Offered a job, but not sure

[closertofine]

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As a graduating senior who hasn't applied to med schools yet, I have to take a year off as I apply for the entering class of 2004. So I'm trying to figure out what to do for that year...I think it would help me to have some clinical-experience type job, since I only recently decided to go to med school and don't have much experience at all (though I'm starting to volunteer now).

I had an interview this morning at a doctor's office to work as a "back office assistant," basically taking histories, helping with minor surgeries, etc...though I'd have to work up front sometimes as well. I got the job within a few minutes, though I'm not sure I want to take it! One problem is, the doctor is a dermatologist, which hasn't been known as the most exciting of specialties (understatement!)...do you think med schools would think less of this job because it's at a dermatologist's office?

Also, I'm wondering if this job is the best option, or if I should try for something else...it pays only maybe about $16,000 a year, which I'm not sure is enough to live on. There are other things, like lab jobs, which might be higher-paying, though more boring (for me)...or I've thought about volunteer programs like Americorps or internships like at the NIH.

Sorry to ramble, just trying to figure things out...I'm applying MD only (not MD/PhD), so I don't think the research experience at a lab is totally necessary...and the clinical exposure at this job would be good. Still, it would probably be pretty boring (and it's in my college town)....and I would have to start pretty soon, so I wouldn't be able to volunteer abroad for a few weeks like I was planning to.

So what do you think? I'd love any opinions...since my parents really don't know what med schools are looking for and think moving back in with them for a year would be a good idea! (I'd rather not!!). Do med schools look at doctor's assistant jobs (I wonder what to call it...I'm not certified as a PA, so...) as good experience, or would they more appreciate a lab or research or volunteer job?

Thanks!

 

[lola]

it sounds like a great opportunity to me, and it sounds like it might be more interesting than other types of paying jobs you might be able to get, particularly since you're not interested in research. as for whether or not med schools will care that it is dermatology vs. something more exciting, why would they?!

i made about $15,000/yr working full time after graduating from college, and it was definitely NOT enough to support myself. the cost of living was rather high where i was working though. will you have any financial help? if not, i don't see how that will be enough to support yourself and pay application fees.

 

[geldrop]

16k is CRAP. Don't take it.

Get a job where you can actually earn some money, or at least would loads of fun.

Maybe be a waitress, or a stripper? Heck you tell any adcom you were a stripper thats an auto acceptance right there.

 

[Kermie]

Go after a job that you think you will enjoy not just something that may look good on a medical school application. As far as clinical experience, many medical schools consider volunteering sufficient (as long as you stuck with it).

 

[Lpgovard]

Having worked for my pediatrician for the last 7 years on and off during breaks, semesters off, etc. I would totally reccomend working at the dermatologist's office! Basically, although I am not a CNA, I am allowed to perform all the duties of a CNA. It is quite exciting to take hgb, do partial physicals, take history, etc. Its much more than just shadowing a doc!! Personally, this experience was always looked upon favorably by medical schools and is always a topic of conversation at interviews.
You come across all sorts of ethical dilemmas and its very hands on experience as opposed to lab work (which I did for 2 summers and did not love very much).
So go for it!!
Although moving back in with the parents could be a little intense...but its well worth the payoff (you don't have to pay for rent and food). That $15,000 should cover interview and application costs, unless ofcourse you want to apply to 40+ schools.
Good luck!

 

[Trix]

karen44,

I have been working in a similar position since I graduated last May and the clinical experience has been great. I have learned an incredible amount about patient care as well as a lot about the more mundane aspects of medicine-financial, insurance, and the mountains of paperwork that go along caring for patients. Overall, this year has been an invaluable experience, and I would do it again in a second!

As far as working in a derm. office, I don't think the specialty will matter. Adcoms want applicants to have clinical experience so they know what doctors do on a daily basis, and in this type of position you will definitely get significant exposure to the good and the bad. What matters is that you are enjoying what you are doing.

As far as the money goes, that is something you have to decide for yourself. 16K sounds low, but it is a relative to where you live and what your financial situation is. I could/would not have done it for 16K, and you may want to check out listngs for similar jobs in your area to see what the going rate is.

 

[surfsup]

If you think 16K/year is low, you ain't seen nothing yet! I think americorp is more like 10K/year. That is undoable in my opinion. But I do hear from some people whove done it that its a great experience and should be considered. Good luck with your decision.

 

[r_salis]

I think you'd get a lot of valuable experience working for the derm, but if there's *anything* else you really want to do with your year I'd do that instead, working and/or volunteering to get your medical experience in. This is probably the last year you'll have to do what *you* want to do -- once you start med school, then residency, then practice, your time won't be your own.

Good luck with your decision, these types of decisions are really hard!

 

[weirdo700]

You went to college and possess a degree. I say use your degree and work in the field you studied. It would make no sense to learn something and then never use this knowledge to your advantage, I think it also shows med schools that you are commited to your investments. If not for the money, do something related to your major because it conveys passion. You can definitely do research and volunteer in clinical settings simultaneously. If you want something more hands on, you might want to get an EMT certification or you might want to check out clinics (they usually have a shortage of people and are sometimes willing to give people more responsibilities). Its great you have a desire to be a physician, but don't forget that you can use your time off to set up a backup career or set up other avenues of study (Not everyone will gain admission to medical school). Doing research can actually set you up for a PhD (science work), J.D. (you can get involved in intellectual property), M.B.A. (if you worked in industry), and M.D. (science work).

After reading your post I kind of got the impression that you were going into medicine mostly for the money. I hope I don't offend you, but here are the reasons why: you worry alot about salary, you apparently like medical specialties which happen to be exciting but also the most highly paid, and instead of being concerned of whether YOU WILL ENJOY A JOB you ask whether it sounds good for medical school apps (an attitude that seems very business like). You also recently found a passion for medicine, which is something that people usually discover after years of volunteering. I'm not judging you, I'm just saying that your statement implies alot of things and before you apply you should definitely watch out for your wording on the personal statement of the application.

 

[Mutterkuchen]

After reading your post I kind of got the impression that you were going into medicine mostly for the money. I hope I don't offend you, but here are the reasons why: you worry alot about salary, you apparently like medical specialties which happen to be exciting but also the most highly paid, and instead of being concerned of whether YOU WILL ENJOY A JOB you ask whether it sounds good for medical school apps (an attitude that seems very business like). You also recently found a passion for medicine, which is something that people usually discover after years of volunteering. I'm not judging you, I'm just saying that your statement implies alot of things and before you apply you should definitely watch out for your wording on the personal statement of the application. [/B]

Worring about money is definitely legimitate, especially when you are talking about $16,000.

If you think that the experience is worth it, go for it. But don't feel guilty if you want to make some money in your year off. You will have plenty of time to live in poverty during med school.

 

[md_student10021]

doing this sort of job might help a little in the admissions game, but there are other clinical things you can do as well.

Is this supposed to be a full-time job? $16K is total crap. As a college grad you should be making significantly more. 16k won't pay the rent.

good luck

 

[MSTP boy]

Contrary to many of these posts, my advice:

ABSOLUTELY TAKE IT!!!!!! This job will be your gateway into medicine. Learning how to work in an office setting and early patient contact will be invaluable. The money is immaterial - you will have a great benefit package, new work-friends, and excellent recommendations. You will learn respect for office staff, and respect for patients, and the workload of a physician.

I know for a fact that there are PLENTY of MS-4 aspiring dermatologists who would love to have your experience. This is a coveted specialty which is nothing to be ashamed of. Dermatologists diagnose myriad diseases, including malignant melonoma, arguably the deadliest cancer known to man. Dermatologists perform surgeries, which you will be able to help with. Also, you will generally be seeing a pleasant patient population, which will give you confidence and satisfaction.

 

[relatively prime]

Originally posted by weirdo700

After reading your post I kind of got the impression that you were going into medicine mostly for the money. I hope I don't offend you, but here are the reasons why: you worry alot about salary, you apparently like medical specialties which happen to be exciting but also the most highly paid, and instead of being concerned of whether YOU WILL ENJOY A JOB you ask whether it sounds good for medical school apps (an attitude that seems very business like). You also recently found a passion for medicine, which is something that people usually discover after years of volunteering. I'm not judging you, I'm just saying that your statement implies alot of things and before you apply you should definitely watch out for your wording on the personal statement of the application.

You seriously need help. You've been way to taken in by the melodrama of being the "pure-hearted" pre-med. In the real world people have to worry about what adcoms are looking for... they also have to worry about money b/c med school is going to leave them ~100k in debt!!

TO the OP... get a job that pays more! You're going to need the money to apply.

 

[Doc Ivy]

I agree with those who have said to take the job because it is an AMAZING opportunity from what you've described, but I also agree with those that say the $16000 is just not gonna cut it financially. I guess my question is this: Why does this clinic think they can pimp you for your services.???
From the job description it seems like what you will be doing is worth way more than that...is there any room to renegotiate the salary? Maybe they think that because you're a new grad, you just don't know any better, or maybe they just think that you are looking for a glorified "volunteer" position, they probably think your parents are still supporting you. Whatever the case, make it clear to them that you intend to support yourself this year and ask if they can pay you more. If not, I'm with relatively prime---you need to bounce😀

 

[DarkChild]

booo hiss all over 16K. round here lab techs get paid twice that. is this a part time job?
seriously 16K will be very very tough if you're living on your own - if you live with your parents, it's probably more manageable, but still thats very little.
ask for more money. if not, walk away. find something else.
1) its a derm clinic - how exciting is that?
2) there are many other jobs out there which pay better and provide better medical experiences.
(not to be cynical - but I'm not surprised you were offered the job within minutes - he's probably done that to a couple of people before you, but no one's picked up the offer. FOR GOOD REASON!)

 

[closertofine]

Thanks for all the advice...I think I will call the doc back and tell her I won't be able to work for that salary...if I wasn't clear, I can't live at home and have this job (since it's more than an hour's drive away), so I don't think $16K is enough to support myself on.

I just wish I could find a job that is interesting, but pays enough so I can eat! I recently thought about applying for an EMT program over the summer and working as an EMT throughout the year...though I'm probably not the typical EMT...pretty quiet, sensitive...plus I don't know that I could lift very much weight! (I'm not sure if that's a requirement...).

Anyway, to the poster who told me I'm too concerned about the money...it's actually my parents who are stressing me out, wanting me to earn money from my job to put towards med school...I myself would be perfectly happy volunteering, as long as I had a bed to sleep in and a little to eat.

I really wasn't asking about whether my motives for going into medicine are good...if you weren't so quick to pass judgment, you would find out that I have been somewhat reluctant to go into medicine just BECAUSE so many people I know are doing it for the money or prestige, and I wanted to make sure I wasn't one of them. My dream actually would be to travel to third-world countries to practice...and all I want is enough money to survive on (and get a cup of good hot chocolate once in a while!).

Sorry if this sounded a little defensive...I just wanted to point out that my question really had nothing to do with my overall motives for entering medicine...if anything, I want to just avoid going into way too much debt so that I can practice for free at some point.

 

[closertofine]

Oh, about the $16K...that's what I calculated for working 40 hours a week, 12 months a year! And that doesn't take taxes into account!