Gap year jobs and medical school interviews

[DielsAlder]

Hi,

I will be taking one gap year during which I will be applying to medical schools. I will most likely take a one year paid position in clinical research. However, I was wondering how flexible these jobs usually are for people having to travel around for medical school interviews?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Ismet]

Depends on your PI/whoever is in charge. Some will be more flexible/understanding than others. Just give plenty of advance notice and be prepared to make up the missed hours if necessary.

 

[eleveneleven]

Definitely bring this up front when applying for jobs. Just mention you may have to take a few days off throughout the year for medical school interviews. I imagine most PIs will be understanding especially with sufficient notice.

 

[DielsAlder]

Thanks everyone!

 

[aspirantmed]

Sometimes this could mean you have to be a bit picky with how many interviews to take or combine several interviews per trip .. I see "too many days off" come up as an issue for some applicants on here.

 

[DielsAlder]

Alternatively, I was offered another paid position with an old PI for the summer only on a brief project. Would it be fine if I did that and combined that with more clinical volunteering during the fall and spring when I have interviews?

That might be easier for interviews.

 

[phunky]

Pretty much everyone at my research group is premed and get plenty of time off for interviews. In these RA jobs, they're aware that it's a step on your way to a large goal and most PIs accommodate that.

 

[BamaNicole]

I'd always be as honest and upfront about your application intentions as possible. That way you can gauge to see if they're willing to be flexible.

 

[kyamh]

Alternatively, I was offered another paid position with an old PI for the summer only on a brief project. Would it be fine if I did that and combined that with more clinical volunteering during the fall and spring when I have interviews?

That might be easier for interviews.

Why not take both? Definitely be upfront with all your potential employers. Honestly, I was busier during the summer with the constant stress of perfecting secondary essays than going on various interview. I also tried to schedule all my interviews on the same type of day, usually Monday or Tuesday, so for the duration of the fall I had an alternative weekend - I worked Saturdays and Sunday and took Monday/Tuesday off.