Lack of Clinical Experience for Non-Trads

Started by dbeast
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dbeast

That's cool I guess
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I think this is probably an issue a lot of nontrads have to deal with, but because I've switched my life around to go back to school and take premed classes, I have pretty much no clinical experience, research, etc. How understanding are med schools towards nontrad applicants who don't have much "extracurriculars" to show for themselves?
 
If you haven't spent any time with patients or doctors I'd say they won't be forgiving at all.

The gist of it is that you don't get any free passes because you're a non-trad. If "trads" are expected to do it than why wouldn't we?

"Would you accept an applicant to the seminary if he did really well in his classes, stated he deeply wanted to be a clergyman, but claimed he couldn't find the time to go to church?"
 
If you haven't spent any time with patients or doctors I'd say they won't be forgiving at all.

The gist of it is that you don't get any free passes because you're a non-trad. If "trads" are expected to do it than why wouldn't we?

"Would you accept an applicant to the seminary if he did really well in his classes, stated he deeply wanted to be a clergyman, but claimed he couldn't find the time to go to church?"


LOVE it!!👍
 
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I agree with NTF, for exactly the reasons he gave.

OP, no research--not a big deal for most schools. No clinical experience--you might as well try to apply to med school having not taken the MCAT or physics I. Think of clinical experience as being like a prereq analogous to how physics or the MCAT are prereqs. Don't expect to matriculate in med school without it.

The time issue is a big one for students of all ages, but you will have to make time for things that are important. Unlike any other EC you can think of, clinical experience is the one EC that you must make time for. On the other hand, you don't have to go crazy and spend twenty hours per week getting clinical experience. An hour or two per week of shadowing or clinical volunteering over the course of a year would add up in the long term without being a great burden in the short term. Try local hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, doctor's offices, crisis centers, or anywhere else where physicians work and patients are seen.

Best of luck to you. 🙂
 
I think this is probably an issue a lot of nontrads have to deal with, but because I've switched my life around to go back to school and take premed classes, I have pretty much no clinical experience, research, etc. How understanding are med schools towards nontrad applicants who don't have much "extracurriculars" to show for themselves?

You need to do 2 things. Get a LOT of clinical experience. And then get some more. And you'll need to do well on the MCAT to show you're "smart" enough. Don't worry about the research too much if you have the other two.
 
Clinical experience is not that tough to get. Call around or look online for a program or hospital that uses volunteers for handS-on work with patients, as in not manning the gift shop. 4 hrs a wk for a yr equals 200 hrs which is enough for any school.
 
Ok good times... I wanted to keep it general for anybody else who had this question, but right now I'm doing 4 hours a week at the local clinic but I just started last month and am applying in June of this year (so only ~100 hours by the time I apply), but I plan on increasing the hours after my applications are in and I have some free time. Is there a section on the application to explain future plans for the time before med school starts?
 
Ok good times... I wanted to keep it general for anybody else who had this question, but right now I'm doing 4 hours a week at the local clinic but I just started last month and am applying in June of this year (so only ~100 hours by the time I apply), but I plan on increasing the hours after my applications are in and I have some free time. Is there a section on the application to explain future plans for the time before med school starts?

I am in the same boat. Any input is appreciated.
 
My guess is that since a human (rather than computer) will be looking at your clinical volunteering that the hours (especially if they are 100+) are not the most important part but rather the consistency. And 6 months (by June) seems sufficient especially if you make it clear that your are "currently" volunteering in your description. It would also strengthen it dramatically if you work hard at getting to know doctors and if you happen to click with someone to eventually ask them for an LOR.

BTW I have found this to be easiest in the ER (at non-busy times) since the doctors are always there as opposed to nursing floors where they are in and out. I was surprised when one of my interviewers said she was shocked I had so many volunteer hrs (I only had 240) and said most applicants didn't have nearly that many hours. Think that's really true?
 
If you haven't spent any time with patients or doctors I'd say they won't be forgiving at all.

The gist of it is that you don't get any free passes because you're a non-trad. If "trads" are expected to do it than why wouldn't we?

"Would you accept an applicant to the seminary if he did really well in his classes, stated he deeply wanted to be a clergyman, but claimed he couldn't find the time to go to church?"


ITA with this. Get as many strong clinical experiences (as much direct exposure) as you possibly can.