t be more perfect, and she didn’t fully understand it until she started medical school.

The hardest thing for her was not just the vast amount of information she had to take in but the anti-social effect of having to spend such long hours in the library.

Her nursing background helped her in medical school because she felt comfortable talking to patients and handling stress in general, considering the stressful job nurses have. She was also able to help mentor and tutor some of her classmates, especially in pharmacology.

Within a couple of weeks of starting medical school, they started seeing patients in clinics, and the attending surgeon commented that Sarah was light-years ahead of the other students, already acting like an attending as far as comfort level. She knew how to handle difficult situations—if a patient started yelling at her, for example—and she wasn’t freaked out.

Staying Humble as an Experienced Nurse in Medical School

There were times in medical school when Sarah wanted to handle certain portions of patient care which were not within her scope of practice as a medical student (but which she had done as a nurse in the past), and that was difficult for her.

She was aware that working with residents and attendings, she should not come off as overly confident and like a know-it-all. Sarah says you have to stay humble since they are the ones grading you and teaching you. At the same time, you have to learn how to speak up and recommend different things without coming off as abrasive.

[35:55] Getting Negative Feedback from Other Nurses

Sarah actually had to deal with getting a lot of negative feedback from other nurses. She had to insist that she is still a nurse and continues to advocate for nurses. She didn’t leave nursing because it’s not good enough, but just because it’s not the road for her.

Sarah explains this is something you will experience as a nurse who is working and trying to go to medical school, so you have to be careful who you tell this to and who you surround yourself with.

Nurses tend to speak highly of physicians who were nurses before. But apparently, the harder part is when you’re actually making the transition because they don’t understand why you’re making that change.

[37:37] The Application Process and Personal Statement

Sarah found the application process to take a lot longer than she anticipated. She took the MCAT twice because she wanted to make sure she performed at a level that didn’t limit her selection of schools.

Sarah advises that if you’re thinking of family planning or you’re dating somebody and you’re trying to give them realistic expectations for how long this process will take, always consider that it could take another year or two before you actually land in medical school.

Sarah iterates that you have to write your personal statement 10+ times over before you get it right, and you have to get eyes on it . The personal statement being a critical portion of the application, you have to get yourself across. You have to talk about what sets you apart, and Sarah believes being a nurse is very favorable, so you need to draw upon that in your application process.

[39:40] Choosing Which Medical Schools to Apply To

Sarah looked up medical schools in MSAR . She was looking for schools that favored diversity and those that looked at nontraditional students more. She didn’t want anything that felt toxic or places where she didn’t feel at ease interviewing there. Sarah can happily say that the school she is in now is the perfect fit.

Sarah recommends that if you’re in academics as a nurse and they have a medical school, use that opportunity to network. She actually met their Chief of Surgery who worked with her as a heart transplant surgeon and got into the whole process, and she was able to bring her concerns to the table. She adds that in order to get a feel for the school, you have to actually go there and reach out to the admissions advisor.

[42:40] The Most Rewarding Part of Being a Medical Student

For Sarah, patient interactions are the most rewarding part of medical school. She recalls during a rotation at a surgery clinic she met an older couple. The surgeon introduced her as the future heart surgeon, and the elderly woman looked at her and said she was so proud of her, considering not too many women enter this field. This touched Sarah because it reminded her of the impact she’s having and how far she’s already come on this journey.

[44:42] Final Words of Wisdom

Sarah leaves us with inspiring advice to not ever doubt yourself. You’re going to be old one day anyway, so don’t worry about the time and sacrifice that this path requires. In the end, everything you do is going to mean so much more than any of those momentary stresses.

Sarah mentions a 60-year-old in her calculus class who told her that she’s going to be old one day, but she wants to be old doing what she loves and having no regrets.

Don’t let time or any of those other stressors get in between you and your goal. You can do it. It’s never impossible. Just put your blinders on and go forward.

• MSAR (for MD schools) / College Information Book (for DO schools)
• Related episode: From Nursing to Accepted Premed, A Story of Lost Confidence
• Related episode: How Will Being a Nurse Affect My Application to Medical School?
• Related episode: This Nurse Practitioner Is On His Way to Medical School
• Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at  Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep)!

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Advancing from RN to MD: How To Do It and… Should You?

Posted on: May 15, 2021;

You have worked as a Registered Nurse for a while and now you know, beyond any shadow of a doubt that helping people and saving lives is your calling. The desire to improve healthcare simply runs through your veins. Being by the patients’ side when they need you most is why you became a nurse in the first place – and what makes you so good at your job. 

But at the same time, you always strive for more. So, naturally, a question starts making its way into your brain, more and more poignantly: Should I become a doctor? 

Chances are you’ve thought about this before. Maybe becoming a physician was always top of your priorities list but nursing was the more advantageous option in terms of financial investment, length of study, ease in entering the workforce and starting to make money. Maybe you kept advancing your nursing education, and now, while a proud possessor of an MSN degree, you are still craving more. Or probably you just want to advance your career and step into a more independent type of practice. There’s a myriad of reasons why you might find yourself yearning to climb the healthcare ladder and step from RN to MD. But can you do it? Is it worth it? Is becoming a Medical Doctor the best career path for you? While we cannot make the decision for you, we can give you all the facts. 

Let’s delve into what it takes to advance from RN to MD.  

Should You Consider Making This Career Switch?

Making a career switch from a Registered Nurse to a Medical Doctor is, by all means, a complicated and slightly intimidating process. And to top it off, there’s still some stigma around RNs who want to conquer the other side of healthcare practice. 

Although during the last few years more nurses are choosing to transition into a medical career, over a decade ago, the healthcare field was less accepting of RNs leaving bedside care becoming physicians. It may be because the approaches to offering care for doctors and nurses are almost inherently different. Some would argue that the MDs have a different approach to healthcare, a separate set of objectives and that the clear delineation between the responsibilities of doctors and nurses is what saves lives.

Fortunately, the stigma is fading away and more nurses can end up pursuing medical degrees, should they decide that’s the path for them. After all, the clinical training gained as RNs, their bedside manner, compassion, and empathy can go a long way and make them better professionals in the healthcare field, regardless if the abbreviation on their resume reads RN or MD. 

How to go from RN to MD?

We have already mentioned that going from Registered Nurse to Medical Doctor is no walk in the park. But what actually is the process? How does one start and what educational requirements need to be fulfilled? In this section we will tackle the A to Z of transitioning from RN to MD. 

Educational requirements

As an RN, the very first step towards becoming a Medical Doctor is having a Bachelor’s Degree . You cannot start your MD journey without having first completed an undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree. If you have a BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) chances are that most of the courses you took while getting your degree might count as prerequisites for your medical studies. If your previous degree is in a non-science field, pay closer attention to the prerequisites you may have to complete. 

Are you considering advancing your education and finally pursuing that BSN degree? Our RN-to-BSN program is the best option for you. 

With this initial educational requirement in mind, let’s see what the next steps are:

Meet Medical School Admissions Requirements

One of the most important admission requirements you will have to tackle is taking the Medical College Admission Test – MCAT. The MCAT is a comprehensive standardized computer-based exam focused rather on textbook learning and assessing one’s problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of scientific material, concepts, and principles. While the NCLEX-RN is stressful on its own, the MCAT is even more complex and nerve-wrecking. 

The average MCAT score accepted by most medical schools is around 500, but many programs will require higher average scores, with some Ivy Leagues not accepting candidates with scores lower than 518. 

However, getting an average, or even above-average MCAT score, may not be enough on its own. In addition to that, the medical school you’re applying to is likely to ask for letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Completing certain prerequisites may also be a condition. 

Apply to Medical School

A very possible scenario is that you’ll end up applying to medical school through the American Medical College Application Service. So, once you have your MCAT results, the score you obtained will automatically be sent to the medical programs you applied to. Through this centralized system, you can apply to several medical programs that interest you. They will generally look at things such as your Bachelor’s Degree grades, GPA, the classes you took, what programs you pursued, and your MCAT scores. Should any particular schools require more information from you that wasn’t present on the initial application, you may be asked to answer specific questions, write an essay on a certain topic, or fulfill some other task. The next step after the online application will be the interviews, which are another important step of the admissions process. As a Registered Nurse, you can expect to be asked what prompted you to leave the field of nursing for a career as an MD, especially since not all schools have the same attitude towards nurses pursuing medical careers. 

Get your MD

If you made it successfully on the either side of the complex admissions process – congratulations! – you are ready to embark on your medical school journey. It can be a lengthy and stressful journey, but nothing compares to the sense of fulfillment you get once you achieve your goal.  Medical school programs routinely start with two years of actual classroom study during which you study the basic sciences and get a comprehensive overview of the medical field. After that, the next two years are spent in a clinical setting doing rotations and learning the job hands-on. It’s important to mention that your previous clinical experience does not excuse you from these four years of mandatory education and training. Being an RN to begin with won’t make the time you spend in medical school shorter. It might give you a slight edge in terms of experience, but it won’t impact getting your medical doctor’s degree in any other way. 

Undergo residency and complete other additional requirements

Even after you finish medical school there is still a long way to go before you get practicing physician status. After completing the medical program, you will have to embark on the next step of your journey – the residency program – that is when you specialize in a certain area of medicine. That can take anywhere from two to seven years – based on what speciality you’re pursuing. The years you work as a resident physician are a test in their own right: the hours will be long, the duties stressful, but every day you show up for your residency practice gets you one day closer to being a full-fledged attending physician. 

Start your Practice

Once your residency period is over, once you gain your medical license and board certification, you have the green light to start your medical career. Of course, the total amount of time you will spend learning will vary greatly from one specialization to the other, but as a general rule, achieving your MD will take at least six or seven years. It’s even more for more specialized areas of medicine. For instance, if you have your mind set on becoming a neurosurgeon, be ready to invest around 10 years of your life for this objective.

Also bear in mind the fact that throughout your medical career, it falls under your responsibility to periodically renew your medical license and continuously educate yourself on the newest developments in your field of practice. 

Costs of Medical School

A very important thing you have to consider is how much medical school actually costs. According to data from the American Association of Medical Students (AAMC) on average, the cost of attending one year at a public medical school (including tuition fees, and health insurance) is $42,438 for in-state students and $58,246 for out-of-state students. Unsurprisingly, that figure will be much higher for private universities. So, generally, if you were to attend a public medical school out of state, the mandatory four years of study will cost you around $232,984 . 

Bear in mind that in addition to tuition costs there are many other things you need to consider: application fees, MCAT fees, preparation courses for the MCAT, travel expenses and so on. 

Various studies show that when accounting for the tuition debts as well as the lost potential income during medical school, Medical Doctors generally start their careers over $400,000 on the minus side. 

RN vs. MD: Salary Comparison

We’re not trying to sugarcoat it: medical school is expensive. But what about the salary? Does your wage potential justify the expenses, the time, and the energy you put into getting your medical degree? 

Let’s start off by looking at Registered Nurses salaries. The Bureau of Labour Statistics indicates that, on average, RNs earn $80,010 yearly . BSN Nurses can expect slightly higher salaries, that round up to $93,590. Based on specialty, location, level of education, certifications and other factors RN salaries can vary. Advanced Practice Nurses have a higher income potential, with salaries that can be as high as $189,190 (in the case of Nurse Anesthetists). 

Now, let’s look at MDs’ salaries. According to the BLS, physicians and surgeons are among some of the highest paid professionals from all occupations. On average, Physicians earn about $218,850 , and the more specialized the job is, the higher the salary . For instance, Anesthesiologists have a median salary of $271,440, while Obstetricians or Gynecologists have paychecks that go as high as $239,120. 

Other options for Registered Nurses

If you are looking for advancement opportunities that do not require the commitment of a four-year medical degree, you’ll be happy to find out you have plenty of room to grow professionally even within the nursing field. The most common avenues for advancement as an RN are APRN roles , like a Certified Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner.

CRNA or Nurse Anesthetist Programs take around two years to complete, and the good news is that you can still practice and earn money while studying to become a Nurse Anesthetist. Assuredly, it’s very challenging, but it’s possible, whereas working while attending a medical school program is close to impossible. 

Another common pathway for Registered Nurses who want to climb as high up the nursing professional ladder as possible is becoming a Nurse Practitioner. NPs have a high level of autonomy in their nursing practice and can fulfill many of the duties of a general physician. As a Nurse Practitioner you can also specialize in a specific area of nursing. Family, Adult Gerontology, Pediatric, Mental Health are all prevailing specializations for NPs. 

In some cases, pursuing an NP or CRNA degree can even qualify you for tuition reimbursement, as it may be seen as career advancement (of course, it depends on the employer!). Going after a medical degree will not receive the same treatment. 

The Decision Is In Your Hands: What Will It Be?

Unquestionably, applying to medical school, obtaining your MD license, going through residency – it’s all a long, costly, and stressful process. It will only be worth it if becoming a physician is something you genuinely want to do – with every fiber of your being. 

The path from Registered Nurse to Medical Nurse is indeed less traveled for there are not too many RNs who would change a career in nursing for one in the medical field. But that is, of course, up for you to decide. The healthcare field will appreciate your contribution regardless if it’s as a Registered Nurse or Physician. 

How to Go From Nurse to Doctor: The Path From RN to MD

Can a nurse become a doctor.

• RN to MD Benefits
• RN to MD Steps
• Program Length
• Medical School Cost
• RN Career Advancement

Nurses and doctors are both essential parts of the healthcare field and work together closely to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Both have vastly distinct roles and responsibilities. But a registered nurse (RN) can become a medical doctor (MD), as long as they go through additional schooling, training, and exams. Read on to find out how to go from nurse to doctor and everything it takes to get there.

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Why Nurses May Want to Become MDs

There are some nurses who have always dreamed of making a career change and becoming medical doctors, but college happens, life happens and things change. Nursing sometimes is the next best option. It is only after being in the field and seeing the differences between nurses and doctors do those individuals desire this career path again. 

Others want to be more helpful to their patients. Some want more responsibilities including more invasive procedures or overseeing the team. There is a milieu of reasons why someone would want to become a doctor; it is a decision that should not be made lightly. It impacts not only the nurse but also their family and friends. Medical training is long and carries a heavy financial burden. 

>> Show Me DNP Programs

Is There a Stigma Around Nurses Becoming MDs?

There has always been a stigma surrounding doctors and nurses transitioning to this profession. A decade ago very few nurses would leave bedside nursing to enter medical school but now nurses, doctors, and medical schools are more accepting.

While there is still a slight stigma, it is important for nurses in medical school to remember their training, bedside manner, and compassion towards the patients, but also remember that MDs look at patients with a separate set of objectives and these objectives are what saves lives. 

How to Go From Registered Nurse to Medical Doctor 

Step 1.) earn a bachelor's degree.

First and foremost, you must already have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. If the degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) then most of the coursework will be sufficient as prerequisites for medical school.

If you have a degree in another non-science field, it is important to take notice of all prerequisite coursework.

If you don't have a bachelor’s degree - this would be the first step in becoming an MD. 

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Step 2.) Take the MCAT

The next step is taking the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT. This exam must be taken within three years of applying to medical school. The MCAT is a standardized computer-based exam that assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.

Unfortunately, prior healthcare experience as a nurse does not give those individuals an advantage over others. In fact, it’s possible that the longer nurses have been practicing will actually have a disadvantage on the exam.

Most students take the MCAT in their last semester of undergrad and prepare extensively in classes. Some major universities even offer students review courses. Nurses would be required to find their own study programs. 

The MCAT exam is like the NCLEX that focuses less on real-world application and more on textbook learning. This could be a disadvantage to some nurses.

Step 3.) Apply to Medical School

After sitting for the MCAT, scores are reported to the medical schools that were applied to. Some schools prefer nurses because of their prior experience in the healthcare field while others see it as a hindrance. Medical schools look at undergraduate grades, coursework, the university the individual graduated from and the MCAT scores. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) some medical schools do not look at applicants with MCAT scores under a certain score. 

Step 4.) Attend Medical School

Medical school is two years in the classroom setting and two years in the clinical setting. Regardless of prior healthcare experience and training becoming a medical doctor still take four years. Being a nurse does not cut this time down. 

Step 5.) Attend a Residency Program and Possibly a Fellowship

After medical school, new physicians attend a residency program that is between two and four years. If an individual wishes to specialize in a specific field, a fellowship is required.

Fellowships can be up to five years in length. The more specialized the field, the longer the post-graduate training.

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How Long Does it Take to Go From RN to MD?

Once all is said and done it could be almost ten years (i.e. cardiothoracic surgeons and neurosurgeons) before becoming a full-fledged attending physician.

How Much Does Medical School Cost for Nurses?

According to Educationdata.org , the average cost of medical school is $58,968 per year, and the average total cost is $235,827. 

Other Career Advancement Options for Nurses

For nurses, there are a plethora of advanced medical degrees that do not require a four-year medical degree and a lengthy postgraduate residency and fellowship. The most common are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)  and Nurse Practitioner (NP) .

CRNA programs typically last three years and require a doctorate, while NP programs can be completed in two years if done full time. Furthermore, registered nurses can still work while attending these programs, whereas they cannot work while in medical school. Additionally, because NP and CRNA programs are considered career advancements by hospitals, tuition reimbursement may be an option. Medical school would not qualify. 

Becoming an MD has its advantages, and it is understandable why some nurses want to further their careers this way. The best advice for anyone considering this path is to have a frank, open conversation with others in the medical field and determine if the length of school, associated financial responsibilities, and change in lifestyle will ultimately be worth it.

Find Nursing Programs

How long is it to go from rn to md .

• Depending on if you have your Bachelor’s degree already, going from an RN to an MD could take anywhere from six to ten years.

Can a nurse become a doctor? 

• An RN can absolutely become a doctor. They can become an MD or DO by earning a Bachelor’s and applying to medical school just like any other student. Or, an RN could become a doctor of nursing (DNP), which is an educational degree and does not grant any clinical authority. 

Can I go to medical school with a nursing degree? 

• You can apply to medical school with a nursing degree; you will need to fulfill the pre-reqs of medical school and have a Bachelor’s degree. 

How do I transfer from RN to MD? 

• In order to go from an RN to an MD, you will need to earn a Bachelor’s and apply to medical school. 

Can you go from NP to MD? 

• An NP could become an MD by applying to medical school and going through all the requirements. 

Can a nurse be a surgeon?

• A nurse could become a surgeon by going through medical school to become an MD. Some advanced practice RNs can perform some invasive procedures and assist with surgeries. 

Looking to advance your leadership and management skills? Check out some of these masters degrees that can get you there:

• MBA vs MSN: How to Choose the Right Degree for You  
• How to Earn an MBA in Healthcare Management Degree
• 8 Reasons Why Nurses Should Get an MBA  
• How to Earn a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Degree  
• How to Earn a Masters in Public Health (MPH) Degree

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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Advisor Corner: Crafting Your Personal Statement

New section.

Being able to articulate an answer to the question “why medicine?” is critical for an applicant as they apply to medical school. One of the first opportunities for an applicant to convey this message to admissions officers is through their personal comments essay in the AMCAS application. We asked three pre-health advisors how they advise their students to put their best self forward when crafting their personal statements.

The personal statement is an unfamiliar genre for most students—you’ve practiced writing lab reports, analytical essays, maybe even creative fiction or poetry, but the personal statement is something between a reflective, analytical narrative, and an argumentative essay. You want to reveal something about yourself and your thoughts around your future in medicine while also making an argument that provides evidence supporting your readiness for your career. Well ahead of when you’re writing your personal statement, consider taking classes that require you to create and support arguments through writing, or those that ask you to reflect on your personal experiences to help you sharpen these skills.

As you draft your essay, you may want to include anecdotes from your experiences. It’s easiest to recall these anecdotes as they happen so it can be helpful to keep a journal where you can jot down stories, conversations, and insights that come to you. This could be recounting a meaningful conversation that you had with someone, venting after an especially challenging experience, or even writing about what keeps you going at times when you feel in danger of giving up. If it’s more comfortable, take audio notes by talking into your phone.

While reading sample personal statements can sometimes make a student feel limited to emulating pieces that already exist, I do think that reading others’ reflective writing can be inspirational. The Aspiring Docs Diaries blog written by premeds is one great place to look, as are publications like the Bellevue Literary Review and Pulse , which will deliver a story to your inbox every week. Check with your pre-health advisor to see if they have other examples that they recommend.

Rachel Tolen, Assistant Director and Premedical Advisor, Indiana University I encourage students to think of the personal statement not just as a product. Instead, I encourage them to think of the process of writing the statement as embedded in the larger process of preparing themselves for the experience of medical school. Here are a few key tips that I share with students:

• Start writing early, even months before you begin your application cycle. Expect to revise many versions of your draft over time.
• Take some time to reflect on your life and goals. By the end of reading your statement, the reader should understand why you want to be a physician. 
• When you consider what to write, think about the series of events in your life that have led up to the point where you are applying to medical school. How did you get here? What set you on the path toward medical school? What kept you coming back, even at times when it was challenging? On the day that you retire, what do you hope you’ll be able to say you’ve achieved through your work as a physician? 
• Don’t waste too much time trying to think of a catchy opening or a theme designed just to set your essay apart. Applicants sometimes end up with an opening that comes across as phony and artificial because they are trying too hard to distinguish themselves from other applicants. 
• Just start writing. Writing is a means for thinking and reflecting. Let the theme grow out of the process of writing itself. Some of the best personal statements focus on ordinary events that many other people may have experienced, but what makes the essay stand out are the writer’s unique insights and ability to reflect on these experiences.

Dana Lovold, MPH, Career Counselor at the University of Minnesota Your personal statement can and should include more than what you’ve done to prepare for medical school. The personal statement is an opportunity to share something new about yourself that isn’t conveyed elsewhere in your application.

Advisors at the University of Minnesota employ a storytelling model to support students in finding and writing their unique personal statement. One critical aspect of storytelling is the concept of change. When a story lacks change, it becomes a recitation of facts and events, rather than a reflection of how you’ve learned and grown through your experiences. Many students express concern that their experiences are not unique and wonder how they can stand out. Focusing on change can help with this. Some questions you may want to consider when exploring ideas are:

• What did you learn from the experience?
• How did you change as a result of the experience?
• What insight did you gain?

By sharing your thoughts on these aspects of your preparation and motivation for medicine, the reader has a deeper understanding of who you are and what you value. Then, connect that insight to how it relates to your future in the profession. This will convey your unique insight and demonstrate how you will use that insight as a physician.  

In exploring additional aspects of what to write about, we also encourage students to cover these four components in the essay:

• Motivation refers to a student’s ongoing preparation for the health profession and can include the initial inspiration.
• Fit is determined through self-assessment of relevant values and personal qualities as they relate to the profession.
• Capacity is demonstrated through holistically aligning with the competencies expected in the profession.
• Vision relates to the impact you wish to make in the field.

After you finish a working draft, go back through and see how you’ve covered each of these components. Ask people who are reading your draft if they can identify how you’ve covered these elements in your essay so that you know it’s clear to others.

From RN to MD: Navigating the Transition and Education Pathway

Are you an RN considering becoming an MD? This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the transition and education pathway.

Posted May 19, 2023

Featuring Ty F.

Mastering the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

Starting tuesday, october 1.

10:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

Are you an experienced registered nurse (RN) considering a career shift to become a medical doctor (MD)? Making a transition from RN to MD is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires careful planning and preparation. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about navigating this transition and the education pathway ahead.

Understanding the Differences Between RN and MD Roles

The primary difference between RN and MD roles is that RNs focus on providing direct patient care, while MDs diagnose, treat, and manage patient health issues. RNs work under the supervision of physicians and perform tasks such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with medical procedures. In contrast, MDs have the authority to prescribe treatment plans and perform complex medical procedures, such as surgeries and biopsies.

However, it is important to note that RNs also play a crucial role in patient advocacy and education. They often act as a liaison between patients and physicians, ensuring that patients understand their treatment plans and are able to make informed decisions about their health. RNs also provide emotional support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies illness.

Why Make the Transition from RN to MD?

The transition from RN to MD comes with many benefits, including a higher salary, increased autonomy, better job security, and more opportunities for advancement. Additionally, the MD role allows for more control over patient care and decision-making, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Another benefit of transitioning from RN to MD is the ability to specialize in a particular area of medicine. As an RN, you may have experience in a specific field, but becoming an MD allows you to become an expert in that field and provide more specialized care to patients. This can lead to a more fulfilling career and a greater impact on patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the transition from RN to MD can also open up opportunities for research and teaching. As an MD, you may have the chance to conduct research and contribute to medical advancements, as well as teach and mentor future healthcare professionals. This can be a rewarding way to give back to the medical community and make a lasting impact on the field.

The Requirements for Becoming an MD

Becoming an MD requires completing several years of formal education and training. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, applying for and attending medical school, completing a residency program, and obtaining licensure. Additionally, many medical schools require students to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and meet specific GPA requirements.

During medical school, students typically spend the first two years in classroom settings, learning about the human body, diseases, and medical treatments. The last two years are spent in clinical rotations, where students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians. After completing medical school, graduates must complete a residency program, which can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. During this time, they receive hands-on training in their chosen field and work with patients in a hospital or clinic setting. Once the residency is complete, graduates must obtain licensure by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA).

How to Choose the Right Medical School for You

Choosing the right medical school depends on several factors, such as location, cost, reputation, curriculum, and specialization options. Researching and comparing multiple medical schools is crucial to finding the best fit for your needs and goals.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a medical school is the type of learning environment that suits you best. Some medical schools offer traditional lecture-based learning, while others use problem-based learning or team-based learning. It's important to consider your learning style and preferences when selecting a medical school to ensure that you will thrive in the educational environment.

Financing Your Medical Education: Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

The cost of attending medical school can be overwhelming, but there are several financing options available, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Researching and applying for these options can help alleviate the financial burden of attending medical school.

Preparing for Medical School Entrance Exams: MCAT and More

The MCAT is a standardized exam used by medical schools to evaluate applicants for admission. Preparing for this exam can be challenging, but taking practice tests, participating in study groups, and utilizing resources such as online study guides and review courses can help increase your chances of success. Additionally, some medical schools may require additional entrance exams, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

It is important to research the specific requirements of each medical school you are applying to in order to ensure you are fully prepared for all necessary entrance exams. Some schools may also require additional application materials, such as letters of recommendation or personal statements. It is important to stay organized and keep track of all deadlines and requirements to ensure a smooth application process.

The Medical School Curriculum: What to Expect

The medical school curriculum is rigorous and challenging, covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics. As a medical student, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time in classrooms, laboratories, and clinical rotations gaining practical experience and developing the skills needed to become an MD.

One of the most important aspects of the medical school curriculum is the emphasis on patient care. Medical students are taught to approach patient care with empathy and compassion, and to communicate effectively with patients and their families. This includes learning how to take a patient's medical history, perform physical exams, and interpret diagnostic tests.

In addition to the core curriculum, medical students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of medicine. This can include fields such as pediatrics, cardiology, or neurology. Specializing allows students to gain in-depth knowledge and experience in a specific area, and can help prepare them for a career in that field.

Balancing Work and Study as a Working RN/MD Student

Transitioning from RN to MD while juggling work and personal commitments can be challenging. It’s essential to create a schedule that allows for adequate time to study, attend classes and work, while still maintaining your health and personal relationships.

One effective way to balance work and study as a working RN/MD student is to prioritize your tasks and responsibilities. This means identifying which tasks are urgent and important, and which ones can be postponed or delegated. It’s also important to set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself, and to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.

Clinical Rotations and Residency Programs: Building Practical Experience

Clinical rotations and residency programs provide hands-on, practical experience working alongside experienced physicians. These programs are critical to gaining the skills and confidence needed to be successful as an MD.

During clinical rotations, medical students have the opportunity to work in various medical specialties, such as pediatrics, surgery, and internal medicine. This allows them to gain exposure to different medical fields and determine which area they may want to specialize in.

Residency programs, on the other hand, provide a more in-depth and focused training experience. Residents work closely with attending physicians and are responsible for managing patient care under their supervision. This allows them to develop their clinical skills and knowledge in a specific area of medicine.

Specializations in Medicine: Choosing Your Focus Area as an MD

As an MD, you will have the option to specialize in various areas of medicine, such as cardiology, pediatrics, or neurology. Choosing your focus area is a critical decision that should be made based on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Researching the different specialties and learning about the requirements and job outlook can help you make an informed decision.

The Role of Technology in Modern Medicine: How RNs and MDs Adapt

The rapid advancements in technology have revolutionized modern medicine, leading to innovative treatments, better patient outcomes, and improved patient care. As an RN transitioning to an MD role, staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial to delivering high-quality care and remaining competitive in the industry.

Networking Opportunities for RNs Transitioning to MDs

Networking with other healthcare professionals and medical students is an excellent way to gain insight into the MD role, build relationships, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Attending medical conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums can provide valuable networking opportunities.

Challenges Faced by RNs on the Journey to Becoming an MD

The journey from RN to MD comes with several challenges, including the rigorous coursework, managing work and personal commitments, and dealing with the emotional toll of patient care. It’s essential to have a support system in place, including friends, family, and mentors, to help navigate these challenges.

Advice from Experienced RN-MDs: Tips for Success in Medical School and Beyond

Learning from experienced RN-MDs can provide valuable insight into the transition from RN to MD. Tips for success include setting realistic goals, creating a support system, utilizing resources such as study groups and online study materials, and maintaining a work-life balance.

Transitioning from RN to MD is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding the differences between RN and MD roles, researching medical schools, financing your education, and preparing for entrance exams, you can navigate this transition pathway with confidence and achieve your career goals.

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Personal Statements For RN to MD/DO

• Thread starter DreamBig88
• Start date Jun 15, 2015

• Jun 15, 2015

I Narcanned Your Honor Student

RN here. My progression in healthcare was in two phases, so my essay was as well. I was in a non-healthcare field before nursing and so started off my essay with the experience that pulled me into wanting to do patient care in the first place, as it was a powerful time and laid a lot of groundwork. After that I wrote briefly about being a nurse. Then I went into a patient encounter that drove it home that I realized I wanted to become a physician -- there have been many more than one in my life but I chose the one I felt was most important and really encapsulated every contrast I wanted to express -- and spend a good chunk explaining exactly why medicine (what I could do as a physician that I can't as a nurse and why it's important to me). Wrapped up with a conclusion about going back to school, that challenge, my dedication, etc etc. I'm a current applicant so it's yet to be seen whether this'll be successful, but there's how I did it. Your mileage will undoubtedly vary. If you want to read mine I don't mind, just shoot me a PM.  

Full Member

I've written a few rough copies of my PS and took it in a different direction. I may totally change it though since these are very early phase drafts. I also wanted to keep it concise (1 page max) as that was a recommendation from a faculty member who was like a substitute dean for a med school while they were looking for an official dean. I addressed shortly and clearly why I didn't choose medicine in the first place. Then why I went into nursing. And then talked about how I haven't had some profound realization that medicine is my calling. It has just been a gradual buildup working with physicians, seeing what they do, and ultimately realizing that what they do is more in line with my interests and I never would have found that out if I hadn't gone into nursing. I'm not reaching for an awesome story here because I think it's difficult to successfully craft something like that, there isn't much these adcoms haven't already heard, and the majority of us are not fantastic writers. I just want it to be real, convey what I want to say, and easy to read. I'm hoping this storyline will come off showing some maturity and growth and also imply that I've spent enough time in the hospital to know if I love it or hate it. So if you're reading my PS right now then you know you aren't taking a gamble on someone who might end up being miserable in healthcare. I give an example or two of what I'm talking about/why medicine which hopefully addresses why not nurse practitioner (this will surely be an interview question anyways). Hopefully something like this comes off strong.  

• Jan 3, 2017

Eccesignum said: RN here. My progression in healthcare was in two phases, so my essay was as well. I was in a non-healthcare field before nursing and so started off my essay with the experience that pulled me into wanting to do patient care in the first place, as it was a powerful time and laid a lot of groundwork. After that I wrote briefly about being a nurse. Then I went into a patient encounter that drove it home that I realized I wanted to become a physician -- there have been many more than one in my life but I chose the one I felt was most important and really encapsulated every contrast I wanted to express -- and spend a good chunk explaining exactly why medicine (what I could do as a physician that I can't as a nurse and why it's important to me). Wrapped up with a conclusion about going back to school, that challenge, my dedication, etc etc. I'm a current applicant so it's yet to be seen whether this'll be successful, but there's how I did it. Your mileage will undoubtedly vary. If you want to read mine I don't mind, just shoot me a PM. Click to expand...

LAURA RAY said: hey Eccesignum, I'm still new to this forum. Can't find how to send u a PM. Click to expand...

• Jun 14, 2024

Straw Hat said: I've written a few rough copies of my PS and took it in a different direction. I may totally change it though since these are very early phase drafts. I also wanted to keep it concise (1 page max) as that was a recommendation from a faculty member who was like a substitute dean for a med school while they were looking for an official dean. I addressed shortly and clearly why I didn't choose medicine in the first place. Then why I went into nursing. And then talked about how I haven't had some profound realization that medicine is my calling. It has just been a gradual buildup working with physicians, seeing what they do, and ultimately realizing that what they do is more in line with my interests and I never would have found that out if I hadn't gone into nursing. I'm not reaching for an awesome story here because I think it's difficult to successfully craft something like that, there isn't much these adcoms haven't already heard, and the majority of us are not fantastic writers. I just want it to be real, convey what I want to say, and easy to read. I'm hoping this storyline will come off showing some maturity and growth and also imply that I've spent enough time in the hospital to know if I love it or hate it. So if you're reading my PS right now then you know you aren't taking a gamble on someone who might end up being miserable in healthcare. I give an example or two of what I'm talking about/why medicine which hopefully addresses why not nurse practitioner (this will surely be an interview question anyways). Hopefully something like this comes off strong. Click to expand...

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Rn to md: how to go from nurse to doctor.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 10/16/23

Becoming a doctor after being a nurse is more common than you may think! Follow along to find out how to go from RN to MD.

Have you considered transitioning from RN to MD? Nursing is an excellent career option which many people find to be fulfilling, and it is a critically essential role in the healthcare system. However, if you decide to switch careers, becoming a doctor is full of new areas and opportunities to explore. 

Here, we’ll take an in-depth look at the path from registered nurse (RN) to medical doctor (MD). Our complete, step-by-step guide includes the time it takes to become a doctor as an RN, program options, salary outlook, and more.

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How To Go From RN to MD

First, let’s go over the steps. Each of the following steps is an essential part of becoming a doctor after becoming a nurse. Of course, to become an RN, there are separate requirements that you must have already obtained to begin following these steps. 

Step 1: Obtain A BSN Degree

As an RN, you may already have a BSN degree which would include most, if not all, of the necessary prerequisite courses for medical school. If your degree didn’t include the following classes, you should take them before taking the MCAT to ensure you are prepared for the test:

• Biochemistry
• Mathematics 

Sociology, Psychology, Arts and Second Language courses are also recommended prerequisites for medical school . Med schools love to see that you are well-rounded, and educated in many areas. You should also have taken extracurriculars if you do not already have nursing experience.

If you do not already have a BSN degree, there are bridge programs to help you obtain a BSN in a shorter amount of time. 

Step 2: Take the MCAT

Most medical schools require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as part of your application. The MCAT is a computer-based, multiple choice, standardized exam that is seven and a half hours in length. You should give yourself plenty of time to take the test and retake it if necessary before applying to medical school. 

Completing all the necessary medical school prerequisite courses will help you to get into medical school while also helping you prepare for the MCAT. If you’re having difficulty studying for the MCAT, consider contacting an experienced MCAT tutor for end-to-end admissions support. 

Step 3: Apply to Medical School

Now you’re ready to begin the medical school application process. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, you can fill out your AMCAS application on the online portal. The materials required at this stage are: 

• Background Info (schools attended, biographic information, etc.)
• MCAT score(s)
• Transcripts
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation/evaluation
• Standardized Test 

Most medical schools send out a secondary application after receiving your primary application, which typically requires essays. Depending on the school, secondaries may only be sent to a select group of applicants. Then, you will likely be invited for an interview if your secondary application was well received. 

You should apply to several medical schools to heighten your chances of admission. Ensure that the medical school you attend is an accredited US or Canadian institution to help you match into a US/Canadian residency program after graduation. 

Step 4: Attend a Residency Program (and a Fellowship Program If Necessary)

One of the most exciting parts of transitioning from an RN to MD is the specialized focus you can now have on one area of medicine. After obtaining your MD degree, you can now apply to residency programs with the ERAS application . 

If a residency program is interested in your ERAS application, they’ll invite you for an interview or additional application materials. After completing all of your interviews, you can move forward with the matching process.

Using the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) system, you’ll rank programs in order of preference and be matched into the most compatible program possible. Residency can be anywhere between three to seven years in length, depending on the specialty you have chosen.

If you’d like to sub-specialize, you’ll have to attend a fellowship program after completing residency. Fellowships are optional, specialized education opportunities that allow doctors to practice under masters of their field.

During residency, you’ll have to complete all steps of the USMLE exam . Completing these steps will allow you to obtain your medical license following residency. Once you’ve completed your BSN, MD, residency program, fellowship program (optional), and obtained your medical license, you’re ready to start practicing medicine independently!

How Long Does It Take To Go From Nurse to Doctor

Going from an RN to an MD takes the same amount of time as becoming a doctor. Your BSN degree (four years) serves as the regular bachelor’s degree requirement for medical school, after which all steps are the same. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. 

Becoming a doctor can take anywhere from 10 to 17 years of education. You must complete the following educational requirements:

• A four-year bachelor’s degree (in the case of an RN, a BSN degree)
• A four-year MD degree
• Residency (2-7 years)
• Fellowship program if necessary (1-3 years)

Although it’s a long process, RNs have the advantage of field experience and knowledge of bedside manner. If you’re an RN and you’re considering becoming an MD, it may be worth it to be able to take on medicine from a new perspective.

Of course, the choice is yours! There are also plenty of interesting career options for MDs without residency if you’re interested in a shorter educational path.

RN Vs. MD Salary 

One of the main advantages to switching from RN to MD is the increase in salary. The average salary for RNs across the US is $92,494 , while the average salary for MDs (family doctors) is $225,001 . 

Family doctors are on the lower end of the physician pay scale. Generally speaking, the more years spent in school and in your field increases your salary. A family medicine residency is typically 3 years in length, while surgeons can spend up to 7 years in residency and make an average salary of $430,159 .

RN to MD Programs

If you’re looking for a quick way to become a doctor as a nurse, unfortunately you may be out of luck. Bridge programs exist to help nurses become different kinds of nurses (for example, going from RPN to RN). 

The path to becoming a doctor is the same length for nurses as it is for regular applicants. However, your field experience will likely make medical school and residency a little easier for you.

Tips for RNs Who Want To Become MDs

Here are a few tips and considerations for RNs who want to become MDs. 

No Shortcuts

Becoming a doctor as a nurse takes a long time, unfortunately there are no shortcuts for nurses. However, your field experience will be extremely valuable during medical school and residency. 

Nurses have to learn bedside manner, and they know better than anyone how to emotionally care for patients. For this reason, a nurse-turned-doctor would make an excellent addition to any hospital staff!

Triple Your Salary

School is expensive, but by furthering your education you can triple, or even quadruple your current RN salary. This will help you pay off your student loans more quickly. There are also plenty of scholarships for non-traditional applicants, which is what you would be considered as an RN entering the field. 

A Whole New Field

One of the reasons there are no educational shortcuts between RN to MD is because although they work together, they are two completely separate jobs. As an MD, you’ll have to look at patients and cases from a new perspective. Additionally, diagnosing and treating illnesses is a heightened level of personal responsibility. 

Both professions are essential parts of patient care. Nurses and doctors rely on each other to provide the best end-to-end care possible to their patients, but transitioning from one to the other is truly exposing yourself to an entirely new job.

Use Your Experience To Your Advantage

There are several benefits you may reap as an RN in medical school. Your previous experience in the healthcare field will give you a leg up on your fellow classmates and residents later on. Navigating the hospital ecosystem may be more natural for you, and interacting with patients should be a breeze.

Because there aren’t many nurses who choose to become doctors, you’ll be considered a non-traditional applicant, which could mean that you’ll have access to some interesting scholarship opportunities. Your story will also make for some interesting essay material for any secondary applications you submit during application season.

FAQs: How To Go From RN to MD

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to go from an RN to an MD. 

1. How Long Does It Take To Go From RN to Doctor?

Medical school takes the same amount of time for nurses as it does for regular applicants. Your BSN degree counts as a bachelor's degree for going into medical school, although you should make sure you have taken all necessary prerequisite courses required by each medical school you apply to. 

Medical school is four years in length, residency can be three to seven years in length, then you can choose if you’d like to sub-specialize with a fellowship program, which can take one to three years to complete. 

2. Can I Get Into Medical School With A Nursing Degree?

You can get into medical school with a BSN degree. If you are a nurse without a BSN degree, you can apply for a bridging program to obtain a BSN degree in a shorter amount of time. BSN degrees typically include most of the prerequisite courses required for medical school, but you should still make sure you’re prepared before applying.

3. Can A Nurse Become A Doctor?

A nurse can absolutely become a doctor, but there are no educational shortcuts. Going from RN to MD takes the same amount of time as it would for any regular application. A BSN degree will count as a bachelor’s degree in the case of an RN, which is a requirement for medical school.

Final Thoughts: RN to MD

There aren’t many RNs that decide to become MDs, but the few that do bring a new perspective to the field. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system. They are our frontline workers, and they are the first point of contact for patients in clinics and hospitals. 

Becoming a doctor also allows you to specialize in a certain area of medicine that interests you, which can increase job satisfaction. Additionally, your salary will increase significantly as a physician - no matter which time of physician you choose to become. 

If you’re an RN and you’re considering applying for medical school, consider contacting an experienced admissions advisor to help you through the process. Admissions advisors provide end-to-end application support, and can help you navigate the new world you’re leaping into.

Schedule A Free Consultation

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Nursing to Medicine

My decision to pursue nursing before becoming a doctor was logical: my mother had been a nurse, I would enter right out of high school, I would get hands-on skills that most physicians don’t see until well into their third year of medical school, and heck, a nice paycheck doesn’t hurt either. But the fact still remains: the process would be the most grueling and intense experience of my life.

Like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces of reason were there, and taking a step back, one might reflect and appreciate the whole picture. Yet, the costs of pursuing my goals in this way were sizable: going to nursing school meant that I risked sacrificing attendance at many well known institutions steeped in their own rich traditions. As an African American male, it also meant that I would be heavily underrepresented and thereby open to feelings of doubt about whether I truly wanted to continue on the path I’d chosen.

||Read: Non-Traditional Student Personal Statement ||

At age 17, I knew little about the field of healthcare. I had little understanding of medical instruments like urethral catheters or intravenous fluids. No real understanding of compassion in the face of exhaustion, or providing care that—to most—might seem futile. I was filled only with an understanding that it was a field saturated with brothers, sisters, grandparents and grandchildren who needed a helping hand. I knew I wanted to make an impact on individuals in a very direct way. But here in the United States, one cannot simply enter medical school directly out of high school. So I did research and found that nursing would allow me the opportunity of tending to these immediate needs in society.

But of course, the process would not be easy. As I later found out, it was to be filled with case reports, bodily secretions, and the intonations of doubt folks had when asking me why I chose to study nursing in the first place. This, I think, was the most insidious of all detractors. I could have still transferred to another major or another school. The undergraduate program I attended had hundreds of competing options. Yet, I am here now writing this sentence as a registered nurse. Because when I placed any losses against the gains of learning the skills needed to be an effective agent in the field, the gains won out. There was something to be appreciated in the fact that my suffering could translate into my patients’ gain.

||Read: Story of a Non-Science Premed ||

A daily help was the example of my own mother. I think my initial decision to go into nursing was based in part on a desire to connect with her experience. I could call her to discuss my thoughts about a subject, like how to explain the five rights of medication administration to an instructor. She became somewhat of a mentor to me. Being supportive of my decision to enter medicine, my mom/mentor also encouraged me in that endeavor. It was extremely important for me to have such a positive voice around. As with most fields, all my mentors helped me dust my shoulders off, not letting the scratches, slights, or passive aggressiveness get to me, and imparted their wisdom whenever possible. I don’t know where I’d be without support systems like this.

As they say, hindsight is 20/20. I get that. The real question might be: “given all I know now, would I recommend becoming a nurse as a stepping stone to becoming a physician?” My answer: it depends. If a student has the ability to focus intently on one thing, without any distraction of future plans, then yes. But if you are like me, and need frequent encouragement to avoid indulgence in competing interests when things get tough, then perhaps pursuing a straight career path would be the better option. In nursing, you can be a true advocate for your patients every shift, worrying less about the selection of necessary orders as much as the execution. One can form great bonds with coworkers, and have a competitive salary. If a student has been set on medicine, these good things might be viewed as entrapments to progression.

||Read: Premed Myths Part 3 ||

In the end, as with everything, the choice is ultimately your own. In my case, I’ve learned some new things and met some interesting people, and I’ll have a sense of the gravity that comes with taking on this new role. In transitioning, I will be in the lives of my patients over the long haul, something I think is possible with medicine only. But I know that whether I am a doctor, a nurse aide, or a registered nurse, I am fueled by the core understanding that my passions lie with my patients. So my highest priority as a healer will be to let this love guide me.

Diboro Kanabolo is a medical student at Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago. He worked 2 years as a nurse prior to going to medical school. 

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• What Does DO Mean?
• Pre-Med Myths Part 3
• 5 Key Challenges for a Doctor Serving Humanity
• Difference Between MD and DO

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With this in mind, your personal statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of what the role involves, the challenges you’ll face, and the kind of skills, qualities, and values required.

We've asked admissions tutors to share their top dos and don'ts for nursing personal statements, and asked a careers adviser to create an example of how to write about your work experience – here's what they told us.  

Nursing personal statement basics – what to include

To structure it, try to write clearly and reflectively about:

• how you arrived at your decision to go into nursing
• why, specifically, you want to be an adult, child, mental health, or learning disabilities nurse
• how your experience and research has contributed to your understanding of the realities and challenges you'll face
• what it is about your skills, attitudes, values, and character that make the profession right for you
• anything you feel is especially relevant about your academic studies, or maybe a project you've undertaken

Some universities will score your personal statement against their specific selection criteria. Make sure you take a look at individual university websites, as these criteria may be listed for you to refer to. Look for nursing courses in our search tool .

Writing about relevant experience

Try to build up as much experience or observation as you can. Ideally this should be in a care environment, such as a hospital, clinic, GP practice, school, residential care or the voluntary sector. Any other experience of working with people is helpful too.

Back up these experiences by carrying out some relevant background reading or research –  Health Careers is a good starting point . Just talking to nurses about their work will also be valuable.  Nurse Ewout talks about his route into nursing . If possible, get to some university open days , as they’re great for picking up new insights and asking questions.

Then, when you write about all this in your statement, try to explain and reflect on:

• what you’ve learned about some of the realities of nursing, the challenges, constraints, and frustrations you’ll face (rather than the rewards), and the skills, qualities, and values you’ll need
• how you’ve demonstrated some of those skills, qualities, and values yourself through your experience, extracurricular activities, personal interests or achievements

The latter could include the responsibility and commitment you’ve shown through:  

• voluntary work
• the teamwork and interpersonal skills you’ve developed in your part-time job
• the empathy you’ve shown as a student mentor
• the leadership you’ve displayed as a guide or scout
• something specific that happened on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition, and so on

Tip:  Don’t waste space in your statement explaining what a nurse does – they know that! But if you’ve found out for yourself how nurses manage, prescribe, evaluate or critically review evidence when making decisions, do reflect on that.  

Focus on the field of nursing you're interested in

Most nursing admissions tutors expect you to apply for one specific field only, such as adult or child.

They'll expect you to choose between nursing and midwifery courses rather than apply to both at the same time. However, one university told us that you wouldn’t automatically be rejected if you are genuinely interested in the crossover between two different fields (same for nursing and midwifery), so do check first. Some universities also offer dual-field courses but you'll need to demonstrate a realistic understanding of the field(s) you’ve chosen.

For example, if you’re applying specifically for mental health nursing, you might want to reflect on your ability to understand other people’s perspectives or to advocate on their behalf. Or if you feel it’s appropriate to reflect on your own experience of mental health then, as one admissions tutor told us, the key is to explain how this has motivated you to become a nurse yourself.

For child nursing, you might wish to demonstrate your awareness of the diverse range of children you will nurse and the kind of challenges you expect to face. Similarly, for adult or learning disability, you could reflect on what you’ve learned from your interactions with elderly people, or how you’ve supported someone with a learning disability yourself.

The key words are ‘demonstrate’ and ‘reflect’. It’s not enough just to say you understand something – you need to show what it was that led to your understanding. Then, as Moira Davies, nursing admissions tutor at University of South Wales, advises, ‘highlight the skills you have that are transferable to the field of nursing you have chosen’.

If you’re interested in learning more about midwifery, read our guide .

Accuracy is vital

Nhs constitution.

For all degree courses that involve training within an NHS setting, there is likely to be some emphasis on values based selection, and how applicants' own values and behaviours align with the seven core values of the NHS Constitution . Familiarise yourself with this while writing your personal statement.

For more personal statement advice and examples, check out all our personal statement advice including how to write a personal statement and how to start yours .

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CASPA Personal Statement Examples for Your PA School Application

• September 9, 2024
• Physician Assistant , Pre-PA/PA-CAT

The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) personal statement is your opportunity to explain the “why” behind your decision to become a PA. Talking about yourself can be challenging and uncomfortable, but this is your chance to be your own best advocate!

To help you get started, I recommend first checking out our other post, The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an Impactful PA School Personal Statement which walks you through everything you need to know about how to write your CASPA personal statement.

Now, if you’re still wondering what a CASPA personal statement looks like, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, you’ll find two CASPA personal statement examples. As you read through them, put yourself in the mindset of the review committee. Do you know why this applicant wants to become a PA? Do you get a sense of who they are from what they’ve written? Would you invite them for an interview to learn more about them?

So with your review committee member hat on, take a close look at the following CASPA personal statement examples. We’ll review each, so you can see what they got right and wrong. 

Let’s get started!

CASPA Personal Statement Example #1

(Spoiler alert: Here’s what not to do!)

I would like to become a Physician’s Assistant because I believe it will provide an exciting opportunity to challenge myself further as a clinician. PAs are important members of the healthcare team that are able to expand access to healthcare. PAs work in many specialties and care for patients of different populations. PAs are able to work in both medical and surgical specialties and provide high quality care to patients.

I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in athletic training to combine my love of sports with my interest in medicine upon graduating from college. After completing my degree, I accepted a position at the Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children where I have held positions in both the Department of Therapeutic Services as well as most recently as a physician extender in the Department of Orthopaedics. Over the past too years I have worked alongside of Physician’s Assistants across many specialties. I decided I would like to purse a degree in physician assistant studies to expand my knowledge base, enhance my clinical skills, and take on a more advanced role in the care of patients as a PA in Orthopedic Surgery.

As an athletic trainer, I have developed my skills in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of sports related injuries and general orthopedic conditions. I plan to become a PA in Orthopedic Surgery after graduation. Orthopedic surgery is an exciting field that utilizes PAs in many ways. I look forward to completing elective rotations in orthopedic surgery. The diverse opportunities within ortho, including the OR, the outpatient clinic, and the inpatient setting, particularly excites me about this speciality. I believe my education and experience has well-prepared me for a career as a Physician’s Assistant.

How did this student do?

The sample above is weak and highlights some of the “don’ts” to avoid when writing your CASPA personal statement. For example, “physician’s assistant” is not the appropriate title and should not be used. The proper title is physician assistant (or physician associate), and it usually isn’t capitalized. Be sure to use physician assistant or PA to demonstrate to the committee that you’re familiar with the proper title of the profession. 

Additionally, there are a couple of missed opportunities with the first paragraph. It’s dedicated to discussing what a PA does, rather than why the applicant wants to become one. Your CASPA personal statement is an opportunity to highlight why you would be a great PA, not to educate the review committee on what a PA does. Focus on you and your attributes rather than the role of PAs.

Additionally, there’s no hook. Your opening paragraph is the chance to get the reader’s attention and encourage them to continue reading. The first paragraph in this example fails to do that, and instead begins with a sentence about why the applicant wants to become a PA, then launches into a generic discussion about what PAs do.

This personal statement also focuses too much on one specialty . A PA education is broad and comprehensive. You want to demonstrate to the committee that you’re excited to learn about various aspects of medicine and that you appreciate the flexibility that comes with being a PA. While you might love orthopedic surgery, you need to show you’ll be interested and engaged throughout the program, not just on your elective rotation! 

Finally, there are grammatical and spelling errors throughout the essay. The personal statement is a chance to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and clearly. Always proofread for any errors, and it never hurts to have another set of eyes look over it as well! 

In summary, this wasn’t a very good CASPA personal statement, as it fell short in several important respects. Let’s try again!

CASPA Personal Statement Example #2

As you read this sample, think about what’s improved from example #1!

We often wait for that one, big, impactful moment—that occasion of divine inspiration where the future is clear and everything suddenly makes sense. I never had an “aha” moment when I decided I wanted to become a physician assistant. Instead, while working alongside PAs in my current role, I have had the opportunity to witness the millions of little impacts they have on patients, families, coworkers, and colleagues. Moments in time that often seem like routine parts of their day—moments of knowledge and problem-solving, moments of comfort and compassion, and moments of strength and understanding—that can impact someone’s life forever. It was these moments, added up over time, that inspired me to become a PA. 

And I believe it’s as a PA that I’ll reach my full potential, as it will provide an exciting opportunity to challenge myself further as a clinician. As an athletic trainer in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children for the past two years, I have been able to witness firsthand how PAs are integrated into the healthcare system, and the important role they play in a healthcare team. It was through this work that I realized I would like to pursue a degree in physician assistant studies to expand my knowledge base, enhance my clinical skills, and take on a more advanced role in the care of patients. 

As an athletic trainer, I have been given a great deal of independence in terms of patient care, clinical decision-making, and interactions with other healthcare professionals. I pride myself on my ability to effectively communicate with patients, parents, and other members of the healthcare team. In my work, no two days are ever the same, and I am easily able to adapt to different situations. I believe the clinical skills I’ve acquired as an athletic trainer are critical to the successful care and treatment of patients and are not easily taught in a classroom setting. I developed them through the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of sports injuries and general orthopedic conditions. These conditions often require the attention of an entire medical team, and through coordination of care with other specialties I have been exposed to many other aspects of medicine. I have truly enjoyed being part of a team and gaining exposure to other branches of medicine, and becoming a PA will allow me to further explore other opportunities beyond the areas of sports medicine and orthopedics.

Finally, I also have a passion for clinical research and am interested in continuing to pursue this as a PA. I have collaborated with our physicians on multiple projects, asking clinical questions and developing studies to find answers to them. I believe research provides an avenue to further one’s clinical practice and actively learn more about how to optimize patient care. 

In summary, my education and experience has well-prepared me for a career as a physician assistant. I am excited by the prospect of making my own impacts on the lives of patients, families, coworkers, and colleagues. I believe that becoming a PA will lead me to many “aha” moments, and give me the chance to inspire these moments in others.

Of the two CASPA personal statement examples, this one is much stronger and highlights more of the “do’s” to include when writing yours. It focuses more on the applicant’s strengths, including both experiences and “soft skills,”such as communication and adaptability, rather than what a PA does.

It also includes an interesting opening that honestly explains why this applicant has decided to become a PA. The theme in the opening is then tied back into the closing paragraph, providing a sense of coherence and completion to the narrative. Finally, it uses the proper title of the profession and is free of grammar and spelling errors. This demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, two qualities that are crucial to success in a PA program!

Main Takeaways: Communicate Your “Why!”

While writing the CASPA personal statement can seem like a daunting task, it provides an opportunity for you to reflect on why you’re applying to PA school. Why are you taking this next step in your education, career, and life? Why are you going to invest the time, energy, and financial resources to pursue this degree? Why will you be great at this? Embrace the chance to communicate your “why” to the committee, and you’re more likely to be accepted! 

I hope you found these CASPA personal statement examples helpful. Good luck with your applications, and reach out to Blueprint if you need any assistance. 💙

🩺 Want to make sure you’re prepped for PA school? Try out our  Pre-PA practice questions  from anatomy and physiology to medical terminology, professional practice, and more!

Or maybe you’re looking for more tips for PA school applications? We’ve got you covered! Check out these other posts on the Blueprint PA blog:

• Understanding PA School Acceptance Rates & Admissions

Questions to Ask PA Programs During PA School Interviews

• How to Write Standout PA School Supplemental Essays

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