Going to first year, requesting suggestions!

[DeliciousPeepee]

Hi guys, I'm a student entering my first year at UWO this fall. I hope to pursue a career in medicine. There are, however, a few drawbacks. I understand that getting into med school is very difficult (can anyone give me some numbers - percentages and the like - on just how difficult). My parents also understand this and that's part of the reason they want me to go and study in sudan and return to practice here in canada. I just want to know what you guys suggest i do about this.

 

On a side note, I plan to complete first year at UWO and if you guys can suggest what I can do for ECs there and where I can volunteer (I've always wanted to in a hospital, but I haven't known how to do it), I would greatly appreciate it thanks in advance for the replies and assistance.

[ellorie]

Since you're just going into your first year, you really don't know anything about how competitive you will be, but a Canadian school should be your goal if you want to practice in Canada. It's very very hard to get back to Canada as an International Medical Graduate. Even if you have to try for a few years to get into a Canadian school, it's worth it IMO. I think the overall stat is 28% of applicants get in somewhere in a given cycle - there's a whole report on this stuff, but I don't have the link anymore.

 

Have a look around to find the pre-requisites you'll need to satisfy, and make sure you get them all early. Generally speaking, a year each of Physics, Biology, Chemistry, O Chem, and English should stand you in good stead. Half years of statistics and biochem are also important, IIRC.

 

Work on having a good GPA, but also make sure you're studying what you love. It's a balancing act. Generally speaking, shoot for a 3.8+ GPA to be VERY competitive for Canadian schools. That said, some schools take only your best couple of years, drop some courses from your GPA, or weight your later years more heavily, so your GPA can be quite different at different schools.

 

Get some good extracurriculars. Volunteering at a hospital is important. Just start calling hospitals and ask for the volunteer department. Lots of people get good clinical experience volunteering in the ED. I volunteered on a GI/GU/ENT ward for a year, and it was a good experience.

 

I also recommend getting some extracurriculars in outside of the hospital, particularly those that emphasize your leadership and interpersonal skills. Any kind of tutoring or teaching is useful. So is crisis work or helpline volunteering. And most of all, make sure your volunteer work is what you really enjoy doing, because apart from hospital experience being useful, you can take lots of paths to a solid extracurricular profile.

[notjk]

Hi guys, I'm a student entering my first year at UWO this fall. I hope to pursue a career in medicine. There are, however, a few drawbacks. I understand that getting into med school is very difficult (can anyone give me some numbers - percentages and the like - on just how difficult). My parents also understand this and that's part of the reason they want me to go and study in sudan and return to practice here in canada. I just want to know what you guys suggest i do about this.

 

On a side note, I plan to complete first year at UWO and if you guys can suggest what I can do for ECs there and where I can volunteer (I've always wanted to in a hospital, but I haven't known how to do it), I would greatly appreciate it thanks in advance for the replies and assistance.

 

Getting into medical school is difficult in Canada, but leaving the country and then hopefully come back to practice here is EVEN more difficult.

 

Here is a rough statistic for Canadian Undergraduate students that studied within Canada applying to JUST Ontario medical schools, thousands of people apply (exactly 17,261 applications for Ontario medical school), but the target class sizes are 953 [ Refer to OMSAS 2012 booklet].

 

For ECs, there is no particular activities that guarantees you into medical school ( as similarly there is no program), but you should choose Ec's that are manageable and enjoyable. The most important aspects of extra curricular is what you bring out of it; in my opinion at least.

 

Personally my suggestion is to stick with Western and see how it is; you will probably like it and even if you do regret your performance for first year, a lot of Canadian medical schools tend to give some additional help when it comes to applying such as taking the average of only your best or last two years of undergraduate; dropping a course per year or a whole year in general. But that is something you can follow up by google. Also, make sure you read the stickies on the website as deciding to learn medicine outside of Canada in my opinion is much harder and more expensive. Of course though, you will know the best decision for yourself.

[vanillabear]

Here is a rough statistic for Canadian Undergraduate students that studied within Canada applying to JUST Ontario medical schools, thousands of people apply (exactly 17,261 applicants for Ontario medical school), but the target class sizes are 953 [ Refer to OMSAS 2012 booklet].

 

Common misconception.

 

There are in fact 17 261 applications from 5297 applicants/individuals. With a target provincial class size of 953, roughly 18% of applicants are successful.

[notjk]

Common misconception.

 

There are in fact 17 261 applications from 5297 applicants/individuals. With a target provincial class size of 953, roughly 18% of applicants are successful.

 

My apologies on the error, changed it; thanks!

[thehumanmacbook]

Just a heads up to the OP - please don't double post. Recommendations here so far is definitely solid advice though.

[future_doc]

1. Don’t listen to your parents as they are clueless!

 

2. No matter how well or poorly you are doing in high school, it gives absolutely no indication of your success in undergrad. The most important carry over from h.s. to UG is a strong work ethic, if it now exists. This will be of tremendous help. I did not have one.

 

3. The transition to UG is brutal. Therefore, do not take on any ECs/volunteering the first semester until you cracked the code of your inner self during the transition and do well in your finals. No distractions either, if you have a significant other who is needy or a serious distraction, then dump his person as you will be taken down and become missing in action. You may not like all your required courses, so what, this is no excuse to do poorly. You need to focus, have discipline, prioritize, curtail social life and treat your studies professionally, i.e., don't just cram, stay up-to-date for studies/assignments.

Responsible choices and self-sacrifice are required, as are stress and time management skills.

 

4. Pursue a course of study about which you are interested/passionate as I did. This will motivate you to work hard and do well.

 

I became a straight A student despite the fact that I am not the brightest lightbullb in the class. What I lack in intelligence, I have made up for in serious work ethic, prioritizing and keeping my eye on the ball. GPA stays with you forever.

 

You will screw up somewhere, not to worry, this will be a learning experience for you. U/T and U/O have their weighted GPA, others take last 2 years or best 2 years, so it is not over, just lick your wounds and carry on.

 

5. Once you do well, then spread out in ECs/volunteering - only do what you enjoy. There is no cookie cutter recipe. Even unorganized activities are fine, like helping a disabled or old neighbour. Volunteer in what you enjoy.

 

6. Have a Plan B as even te best dont make it, luck is involved too.

 

7. Take easy electives to balance the hard courses.

 

8. MCAT best at end of 3rd yr b/c u more mature, greater science knowledge and writing skills....I did not do well, studied like crazy, everybody has their achilles heel

 

9. Anything you can do to increase communication skills is great as needed for interview and as a doctor.

 

10. Be helpful and friendly to the friendless, it will go a long way and build character and compassion.

 

11. Your future is in your hands and you take full responsibility. Each decision needs to be strategic and tactical

 

12. Know yourself well, what works for you in terms of studying etc, experiment and learn.

[MD2019_A]

1. Don’t listen to your parents as they are clueless!

 

2. No matter how well or poorly you are doing in high school, it gives absolutely no indication of your success in undergrad. The most important carry over from h.s. to UG is a strong work ethic, if it now exists. This will be of tremendous help. I did not have one.

 

3. The transition to UG is brutal. Therefore, do not take on any ECs/volunteering the first semester until you cracked the code of your inner self during the transition and do well in your finals. No distractions either, if you have a significant other who is needy or a serious distraction, then dump his person as you will be taken down and become missing in action. You may not like all your required courses, so what, this is no excuse to do poorly. You need to focus, have discipline, prioritize, curtail social life and treat your studies professionally, i.e., don't just cram, stay up-to-date for studies/assignments.

Responsible choices and self-sacrifice are required, as are stress and time management skills.

 

4. Pursue a course of study about which you are interested/passionate as I did. This will motivate you to work hard and do well.

 

I became a straight A student despite the fact that I am not the brightest lightbullb in the class. What I lack in intelligence, I have made up for in serious work ethic, prioritizing and keeping my eye on the ball. GPA stays with you forever.

 

You will screw up somewhere, not to worry, this will be a learning experience for you. U/T and U/O have their weighted GPA, others take last 2 years or best 2 years, so it is not over, just lick your wounds and carry on.

 

5. Once you do well, then spread out in ECs/volunteering - only do what you enjoy. There is no cookie cutter recipe. Even unorganized activities are fine, like helping a disabled or old neighbour. Volunteer in what you enjoy.

 

6. Have a Plan B as even te best dont make it, luck is involved too.

 

7. Take easy electives to balance the hard courses.

 

8. MCAT best at end of 3rd yr b/c u more mature, greater science knowledge and writing skills....I did not do well, studied like crazy, everybody has their achilles heel

 

9. Anything you can do to increase communication skills is great as needed for interview and as a doctor.

 

10. Be helpful and friendly to the friendless, it will go a long way and build character and compassion.

 

11. Your future is in your hands and you take full responsibility. Each decision needs to be strategic and tactical

 

12. Know yourself well, what works for you in terms of studying etc, experiment and learn.

 

This should be a sticky. Excellent post.

[simpy]

As much as I love you f_d, I have to disagree with a few of your points, such as curtailing a social life and/or dumping a significant other.

 

I think the vast majority of people do their best when their life is in balance, this includes maintaining social outlets and healthy relationships. Furthermore, in first year university you really should take the time to get to learn about who you are, and take the time to explore what (and who) you love.

 

Definitely prioritize your academic performance, and as f_d says, you will probably fail at something over the next few years (even if it's just failing to achieve what you want from a club or extracurricular). Just spend the time figuring out why things didn't go the way you wanted to and take that as a lesson for the future.

 

Find balance and you'll probably be fine.

[Nobodycirclesthewagons]

As much as I love you f_d, I have to disagree with a few of your points, such as curtailing a social life and/or dumping a significant other.

 

I think the vast majority of people do their best when their life is in balance, this includes maintaining social outlets and healthy relationships. Furthermore, in first year university you really should take the time to get to learn about who you are, and take the time to explore what (and who) you love.

 

Definitely prioritize your academic performance, and as f_d says, you will probably fail at something over the next few years (even if it's just failing to achieve what you want from a club or extracurricular). Just spend the time figuring out why things didn't go the way you wanted to and take that as a lesson for the future.

 

Find balance and you'll probably be fine.

 

I think she meant an sig. other who is going to bring you down because he/she is distracting. If that's the case, her advice is good.

[thehumanmacbook]

I think she meant an sig. other who is going to bring you down because he/she is distracting. If that's the case, her advice is good.

 

Yeah take it from me. If a relationship is going bad, don't let it drag on b/c it will screw your GPA up sincerely - and consequently your shot to med. I learned my lesson the hard way.

[future_doc]

As much as I love you f_d, I have to disagree with a few of your points, such as curtailing a social life and/or dumping a significant other.

 

I think the vast majority of people do their best when their life is in balance, this includes maintaining social outlets and healthy relationships. Furthermore, in first year university you really should take the time to get to learn about who you are, and take the time to explore what (and who) you love.

 

Definitely prioritize your academic performance, and as f_d says, you will probably fail at something over the next few years (even if it's just failing to achieve what you want from a club or extracurricular). Just spend the time figuring out why things didn't go the way you wanted to and take that as a lesson for the future.

 

Find balance and you'll probably be fine.

 

Simpy, we are not in disagreement. Balance is absolutely required.

 

A significant other can sometimes make unreasonable demands on one's time, be needy, demanding, play head games, unstable, emotionally draining for reasons of drama, wanting to take centre stage or whatever - and require an overly and unnecessary amount of time to maintain the relationship. Then, there are s.o.s who are not comforting, supportive or understanding. Any of the above results in an unhealthy situation that could derail the prioritry goal. I am suggesting that one needs to select a significant other with great care as otherwise, academic problems can result.

 

In my case, in order to achieve academic success and do the best of which I was capable, from the very beginning, I was required to devote very considerable time to academics. Then there were my ECs and volunteering which exceeded 30 hours weekly. I did not have the time for partying, however, I enjoyed my colleagues who shared my interests during ECs and volunteering. As a result, my social life was so-to-speak on the job - and b/c of time management issues, those who had been party friends in the past just moved on and this turned out to be mutually beneficial. I found a balance that worked for me, one that enhanced my priorities and helped me achieve my goals efficiently. I was most fortunate that my s.o. was entirely supportive and understanding, knew of my time constraints and this never became an issue.

 

We all need to make choices on a range of issues that affect our lives and we should seek to make the best choices of which we are capable. I have seen more than one couple break up on the eve of important academic or interviewing events affecting one's future, and it is an extremely difficult task to maintain focus, do well in academics or the interview, and handle the emotional devastation that is occurring. Selecting a significant other with extreme care and maintaining a healthy relationship with a healthy partner is no easy task and maintaing or losing this relationship does have a ripple effect on every part of our lives. As always, my posts tend to be lengthy.

[DeliciousPeepee]

First off, I want to thank your guys greatly for your help, but I have a few more questions. (some are due to the fact that I'm new to researching this topic...)

 

Since you're just going into your first year, you really don't know anything about how competitive you will be, but a Canadian school should be your goal if you want to practice in Canada. It's very very hard to get back to Canada as an International Medical Graduate. Even if you have to try for a few years to get into a Canadian school, it's worth it IMO.

 

Have a look around to find the pre-requisites you'll need to satisfy, and make sure you get them all early. Generally speaking, a year each of Physics, Biology, Chemistry, O Chem, and English should stand you in good stead. Half years of statistics and biochem are also important, IIRC.

 

Get some good extracurriculars. Volunteering at a hospital is important. Just start calling hospitals and ask for the volunteer department. Lots of people get good clinical experience volunteering in the ED. I volunteered on a GI/GU/ENT ward for a year, and it was a good experience.

 

The problem is, my parents are very old fashioned and they believe they know best. Therefore, I might not have another year to prove to them that I can do it here. (btw, when you go to sudan for med school you enter directly from high school. Couldn't I do that and then come back to canada to...actually, this brings up another point - what would I need to do to practice in canada if I took this route and what is the possibility I'll be able to practice the specialty I want? - which I'm unsure of at the moment).

 

Also, why is it "very very hard" to get back into canada as an IMG - what would I have to do? (and carms 2010 CSA report determined that "CSAs applied to Canadian medical schools an average of 1.76 times while CMGs applied 2.59 times before being successful". I'm confused b/c this seems inconsistent with what you've said.)

 

where can I find a list of pre-reqs for canadian med schools?

 

what is an ED and GI/GU/ENT ward? :S

 

thanks so much for your advice. It was very thorough and helpful, I'll definitely be taking it into account .

 

Just a heads up to the OP - please don't double post. Recommendations here so far is definitely solid advice though.

 

What does OP stand for? again, I'm new to this...

 

1. Don’t listen to your parents as they are clueless!

 

3. The transition to UG is brutal. Therefore, do not take on any ECs/volunteering the first semester until you cracked the code of your inner self during the transition and do well in your finals. No distractions either, if you have a significant other who is needy or a serious distraction, then dump his person as you will be taken down and become missing in action. You may not like all your required courses, so what, this is no excuse to do poorly. You need to focus, have discipline, prioritize, curtail social life and treat your studies professionally, i.e., don't just cram, stay up-to-date for studies/assignments.

Responsible choices and self-sacrifice are required, as are stress and time management skills.

 

4. Pursue a course of study about which you are interested/passionate as I did. This will motivate you to work hard and do well.

 

I became a straight A student despite the fact that I am not the brightest lightbullb in the class. What I lack in intelligence, I have made up for in serious work ethic, prioritizing and keeping my eye on the ball. GPA stays with you forever.

 

You will screw up somewhere, not to worry, this will be a learning experience for you. U/T and U/O have their weighted GPA, others take last 2 years or best 2 years, so it is not over, just lick your wounds and carry on.

 

6. Have a Plan B as even te best dont make it, luck is involved too.

 

7. Take easy electives to balance the hard courses.

 

1. My parents know of a few doctors who've done a similar thing and are now practicing in canada. Also, I hope that wasn't an insult towards them !

 

3. I may only have this year to prove to my parents that I should stay, so should I or should I not take ECs? Also, some of them require one to sign up for them early in the year (eg SERT).

 

4. Thanks for that, that was really encouraging.

 

6. What do you suggest as a plan B. I think my parents already have that in mind lol .

 

7. Will do

 

The rest of what you said sounded like an after school special or the valedictorian's speech, but it took some weight off my shoulders for sure. Thanks.

 

Thank you again sincerely (I can't stress that enough) for your encouraging words and assistance.

[future_doc]

No offence meant to your parents when I said they were clueless - but they are notwithstanding their good intentions and the fact they may actually know someone who studied @ Sudan and is nows practicing medicine here, no matter how unlikely that sounds.

 

YOU have all the time in the world and I will disclose to you a secret known to ALL Canadian. Slavery does not exist and your parents canNOT send you to Sudan regardless of their intent. You need to stand up to them whether or not you are an adult - it is YOUR life, not theirs. And you can make your own mistakes with your life - you don't allow your parents to ship you off to such a country and mess up your life, treating you like human cargo!!

 

You going to Sudan to study medicine, unless you intend to practice medicine in Sudan, is not an option and better if you were never born than getting on the plane to go there. FORGET IT!

 

You have a lifetime and if your parents won't support you b/c you won't listen to them and follow their instructions, you will find a way. I received no financial help and received my education from loans, and from working during summer. All things are possible but do not let your loving parents ruin your life. You are too precious.

 

Moving on: OP = Original Poster, in other words, YOU.

 

In order to practice medicine in Canada after studying medicine in Sudan, you would need a new identity, a miracle and rebirth. It just ain't happening in your lifetime. But, you can deifintely ruin your life by going!!

 

Your parents can NOT plan out your life. I have seen Canadian trained physicians, strong willed, tell their children what to do when they did not have a clue and have their kids waste a couple of years of their lives. In your case, it is not inconceviable that you could lose your life in Sudan, not the best country to visit, let alone in which to study.

 

As for a Plan B, there are so many variables, including your own interests and aptitudes and the potential job market opportunities in the future. For example, law was always safe but no more. There are many, many recent law graduates with memberships in more than one Law (Bar) Society who remain unemployed. Not so for qualified people in healthcare, e.g., nursing, physios, occupational therapists, etc. For sure, not all qualified medical school applicants achieve their dreams - there is a supply and demand control mechanism due to a shortage of seats and there is luck involved in the process.

 

My journey into med school is the result of my own independent thinking, effort and judgment. I have not let a parent or anybody else stand in my way nor have I listened to those whose advice has not made sense to me. I have sought and filtered advice, come to my own conclusions, implemented my own plan and it has worked for me. Just b/c your parents (or anybody else - including me) telll you something, it ain't necessarily so.

 

What have I missed?

[notjk]

No offence meant to your parents when I said they were clueless - but they are notwithstanding their good intentions and the fact they may actually know someone who studied @ Sudan and is nows practicing medicine here, no matter how unlikely that sounds.

 

YOU have all the time in the world and I will disclose to you a secret known to ALL Canadian. Slavery does not exist and your parents canNOT send you to Sudan regardless of their intent. You need to stand up to them whether or not you are an adult - it is YOUR life, not theirs. And you can make your own mistakes with your life - you don't allow your parents to ship you off to such a country and mess up your life, treating you like human cargo!!

 

You going to Sudan to study medicine, unless you intend to practice medicine in Sudan, is not an option and better if you were never born than getting on the plane to go there. FORGET IT!

 

You have a lifetime and if your parents won't support you b/c you won't listen to them and follow their instructions, you will find a way. I received no financial help and received my education from loans, and from working during summer. All things are possible but do not let your loving parents ruin your life. You are too precious.

 

Moving on: OP = Original Poster, in other words, YOU.

 

In order to practice medicine in Canada after studying medicine in Sudan, you would need a new identity, a miracle and rebirth. It just ain't happening in your lifetime. But, you can deifintely ruin your life by going!!

 

Your parents can NOT plan out your life. I have seen Canadian trained physicians, strong willed, tell their children what to do when they did not have a clue and have their kids waste a couple of years of their lives. In your case, it is not inconceviable that you could lose your life in Sudan, not the best country to visit, let alone in which to study.

 

As for a Plan B, there are so many variables, including your own interests and aptitudes and the potential job market opportunities in the future. For example, law was always safe but no more. There are many, many recent law graduates with memberships in more than one Law (Bar) Society who remain unemployed. Not so for qualified people in healthcare, e.g., nursing, physios, occupational therapists, etc. For sure, not all qualified medical school applicants achieve their dreams - there is a supply and demand control mechanism due to a shortage of seats and there is luck involved in the process.

 

My journey into med school is the result of my own independent thinking, effort and judgment. I have not let a parent or anybody else stand in my way nor have I listened to those whose advice has not made sense to me. I have sought and filtered advice, come to my own conclusions, implemented my own plan and it has worked for me. Just b/c your parents (or anybody else - including me) telll you something, it ain't necessarily so.

 

What have I missed?

 

can you mention the difficulty of practicing medicine in Canada as an IMO; and for the OP, it is very unlikely as an IMO to get a specialty of their choice, or maybe a specialty; someone else can clear that up for sure.