Hello all... I just found this forum and think it is a great resource. I just turned 36, have my PharmD, but am feeling very unfulfilled being a community pharmacist. I'd like to start pursuing a medical degree specializing in either orthopedic surgery or pathology. My first question is, with a PharmD am I able to skip the undergrad bs and take the MCATs straight away? How many years total am I looking at until I start making a doctor's salary? Would it be possible to still work part-time as a pharmacist whilst pursuing this path? Am I crazy 😯 ?
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Cheers!
Dr. J
You would need to have completed the required pre-med courses, but you may have already taken some as part of your PharmD.
As for how long before you are making a doctor's salary:
~2 years go complete pre-med courses
4 years of medical school
4 years of pathology residency (or 5-6 years for orthopedics residency) - but you will earn some money during these years - around $50k / year
After residency, you will earn more typical doctor salaries.
Be aware that orthopedic surgery residencies are EXTREMELY competitive.