I plan to enter med school in fall 2004. Between now and then, I'll be finishing up my Master's in Econ. (only 2 more classes) and enrolling in a post-bac program to finish up the pre-med coursework that I did not complete in undergraduate. In addition, I'll be getting some health-related experience volunteering with a local public health clinic, working with the MS Society, and shadowing Drs. I'm also considering volunteering with a hospice program and maybe doing an EMT program, though really I'm starting to think that I'll be pretty stretched with work, school, family, and the other activities already. What have you found most beneficial in your pre-health experiences?
Don't forget about the MCAT. That's a real time-hog for a few months. I have a full-time job plus a husband and kid and I haven't really had time to do much besides work, school, one/two night classes per semester, MCAT, and applications. I wanted to do more volunteer work, but the hospital was too boring (nothing constructive for me to do) and I haven't found anything else yet. Your plans sound good. Hope you can fit it all in. Pam
Check with your local ERs. They are usually in need of cheap labor. Tell them you want to do some "technician" work. Seem motivated and they will suck you up. With that job you get to shadow doctors and nurses and obtain an immense amount of patient contact and medical knowledge. That and keeping your grades up and a decent MCAT will not only assure you entrance into medical school but your success while in med school. You can do all that volunteer stuff and public health junk. Don't do alot of it, cause all you need is to list it under exrtacurricular activity. The most knowledge, in my opinion, is to be obtained in an ER. If the oportunity presents itself to take a third world country mission trip - DO IT! It is well-spent time and money. It makes for great personal statement and interview material. Good Luck!
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