Last year I mapped out what classes I needed to take. The plan was to take an intro chemistry course last summer, which I did, take General Chemistry 1 & 2 in summer 2010. Have all of my science prerequisites done by 2011 matriculation. I was going to take all the classes back in Alaska because it would be much cheaper rather than doing a post baccalaureate premedical program.
Everything was going as normal until UAA threw a curve ball at me. This summer they’re not offering General Chemistry 1 or 2. I need Gen Chem 1&2 to take Organic Chemistry 1 & 2. It’s still early enough for me to make arrangements, but at first, I found my situation disappointing.
In the world of academia, it’s more beneficial to share information rather than hoard it. Last year I wrote about how it is important to develop a strong collaborative thinking mindset. I expressed my frustration to my girlfriend Brittany and how I thought this will put me behind two years.
Brittany being the smart woman that she is, proposed the idea of doing a Master in Public Health while I finish my prerequisites. While I was shadowing doctors, it became apparent that holding an MD or DO degree was not enough. Doctors are expected to have more than just one degree. So, when Brittany proposed doing a Master in Public Health, it all clicked. I developed an interest in Public Health while at my internship, so getting a Master in Public Health just seemed right for me. If I take the two years doing my perquisites, I can get a master degree and it will help me career wise in the long run. The Army or Navy will definitely will be happy that I have a M.P.H. degree.
Right now my top choice is a program at one of the D.O. schools that I am interested in. ATSU offers an online M.P.H. degree and I am going to try and get in for summer matriculation. Wish me luck!
