Know any RN's who became MD's?

[Anesthetize]

I was just curious if anyone knew any nurses that decided to go to medical school after becoming an RN. I'm 1.5 yrs through my BSN program and doing well, but something about becoming an MD appeals to me. I think I'd make a great doctor, having the nursing experience. The school/time commitment is huge, I realize, but who would you want taking care of you? A nurse-->MD, or someone else?

[Geena, BSN, RN]

I know two and they're both great ER physicians.

[nyapa, RN]

I knew two:

1. the first was an EN (LPN) before she did her degree. I'll never forget the day when I said to her, not realising that she'd been there, that "I'm only an EN". She told me off roundly! She was a great doc

2. the second was an RN. He was fantastic too. I had had a car accident, was stuck on an ED trolley, and needed to use the loo. It was soooo embarrassing - he zipped a pan to me because the nurses were busy, and he knew it. But I wanted to die! Isn't it funny...if it was a male nurse would I have felt the same?

[imenid37]

I know 2 docs who were nurses. One an LPN, the other an RN. I also know an ER doc who had previously been a paramedic. The former-LPN, doesn't really embrace her former-nurse self. The former-RN who was an ICU nurse, seems to be very comfortable w/ who she is and where she came from. If you are pretty young, I'd say check it out. It is a lot of school, but if that's what you REALLY want you should do it. I think in some ways, having been a nurse will help and it will not in others. Yes, you have done the pt. care. Then again, some docs, esp. in training feel nurses are beneath them. Having been one of "them" might not always make you popular w/ your medical colleagues.

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

I know several. Two became DOs, two became pulmonologists, and 1 became a neurosurgeon. You might want to consider going for the DO- it's more holistic than the MD, so it might be an easier transition.

[nyapa, RN]

I know several. Two became DOs, two became pulmonologists, and 1 became a neurosurgeon. You might want to consider going for the DO- it's more holistic than the MD, so it might be an easier transition.

ROFL - I didn't read your post properly. I interpreted "1" for "I" as in I became a neurosurgeon. I was going to congratulate you!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

ROFL - I didn't read your post properly. I interpreted "1" for "I" as in I became a neurosurgeon. I was going to congratulate you!

:lol2:

[mharrah]

Wow that is amazing and encouraging that so many nurses have become doctors. Good for them! I'm curious though, did they drop the RN and just use the DO or MD after their name? I think I would want to keep the RN though some might think that's silly. I'm darn proud of that RN after my name. :-)

[azhiker96, BSN, RN]

One of our anesthesiologists was a nurse before going to med school. She does a great job and is a very kind person also.

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

Sure go for it. I think that you'd do well

[MB37]

By 1.5 years into your BSN, do you mean that you've almost completed the nursing curriculum or that you're a sophomore in college? You can major in anything and go to med school, although most people pick something in the sciences since it's where their classes tend to cluster. Since it's difficult to take elective courses along with nursing curriculum it may take you longer than 4 years to earn your bachelor's and get med school prereqs done, but if you want to be an MD you should get going on the LONG process ASAP. My A&P professor had RN, MD after his name. He practiced as a nurse for a few years and then completed his premed curriculum and applied to med school. I didn't love him as a professor, but he seemed like a nice guy and might have been a great nurse and physician.

[RNDreamer]

What is the difference between a DO and MD? Sorry, I cannot figure out what DO stands for! TIA!

[amberfnp]

I don't know one personally, but a friend of mine who in a local FNP program is doing her clinicals with a family practice doctor who used to be a FNP. She was telling me this doctor preferred being an NP versus a doctor. She decided to go on the medical school because when she completed her NP (however long ago it was), there was not a real need in our locality and she couldn't get a good job.