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For my first official #MedTwitter post, I wanted to write a reflection on applying to #medicalschool.
This past year, I pursued a lifelong dream of mine by applying to medical school. While I am excited, I have been hesitant to celebrate because of my realization... 1/
This past year, I pursued a lifelong dream of mine by applying to medical school. While I am excited, I have been hesitant to celebrate because of my realization... 1/
Of how inaccessible applying/reaching medical school is. In November, I read a NYT piece by @emmabgo on the difficulties of paying for med school applications and edu. Intertwined with the recent movements on social justice and inclusivity, I wanted to share some thoughts 2/
This past year, I spent $7,000 on medical school applications. This takes into account, MCAT, test prep, primary applications, secondary applications and the indirect costs such as suit, flights, hotel, food, and gas. 3/
Think about that. Seven THOUSAND dollars. And that was all in HOPES to get in somewhere. I was investing in a goal and dream, not even something tangible. Think about what an average family can do with $7,000... 4/
With the average applicant applying to 15-16 schools per AAMC (I applied to 16), how is it conceivable and acceptable for the AAMC and medical schools to allow prospective students to spend multiple thousand dollars on simply applying? 5/
Further, the average 1st yr med student is 24-25 and most likely a re-applicant. Which 24yr old person has the ability (and a job) that allows them to save and spend ~$7,000 a year on applications? These questions leave me no answers. 6/
This begs the Q: what SES background are applicants coming from and, ultimately, what SES background do admitted students come from? 7/
Med schools and AAMC preach about diversity and inclusion, but is it good practice to have applicants spend thousands of $ before entering the medical profession? 8/
Are we truly training the next generation of diverse physicians? Or are we instead training affluent, high SES students to think diversely and inclusively (big difference) and shutting out students of different backgrounds that can make our profession better? /9
As I start my journey, I hope to be conscious about my status and help open the door of others who want to become a physician as well. It’s starts with us to create a work force that is diverse and is committed to help those from all backgrounds /end
#MedEd
#MedEd
