ECs and other esoterica

[old_guy]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I didn't want to hijack someone else's thread, so here I am again. I decided to take some time away from studying for the 04/07 MCAT, and I'm reading Dr. Sanford Brown's "Getting Into Medical School". He makes the point that ANY hospital/medical environment experience is handy. THAT brought some memories flooding back - DOH!! I worked in a hospital dietary department beginning the summer before my Senior Year in HS all the way through college graduation. Granted, most of my experience with patients was in delivering their meals to them. I discovered people can be....ummmmm, different.

I also worked as a Radiation Safety Technician for 4 years after graduation, before entering my current field. I spent a lot of time time in hospitals there, as well. Most of the time I was picking up a radioactive sheep or dog, or other Nuclear Medical Waste. I even worked in a Nuclear Reactor facility about 2 years of that time. Maybe I'm not so plain-vanilla after all!!

There is actually a question hidden in here: can ECs and grades be too old? All of my hospital experience was anywhere from 22-30 years ago, and my "newest" undergrad grade probably 22 from a couple of Community College calculus courses. With my present work schedule, I'm having a tough time finding refresh courses to take. I'm working with 3 different Schaum's Outlines: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, plus Kaplan MCAT flip cards, and I'm getting the Exam Cracker book. I'm not concerned about doing well on the MCAT, but I don't have any recent courses for LORs.

TT

 

[remo]

Are you saying that you have no classwork and no clinical experience within the last 20+ years? If yes, then I think you will have a real hard time convincing them that a) you can still do well in the classroom and b) that you know what you are getting into. Plus without science LOR's from professors you are putting yourself at a big disadvantage.

 

[old_guy]

Things are looking up a little. Just this morning I found a chemistry course at a local school that fits my schedule. It is the first of a 2-semester sequence, and I registered right away. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a LOR from the prof after I've done well in his courses.

TT

 

[Empress]

If you're looking for healthcare oriented EC, have you thought about volunteering for a free clinic in your area? I recently found out the one in the city I live nearby has multiple different volunteer opportunities, and will train you in some areas like history taking, lab or pharmacy tech, administrative, etc. If you're reliable and motivated, I am sure you can find an opportunity to fit your schedule and be meaningful for you and show the adcoms your commitment to medicine. Good luck.

 

[Tribeca]

My job is somewhat "clinical oriented," but not really. I also had tons of clinical experience at an OB-GYN office waay back in college. When I spoke to the admissions coordinator at my state school, she advised me to get more recent clinical experience. I'm gonna start volunteering at a hospital soon.

 

[MiesVanDerMom]

I agree recent coursework and volunteer work is a must along with the LOR issue. You generally need 3 letters from professors (2 science, 1 non). Med school admissions is not a forgiving process. For me, the LOR have been the toughest issue and I planned my schedule around it. I think the the 2 semester chem sequence is a great idea. Will you be able to take another course as well before applying for another letter? As for vounteering/clinical, the msot important thing is showing long-term committment. There are plenty of different clniics/hospitals that fit different schedules/lifestyles. I have 2 babies, so I found a place that lets me volunteer a couple hours on Saturdays and I've been there a couple years now. Best of luck to you 👍