ECs, shadowing and research.

[lancecorpsman]

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I think that I have decent ECs but zero shadowing and research experience. And quite frankly, I don't really want to do any shadowing or research in a lab.

For clinical experience, Ive worked in an ICU and outpatient peds as a corpsman in the navy (and also w/ marines). I occasionally work supplemental jobs as a monitor tech in an ICU/PCU. Last year, I joined two other paramedics in starting a community paramedic program, actively working on reducing ED and EMS utilization. Our program has ties with local clinics and the regional medical center. I also work as a medic for events and summer camps occasionally.
For volunteer work, Ive been a volunteer firefighter working on an ALS ambulance as well as fire trucks (mostly medical calls, some fires and wrecks) and probably have 1000 plus hours by now.
And I also work as a middle school football coach during the fall.

I dont anticipate or want to go to research heavy schools, so is research really necessary for me? For my community paramedic program I regularly write reports and analyze statistics (readmission rates, etc) and give presentations (in addition to my patient care).
I also don't particularly want to shadow any physicians, since I feel like I actually work in the healthcare field.

So should I start looking for research or shadowing opportunities?

 

[TheBiologist]

I think that I have decent ECs but zero shadowing and research experience. And quite frankly, I don't really want to do any shadowing or research in a lab.

For clinical experience, Ive worked in an ICU and outpatient peds as a corpsman in the navy (and also w/ marines). I occasionally work supplemental jobs as a monitor tech in an ICU/PCU. Last year, I joined two other paramedics in starting a community paramedic program, actively working on reducing ED and EMS utilization. Our program has ties with local clinics and the regional medical center. I also work as a medic for events and summer camps occasionally.
For volunteer work, Ive been a volunteer firefighter working on an ALS ambulance as well as fire trucks (mostly medical calls, some fires and wrecks) and probably have 1000 plus hours by now.
And I also work as a middle school football coach during the fall.

I dont anticipate or want to go to research heavy schools, so is research really necessary for me? For my community paramedic program I regularly write reports and analyze statistics (readmission rates, etc) and give presentations (in addition to my patient care).
I also don't particularly want to shadow any physicians, since I feel like I actually work in the healthcare field.

So should I start looking for research or shadowing opportunities?

what do you mean? why not? it would still offer a different outlook from your job and is a "silent requirement" for most med schools I would say. get at least a few days of shadowing; 20 hours won't be too hard

 

[enchantediris]

I think that I have decent ECs but zero shadowing and research experience. And quite frankly, I don't really want to do any shadowing or research in a lab.

For clinical experience, Ive worked in an ICU and outpatient peds as a corpsman in the navy (and also w/ marines). I occasionally work supplemental jobs as a monitor tech in an ICU/PCU. Last year, I joined two other paramedics in starting a community paramedic program, actively working on reducing ED and EMS utilization. Our program has ties with local clinics and the regional medical center. I also work as a medic for events and summer camps occasionally.
For volunteer work, Ive been a volunteer firefighter working on an ALS ambulance as well as fire trucks (mostly medical calls, some fires and wrecks) and probably have 1000 plus hours by now.
And I also work as a middle school football coach during the fall.

I dont anticipate or want to go to research heavy schools, so is research really necessary for me? For my community paramedic program I regularly write reports and analyze statistics (readmission rates, etc) and give presentations (in addition to my patient care).
I also don't particularly want to shadow any physicians, since I feel like I actually work in the healthcare field.

So should I start looking for research or shadowing opportunities?

First, thank you for your service. Your ECs sound unique and genuine, and I am sure you will gain a lot of interest when you apply. Research is absolutely not a requirement for medical schools, especially if you are not looking for a research heavy program. According to AAMC surveys, private medical schools deem research of "moderate importance", a category under metrics of "high importance" like GPA/MCAT, healthcare experience, and community service. I think you could even highlight the work you do for your community paramedic program as a sort of research experience, as you use many skills learned in research like statistical analysis and communicating results in written and verbal forms.

As for shadowing, I think it would be helpful to shadow a physician for a few days. I don't know quite what corpsmen do – from what I've read it's a heavily clinical and hands on position so I don't think you need hours and hours of shadowing. However, even nurses who have worked in the field for years are advised to shadow physicians because although both provide patient care, they have different roles. It's something that is relatively easy to do that can only help your application – particularly if you are asked to articulate why you want to become a physician rather than continuing to be a corpsman. Hope this helps! 🙂

 

[Catalystik]

I think that I have decent ECs but zero shadowing and research experience. And quite frankly, I don't really want to do any shadowing or research in a lab.

For clinical experience, Ive worked in an ICU and outpatient peds as a corpsman in the navy (and also w/ marines). I occasionally work supplemental jobs as a monitor tech in an ICU/PCU. Last year, I joined two other paramedics in starting a community paramedic program, actively working on reducing ED and EMS utilization. Our program has ties with local clinics and the regional medical center. I also work as a medic for events and summer camps occasionally.
For volunteer work, Ive been a volunteer firefighter working on an ALS ambulance as well as fire trucks (mostly medical calls, some fires and wrecks) and probably have 1000 plus hours by now.
And I also work as a middle school football coach during the fall.

I dont anticipate or want to go to research heavy schools, so is research really necessary for me? For my community paramedic program I regularly write reports and analyze statistics (readmission rates, etc) and give presentations (in addition to my patient care).
I also don't particularly want to shadow any physicians, since I feel like I actually work in the healthcare field.

So should I start looking for research or shadowing opportunities?

You don't need research.

For shadowing, it's hard to imagine that you've never been in the presence of a physician while they interacted with their patients, but even if so (and you should state that it was so on the application descriptions, if true), some schools still want to see some dedicated shadowing experience so you have demonstrated that you know what a physician's day is like. Shadowing need not be a longitudinal experience. You could get some in at the last minute and be fine. Personally, I'd suggest getting at least 40 hours (the minimum requirement of med schools that overtly state it). Primary care doc observation should take at least a portion of that time. Surely with your contacts, you could knock that out in a week's time before submitting.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Your ECs are great. You should still try to get some shadowing. I have thousands of hours of direct, paid medical experience as a civilian and in the military, and I still was told by adcoms here to make sure I have dedicated shadowing, as it is expected.

 

[lancecorpsman]

Thanks! I will definitely get some hours shadowing.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

I'll just say this, if you have ZERO hours in a laboratory setting and/or ZERO hours in public health, I would take some time to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of research and how to read and analyze papers. While it's true you don't need research to get into medical school, it is helpful to have the experience not only to assist you in school, but many residency programs expect you to have papers to your name. I feel lucky that I already have 2 authorships to my name so I don't feel pressured to do that while studying.

 

[lancecorpsman]

I'll just say this, if you have ZERO hours in a laboratory setting and/or ZERO hours in public health, I would take some time to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of research and how to read and analyze papers. While it's true you don't need research to get into medical school, it is helpful to have the experience not only to assist you in school, but many residency programs expect you to have papers to your name. I feel lucky that I already have 2 authorships to my name so I don't feel pressured to do that while studying.

I agree. Our program is involved with writing the population health assessments for our county. I frequently compose reports on readmission rates and ED utilization using statistical analysis. Our medical director is helping us design a study so we can't publish the results of our different programs.