- Joined
- Jun 23, 2013
- Messages
- 132
- Reaction score
- 49
I have about a year until applications so I've been trying to fill in any missing "gaps" I have in my application. Thanks to a couple of other SDNers, I really noticed the lack of clinical experience I have and I learned that shadowing is no substitute for this (I'm sure this isn't news to anyone... evidently I don't have my stuff together as much as you guys do ).
I've been thinking of taking a mission trip, which would allow me to do a lot of hands on work. However, it's pretty pricey and I am relying on my parents for financial help, so I would prefer to do something within the continental USA, if possible. Also, even if the trip works out, I think it's important for me to gain exposure to clinical experience within American medicine.
Additionally, I'm aware of other internships, but I know they're super competitive. While that doesn't fully deter me from trying, I think that I (32 MCAT, 3.75 GPA) am probably not the most competitive applicant in comparison to 37/3.9 students.
Last, when asking around at hospitals and clinics, most of them don't want a 21 year old undergraduate having much interaction with patients besides just watching. To be truthful, I've had to push my way into even shadowing some doctors to begin with (doctors mention that patients are more uncomfortable with a third party in the way). I also don't have any family connections in medicine I can use to gain this experience.
So my question is - what are some good ways to gain hands on experience in medicine?
I've been thinking of taking a mission trip, which would allow me to do a lot of hands on work. However, it's pretty pricey and I am relying on my parents for financial help, so I would prefer to do something within the continental USA, if possible. Also, even if the trip works out, I think it's important for me to gain exposure to clinical experience within American medicine.
Additionally, I'm aware of other internships, but I know they're super competitive. While that doesn't fully deter me from trying, I think that I (32 MCAT, 3.75 GPA) am probably not the most competitive applicant in comparison to 37/3.9 students.
Last, when asking around at hospitals and clinics, most of them don't want a 21 year old undergraduate having much interaction with patients besides just watching. To be truthful, I've had to push my way into even shadowing some doctors to begin with (doctors mention that patients are more uncomfortable with a third party in the way). I also don't have any family connections in medicine I can use to gain this experience.
So my question is - what are some good ways to gain hands on experience in medicine?