Odd question, but is working in a morgue with a pathologist considered clinical experience?

[StrongNucleophile]

So over the summer, I spent time in an autopsy lab with a pathologist and got to help carry the organs around the room and place em in their designated location. Does that count as clinical experience even though the patients aren't exactly...well..conscious?

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[TheBiologist]

ha - well a pathologist is an MD and that's his job

it's certainly application worthy

 

[candbgirl]

More like shadowing than clinical experience. But I bet very interesting.


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[RunawayGrape]

Well, you're definitely close enough to smell the patients...

 

[kraskadva]

So over the summer, I spent time in an autopsy lab with a pathologist and got to help carry the organs around the room and place em in their designated location. Does that count as clinical experience even though the patients aren't exactly...well..conscious?

I did something similar, and used it as a clinical/shadowing experience, but not as the only one. I also have a strong interest in going into pathology, so it fit with everything else.
But it short, yes it is a clinical experience. However, you should have other experiences with living patients, as that is what admissions folks will want to see more.

 

[Ismet]

More like shadowing than clinical experience. But I bet very interesting.


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Shadowing is clinical experience. They're not mutually exclusive.

 

[Goro]

It IS a clinical experience, but don't for a second think that it's patient contact experience.

So over the summer, I spent time in an autopsy lab with a pathologist and got to help carry the organs around the room and place em in their designated location. Does that count as clinical experience even though the patients aren't exactly...well..conscious?

 

[Theseus]

I'd be very excited to read the description. Bonus points if it is a Meaningful Experience.

 

[LizzyM]

I'd suggest tagging it as "shadowing". And yes, by my definition it is a clinical experience. However, as pointed out, you should have some clinical experience with patients in care settings where you are able to speak with them. Even if you are interested in pathology, having a clinical volunteer experience or employment in an emergency department or in a primary care setting (clinic/doctor's office) is valuable as it will make up a portion of your training in medical school regardless of the specialty you choose.

 

[JustAPhD]

Well, you're definitely close enough to smell the patients...

But don't try to smell the bodies. Might cause some questions to be asked of you..

 

[RogueBanana]

"I don't know, i've never worked with a living patient before"
Has a nice ring to it for when annoying patients ask you questions during residency...