EC for Med

[deleted755735]

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Hello guys, I am a Canadian citizen currently attending a large public US university (in Michigan). I am just finishing up first year with a very strong GPA. However, I feel like I am lacking with the EC side of things... Between high school and now I have ~ 200 hrs of hospital volunteering and that's about it. I plan on doing research with my school's medical school next year hopefully (sophomore year). I am just wondering when did you guys start volunteering and such... Also, what are some good long time extracurriculars that I can start this summer and that will not take up much time (studying and maintaining my GPA is my #1 priority). Thanks (by the way, this is my first post on SDN 🙂 )

 

[Catalystik]

Hello guys, I am a Canadian citizen currently attending a large public US university (in Michigan). I am just finishing up first year with a very strong GPA. However, I feel like I am lacking with the EC side of things... Between high school and now I have ~ 200 hrs of hospital volunteering and that's about it. I plan on doing research with my school's medical school next year hopefully (sophomore year). I am just wondering when did you guys start volunteering and such... Also, what are some good long time extracurriculars that I can start this summer and that will not take up much time (studying and maintaining my GPA is my #1 priority). Thanks (by the way, this is my first post on SDN 🙂 )

Consider giving time to an organization having a mission you care about that serves those in need. With time, move up to a leadership position. Even if you can only give an hour of your time a week, you'll have some good longevity by the time you're ready to apply.

 

[dafuturesurgeon]

If your open to it, during a break or summer vacation or whenever you can spare a week or more, go overseas with humanitarian help organization or something


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[Catalystik]

Short-term international humanitarian tourism will have little impact on your application when compared to consistently engaging with local folks who need some help. There is no need to spend money for an overseas adventure in order to develop a strong application. JMO.

 

[dafuturesurgeon]

@Catalystik Yes long term local volunteering/working is extremely important, but anything where you are exposed to more than the every day Joe Shmo medical work here in the states will put you a bit above other applicants.
Besides you yourself dont have to pay out of pocket. Find sponsors or donors or whatever. I funded my whole trip to Panama 2 times already from donations.


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[deleted755735]

Thanks for the replies everyone 🙂! I will be continuing to volunteer at the hospital, get involved with my local soup kitchen, and possibly one more thing (I am taking Orgo 1 this spring/summer as well)! That should keep me busy through the summer! Also, hopefully next year (now that I am more comfortable with Uni), I will join a club and try my best to move up to a leadership position🙂.

 

[deleted755735]

@Catalystik Yes long term local volunteering/working is extremely important, but anything where you are exposed to more than the every day Joe Shmo medical work here in the states will put you a bit above other applicants.
Besides you yourself dont have to pay out of pocket. Find sponsors or donors or whatever. I funded my whole trip to Panama 2 times already from donations.


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I have somewhat been exposed to more than the everyday Joe Shmo as I had the opportunity to scrub in and observe a few major surgeries. However, I don't think this will count much because I am not really "growing as a person" or showing any community involvement/helping those in need!

 

[dafuturesurgeon]

@mathlsfun At least you got exposed to it and can make a better decision if you want to go that path or not.


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