The Unbelievable Story of an Orthopedic Surgeon [Episode 136]
Think you can’t get into medical school?
Listen to this podcast for the amazing story of a physician who was rejected 3 times to medical school and later matched at his #1 choice in one of the most competitive residencies around.
Introduction to Dr. Antonio Webb (1:09)
Growing Up in Shreveport, LA (2:06)
Dr. Webb describes some of the challenges he faced growing up surrounded by violence, drugs, and gangs. He graduated in the top 5% of his high school class, despite the challenges in his environment.
Role Models (3:25)
There were positive influences and role models as well- notably his father, who had overcome his own challenges to become a minister and a role model.
The Post-High School Years (4:00)
Dr. Webb served in the Air Force and went to school in the evenings, working to put himself through college. After serving in Iraq, he decided to apply to med school. He applied three times before getting in.
Battling the MCAT (6:00)
He discusses some of the challenges he faced in his application process, and the reasons it took multiple tries to get accepted. The MCAT was a major issue, but he persevered, prepared, worked with tutors, retook the exam, and reapplied. What kept him going during the reapplication process? Seeing other people who had been in similar situations and overcome them was inspiring—role models are powerful.
Advice for Med School Reapplicants (7:31)
If med school is something you really want to do, don’t give up! Analyze why you’re not succeeding and learn what you can do to strengthen your application—test scores, interview skills, essay, etc. Get advice and act on it.
The Power of Postbac (8:50)
He attended the GEMS postbac program at Georgetown and then Georgetown Medical School. How did the GEMS program help? Postbacs can help you strengthen your application for med school. A program like GEMS is also a challenging and educational year that helps with the med school transition by boosting study skills.
Working hard never gets old! (11:30)
The best part of med school (11:45)
Personal relationships- friendships, mentors. The most challenging part? The sacrifice required by the med school study schedule.
Choosing his Specialty (Orthopedics) (12:50)
Dr. Webb loved surgery and was attracted by a specialty where you can help people with an immediate need.
Matching at the Top (14:10)
He ultimately matched at his top choice residency program in one of the most competitive specialties. After his initial challenges getting accepted to med school, what does he attribute this success to? He explains that his grades in college and test scores were lower than they could have been; in med school, he had clear-cut goals from the beginning and worked hard from day 1 to achieve them.
Advice for pre-meds (17:30)
1. Make sure medicine is something you really want to do
2. Make sure your grades are up to par
4. Shadow/get clinical experience
5. Volunteer, and find meaningful experiences
6. Never give up
Related Links:
• Dr. Antonio Webb’s web page.
• Interview with Dr. Antonio Webb
• OVERCOMING THE ODDS: From war on the streets in Louisiana to war on terrorism in Iraq, how I successfully overcame the odds by Dr. Antonio Webb
• Dr. Webb’s Instagram account
• The Definitive Guide to Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureate Programs: The handbook for career changers and academic record enhancers who want a chance at medical school, by Alicia McNease Nimonkar
• Post-Baccalaureate Admissions Advice
Related shows:
• Student Doctor Diva: A Story of Med School Inspiration
• Insights, Advice and Experiences of a Non-Traditional Med Student
• Medical School Admissions 2015-2016: A Dean’s Perspective
• Getting into Medical School: Advice from a Pro
• MCAT Scores, MCAT Prep, and #MCAT2015
• What You Need to Know About Post-bac Programs
• Sophie Davis School Of Biomedical Education
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