E.C.'s/M.A. /Scribe

[triplebond]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello,

I'm currently a 2nd year undergrad right now and I want to explore the medical profession more to see if medicine is a good fit for me. I've known about jobs like medical assistant and scribe for a long time but I was just wondering if anyone has ever worked as one or the other and which one is more helpful in terms of medicine exposure. I know that scribes work 8+ hour shifts, so is it a good idea to work as M.A./scribe while going to school full time? And are there other jobs/internships similar to M.A./scribe?

Also, has anyone heard of the UC Davis premedical surgical internship and been in it? It sounds very appealing and seems like it gives students a lot of medical exposure. Is it worth it and are there similar programs?

The other two things I mentioned above are for my medical exposure and interest, but I'm also looking for some interesting extracurricular activities that are relevant or even slightly relevant to pre-meds but interesting (not research, or volunteering at the hospital, or going on mission trips...all of which I have done). What interesting E.C.'s were you involved in during your undergrad years?

 

[Atmosphere123]

Shadowing is perhaps the best way to get exposure to profession.
Low time commitment. No training required. Work directly with doctor.

Scribing and other low level work within a healthcare setting can be useful but you might better off spending your time on scholastic endeavors or leadership experiences. Physicians are leaders and thinkers of healthcare. Practice those skills as an undergrad and learn the medicine when you get to medical school.

If you are intent on M.A or scribe, I would recommended scribe. As a scribe you work directly with the doctor and really get inside their head. There is only so much you learn from taking vitals and cleaning rooms as an MA.

As for my personal experience, interviewers were most interested in my experience in Teach for America and research accomplishments. I worked as scribe during my application year and I encountered many people on the interview trail with that same experience. I imagine it would have been hard set myself a part if that was my primary extracurricular activity.

 

[mehc012]

Hello,

I'm currently a 2nd year undergrad right now and I want to explore the medical profession more to see if medicine is a good fit for me. I've known about jobs like medical assistant and scribe for a long time but I was just wondering if anyone has ever worked as one or the other and which one is more helpful in terms of medicine exposure. I know that scribes work 8+ hour shifts, so is it a good idea to work as M.A./scribe while going to school full time? And are there other jobs/internships similar to M.A./scribe?

Also, has anyone heard of the UC Davis premedical surgical internship and been in it? It sounds very appealing and seems like it gives students a lot of medical exposure. Is it worth it and are there similar programs?

The other two things I mentioned above are for my medical exposure and interest, but I'm also looking for some interesting extracurricular activities that are relevant or even slightly relevant to pre-meds but interesting (not research, or volunteering at the hospital, or going on mission trips...all of which I have done). What interesting E.C.'s were you involved in during your undergrad years?

The UCD premedical surgical internship is ABSOLUTELY worth it. It is an amazing opportunity, and if you have any chance of participating, you should take it!
I would also suggest scribing over other medical ECs. The experience and interactions you have are unbeatable. It is definitely doable with an otherwise full schedule, though it's best to give yourself some free time near the beginning, as the transition can be rough (there's a steep learning curve).

 

[caffeinemia]

Yup, a bit of shadowing would be good. Also, most medical schools are affiliated with teaching hospitals -- volunteering as a candy-striper, patient transporter, intake coordinator, etc. in the hospital can give you some exposure to the setting.

 

[triplebond]

Wow, awesome responses! Thanks, everyone. What scribe company did you guys work for and are times/locations flexible?
For anyone who's been in the UCD Premed internship, what sort of activities did you do?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Hospitalized]

I worked as scribe during my application year and I encountered many people on the interview trail with that same experience. I imagine it would have set myself a part if that was my primary extracurricular activity.

Sorry it seems like you contradicted yourself. Can you clarify?

 

[Atmosphere123]

Sorry it seems like you contradicted yourself. Can you clarify?

It would have been hard to set myself apart*
Sorry about that. Edited original post.