Gap year - what did you all do?

[Jennyfishy]

Hello SDN!

I spent a bit of time searching through all posts before posting, but I was wondering what kinds of crazy, awesome or worthwhile things you all did if you took a gap year before applying to Med School. Whether it was a journey of self-discovery, or one that was otherwise "normal," I'd love to hear your thoughts and your stories 😀

For me, I am spending my summer abroad doing a Spanish/Medicine immersion program to strengthen my conversational Spanish and usage in the hospitals (kinda like a translator). I'm not a native speaker, but I am linguistically "more proficient" in it than my "native" second language (Vietnamese). I also have a job that carries over from undergrad for 3 months, but I can't apply for jobs until I return to the US, so I want to explore things I have never previously considered

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Bisonman80]

I decided somewhat late in my college career to pursue medicine. Hence, my gap year was filled with clinical volunteering (at two locations, one is a big hospital, the other a Native American non-profit clinic) and long-term shadowing. I also held a teaching job and taught myself web design, and took vietnamese (coincidence? except that I'm white) and most importantly SPANISH classes.

The volunteering and shadowing really confirmed for me my pre-conceptions of medicine. I'm fully aware of what it is that I'm getting into and why it's right for me; honestly I've never felt so good about a decision before this. It was great to come to this choice as an adult rather than a new college student, without any pressure to pursue it from anybody in my life by myself.

 

[maybemed2013]

Study for my MCAT, volunteer as a mentor , became a cna, worked as a cna, worked as a non-certified medical assistant.

 

[earf]

Worked in a nonprofit that helped survivors of trauma, namely sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Also volunteered at hospice and children's hospital. And hung out with my significant other in between.

 

[TwistinD]

Got a masters in medical ethics, presented my thesis at a conference, spent some time abroad doing a public health course, full time clinical research job in plastics, taught medical ethics to med students, did some independent research in neuroethics, non-med volunteering, a lot of cycling trips, and random road trips up the east coast...

.... also accumulated some fantastically disturbing dating stories

 

[Jennyfishy]

I decided somewhat late in my college career to pursue medicine. Hence, my gap year was filled with clinical volunteering (at two locations, one is a big hospital, the other a Native American non-profit clinic) and long-term shadowing. I also held a teaching job and taught myself web design, and took vietnamese (coincidence? except that I'm white) and most importantly SPANISH classes.

Ooh, did you take classes at a local college or something? I've seeing a lot of people taking those immersion programs in other states - I hear University of Wisconsin (Madison) has awesome ones, where you can even learn Sanskrit, etc.

 

[Jennyfishy]

Study for my MCAT, volunteer as a mentor , became a cna, worked as a cna, worked as a non-certified medical assistant.

That sounds awesome! How'd you end up getting involved with the CNA process? Did you decide you wanted to do this on your year off early and take the necessary classes and enroll in a program too?

 

[Jennyfishy]

Worked in a nonprofit that helped survivors of trauma, namely sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Also volunteered at hospice and children's hospital. And hung out with my significant other in between.

yeah, that's what my "SO" is looking forward too. I can't afford rent with my impending doom (aka loan payments), so I'm temporarily moving in with him while looking for these opportunities.

Was there required training stuff you had to do to work with the assault and abuse things? I was thinking about getting certified for this too, especially since I have an EMT certification that's basically rotting in my wallet.

 

[Ost3oclast]

I worked full time and took a couple of science classes for fun. It was nice!

 

[Jennyfishy]

Got a masters in medical ethics, presented my thesis at a conference, spent some time abroad doing a public health course, full time clinical research job in plastics, taught medical ethics to med students, did some independent research in neuroethics, non-med volunteering, a lot of cycling trips, and random road trips up the east coast...

.... also accumulated some fantastically disturbing dating stories

Where'd you go for abroad? I'm interested in eventually pursing an MD/MPH type of program, so I am definitely in need of educating myself on public health stuffs

This seems like a lot - how long was your gap? Or you're just totally awesome. Is it okay if I make you my new spirit animal? 😀

Teaching med students sounds amazing. We def need more culturally competent and politically aware physicians!

I'm also curious about the most bizarre dating story you acquired. Of course, I don't expect you to share 😉

 

[Jennyfishy]

I worked full time and took a couple of science classes for fun. It was nice!

Were you enrolled in classes through your uni, auditing, or taking courses elsewhere?

I think I'd want to just take a bunch of random classes like piano lessons or language courses if I have enough money when I return to the states

 

[Ost3oclast]

Were you enrolled in classes through your uni, auditing, or taking courses elsewhere?

I think I'd want to just take a bunch of random classes like piano lessons or language courses if I have enough money when I return to the states

I was actually enrolled in classes at my uni. P-chem and some biochem. It kept me sharp enough while giving me a break from full time classes as well.

 

[Jennyfishy]

That actually sounds like a really good thing to do, especially with my brain starting to rot from all the video games I've been playing lately 😛

Too bad my school gave me the boot as soon as I finished my undergrad requirements, hahaha

 

[Ost3oclast]

Too bad my school gave me the boot as soon as I finished my undergrad requirements, hahaha

You couldnt do an unofficial post-bac?

 

[Jennyfishy]

You couldnt do an unofficial post-bac?

My GPA isn't really much of an issue, so it wouldn't really benefit me much relative to the cost, unless I'm misunderstanding something.

But to be honest, I haven't done much (if any) research on post-bac programs (official or unofficial).

I graduated from a UC, so I'm sure it's there somewhere. If you have some time, care to enlighten me a bit about unofficial programs? 😀

 

[Bisonman80]

Ooh, did you take classes at a local college or something? I've seeing a lot of people taking those immersion programs in other states - I hear University of Wisconsin (Madison) has awesome ones, where you can even learn Sanskrit, etc.

Yeah at a local JC. I loved learning vietnamese, and I got a lot of use for both vietnamese and spanish working at the hospital.

 

[Planes2Doc]

I did things I was "passionate" about, and I'm stcking by that story!

 

[aspiring20]

I did things I was "passionate" about, and I'm stcking by that story!

👍

 

[TwistinD]

Where'd you go for abroad? I'm interested in eventually pursing an MD/MPH type of program, so I am definitely in need of educating myself on public health stuffs

This seems like a lot - how long was your gap? Or you're just totally awesome. Is it okay if I make you my new spirit animal? 😀

Teaching med students sounds amazing. We def need more culturally competent and politically aware physicians!

I'm also curious about the most bizarre dating story you acquired. Of course, I don't expect you to share 😉

During undergrad I spent over a year living in Denmark doing a comparative healthcare course and then a couple months spent in Holland doing public health ethics during grad school. I really love northern Europe haha.

I'm finishing up my second gap year now and going on my third (and hopefully final) one. It has been a lot, but I love it all and that's what matters of course! 🙂

As for dating... I live in a city that's been dubbed the #1 cheating city, and it just so happens to be filled w politicians and lawyers alike. That should give you a good start... 😉

Sent from my ADR6410LVW using SDN Mobile

 

[Jennyfishy]

I did things I was "passionate" about, and I'm stcking by that story!

😉?

 

[circulus vitios]

Working non-clinical jobs. I want to volunteer to buff up my application, but I can't bring myself to go through that hell again.

 

[Jennyfishy]

During undergrad I spent over a year living in Denmark doing a comparative healthcare course and then a couple months spent in Holland doing public health ethics during grad school. I really love northern Europe haha.

I'm finishing up my second gap year now and going on my third (and hopefully final) one. It has been a lot, but I love it all and that's what matters of course! 🙂

As for dating... I live in a city that's been dubbed the #1 cheating city, and it just so happens to be filled w politicians and lawyers alike. That should give you a good start... 😉

I love reading stories like these because it shows how much my attitude towards Med School continues to change over the years as well. To think, I used to think that taking a gap year was a bad thing 😀.

If I had a sugar daddy, I would spend my year just travelling and backpacking in random places, but alas, the 18k debt is not too fond of that...🙂

Have you found any new opportunities or career routes that will integrate the public health in the mean time? Or better yet, what kinds of stuff are you interested in pursuing in the future that combines the public health and medicine interests you have?

Ah, I see what you mean now 😉. Fun memories to look back on and feel nostalgic about from time to time. 😀

 

[Jennyfishy]

Working non-clinical jobs. I want to volunteer to buff up my application, but I can't bring myself to go through that hell again.

the torment of being looked down upon and treated like an incompetent middle schooler in the hospitals?

Our school boasts its awesome volunteering/clinical opportunities, but unless you're there for like 1+ years or have connections, you pretty much are stuck in the stockroom or at the desk filing papers with the occasional interesting story. And the other college students who go through the program are just as lazy

I'd like to have a little bit more clinical experience too, but real world job experience out of school seems to be more beneficial in the long run at this point 😛

 

[circulus vitios]

the torment of being looked down upon and treated like an incompetent middle schooler in the hospitals?

Our school boasts its awesome volunteering/clinical opportunities, but unless you're there for like 1+ years or have connections, you pretty much are stuck in the stockroom or at the desk filing papers with the occasional interesting story. And the other college students who go through the program are just as lazy

I'd like to have a little bit more clinical experience too, but real world job experience out of school seems to be more beneficial in the long run at this point 😛

Last time I volunteered, about a half dozen retirees, a couple college kids, and a half dozen high school kids would sit in a room. An errand would be phoned in every 30 minutes. Nine out of ten times, the retirees would immediately jump on the jobs. I spent literally 3 or 4 hours staring at the wall/floor/my feet.

 

[Jennyfishy]

Oh yes, that was basically the first clinical "internship" I was at too. But we were told to look like we were doing stuff, so we'd just scribble on blank pieces of paper while parents walked by. And at the end of the quarter we were required to write a 3 page reflection on how meaningful the experience was. xD

 

[Planes2Doc]

Working non-clinical jobs. I want to volunteer to buff up my application, but I can't bring myself to go through that hell again.

I hear your lack of desire to perform free slave labor... I mean volunteering in the hospital, means you'll make a terrible physician. Tsk tsk.

 

[TwistinD]

I love reading stories like these because it shows how much my attitude towards Med School continues to change over the years as well. To think, I used to think that taking a gap year was a bad thing 😀.

If I had a sugar daddy, I would spend my year just travelling and backpacking in random places, but alas, the 18k debt is not too fond of that...🙂

Have you found any new opportunities or career routes that will integrate the public health in the mean time? Or better yet, what kinds of stuff are you interested in pursuing in the future that combines the public health and medicine interests you have?

Ah, I see what you mean now 😉. Fun memories to look back on and feel nostalgic about from time to time. 😀

Well, I'm more into medical ethics and intend to maintain involvement in clinical ethics trials and med ethics education as a physician, but I think that having a strong awareness of public health helps immensely either way. My passion is neuroethics, and I definitely see myself going into some kind of neuro-based field - possibly consulting with governmental health organizations in the future in addition to clinical practice (WHO, President's Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, etc). I could talk about this or ages 🙄

Otherwise, traveling is my #1 love, but my student loans hate me with a vengeance...

 

[Jennyfishy]

I think that having a strong awareness of public health helps immensely either way.

👍👍👍 I couldn't agree more. The more involved with non-medical stuff on campus I was, the more I started to see its importance. I took a public health seminar and the general lack of awareness to issues among different ethnic and socioecononic groups was...amazing. As physicians, this should be the foundation of our practices - understanding where the patients are coming from.

My passion is neuroethics, and I definitely see myself going into some kind of neuro-based field - possibly consulting with governmental health organizations in the future in addition to clinical practice (WHO, President's Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, etc). I could talk about this or ages 🙄

Otherwise, traveling is my #1 love, but my student loans hate me with a vengeance...

Sounds like a fantastic pursuit, I would love to learn more if you had time to share!

I guess we could hitchhike across the world...

 

[AdrianVeidt]

Got a clinical job working directly with patients.

 

[earf]

yeah, that's what my "SO" is looking forward too. I can't afford rent with my impending doom (aka loan payments), so I'm temporarily moving in with him while looking for these opportunities.

Was there required training stuff you had to do to work with the assault and abuse things? I was thinking about getting certified for this too, especially since I have an EMT certification that's basically rotting in my wallet.

Yeah I had go through a training but it as provided by the employer. It'll totally be a good idea to move in with your partner and split costs during this time

 

[Jennyfishy]

Yeah I had go through a training but it as provided by the employer. It'll totally be a good idea to move in with your partner and split costs during this time

It's probably more accurate to say it's closer to freeloading kind of thing. I'm renting half of the bed and the coffee table for when I use my computer to look for jobs and internships

Ooh. If I find a job that works with people, I'll be sure to ask about these possible training opportunities.

On an unrelated note, I've heard that phlebotomy certification + job is a worthwhile experience. If there are other phlebotomists lurking this thread, I'd love your input too! 😀

 

[devinakbv]

It was great to come to this choice as an adult rather than a new college student, without any pressure to pursue it from anybody in my life by myself.

 

[burbbs]

A lot of video games

 

[Jennyfishy]

A lot of video games

Guilty. While people were busy doing last minute edits on their personal statements for the 6/10 submission date, I was catching up on my hiatuses from LoL and SCII...

But that won't pay my bills because I haven't had time to go pro and get sponsors!

 

[Omppu27]

Guilty. While people were busy doing last minute edits on their personal statements for the 6/10 submission date, I was catching up on my hiatuses from LoL and SCII...

But that won't pay my bills because I haven't had time to go pro and get sponsors!

 

[gmcguitar4]

Well..in my 3 gap years I had 2 jobs, did a bunch of research, took some more undergrad courses, spent way too much money, and toured with a couple of bands.

 

[Jennyfishy]

Well..in my 3 gap years I had 2 jobs, did a bunch of research, took some more undergrad courses, spent way too much money, and toured with a couple of bands.

Were your three years off planned or did you choose to pursue medicine after (or neither)?

Ahaha, that sounds like a great life story to share with adcoms. How'd you end up in the music scene?

 

[Jennyfishy]

It was great to come to this choice as an adult rather than a new college student, without any pressure to pursue it from anybody in my life by myself.

Just noticed there was supposed to be a picture in your reply(?) I can't see it from my computer or phone D:

But yes, I'm sure it's better in the long run than being motivated by arbitrary things like prestige, bringing honor to the family, etc. Haha!

 

[earf]

It's probably more accurate to say it's closer to freeloading kind of thing. I'm renting half of the bed and the coffee table for when I use my computer to look for jobs and internships

Ooh. If I find a job that works with people, I'll be sure to ask about these possible training opportunities.

On an unrelated note, I've heard that phlebotomy certification + job is a worthwhile experience. If there are other phlebotomists lurking this thread, I'd love your input too! 😀

There are lots of certificates that are pretty worthwhile to get to get a job. Phlebotomy is one that pays pretty well. I heard some CNA programs take only a month or two to get a certificate. CLS is a year and even though it pays well and is good work, might not work for a gap year. EMT can be a few months of training, but you may find a program that is accelerated at 1.5 months or less...

Overall, your gap year shouldn't be focused on JUST making money since it's only temporary. I think the best gap year activities are the ones that give you the best long-term professional development towards a career in medicine (e.g., interpersonal skills, bedside manner, etc.)

 

[gmcguitar4]

Were your three years off planned or did you choose to pursue medicine after (or neither)?

Ahaha, that sounds like a great life story to share with adcoms. How'd you end up in the music scene?

1 was planned. 2 were failed cycles but I am kind of glad I didn't get in right away. I wasn't mentally ready for med school before but after those 3 years I had plenty of time to reflect and solidify my decision to goto med school.

I was in the music scene throughout college. Played in a bunch of different jazz and rock groups. Latin jazz is the $hit.

 

[Jennyfishy]

There are lots of certificates that are pretty worthwhile to get to get a job. Phlebotomy is one that pays pretty well. I heard some CNA programs take only a month or two to get a certificate. CLS is a year and even though it pays well and is good work, might not work for a gap year. EMT can be a few months of training, but you may find a program that is accelerated at 1.5 months or less...

Overall, your gap year shouldn't be focused on JUST making money since it's only temporary. I think the best gap year activities are the ones that give you the best long-term professional development towards a career in medicine (e.g., interpersonal skills, bedside manner, etc.)

Yeah, the harder part is finding a local program that isn't too far away. Most of the ones I've read about are in the bay area/SF >.>

Even with my EMT certification, there's not much I can do with it unless I'm willing to move to a different city that's hiring. But most of those jobs pay minimum wage, so I couldn't live on my own anyway. Thus, back to square one/freeloading off the SO

Oh, for sure. I seem to talk a lot about money and debt, but it's not my primary motivating in determining what I'm willing to do 😀. That's why I started this forum to begin with - to learn more about different areas I could explore during my year (or more) off!

 

[Jennyfishy]

1 was planned. 2 were failed cycles but I am kind of glad I didn't get in right away. I wasn't mentally ready for med school before but after those 3 years I had plenty of time to reflect and solidify my decision to goto med school.

I was in the music scene throughout college. Played in a bunch of different jazz and rock groups. Latin jazz is the $hit.

I see. Do you mind giving a little insight to what you worked on after the not so successful application cycles? I'm for sure taking a gap year, but I know it could very easily be two or even three, so the more I know about what's ahead, the better 😀

Ooh. Got any online albums or places I could listen to samples of your music? 😛