What are you doing with YOUR gap year?

[Dr. Stalker]

What are you doing with YOUR gap year?

Title says it all! I'm browsing for some ideas!

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[deleted632431]

Well I might have a possibility of having a gap year, and if I do, I was planning to work as a part-time scribe and volunteering at a local non-profit organization that works with children (I want to be a pediatrician).

I know many people chose to do research but that is not my cup of tea. Also, one of my friends is a business major so he will be working with a health-care consulting company.

 

[JingleChips]

Graduated in may 2013, and had just made the decision to prepare to apply to med school. So that means I'm at the beginning / middle of my 2nd gap year.

Summer of 2013 - MCAT studying / MCAT in September

Fall of 2013 - Clinic, Hospital, Soup Kitchen volunteering. Took a night class at local college that I needed for non AP credit med schools.

Winter 2014 - Got a part time clerical job at the hospital I volunteered at.

I've been working / volunteering all year, while shadowing randomly. Learned how to brew beer and took up a few new hobbies. Applied in May, accepted in October. I dropped some of my volunteering gigs post acceptance, and kept the ones that were fun. I'm still working. I plan to quit all volunteering / my job in april 2015, and then just relax / travel with my time off till school starts in August.

 

[Abraxas65]

Working in a walk in clinic. Expanding my tutoring. Teaching a science course for a local charter school. Going to retake a few courses online. And if I dont get in retake the MCAT this next summer (I really hope I dont have to do that).

 

[bluejay456]

MPH and working as a medical scribe now. Pretty chill combo and from what I've seen on interviews it's given me a lot to talk about

 

[RTC19]

I am planning on working as an EMT-B and continuing my clinical and non-clinical volunteer activities from undergrad.

 

[DenTony11235]

What are you doing with YOUR gap year?

Title says it all! I'm browsing for some ideas!

Taking a Spanish course. Tutoring. TA'ing. Hospital volunteering. Researching. Praying to get in.


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[RTC19]

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[LaceyMD]

Working as an ER scribe. Keeps me busy and gave me plenty to talk about at my interviews!

 

[Holmwood]

I'm learning Spanish for free...

And SO much research. I'm putting in as much hours as an attending. I'm hoping I can get 2 publications in before matriculating/reapplying. : D

 

[chillinillinkillin007]

how do you guys go finding a research position during your gap year? I'm graduating this year but I don't know where to start

 

[erythrocyte666]

I'm planning on taking a single gap year in which I hope to do a 1-year masters as continuation of my current research. But most of all, I just want to work on my main hobby (drawing/painting) as much as possible, regardless of how much it counts on a resume.

 

[Holmwood]

how do you guys go finding a research position during your gap year? I'm graduating this year but I don't know where to start

Usually continuing from undergrad.

I don't think many PIs want 1 year commitment. 2 years at least is the norm

I'm planning on taking a single gap year in which I hope to do a 1-year masters as continuation of my current research. But most of all, I just want to work on my main hobby (drawing/painting) as much as possible, regardless of how much it counts on a resume.

Sell stuff! I'm selling my art on redbubble. : O

 

[erythrocyte666]

Usually continuing from undergrad.

I don't think many PIs want 1 year commitment. 2 years at least is the norm



Sell stuff! I'm selling my art on redbubble. : O

Honestly, I don't even care about making any money from it either; just a private, self-learned passion.
I read above that you're currently in your gap year; do you get enough time in addition to research to regularly work on it?

 

[Holmwood]

Honestly, I don't even care about making any money from it either; just a private, self-learned passion.
I read above that you're currently in your gap year; do you get enough time in addition to research to regularly work on it?

Work on the art you mean? Not lately since I've been coming home really late these couple month, and I just want to flop on the bed. It would be wise to get more designs in before the Christmas sales rush though.

I understand that art can be quite personal, so monetizing your talent may not be to your best interest. Of course, when you're confronted with 4 years of training for an MD, finding ways to make a little money here and there ain't a bad idea. As for me, I just do vector art parodying literature and pop cultural references. Absolutely no creativity required...

 

[RedPhys]

Research and shadowing at a university hospital.

I got the position from knowing somebody in the department. The research isn't bench research, though. Imaging research, so there's some parts that it's just training your eye, and then there's a part with statistical analysis. As such, a one-year commitment is more than enough for them (plus, I'm not getting paid, so it's free labor for them).

Also, like others in this thread, praying I get in somewhere (and that I can publish something before matriculating or, dare I say it, reapplying).

 

[Eppur Si Muove]

I was working at a hospital and volunteering before budget cuts made me a cap casualty at work so now I am probably going to volunteer, do a little research, and get started on a nice stack of books I have wanted to read for the past 4 years until I find a new job somewhere.

 

[justadream]

Since applications are in June/July/August, isn't the stuff you do in the gap year not really that helpful in building your app? You are unlikely to have any major accomplishments for your application in just a few short months.

I get that you can send updates but still...you have limited time.

 

[Zelda840]

lots of volunteering, two part time jobs, playing a ridiculous amount of planet minigolf.

 

[Big_Burd]

Just to throw in some variety, I am currently in my gap year and serving in an Americorps program where I am tutoring and mentoring high schoolers. I have talked about this experience in every interview I've had, and am currently 4/4 in acceptances (one at a top 10 University). While it may not be immediately relatable to medicine, I love the work I do and believe in it passionately. My suggestion - spend your time doing something you believe in!

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Wow thanks for the incredible feedback. Yeah its a mixed bag of stuff I want to do. I'm really looking toward DEFINITELY:

1) carrying on my research (MD/PhD lab..PI has published me on 3 papers and so much more, and he's doing a lot to get me into my UG Med school)
2) Shadowing another type of doctor, volunteering in that department, and some varied research maybe with him/her
3) Tossing this idea around in my head...apply for the MPH? Any thoughts on the Masters in Public Health? I've googled it, but honestly, what does a degree in this do...? I'd want to do it but that involves taking the GRE, something I'm not to keen on seeing as how I haven't studied for it AT ALL

I'd also love to throw in some non clinical volunteer service like soup kitchen, charity,food drives etc.!

 

[TheLionheart]

Since applications are in June/July/August, isn't the stuff you do in the gap year not really that helpful in building your app? You are unlikely to have any major accomplishments for your application in just a few short months.

I get that you can send updates but still...you have limited time.

A large number of secondaries ask about your plans for the coming year (e.g. what are you doing other than applying?). Also, they tend to ask what you have done since graduating. That's why it matters.

 

[DermViser]

I would do an MS in clinical research. Good foundation for when you decide to do research in med school, esp. if you decide to do something competitive, so you don't have to be taught. Also will make u look unique on residency interviews, which residencies will salivate over.

 

[Sed8&Intub8]

EMT, Shadowing, Tutoring, Research.

 

[mcatjelly]

I'm working FT as a Psychiatric Technician at a psychiatric facility and volunteering/studying for the new MCAT on the side.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I'm desperately trying to avoid taking the new mcat. My score is on the fence (29), but I'm looking or a miracle this upcoming cycle.

Thoughts on international work..? My undergrad (along with many others) have programs where pre-health students go abroad for a week to a 3rd world country and help out..honestly I personally feel like its cliche and students do it for the resume boost and to talk about on AMCAS. Most pre-meds in my school did it for the resume, is it really that powerful of a resume booster? My school's program costs about $2000 to go (per student!!!)

 

[mcatjelly]

I wouldn't go for the helping abroad program, especially if it costs $2000. There are so many opportunities to help out disadvantaged populations in the US that I doubt it'd boost your application all that much.

What will make you stand out is doing something you're passionate about, and having that passion shine through your application. Try to find that something.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I wouldn't go for the helping abroad program, especially if it costs $2000. There are so many opportunities to help out disadvantaged populations in the US that I doubt it'd boost your application all that much.

What will make you stand out is doing something you're passionate about, and having that passion shine through your application. Try to find that something.

Haha exactly my point. I think there's plenty of opportunities here in the United States to help out those in need! Moreover, I'd feel guilty about going abroad, cause my main intention would be the resume, not the impoverished people we're supposed to be helping. Granted, that's what everyone (at least at my school) does this for!

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Anyone have thoughts on pursing a MBA or MPH during a gap year...? pros/cons?

 

[ridethecliche]

https://class.coursera.org/statreasoning-002

https://class.coursera.org/biostats-007

 

[Abraxas65]

Anyone have thoughts on pursing a MBA or MPH during a gap year...? pros/cons?

Pretty sure most MBA and MPH degrees require 2 years worth of course work unless they are being done concurrently with another graduate/professional disease.

 

[Torilynn92]

I'm working Full-Time as a Medical Assistant at a specialist's office. Lots of very practical hands-on experience! I am also looking to become involved with a volunteer organization where you mentor young at-risk children in the community. Is anybody else feeling very stagnant in their gap year? I'm like scrambling to find activities to fill my time and boost my resume.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I'm working Full-Time as a Medical Assistant at a specialist's office. Lots of very practical hands-on experience! I am also looking to become involved with a volunteer organization where you mentor young at-risk children in the community. Is anybody else feeling very stagnant in their gap year? I'm like scrambling to find activities to fill my time and boost my resume.

Hey thanks for the great tip- I sometimes forget outside of these giant hospitals about local opportunities that can offer a lot compared to some institutions.

My bigger issue isn't resume filling its just what to do with a sub30 mcat (29), its like being in limbo: I don't want to re-take but at the same time I should probably consider it haha

 

[BurghMed]

I would do an MS in clinical research. Good foundation for when you decide to do research in med school, esp. if you decide to do something competitive, so you don't have to be taught. Also will make u look unique on residency interviews, which residencies will salivate over.

DermViser, do you think a MS (particularly in clinical research) is worth the money? Seems really interesting as a gap year deal but not sure if worth the added cost (I know the university of pittsburgh MS in CR would cost a minimum of 25k, although pitt is known for its high prices even in-state)

 

[DermViser]

DermViser, do you think a MS (particularly in clinical research) is worth the money? Seems really interesting as a gap year deal but not sure if worth the added cost (I know the university of pittsburgh MS in CR would cost a minimum of 25k, although pitt is known for its high prices even in-state)

Does it have to be done at Pitt? That's way too expensive. Do it at a state university.

 

[ridethecliche]

Pretty sure most MBA and MPH degrees require 2 years worth of course work unless they are being done concurrently with another graduate/professional disease.

Lol.

Hey thanks for the great tip- I sometimes forget outside of these giant hospitals about local opportunities that can offer a lot compared to some institutions.

My bigger issue isn't resume filling its just what to do with a sub30 mcat (29), its like being in limbo: I don't want to re-take but at the same time I should probably consider it haha

If you have the luxury of time... retake.

 

[DermViser]

Anyone have thoughts on pursing a MBA or MPH during a gap year...? pros/cons?

I think an MPH would be better.

 

[Abraxas65]

I think an MPH would be better.

Likely a lot cheaper as well.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Pretty sure most MBA and MPH degrees require 2 years worth of course work unless they are being done concurrently with another graduate/professional disease.

Are they actually both multi year programs...? In my state institution, they're both 1 year ! I thought that was a universal concept, thought I'm probably wrong cause I've never looked it up

 

[cv7462]

I am doing a gap year applying now, and I work as an ER scribe full time. I have to say this has been an amazing way to get experience before medical school. If you're going to spend an entire year off, this is a good way to keep learning new things that will be relevant to you once you become a physician.

 

[BurghMed]

I am doing a gap year applying now, and I work as an ER scribe full time. I have to say this has been an amazing way to get experience before medical school. If you're going to spend an entire year off, this is a good way to keep learning new things that will be relevant to you once you become a physician.

I'm really happy to hear you're enjoying your gap year. I am concerned that working full time as a scribe would limit one's ability to go on potential interviews. Have you experienced this issue? Also, is your job one full year with a full time commitment?

 

[cv7462]

I'm really happy to hear you're enjoying your gap year. I am concerned that working full time as a scribe would limit one's ability to go on potential interviews. Have you experienced this issue? Also, is your job one full year with a full time commitment?

I first started working as an ER scribe part time in 2013 while I was still finishing my undergrad. Basically I signed up for a 2 year part-time commitment, and moved to full-time after I graduated. I specifically wanted to wait until this cycle to apply because with working as a scribe and being in school simultaneously it was really hard for me to find time to study for the MCAT (given that I am required to work at least 20 hours a week). I moved to full time once I graduated in May, and studied for my MCAT over summer while working full time and found no difficulties balancing my time. As for interviews, I've been to one interview so far, and had no issue getting another scribe to cover my shift as most of the other scribes are either pre-med or pre-pa so they understand the process. My other interviews in the future are scheduled so far in advance that I'll have no problem working that into my work schedule. I just feel that this is an invaluable experience as you spend at least 10 hours with a physician every shift, and you're basically "their right-hand man". The physicians that I work with put a lot of trust in their scribes, and spend a lot of extra time teaching and showing procedures. Especially if you're a person that needs to have a job in order to provide for yourself, this is a win-win situation because you're getting paid while getting an amazing experience at the same time. I highly recommend that everyone consider it if you have not already!

 

[BurghMed]

Thanks so much for the answer, I'm always interested to hear about the rewards of being a scribe and am really interested in it as an option for my gap year as well. Glad to know its been going so well and that you feel valued. In your opinion, what do you think the biggest downsides of scribing are, if any?

 

[cv7462]

Thanks so much for the answer, I'm always interested to hear about the rewards of being a scribe and am really interested in it as an option for my gap year as well. Glad to know its been going so well and that you feel valued. In your opinion, what do you think the biggest downsides of scribing are, if any?

Honestly, I haven't really found anything that would make me not want to do this job. The one downside is no direct patient contact, but you get A LOT of observation and one-on-one time with physicians who will give you insight on medical decision making. I know from people that have quit, they've said things like "the hours are too irregular" (we don't have a regular schedule and switch from day shifts to overnight shifts all the time). Some of the people that left just don't like the environment of the emergency room, thought it was too fast-paced or too high-stress. I also am at a very large hospital in the middle of a large Florida city so it might be busier than others. I also know there are other places that are starting to have scribes, and I have even worked part-time as a scribe in a pain management clinic which is a completely different environment with much more regular hours, since patients have scheduled appointments. From what I've heard, hospitalist groups are starting to have scribes, and I know a lot of clinics and specialists offices are already starting to have scribes as well. I personally think the emergency room would be the best place to start at, but I'm also biased because I love it there. No matter what though, medical scribes are becoming more prevalent and I'm sure there would be an environment that would interest you!

 

[BurghMed]

Honestly, I haven't really found anything that would make me not want to do this job. The one downside is no direct patient contact, but you get A LOT of observation and one-on-one time with physicians who will give you insight on medical decision making. I know from people that have quit, they've said things like "the hours are too irregular" (we don't have a regular schedule and switch from day shifts to overnight shifts all the time). Some of the people that left just don't like the environment of the emergency room, thought it was too fast-paced or too high-stress. I also am at a very large hospital in the middle of a large Florida city so it might be busier than others. I also know there are other places that are starting to have scribes, and I have even worked part-time as a scribe in a pain management clinic which is a completely different environment with much more regular hours, since patients have scheduled appointments. From what I've heard, hospitalist groups are starting to have scribes, and I know a lot of clinics and specialists offices are already starting to have scribes as well. I personally think the emergency room would be the best place to start at, but I'm also biased because I love it there. No matter what though, medical scribes are becoming more prevalent and I'm sure there would be an environment that would interest you!

So glad to hear it. I wish I could write something to match your answer. When you mean no direct patient contact, do you just mean you don't technically do anything on the patient besides listening and writing things down? It seems like it's still some pretty solid contact, unless after a while it just feels like you wanna jump in there haha

 

[cv7462]

So glad to hear it. I wish I could write something to match your answer. When you mean no direct patient contact, do you just mean you don't technically do anything on the patient besides listening and writing things down? It seems like it's still some pretty solid contact, unless after a while it just feels like you wanna jump in there haha

Exactly what I mean. We cannot have any contact with patients like it seems obvious but we cannot assist in procedures, start IV's, do CPR, etc. These are things that you would be able to do with jobs as a medic or a tech, but you would miss out on the medical decision making aspect. Both are great options, but it depends on which experience you'd rather have. I know scribes that work part time and do EMT part time so that they get the best of both worlds! But yes we're in the patient's room for everything so you get to be a part of the entire experience.

 

[BurghMed]

Thanks for the answer, great advice

 

[Abraxas65]

Are they actually both multi year programs...? In my state institution, they're both 1 year ! I thought that was a universal concept, thought I'm probably wrong cause I've never looked it up

Traditionally MBAs and MPH are two year degrees. I am sure there are exceptions though.

 

[RavenclawMed]

I'm currently in my AmeriCorps gap year working in the HIV/AIDS field.

 

[Torilynn92]

Hey thanks for the great tip- I sometimes forget outside of these giant hospitals about local opportunities that can offer a lot compared to some institutions.

My bigger issue isn't resume filling its just what to do with a sub30 mcat (29), its like being in limbo: I don't want to re-take but at the same time I should probably consider it haha

I'm in the same boat with the same MCAT, I'm walking the line between whether or not I should re-take. Working FT doesn't leave a ton of time for studying, might be better to wait and see and keep my 29 haha.
And I would absolutely recommend it! I did some stuff with a large hospital all through undergrad but my experience as a MA/phlebotomist at a local specialist has actually been 100x more useful. I really feel like I'm learning a bunch, and the doctors generously allow me to assist and observe in exciting procedures like PEG placements. And I get paid to do it! It's also a great way to learn about insurances, HMOs vs PPOs etc. You don't get as much of the billing/coding in the hospital, at least in my experience.