Need advice : Global Health Trip Overlaps with Start of MS2

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Hi all,
I’m starting my 2nd year of med school this summer and wanted to get some quick advice.
I joined a research team involved in a global health project, and they’re planning a trip to developing country for project/research. The trip isn’t mandatory for research but being on-site could help me understand the research better.

The issue is timing. trip overlaps with the start of MS2, including the first week of lectures. (Most of the lectures will be online and I asked my preclinical director if I can access those in advance, I am waiting for response) and we start with Renal we have first exam 8 days we start semester. (I might request push back exam but i have another exam coming week after so idk if this is good idea) I heard Renal is pretty rigorous. If I happen to go that trip I am planning to start studying soon with materials but watch lecture whenever it is uploaded.

Pros of going on the trip:

1. See the research setting firsthand, likely deepening my understanding of the project.

2. Opportunity to gain field experience. i’ve gone global health trips before, but this team has unique program I would like to observe on spot.

Cons of going on the trip:

1. Overlaps with the first week of 2nd year. Risk of starting the academic year behind or overwhelmed

2. The trip is optional , I can still contribute to the research without going in person
3. Need to spend extra $1600 for trip

• How’s Renal on 2nd year? Renal 1 was physio heavy is it something similar?
• Any advice on balancing opportunities like this with staying on track academically?

Thanks in advance for your input — I’d love to hear your honest thoughts!

 

[mistafab]

My opinion:

The only reason to miss med school is catastrophe.

 

[Dral]

That's a tough call.

However, if it was me and my mentor said the trip was necessary, I might be thinking of ways to say I couldn't make it due to the start of the med school year. That tells me maybe skip it.

I remember renal being one of the tougher things along with cardio. It's just very physio heavy. Is there a way you could just go on part of the trip and come back early?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I would advise you not to go on the trip. Did you talk with financial aid about how much the $1600 you spend will impact your financial aid?

Your start dates for each of the four years of your medical school curriculum were likely set in stone when you matriculated. This helps you avoid scheduling big events (like weddings) on significant exam dates. You will be expected to show up at the start of second year unless you have an excuse not to be there. Ask if you can get an excuse, but I will assume the answer is no.

Perhaps the trip will be there for you before you start third-year. Get done with preclinicals and pass Step 1. That is your mission should you choose to take it.

 

[AJS59]

Hi all,
I’m starting my 2nd year of med school this summer and wanted to get some quick advice.
I joined a research team involved in a global health project, and they’re planning a trip to developing country for project/research. The trip isn’t mandatory for research but being on-site could help me understand the research better.

The issue is timing. trip overlaps with the start of MS2, including the first week of lectures. (Most of the lectures will be online and I asked my preclinical director if I can access those in advance, I am waiting for response) and we start with Renal we have first exam 8 days we start semester. (I might request push back exam but i have another exam coming week after so idk if this is good idea) I heard Renal is pretty rigorous. If I happen to go that trip I am planning to start studying soon with materials but watch lecture whenever it is uploaded.

Pros of going on the trip:

1. See the research setting firsthand, likely deepening my understanding of the project.

2. Opportunity to gain field experience. i’ve gone global health trips before, but this team has unique program I would like to observe on spot.

Cons of going on the trip:

1. Overlaps with the first week of 2nd year. Risk of starting the academic year behind or overwhelmed

2. The trip is optional , I can still contribute to the research without going in person
3. Need to spend extra $1600 for trip

• How’s Renal on 2nd year? Renal 1 was physio heavy is it something similar?
• Any advice on balancing opportunities like this with staying on track academically?

Thanks in advance for your input — I’d love to hear your honest thoughts!

We do things differently so I don't meaningfully know what the difference between "1st" and "2nd" year renal is, but renal is always a bear. Be in person if you can.

 

[Tenk]

If this is a developing country, as you mentioned, you are also taking a gamble with your personal health. There is absolutely no guarantee that you will remain healthy on this trip and that could have far worse consequences than just missing one week of lecture, like repeating an entire semester.

I would strongly advise against going. Going over the summer is one thing (as you have time to recover), but going at the start of MS2 is not a good idea.