Ba/md

[engagement]

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Hi. I'm in a combined BA/MD program. I realize that I should take the opportunity to explore and do things unrelated to medicine and science. However, I have this nagging feeling that I won't be prepared for med school. What do you think are some good ways I can spend my time in college and during the summers? Do you recommend I conduct research (I've heard competitive residencies expect extensive research experience beginning in your undergrad years)? I'm conducting research right now but I can always stop and go abroad. Which would you suggest? Thanks.

 

[Jedix123]

The fact that you were accepted into the program means you will most likely succeed in med school. Thus I would recommend you spend your time doing things unrelated to medicine (watching Grey's Anatomy counts). You don't even have to pretend you like research!

 

[jennyboo]

Hi. I'm in a combined BA/MD program. I realize that I should take the opportunity to explore and do things unrelated to medicine and science. However, I have this nagging feeling that I won't be prepared for med school. What do you think are some good ways I can spend my time in college and during the summers? Do you recommend I conduct research (I've heard competitive residencies expect extensive research experience beginning in your undergrad years)? I'm conducting research right now but I can always stop and go abroad. Which would you suggest? Thanks.

No one is truly prepared for med school whatever their background. Take advantage of your opportunity to learn other things. On the other hand, don't be science-phobic either and don't just aim to "pass" your science classes -- strive to do well in them. Your study strategies for doing well in your science classes will help you study in med school.

Research is not necessary. Do undergrad research to improve your research skills -- the skills you develop doing research as an undergrad will help you identify good research projects in med school and beyond. On the other hand, most of us have no research at all and it usually doesn't make a huge difference for residency.