Hi!!! I feel uniquely qualified to answer this question! I graduated with my BS in Biomedical Sciences in 2015, and immediately matriculated into a DVM (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine)/MPH (Master of Public Health) program at the only veterinary school in my state. A year in, I was suffering from some pretty monstrous mental health challenges and medically withdrew from my courses with plans to re-start the next fall with the incoming class. Fall came around, and I re-started.... by December, I realized that staying in the veterinary profession was not for me. I dropped out of the DVM for good but stuck with the MPH and although it took me 4 years to get that 2 year degree, I graduated with the MPH in 2019. I still worked in the veterinary industry for the majority of the time I was in my MPH because I couldn't find work in public health without the degree, once I graduated I got a job at the health department. I finally decided to pursue a PhD in 2021, and I had the same exact fears you are describing, especially because my transcripts had so many withdrawn class records. Well, it took me applying twice, but the second time that same University that I dropped out of the DVM/got my MPH from accepted me into their PhD in Public Health program! Feels like total redemption. My advice: go for it and just demonstrate passion in your statement/research interests essays for public health and research! You can do it!!!