Only child of ill parent—pricey post bacc with linkage to stay close by?

Im a non trad pre med. have a sociology degree, 3.6 GPA from my state school. I’ve spent years doing odd jobs so I’m not particularly impressive on paper. My dad was a physician and died of cancer and prior to that I had no interest in medicine. Now, it feels like I can’t find anything as meaningful as a career in health, helping others and studying science and human biology.

My mom is widowed, I’m her only child. Her siblings have passed. I’m 29F and don’t think I can come to terms with spending the next decade (med school + whatever residency) far away. After my dad’s passing, she’s my only family left.

My hometown, where she still lives, is near a city with two MD schools that are mid-tier but low-yield.

Each has its own linkage post bacc to itself but I assume that’s very competitive….

I would prefer to take my pre reqs at a state school DIY to save tuition but fear my only chance of getting into these competitive schools nearby is the linkages that the post baccalaureates offer.

I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you.