Gap year experiences similar to Bridge Year programs

[Scribe2MD2018]

I recently came across the Bridge Year Program (paid opportunity) offered by Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery located in the DMV area.

I applied and was unfortunately rejected (waiting on application feedback), but the offering piqued my interest in the availability of this gap year experience. Does anyone know of any other programs/opportunities similar to this one? Are bridge year experiences such as these geared more towards traditional students as opposed to non-traditional/career changer premedical students with extensive work history?

About Me:
2025-2026 Nontraditional Applicant, 7 years post-undergraduate studies
Extensive Work History (medical scribing, non-profit, administration, teaching, and research)
Currently enrolled in postbaccalaureate program due to graduate in Spring 2025

Thank you!

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[AJS59]

My general understanding is that these are aimed at people fresh out of undergrad. That being said, I don't see any reason why they'd reject an older individual.

A better question is this: Why do you feel the need to do a "bridge year" given your already extensive clinical experience?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I agree that I don't see much benefit to this program since you already have a lot of clinical exposure.

 

[Scribe2MD2018]

My general understanding is that these are aimed at people fresh out of undergrad. That being said, I don't see any reason why they'd reject an older individual.

A better question is this: Why do you feel the need to do a "bridge year" given your already extensive clinical experience?

I agree that I don't see much benefit to this program since you already have a lot of clinical exposure.

Thank you both for your responses - I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post! I also came to the same question last night after some reflection. It is somewhat weird being in this nontraditional grey space because I feel like I am somewhat "aged (experience)" out of most pre-medical roles/experiences. Could you make any recommendations on what direction I should take in searching for a gap year experience? Or do you think it is worthwhile for me to forgo the gap year experience all together and just re-enter the workforce?

Thank you!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thank you both for your responses - I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post! I also came to the same question last night after some reflection. It is somewhat weird being in this nontraditional grey space because I feel like I am somewhat "aged (experience)" out of most pre-medical roles/experiences. Could you make any recommendations on what direction I should take in searching for a gap year experience? Or do you think it is worthwhile for me to forgo the gap year experience all together and just re-enter the workforce?

Thank you!

First, you got into a postbac program, correct? I don't know what experiences are available to you. What advice have you received from the advisors/faculty?

 

[Scribe2MD2018]

First, you got into a postbac program, correct? I don't know what experiences are available to you. What advice have you received from the advisors/faculty?

Yes, I did. I actually heard back from my pre-professional health office earlier this morning (I reached out to them yesterday for feedback as well) and they pointed me towards our university's Handshake account. I've been perusing the website for the greater part of the day and found a few opportunities I am interested in (structured research fellowships), but for the most part the website mostly has listings for internships/hourly entry-level work.

I have also been turning over the thought of going back into research full-time (was a clinical research coordinator prior to starting post-bacc), specifcally applying for roles above mine (senior CRC or industry CRA). But, I am not to privy on the ebbs/flows of the hiring calendar.