In a world where the path to medical school is often described as a one-size-fits-all journey, my story is a testament to the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all method for current or prospective physicians. I am now a third year student of osteopathic medicine, but my path to get here has taken many detours.
A non-traditional medicine candidate is anyone who followed an unorthodox path to medical school. We demonstrate qualities such as taking two or more gap years before entering medical school, pursuing a career change from another profession to medicine, moving from an unrelated field to premedical courses, or hold a degree in arts or humanities rather than traditional sciences. .
The truth is that the path to medicine is as diverse as the patients we serve, and it's okay not to fit the traditional mold. If you're taking a non-traditional journey, try to enjoy the journey: your life experiences will help you build relationships with your patients.
By sharing my story, I hope to shine a light on the many ways to pursue a career in medicine.
Driving a bus
My alternative journey into the world of medicine began in college. While pursuing my degree in neurobiology, I took on the role of bus driver for the student-run business on campus. As I walked the city streets, I discovered that while I was responsible for getting passengers safely from point A to point B, I had also become an observer of the various qualities of human beings . Whatever their age, origins or circumstances, each passenger carried a story to share, a life to live and a journey to undertake.
My experience as a bus driver, whether helping passengers navigate bus routes or providing clear instructions, has reinforced the essential roles of communication and reliability, as well as the responsibility of being entrusted with the lives of others – skills that I now apply during my clinical internship. rotations.
Beyond the office: unconventional classrooms
Intrigued by the world of orthopedics, I launched into research after my university studies. In the laboratory, I learned how innovations in orthopedics could translate into concrete solutions for patients. This opportunity broadened my intellectual horizons and allowed me to see the practical applications of medical advances.
After gaining valuable research experience, I moved into a role as a receptionist in an HIV/AIDS clinic. This role exposed me to the inner workings of healthcare, albeit from a different perspective. I wasn't wearing a white coat, but I was absorbing the complexity of patient care, the importance of an effective healthcare system, and the power of compassionate communication. My time at the front desk wasn't just about answering phones and scheduling appointments: it was also about witnessing the impact healthcare has on individuals' lives.
These two experiences further confirmed my desire to pursue medical studies. Witnessing the impact of healthcare from the bench to the front desk made me want to help my own future patients. I also saw how research can influence the clinical side of medicine, and while working behind my desk, I experienced the humanistic side of patient interaction.
Persistence of the application cycle
My journey to medical school was not without its challenges. I was rejected not once but twice during my first two application cycles before finally being accepted on my third attempt. Each refusal could have been an obstacle, a reason to give up, but I chose a different path: perseverance. With each setback, I was even more determined to strengthen my candidacy for the next cycle.
As I continued to gain knowledge about various medical applications, I decided to pursue a master's degree in Physiology and Biophysics. This degree taught me critical thinking and the value of interdisciplinary learning, which would later prove invaluable in the medical world.
It's never too late to try
I entered medical school at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) when I was 27 years old. Society often associates medical studies with youth, but I have discovered and proven that age is only one end of a much broader spectrum of characteristics. My unique background, enriched by my master's degree, my research, my front desk work, and even my experience as a bus driver, has given me a multifaceted perspective on medicine.
It showed me that what is taught in medical school is about more than textbooks and stethoscopes. The experiences we bring to medical school can allow us to better connect with individuals, empathize with their stories, and be part of their healing journey.
A common question that arises when considering medical school is whether it is too late to start, based on age. For me, that answer is no. As a former vice president my junior year and president my sophomore year of my school's Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter, I had the privilege of organizing premedical workshops for the community college local. During these workshops, I met enthusiastic students, some of whom were older but equally committed to their aspirations of becoming doctors.
A common concern among prospective medical students is whether their age poses a barrier to applying to medical school. It's a valid concern, especially when you look around and see that many of your classmates are a few years younger. However, it is important to note that the medical school applicant landscape is diverse in terms of age. Although the average age of enrolled students is 24, many applicants and students still enter medical school at a much older age.
In fact, according to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) 2021 Applicant and Enrollment Report, medical school enrollees over the age of 26 make up 17.3% of those enrolled in faculties of osteopathic medicine, of which 3.6% are over 26 years old. 31.
Seeing so many older community college students wanting to pursue medicine made me realize that I am a testament to the fact that it is never too late. Many feared it was too late for them, but I wanted to share my story to reassure them that age should not be a barrier to pursuing their dreams in medicine.
I realized that we should not hide from the fact that we are non-traditional students. Sometimes the age difference between you and your classmates can lead to feelings of shame or feeling like you don't really belong. Rather, I suggest that we should wear this title proudly on our sleeves. The term “nontraditional student” comes with a unique sense of honor and a wealth of experience under our belt.
One day, whether in the classroom, during clinical rotations or in residency, these qualities will shine through, not as markers of difference, but as strengths that make us exceptional. We bring unique backgrounds, diverse skills and a passion for healthcare to the table. We are not here just to get degrees; we are here to transform the healthcare landscape.
My path—and that of other nontraditional peers before me—to medical school may not fit typical standards, and that's perfectly okay. It reminds us that the future of medicine is diverse, innovative and inclusive. Age is just one variable in the equation, and life experiences are invaluable assets that should be cherished.
So let's embrace individuality, challenge conventions, and recognize that nontraditional medical students are reshaping the definition of how to become a doctor, one step at a time.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the DO or the AOA.
Yasi Arabi is a medical student. This article was originally published in The fact.