Hey guys - I need help deciding between gap year jobs/experiences

[seagerco1]

I am soon to be beginning one of at least two gap years and am fortunate enough to have two potential opportunities that I am having trouble deciding between. Both options offer the same salary, and I am very interested in both lines of research. One option provides better mentorship/research opportunity but gives me less clinical exposure than the other path. For reference, I currently have ~250 hrs of clinical work as an MA and ~300 hours of clinical volunteering but really don't know how to decide between two great experiences.

Option 1: Work full-time as a researcher under an MD doing bioengineering-related research work but no patient interaction. Would be able to get a few 1st/2nd author pubs.

Option 2: Work part-time as a researcher for a general surgery resident in her clinical research year and get a 2nd author publication or two while also working part time as a MA/scribe.

 

[MedSchoolTutors]

Both of these seem like great opportunities. Honestly, do whichever one you personally think you will enjoy more/ find more fulfilling.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[GreenDuck12]

For option 1, how much contact would you have with the MD? Are they hands on with the projects or are they mostly dealing with administrative matters?

 

[seagerco1]

For option 1, how much contact would you have with the MD? Are they hands on with the projects or are they mostly dealing with administrative matters?

Project 1 would be a solid amount of interaction with the MD; seeing him 2-3 times a week and very hands on with my project whereas the second option would be more administrative/writing but giving me time to further expand my clinical exposure.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Cool! Both options sound great, if you’re into bioengineering go with that. If you think you might be interested in surgery go with option 2. Either one will be a great EC. I don’t see one as having a significantly larger impact on your application.