Most med schools use an algorithm to determine which applicants to consider. Some even publish their numbers. Knowing someone might get you past that initial cut, but just an email and an unusual background won't do it. Sometimes a second application (after you don't get in the first year) will trigger a closer look. Ironically, the very, very best schools are sometimes willing to look past low numbers, perhaps because they don't need to worry about rankings.
Personally, I think that appropriate, timely education is far more important than perfect grades, even if it means the difference between admission at the best medical school and admission at the tenth-best (or even the fiftieth-best). The important thing, IMO, is being able to do what you love. And I know very well that perfect grades aren't essential for that.
