Gap Year Job dilemma

[mizziya]

Hi, I am a 4th year college student applying to medical school in June, which means that I am taking a gap year. I have the opportunity to work either as a Medical Assistant at a private allergy clinic (I'll have lots of patient contact, but the pay is low and only 35hours/week) or as a Junior Specialist at Clinical Research Laboratory at a California university (much higher pay but less ideal location). What I am wondering while deciding between the two offers is whether one or the other looks better to medical schools. I have 1,000+ hours of research experience, but I have never worked in a clinical lab before. I have limited clinical hours (about 100). I would love some feedback on which job I should take!

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[TheRevenant]

I have a very large amount of research experience as well, a sufficiently high LizzyM for MD schools, but only a small amount of direct patient contact. I've only had one interview this cycle. If I could, I'd be working as an MA right now in preparation for my potential second application cycle.

If your clinical research has patient contact involved (taking BP, interviewing, etc), it might make sense to go that route. Pure data analysis? Go for the MA gig.

 

[mizziya]

I have a very large amount of research experience as well, a sufficiently high LizzyM for MD schools, but only a small amount of direct patient contact. I've only had one interview this cycle. If I could, I'd be working as an MA right now in preparation for my potential second application cycle.

If your clinical research has patient contact involved (taking BP, interviewing, etc), it might make sense to go that route. Pure data analysis? Go for the MA gig.

I think there's some patient contact, but it is probably more administrative. Thank you for your advice!

 

[Knicks17]

I am working as MA and doing research at the same time Right now. If you already have research experience, go with MA you will learn a lot. It great clinical exposure as well!