no clinical or shadowing experience

[bowlesman]

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As the title suggests, I don't have clinical or shadowing under my belt. I mentioned this in the general MD forum and everyone basically told me I have no chance. I did not specify that I am doing an MD/PhD so I figured I should ask people in this forum.

I feel like I'm a fairly strong candidate otherwise. 3.95 GPA, 36O MCAT, 3+ years of research, 2 research awards (no publications).

So my question is, am I at a disadvantage for not having clinical experience? Should I just wait another year and get the clinical experience that is apparently necessary? I really want to get into a top program but realize that most schools only have 15 spots or fewer. Some people are telling me to just try it and to reapply if I don't get in. Unfortunately, that's a ton of money that I'm throwing down and I'd have to somehow make myself an even STRONGER candidate if I want any chance of being admitted the second time around. As far as I'm concerned, I've only got one shot. Do I take it or wait and improve my game?

 

[gbwillner]

As the title suggests, I don't have clinical or shadowing under my belt. I mentioned this in the general MD forum and everyone basically told me I have no chance. I did not specify that I am doing an MD/PhD so I figured I should ask people in this forum.

I feel like I'm a fairly strong candidate otherwise. 3.95 GPA, 36O MCAT, 3+ years of research, 2 research awards (no publications).

So my question is, am I at a disadvantage for not having clinical experience? Should I just wait another year and get the clinical experience that is apparently necessary? I really want to get into a top program but realize that most schools only have 15 spots or fewer. Some people are telling me to just try it and to reapply if I don't get in. Unfortunately, that's a ton of money that I'm throwing down and I'd have to somehow make myself an even STRONGER candidate if I want any chance of being admitted the second time around. As far as I'm concerned, I've only got one shot. Do I take it or wait and improve my game?

Are you at a disadvantage? Well, it depends- different programs will have different requirements for your clinical background when applying. Overall, I would say YES you are at a disadvantage across all programs, although it may not impact your application at any one specific program. In general programs want to know that you know something about the clinical world- after all, you are seeking a medical degree. You will likely (overall) have less requirements in this area than MD-only applicants.

Not to worry though- this is the easiest obsticle to overcome. Walk into a local hospital and tell them you want to volunteer to do something for like 2 hrs/week for a few weeks. Then do that. Problem solved.

 

[K31]

In my opinion, you will be at a disadvantage by not having any clinical experience. The expectations are less for MD/PhD applicants, but I've also recommended applicants with strong research qualifications but without any experience whatsoever be rejected for that reason.

MD/PhD admissions are mainly about the research, but you're also going to be a doctor and will spend at least a couple years in the hospital during medical school even if you decide to not do a residency. What if you absolutely hate it? You should have at least an idea of what you are getting into.

 

[bowlesman]

Right now, I'm 23 years old. If I wait another year, I'll be starting my program at the age of 25. I will finish the program at 32 at the earliest. This isn't taking into account the residency/post-doc. In your opinion, is it too late for me? Do admissions officers even want someone like me who basically took a 3 year hiatus without doing anything spectacular?

 

[K31]

Do admissions officers even want someone like me who basically took a 3 year hiatus without doing anything spectacular?

Totally depends what you've been doing during that time. Doesn't need to be spectacular, but it needs to be worthwhile--research is best obviously, but other pursuits are acceptable too.

Early 30's isn't abnormal for MD/PhD graduation. I'll be almost 31 when I start residency.

 

[ucbundergrad]

Couldn't you just start the volunteering right now while you are applying? Then you could just put it as an ongoing thing on your primary and by the time you do secondaries, etc you will have had the minimum amount. I personally would not wait another year to apply just to get "clinical" experience.

 

[bowlesman]

Couldn't you just start the volunteering right now while you are applying? Then you could just put it as an ongoing thing on your primary and by the time you do secondaries, etc you will have had the minimum amount. I personally would not wait another year to apply just to get "clinical" experience.

Would that be sufficient though? Wouldn't admissions look at that and think that I'm only doing it for the sake of doing it? I plan to start volunteering very soon but would applying now seem a little contrived?

 

[K31]

Wouldn't admissions look at that and think that I'm only doing it for the sake of doing it?

Perhaps, but that's the case for many applicants. It's not like premeds shadow physicians because that's how they want to spend their days off--they do it because it is expected of them.

Bottom line, as long as you have some clinical experience that you can put down on AMCAS, it's not likely to come up for MD/PhD admissions.