Confused on what to do this Summer (Deciding b/w 2 opportunities)

[Spongeman7]

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Hi everyone, so I am currently a sophomore going to be junior and am on summer break. I applied for and got into a fellowship/internship clinical opportunity with a major healthcare network where I will be going over clinical research studies, shadowing physicians, sitting in on clinical meetings, etc. It is unpaid. I recently also got a call from a pediatrics doctor's office that said they have a paid position, where I would take children's blood pressure, height, weight, etc. (kind of like a medical assistant). I am very confused of what to do, should I stay with the unpaid internship or should I work at the pediatric office? The pediatric office would be paid, I would probably have more patient interaction, and interaction with children. If I did the internship, I would have more research experience, be able to shadow procedures, and the internship provider has a very big and good reputation in the healthcare industry. I would thoroughly enjoy doing either but which would look better on an application? I very much appreciate any advice anyone has to offer. I am also very grateful for getting these two opportunities and just want to make an informed decision. Thank you!

 

[aristotle96]

I believe that the research opportunity will have a greater impact on your resume, as it is a unique experience and builds valuable connections with a physician who could end up writing you a letter of recommendation. I discussed this with a physician I work for and he agreed. However, I definitely believe that hands on clinical experience is an important factor to have on your resume. In other words both are important, but the research sounds more unique. This answer may fluctuate to be more polarized based on your financial needs and if you will be published through the research opportunity. I also recommend hearing other opinions! Good luck!

 

[Spongeman7]

I believe that the research opportunity will have a greater impact on your resume, as it is a unique experience and builds valuable connections with a physician who could end up writing you a letter of recommendation. I discussed this with a physician I work for and he agreed. However, I definitely believe that hands on clinical experience is an important factor to have on your resume. In other words both are important, but the research sounds more unique. This answer may fluctuate to be more polarized based on your financial needs and if you will be published through the research opportunity. I also recommend hearing other opinions! Good luck!

Thank you so much for the advice! I definitely want to hear multiple perspectives to come to a good conclusion!

 

[Throwaway5129]

Thank you so much for the advice! I definitely want to hear multiple perspectives to come to a good conclusion!

Research experience will aid you more in the long run.