Confused about PreMed

[Peter1]

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Hi everyone, first time poster long time reader here. I have some questions about premed ECs. I apologize in advance if this post is ignorant. This fall was my first semester at my university and I took 17 credits - Orgo1, Calc2, Bio(plants/animals), Gen. ed. I got a 4.0 but I did no ECs. Next semester I plan on joining a microbiology club and volunteering at a recieving hospital on campus.

A lot of people tell me to get into research which doesn't make sense to me, why would you need research experience (assuming you don't need $) if you're only going for a MD? Some of my friends shadow doctors for hours, I've done it once in high school and while it was interesting I felt like it was out of place and an extra annoyance towards my doctor (even though she was very nice and didn't show it). I don't know what to do with my ECs, my parents are both doctors and have a lot of connections to get me internships with other doctors at hospitals, would that be a beneficial experience?

I also don't understand what people mean by "build relationship with faculty" to get LORS. I didn't say one word to my professors last semester because I had absolutely no questions. The book was very clear and I mastered the material. Even in more advanced courses I'm pretty sure you just read the book and use the internet to clarify things. I think I might be socially ******ed or something. My roomate last semester told me he goes to his profesors office hours and makes up stupid questions all the time so he can ask for a LOR at the end of the semester, is this normally what people do?

It seems really illogical to me like another example, a friend of mine is going to Africa this summer to volunteer for 6000$. Why would someone pay 6000$ to go to Africa and volunteer, I doubt people would normally go to Africa if med. school wasn't so competitive. These things sound wrong to me. I'm just confused. Sorry for the long post, appreciate any advice.

 

[Unclipped]

First off, I never did any research and I was able to get into medical school. I think you should only do research in undergrad if your are interested in it. I don't believe it is a hard fast rule that you must do it to get in, but maybe for top schools it is... if that is what your gunning for.

However, I believe clinical experience is a must. Shadowing is great. I would try and shadow as many different doctors in different specialties as possible. You should not do more than 20-30 hours with each doctor, because you don't want to overwhelm them. I think about ~100-150 total would be enough.

I also became as Scribe in the ED, which was awesome experience as well. You should look into it.

As far as EC go, I realy did nothing with my undergraduate school. No clubs, no leadership roles. However, I did have a leadership role in a job outside of school. I also did some volunteering with a local environmental group. I had enough clinical experience through shadowing and scribing that there was no need to volunteer in the hopital. Usually these volunteer jobs are pretty weak anyway.

I was the same way in classes... just read the book and did well. I never talked to my professors because there were usually 200 people in my lectures. However, if you do well the professor will know who you are. What I did was wrote my professors a letter, telling them about myself...why I wanted to go to med school... and what I was doing outside of school. Then they have something to base ther LOR off of.

Good luck to you man... it sounds like your on the right course though. 4.0 with that course load is pretty impressive. 👍

 

[gettheleadout]

Research experience is preferred by schools that are heavily funded for research, and expect their medical students to have an interest in research during medical school and/or in their career. Beyond that, research shows an interest in the scientific method, and conducting it gives one a look into how the knowledge behind the practice of medicine is obtained.

 

[Richardh]

Hi everyone, first time poster long time reader here. I have some questions about premed ECs. I apologize in advance if this post is ignorant. This fall was my first semester at my university and I took 17 credits - Orgo1, Calc2, Bio(plants/animals), Gen. ed. I got a 4.0 but I did no ECs. Next semester I plan on joining a microbiology club and volunteering at a recieving hospital on campus. Very strong stats 🙂 Also great that you're planning to join a club and start volunteering at a hospital 👍

A lot of people tell me to get into research which doesn't make sense to me, why would you need research experience (assuming you don't need $) if you're only going for a MD? Some of my friends shadow doctors for hours, I've done it once in high school and while it was interesting I felt like it was out of place and an extra annoyance towards my doctor (even though she was very nice and didn't show it).
Most students go into research in order to futher develop their interest and knowledge on what they would like to learn more about (oftent things that their class won't cover any further). Participating in research is also a great way to further develop lab skills, understanding how to write formal scientific papers, etc. Students who also publish their findings in a journal or present their findings on a poster at a symposium will further make him/herself stand out more as an applicant. (Another reason for participating in research is because students can easily develop a relationship with the professor and later on ask for a letter of recommendation).
I don't know what to do with my ECs, my parents are both doctors and have a lot of connections to get me internships with other doctors at hospitals, would that be a beneficial experience?
Yes this would be a beneficial experience 🙂

I also don't understand what people mean by "build relationship with faculty" to get LORS. I didn't say one word to my professors last semester because I had absolutely no questions. The book was very clear and I mastered the material. Even in more advanced courses I'm pretty sure you just read the book and use the internet to clarify things. I think I might be socially ******ed or something. My roomate last semester told me he goes to his profesors office hours and makes up stupid questions all the time so he can ask for a LOR at the end of the semester, is this normally what people do?
LORS are necessary in order to get another individual's perspective about you. A LOR by a professor is one of the best ways because he/she can give insight about you while you're studying in class. In order for him/her to get to know you more, it is therefore recommended for you to build relationships with a faculty. Sometimes students establish relationships with professors through office visits but not necessary asking questions. Answering questions in class, participating openly in discussions, doing research under the professor are some of the ways students can build relationships.

It seems really illogical to me like another example, a friend of mine is going to Africa this summer to volunteer for 6000$. Why would someone pay 6000$ to go to Africa and volunteer, I doubt people would normally go to Africa if med. school wasn't so competitive.
Having an abroad experience is also beneficial to make the student stand out more when applying to med school. At the same time the student can get more clincial experience that he/she can't get while volunteering in the State's hospitals/clinic.

These things sound wrong to me. I'm just confused. Sorry for the long post, appreciate any advice.

Enjoy what you would like to do for ECs 🙂

 

[VikingLegacy]

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[Peter1]

Thanks a lot for the advice, I understand now. I will look into shadowing next semester and see how it goes.
For the LORs I guess I'll force myself to interact with professors from now on.