Clinical Experience

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I have about 1,500 hours of scribing and will probably get 2,000 by the time I apply next year. Contacted my local osteopathic school and they stated they don't consider scribing "clinical". This worried me and frustrated me 1) scribing is a great(if not the BEST) way to understand EXACTLY what a doctor does, how he thinks, and the day to day life. 2) I know DO schools value the importance of clinical experience and now I have zero exp. a year before I apply....

So, I need to get clinical experience; i contacted a rehab clinic near me and they are offering a job as a tech. I know I'm not working with an MD/DO, but I get direct patient contact & as someone who is involved in sports & interested in PM&R, you guys think this is an opportunity I should jump on? Just need to make sure I get it right so I need solid advice, y'know.
 
That is ridiculous. I would consider it clinical experience regardless. A secretary or individual faculty member at a random DO program does not get to make the call as to what constitutes clinical experience.

The AAMC mentions it it its piece "Five ways to gain experience without shadowing"

"Gaining clinical experience is an important part of the medical school application. But to be a competitive medical school applicant, some have questioned if it’s necessary to shadow a doctor. It’s true that shadowing is great experience, as it exposes you to patient care in a clinical setting and gives you an idea of the day-to-day demands of a medical career. But as a pre-med student, you’re often balancing a rigorous academic schedule, along with extracurricular and personal responsibilities, so shadowing may not be a possibility."

4. Hospital Scribe

A hospital scribe is usually a paid position found in the emergency department and assists the on-call physician with gathering information and making documentation. Working as a scribe is a unique opportunity to partner with a provider in the delivery of care and demonstrates to admissions officers that you’re skilled in oral and written communication. It also demonstrates that you can be a reliable and dependable member of a health care team."

Good Luck!
 
I have to agree with @mdh2, scribing is definitely a clinical experience. In fact, at the practices I've worked at, scribing is probably one of the toughest Allied health positions. You have to know common findings, associated anatomy, and linked pathologies in order to carry out the job well. Also, its great EMR exposure, which in my opinion, is an essential part of modern medical practice.
 
Lol of course it clinical. Just apply to other schools as well if that's going to be a problem at your state DO school.
 
I’m in undergrad but know an adcom member at my school. He said they view scribing as clinical experience and also as an extra component of shadowing. They have high regard for scribing. I guess it depends on the school but generally I would think most schools look at scribing as clinical. Regardless though schools also want to see volunteer clinical experience.
 
armoman898 said:
I have to agree with @mdh2, scribing is definitely a clinical experience. In fact, at the practices I've worked at, scribing is probably one of the toughest Allied health positions. You have to know common findings, associated anatomy, and linked pathologies in order to carry out the job well. Also, its great EMR exposure, which in my opinion, is an essential part of modern medical practice.
Click to expand...
Yup, in addition you get to learn how to format the HPI, understand the in/outs of the physical exam, and memorize (to an extent) procedural notes. These are all things IMO that make scribing extremely relevant to making you prepared for a health care field. I don't think there is anything (that doesn't require a certificate) that beats scribing!
 
On_The_Way_Up said:
I’m in undergrad but know an adcom member at my school. He said they view scribing as clinical experience and also as an extra component of shadowing. They have high regard for scribing. I guess it depends on the school but generally I would think most schools look at scribing as clinical. Regardless though schools also want to see volunteer clinical experience.
Click to expand...
Yeah, hopefully the ADCOM I was talking to was just giving her own personal opinion vs. what the actual school thinks.
 
econpremed said:
Yeah, that seems to be the general consensus thankfully. So you wouldn't recommend looking at other clinical jobs and just stick to scribing until next years apps?
Click to expand...

Myself, I would hunger for something a little more active. But as you said, more "direct" patient involvement requires certifications. Consider an allied health certification to bolster your DO application; AACOMAS lets you upload your certificates in the "Continuing Education" section (AMCAS does not).

Now in terms of certs, there are many. To be a "Medical Assistant," you need a few: Phlebotomy, EKG, CNA in order to take the Medical assistant exam. Whereas this is technically feasible in one year, will cost you money. You will only have the time after you finish the courses, plus your application gap year to use it. And, you will only be looking at entry level job, at a private practice (you'll have to be really lucky, or have school affiliation, with a hospital to get a hospital job right off the bat).

You can try EMT B, but it also costs money, and will take time before you can start. I feel like this is cliche among pre-meds, but all experience are what you make of them, so I won't judge.

You can try phlebotomy by itself, and work at Quest, but they also may require experience with draws for hire.
__________

This all said, you're best bet is getting a job at a private practice, where you can work under a physician directly. This lets you bend the rules, or have a little more leeway, with regards to what you "allowed" to do.

Try Ophthalmic Assisting for an Ophthalmologist, or even an Optometrist. That's what I did, and haven't looked back. No experience necessary, and you can learn more skills as you go. All the certification can be done via independent study and exams at a testing center. There is always a shortage and a high turn-around (at least where I live). Many ads I see say "will train the right candidate;" as a pre-med, you are the right candidate.

Google:
  • Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology - certification board
  • "ophthalmic assistant" or "ophthalmic technician" in Indeed, Monster, Simply Hired and CraigsList
 
armoman898 said:
Myself, I would hunger for something a little more active. But as you said, more "direct" patient involvement requires certifications. Consider an allied health certification to bolster your DO application; AACOMAS lets you upload your certificates in the "Continuing Education" section (AMCAS does not).

Now in terms of certs, there are many. To be a "Medical Assistant," you need a few: Phlebotomy, EKG, CNA in order to take the Medical assistant exam. Whereas this is technically feasible in one year, will cost you money. You will only have the time after you finish the courses, plus your application gap year to use it. And, you will only be looking at entry level job, at a private practice (you'll have to be really lucky, or have school affiliation, with a hospital to get a hospital job right off the bat).

You can try EMT B, but it also costs money, and will take time before you can start. I feel like this is cliche among pre-meds, but all experience are what you make of them, so I won't judge.

You can try phlebotomy by itself, and work at Quest, but they also may require experience with draws for hire.
__________

This all said, you're best bet is getting a job at a private practice, where you can work under a physician directly. This lets you bend the rules, or have a little more leeway, with regards to what you "allowed" to do.

Try Ophthalmic Assisting for an Ophthalmologist, or even an Optometrist. That's what I did, and haven't looked back. No experience necessary, and you can learn more skills as you go. All the certification can be done via independent study and exams at a testing center. There is always a shortage and a high turn-around (at least where I live). Many ads I see say "will train the right candidate;" as a pre-med, you are the right candidate.

Google:
  • Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology - certification board
  • "ophthalmic assistant" or "ophthalmic technician" in Indeed, Monster, Simply Hired and CraigsList
Click to expand...
Yeah, I looked into EMT but the requirements are immense. Definitely will look into an opthalmic tech type job! I was just searching and there seem to be many postings around my area. Thanks for the detailed response!
 
I worked at a private practice under the doctor I shadowed. A lot of experience and the pay was just a bonus
 
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