How Pretentious is this?

[JimmyG]

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I just found out that the physician I shadowed when I was in high school (senior year) is now the new dean of our state medical school. I wasn't going to list this as medical experience since it was so long ago, but now, in light of these new events, I would like to put it on my application. Is this just obnoxiously pretentious of me?? Do you think it would help?

 

[TypeA]

I just found out that the physician I shadowed when I was in high school (senior year) is now the new dean of our state medical school. I wasn't going to list this as medical experience since it was so long ago, but now, in light of these new events, I would like to put it on my application. Is this just obnoxiously pretentious of me?? Do you think it would help?

How long ago was that? And...most importantly, how do you think he/she would respond if asked about you?

 

[rouge et noir]

I'd do it, but only if you think he'd remember you (positively).

 

[JimmyG]

How long ago was that? And...most importantly, how do you think he/she would respond if asked about you?

Well, I'm having a 10 year reunion this fall...so awhile back.

Thanks for the input...think I'll stick it on. Can't hurt, you know...

 

[MedSchoolFool]

Go for it! It's not your fault that the doctor you shadowed back then is the dean of the medical school now.

But at the same time...is it really worth mentioning shadowing experience from high school, which seems to have been at least 10 years ago for you? I don't know. Maybe your shadowing experience lasted for a substantial period of time and led to some other substantial medical experience....but I have to wonder...what is the statute of limitations on EC's for med school applications now-a-days?

 

[FDoRoML]

If your experience was intense enough for you to be comfortable going back to the physician and asking for a rec letter (of course, updating your life with him and showing that you're still dedicated, how you've advanced, etc) then why not list it? Obviously, try to get a letter or at least talk to him and get yourself frech in his mind because they may ask him... especially if you're applying where he's Dean.

If it's just for name-dropping purposes, though, and it's questionable how well he'll remember you... avoid it. They can see through all the bullpuckies that pre-meds try.

 

[Law2Doc]

I just found out that the physician I shadowed when I was in high school (senior year) is now the new dean of our state medical school. I wasn't going to list this as medical experience since it was so long ago, but now, in light of these new events, I would like to put it on my application. Is this just obnoxiously pretentious of me?? Do you think it would help?

Getting in touch with him, reminding him how he knows you and talking to him about your application is a smarter move than just blindly listing that you shadowed him in high school. You don't want to just blindly hope he notices and remembers. That is a pretty silly way to use pull.

 

[JamieMac]

I guess I'm not quite sure as to why this would qualify as "pretentious", let alone "obnoxiously pretentious". If you were to suggest that your relationship with said individual was something that is was not, it could be…but I don’t believe this is what you’re implying. Otherwise, it is what it is…you shadowed him/her in HS – end of story. If you made profound impact on him/her 10 years ago, it may or may not have an impact on your application. Probably worth listing. Good luck. 👍

 

[stinastina]

Getting in touch with him, reminding him how he knows you and talking to him about your application is a smarter move than just blindly listing that you shadowed him in high school. You don't want to just blindly hope he notices and remembers. That is a pretty silly way to use pull.

I totally agree. This is the most important time in your life for advancing your career. Remind him and let him know how you appreciated the time he allowed you to shadow him and that you are interested in his school. There is no shame in asking for what you want.

 

[Wackie]

I totally agree. This is the most important time in your life for advancing your career. Remind him and let him know how you appreciated the time he allowed you to shadow him and that you are interested in his school. There is no shame in asking for what you want.

I would follow Law2Doc's advice.

Leave out the part of being interested in his school right off the bat. He'll feel used. Get his input on your application though.

That's really cool that he's a dean now.