How important is work experience for a postbac premed student?

[rivera1md]

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Hi all, i tried searching the forums before i posted this but couldnt find anything that helps enough so here it goes...before my bachelor degree in business i had some clinical experience in nurse assisting when i was in nursing school (did not finish), internal medicine office as medical assistant, kidney dialysis center as an hemodialysis tech, adult home care as an administrator/medical assistant, and mental health/substance abuse counseling for adolescents. However, I dont have any hospital experience other than an "animal hospital" over the last year when I thought I wanted to do animal medicine. As I finish up my premed classes, I expect that I will stay employed at least part time...my question, would it be okay I stay in this veterinary hospital where I have alot of fun with everything from vaccines, pharmacy, radiology, pre and post surgery, anesthesia, catheters, venipuncture and cytology or should I start looking for work experience that is better related like medical assisting or receptionist for a human clinic? Do you think its necessary that I should volunteer in the human sector even though time is money and would rather spend any extra time with my husband and our 3 kids? Will the veterinary hospital put me below the other applicants that may direct hospital experience?

 

[NewmansOwn]

This is a good question -- and a tough call. If you ONLY had the animal experience, I'd say that reflects poorly (i.e. - how do you know you'll like being an MD if you've never worked with human patients?). You, however, have a fair amount of clinical experience some time ago. I think you'll need to focus on why you came back to human medicine from veterinary medicine. If you have a compelling reason/story, then I'd say keep the job you have and enjoy the time with your family under the assumption you'll be able to effectively explain yourself when the time comes. Good luck.