Do I need clinical vol./shadowing?

[DoBurrosLayEggs]

Howdy,
I am applying to MD schools this coming summer, taking MCAT June 2. I would like some advice on whether or not I should try to pick up some clinical volunteering or shadowing experience in the short term.
A few people have said it may not be 100% necessary given my paid experience thus far (ER clerk 2003-05, part time research assistant [music perception trials with cochlear implantees] 2005-2007, full-time music therapist in forensic psych facility 2008-2017 as part of an interdisciplinary team led by an MD).
Other sources say, get shadowing/clinical vol. regardless.
Thoughts from any of you?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Goro]

You have fine clinical exposure, but you still need shadowing to know what a doctor's day is like.

 

[esob]

I recommend getting shadowing as well. My shadowing experiences have had a significant impact on my view of medicine and what it means to be a physician. Those experiences are becoming part of my essay, which I think would be much weaker without them. It's funny b/c a fellow former military medic me told me how ironic it was, that for all of his medical experience, he ended up writing about his shadowing experience in his essay. I figured that would not happen to me but indeed that has become part of my answer to the "why medicine" question. You might get into med school without shadowing but you are denying yourself an opportunity to gain additional experiences and perspectives that might guide your path differently.

 

[DoBurrosLayEggs]

You have fine clinical exposure, but you still need shadowing to know what a doctor's day is like.

Understood--I'm on it. I really appreciate your reply!

 

[DoBurrosLayEggs]

I recommend getting shadowing as well. My shadowing experiences have had a significant impact on my view of medicine and what it means to be a physician. Those experiences are becoming part of my essay, which I think would be much weaker without them. It's funny b/c a fellow former military medic me told me how ironic it was, that for all of his medical experience, he ended up writing about his shadowing experience in his essay. I figured that would not happen to me but indeed that has become part of my answer to the "why medicine" question. You might get into med school without shadowing but you are denying yourself an opportunity to gain additional experiences and perspectives that might guide your path differently.

Thank you very much for your response. No one had yet suggested why shadowing would differ from long and sustained clinical experience, but you illustrated that well for me.

 

[Cinemed]

Definitely go for some shadowing. Super easy and only 1-3 days are really needed to have something to talk about in an interview. I would definitely shadow a primary care doc and tack on anything else you're interested in. Good luck on MCAT!