Importance of student activities

[James105]

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Hello!

I am an M1 and I am beginning to try to figure out which student organizations I should become involved in. there are some opportunities in the community, unrelated to the medical school that I am interested in as well.

So here is my question, how important are student activities and organizational involvement to residencies?

 

[Lanolin]

Do something other than study and take exams. Personally I don't think it matters if you are a marathon runner or a book reader at retirement homes, but it's important to show that you are interested in something other than medicine. There will be a site somewhere that likes whatever you do for a hobby, it just might not be the one that you want (ie I don't think OHSU and Denver care about the book reading 🙂 )

 

[ROSY GOMER]

Do something other than study and take exams. Personally I don't think it matters if you are a marathon runner or a book reader at retirement homes, but it's important to show that you are interested in something other than medicine. There will be a site somewhere that likes whatever you do for a hobby, it just might not be the one that you want (ie I don't think OHSU and Denver care about the book reading 🙂 )

This. Also, if your school has EMIG that is a good place to get involved, allows you to meet other cool people, and displays your interest in emergency medicine (I am assuming you are because you are posting in the EM area of the forum). Do something for your sanity that is not even remotely related to medicine, and it will show that you are "well-rounded."

 

[James105]

I guess I am concerned about the deans letter. I plan on doing some scholarly work, work at our school in the EMIG, and I want to do some work at the state level in public health.

My concern is that last bit because I could get involved in the leadership of a free clinic at my school, and I don't know if I should do this (not really enthusiastic due to the poor faculty leadership).

I am also interested in how important school activities are for EM residencies.

 

[ROSY GOMER]

I guess I am concerned about the deans letter. I plan on doing some scholarly work, work at our school in the EMIG, and I want to do some work at the state level in public health.

My concern is that last bit because I could get involved in the leadership of a free clinic at my school, and I don't know if I should do this (not really enthusiastic due to the poor faculty leadership).

I am also interested in how important school activities are for EM residencies.

It is more important to do something you are enthusiastic about and that you enjoy than it is to do something that you thing will look good. And it is only your first year, do not stress about the dean's letter. Most of the material on the dean's letter is generated from your third year clerkships (at least at my school). All of your extracurriculars appear on it, but also in your CV, so in that regard the dean's letter is just redundant.

My sense at this point (as an M4) is that EM residencies like to see a commitment to EM AND that you are involved in other things, particularly other things not related medicine. At this point I'd say just go find something you enjoy doing with your time and not stress about what EM residencies are interested in.

 

[deuist]

As interview season is about to get started, I can tell you that there is not one organization you could join that would impress me unless you can demonstrate some kind of active role. Joining the free clinic does nothing for me unless you're organizing it. Same with the public health issues.

I am interested in people who do research, particularly getting published. I also like people with hobbies outside of medicine. Do you do anything outside of the school or hospital like play in a band or belong to an athletic team that practices more often than once a week? If so, I would like to hear more about it during an interview.

 

[James105]

As an M1, this new mindset is difficult to get my mind around! To get into med school, we had to do a ton of volunteer stuff, and everyone was really concerned with my extracurricular. Now I mostly get advice to do well in school and do some research.

I guess I just need to hear it a few times to get it into my head...should i really just do the extracurricular that I want to? Is this lack of concern for extracurriculars similar in all specialties?

 

[winkleweizen]

As an M1, this new mindset is difficult to get my mind around! To get into med school, we had to do a ton of volunteer stuff, and everyone was really concerned with my extracurricular. Now I mostly get advice to do well in school and do some research.

I guess I just need to hear it a few times to get it into my head...should i really just do the extracurricular that I want to? Is this lack of concern for extracurriculars similar in all specialties?

Dude, do what you want to. If you hvae the grades and can interview ok youll do well.

 

[dally1025]

As an M1, this new mindset is difficult to get my mind around! To get into med school, we had to do a ton of volunteer stuff, and everyone was really concerned with my extracurricular. Now I mostly get advice to do well in school and do some research.

I guess I just need to hear it a few times to get it into my head...should i really just do the extracurricular that I want to? Is this lack of concern for extracurriculars similar in all specialties?

It's a completely different mindset but it's the truth. I was very active in extra curriculars in undergrand but once med school started I really didn't do much and it hasn't seemed to hurt me as far as interviews for residency. Most specialties don't really care about extracurriculars unless it's research (some specialties pretty much require research). Med school is tough and people understand that after studying/working all week long you need a break from medicine. If working in the free clinic or volunteering somewhere is enjoyable and helps you relax than go for it but it's by no means necessary. Just don't get so overextended your grades suffer. There isn't a lot of free time during most of med school so make the most of it!

 

[Disinence2]

Don't do anything that will interfere with your ability to score well on your step exams, or do poorly in your classes.

Do well on step 1, don't fail any rotations, and act like a normal fun person and your fine.

 

[deuist]

should i really just do the extracurricular that I want to?

Yep. I had a classmate who did not one EC the entire four years in med school. He didn't even go to a single free clinic day. He scored >250 on STEP I and got his top pick for residency. That's how it works at this level. Your future employer certainly wants you to be grounded and be somewhat interesting to talk to, but most importantly he/she needs to know that you can handle the patient load. That's why I find the medical school admissions process so frustrating. Much of what you had to do to get into medical school: volunteering, organic chemistry, etc... has no bearing on how you'll do as a physician.