*~*~*~*Official AMCAS "Work/Activities" Tips Thread 2015-2016*~*~*~*

[nugang]

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Yes you definitely have! I was just asking more so on how to go about describing research, in terms of details. Since mine is my most meaningful activity I'm having some trouble knowing if ADCOMs want to see more detail on specific projects I've worked on, the techniques ive learned and used independently on experiments, results? Or if I should have a basic outline of the two projects I have worked on, a few of the techniques/experiments I have done individually, and my output (manuscript, presentation etc.) [this is what i currently have in a draft]. I thought I would then use my MM space to talk about how research has impacted me and sparked me to continue medical research,etc.

Is this not advised? My other option I was thinking was to use some of the MM space to go into deeper details about my research since 700 characters only allows me to give the bare bare bones of what I have done. Would this be more suited for the interview, I'm assuming.

2) I'm happy to answer more questions. The MM space is not separate or divided off by a line. Instead there is a Notation to the side, in the margin that says Most Meaningful Experience Remarks. You will want to have a paragraph somewhere around there and then have your narrative flow into what else you have to say in the next 1325 characters. If you are having trouble saying all you've described in just 700 characters, some of it could be incorporated into the MM space, as well as impact, insights, and possibly anecdotes would go well there, too. Have I answered what I think was your unwritten question?

 

[Catalystik]

Also, some of the shadowing transitioned into scribing and translating for some of the providers later on. I talk about this in my PS and under another activity. I am planning on just including the hours I simply shadowed before scribing and translating and explaining it in my description box. Is this ok?

Yes, it sounds like you should have plenty of hours for shadowing alone.

 

[Catalystik]

@Catalystik, I'm trying to figure out how to classify this experience. I held the position of a clinical research intern a few summers ago with a lot of patient contact but I received a small stipend which really only covered travel and maybe a few other things getting me probably $4/hr when I calculate it. How do I list this? I'm wary of putting it was Other and they will just breeze by it and not notice the clinical experience.

A stipend does not constitute a wage, so you need not use the Employment -Medical/Clinical category, unless you need to highlight the Clinical component. If you have other patient-experience, then you might instead consider listing it under Research, so the research aspect isn't missed. Whichever one you pick, you'd want to include wording in the title that suggests the second category that the experience encompasses. Your description tells us how the two aspects come together.

 

[Catalystik]

I was just asking more so on how to go about describing research, in terms of details. Since mine is my most meaningful activity I'm having some trouble knowing if ADCOMs want to see more detail on specific projects I've worked on, the techniques ive learned and used independently on experiments, results? Or if I should have a basic outline of the two projects I have worked on, a few of the techniques/experiments I have done individually, and my output (manuscript, presentation etc.) [this is what i currently have in a draft]. I thought I would then use my MM space to talk about how research has impacted me and sparked me to continue medical research,etc.

Is this not advised? My other option I was thinking was to use some of the MM space to go into deeper details about my research since 700 characters only allows me to give the bare bare bones of what I have done. Would this be more suited for the interview, I'm assuming.

Some adcomms will want a bare-bones overview and others, especially those with experience in the field, will want to know everything. What you decide to describe depends on the space you have at your disposal, whether you are 100% aiming at research-oriented schools, and what you feel should be included to highlight your "fit" for medical school. Strategy is required, depending on your goals, so there is no one-formula-fits-all approach to answering you.

At the least, include an overview of the project in lay terms (everyone reading it doesn't have an advanced degree), your contribution, and techniques you utilized. From this beginning add in components that satisfy your "strategy." Results are not essential as many undergrads aren't still with a project when data is analyzed and conclusions reached. And everyone doesn't have "output" as evidence of their productivity. Your second approach for which you have a draft seems fine to me.

 

[Caffein3]

Been searching for some answers, and just want to say, these threads are great! I've gotten a lot of help from them. Just a few silly questions I want to be 100% on before I finish.

1. For activities that are currently still going on and are continuing past the application submission date, should we just list August 2016 as the end date? Should we just enter the hours we have currently accumulated for that project, or make an estimation of what we will also complete? (I'm assuming it's the first option, just double checking).

2. If we have two similar research experiences how can we enter that? E.g. I have worked in two separate labs during college. So I've listed it under "Research" and Titled the Event, "Independent Student Researcher" and then said it was a repeated activity. I included the start and end dates for the first lab (freshman year) and then the start and on going dates for the second lab. In the description I plan to discuss my roles in each of the labs. If I do this, should I just put my most recent PI as my contact, or should I create separate entries for my time in each lab?

3. For honors/awards/scholarships, if we plan on grouping a lot of them into one category, would it be appropriate to just list the date of the first award I was given, and then use the description box to list all of the other ones and their associated dates?

4. Similar to number three, I have designated a Non-medical community service activity as "general assistance to the community", and this includes a large grab-bag of random volunteering events I've done here and there...i.e. 3 hours at a homeless shelter....5 hours volunteering at a nursing home...etc. etc. Who could I put as a contact and who how would I enter those dates?

5. I play for a club-sports team, we travel the country, we are nationally ranked, and we are a very serious team/large team with a sizable budget, a lot of practice, etc. We aren't intramural, but we aren't NCAA sponsored either...would this be an "extracurricular activity" or "intercollegiate athlete"?

6. For shadowing, could I just create 1 entry and include all of the doctors I've shadowed, or do I have to enter each doctor separately?

Sorry for all the questions! I appreciate everyone's help.

 

[nugang]

Thank you so much Catylistik. That clears it up very nicely for me. The other question I had was:

Is it odd for an applicant to put a specific shadowing of a physician as a MM activity? I shadowed a primary care doctor in an underserved area for *45 hours and it was a very diverse experience for me and taught me a lot about medicine and caring about others in general. I'm only asking because technically I wasnt doing anything, just observing. Thank you again

 

[Catalystik]

Thank you so much Catylistik. That clears it up very nicely for me. The other question I had was:

Is it odd for an applicant to put a specific shadowing of a physician as a MM activity? I shadowed a primary care doctor in an underserved area for *45 hours and it was a very diverse experience for me and taught me a lot about medicine and caring about others in general. I'm only asking because technically I wasnt doing anything, just observing. Thank you again

See my post #47 which answered the same question.

 

[Catalystik]

1. For activities that are currently still going on and are continuing past the application submission date, should we just list August 2016 as the end date? Should we just enter the hours we have currently accumulated for that project, or make an estimation of what we will also complete? (I'm assuming it's the first option, just double checking).

2. If we have two similar research experiences how can we enter that? E.g. I have worked in two separate labs during college. So I've listed it under "Research" and Titled the Event, "Independent Student Researcher" and then said it was a repeated activity. I included the start and end dates for the first lab (freshman year) and then the start and on going dates for the second lab. In the description I plan to discuss my roles in each of the labs. If I do this, should I just put my most recent PI as my contact, or should I create separate entries for my time in each lab?

3. For honors/awards/scholarships, if we plan on grouping a lot of them into one category, would it be appropriate to just list the date of the first award I was given, and then use the description box to list all of the other ones and their associated dates?

4. Similar to number three, I have designated a Non-medical community service activity as "general assistance to the community", and this includes a large grab-bag of random volunteering events I've done here and there...i.e. 3 hours at a homeless shelter....5 hours volunteering at a nursing home...etc. etc. Who could I put as a contact and who how would I enter those dates?

5. I play for a club-sports team, we travel the country, we are nationally ranked, and we are a very serious team/large team with a sizable budget, a lot of practice, etc. We aren't intramural, but we aren't NCAA sponsored either...would this be an "extracurricular activity" or "intercollegiate athlete"?

6. For shadowing, could I just create 1 entry and include all of the doctors I've shadowed, or do I have to enter each doctor separately?

1) If you want to include the hours of a future activity that you are already engaged in, but keeping in mind that you won't be judged by future plans that could fall through, you can consider these options:

a) Use the Repeated feature to separate the Completed vs Future hours. This works if May 2015 is both your End Date for the Completed Hours and your Start Date for the future hours (you won't be permitted to enter and save a future start date that hasn't happened yet). Put the appropriate total in each Total Hours box. If you are graduating May 2016, that is a reasonable end date to enter if you are sure you will stay involved with the activity for another year. Include a conservative, in-good-faith guess on future hours for the second Total Hours box.

b) Or, only list the Completed Hours in the Total Hours box using the appropriate Start and End Dates, then in the narrative box state that you plan to continue this activity from June 2015-May 2016 with a probable additional 400 (or whatever) hours.

c) Or, do the same as in #2, but don't state anticipated Future hours, especially if there is any possibility they might not be completed. Just make a statement that you intend to continue with the activity for another year.

2) If you have space, enter them as two activities. If not, list the most recent PI as Contact in the header and add another Contact for the second lab in the narrative with that description.

3) Yes. Or you can group them by Freshman Year Awards, Sophomore Year Awards, etc, as subheadings within the narrative box so save characters on dates.

4) Does it work to use an umbrella sponsoring organization for most of the events? For dates put Start date for the first of them and End Date for the most recent. Add to the title Sporadic, Short-Term, or another word suggesting intermittency.

5) Extracurricular seems to work best.

6) Most list each doctor in a single space. One potential format for listing physician shadowing on an AMCAS application (whichever doc you list first, you'd put the pertinent data in the header and omit it from the narrative box):

** 12/2013-Present: 40 hours, Al Abowtgolf, DO, Sports Medicine, Podunk, Alabama, Health Clinic, 555-555-5555, ext 34

**4/2015-Present: 15 hours, Jake Famleedok, MD, General Practice. [email protected] Able to observe a vaginal delivery.

**3/14-5/14: 20 hours, Ling Ula, MD, Pulmonology, Podunk, Alabama, Health Clinic, 555-555-5556 ext 45

**Spring 2012: 15 hours, John Kutoocure, DO, General Surgery, Meridian, Mississippi. [email protected] Observe a complete bowel resection and a pancreatic cancer resection.

**********************
Hope that helps. 🙂

 

[Caffein3]

Thank you very much Catalysik for taking the time to respond to each one of us! I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say that we're all extremely thankful for your patience and knowledge 🙂 You're the best!

 

[medic86]

Catalystik is a saint.

That is all.

 

[azzeh123]

.

 

[Caffein3]

Also, just a general question anyone can reply to:

So in my personal statement I talk about one particular experience (well, I talk about a story from that experience) and how important it was to me--it was by far the most important event on my app. But for my "most meaningful" experiences, I selected three other activities. The three others were all extremely important to me, but I didn't want to repeat my personal statement in the work/activity section. Would you agree with this practice, or advice to just change around my personal statement? OR perhaps since I necessarily discuss WHAT I was doing (I just told a story from it), I could still select the activity from my personal statement as one of my most meaningful?
Sorry for all the questions!

 

[LadyYahya]

Question: So i volunteer at my local hospice during my school breaks, do I select "repeated" and list each time separately or do I list the experience as one? also if i plan on continuing this summer and this winter break what do I put as the end date?

 

[Catalystik]

So in my personal statement I talk about one particular experience (well, I talk about a story from that experience) and how important it was to me--it was by far the most important event on my app. But for my "most meaningful" experiences, I selected three other activities. The three others were all extremely important to me, but I didn't want to repeat my personal statement in the work/activity section. Would you agree with this practice, or advice to just change around my personal statement? OR perhaps since I necessarily discuss WHAT I was doing (I just told a story from it), I could still select the activity from my personal statement as one of my most meaningful?

It's fine to list an Experience mentioned in the PS as a MM activity in the Experiences section also, but you wouldn't want to repeat much of the information.

If one chose to do this, one might keep the description and role in first 700 characters of the the Experiences area, anecdotes & impact in the MM area, and new anecdotes with insights in the PS, or some variation thereof. Also keep in mind that you don't have to use all 1325 characters in the MM space if you run out of things to say. Better to keep it succinct than to ramble on.

In your case, you wouldn't need to change your PS if you decide to do this, just pull more material out of your recollections for an MM essay.

 

[Catalystik]

1) Question: So i volunteer at my local hospice during my school breaks, do I select "repeated" and list each time separately or do I list the experience as one?
2) also if i plan on continuing this summer and this winter break what do I put as the end date?

You can enter only 4 total Repeats, so that might not work for you. You can list it under one date span if you name the entry something that suggests intermittency, like School Break Hospice Support Person. And then give further description in the narrative box about what seasons you participate in the activity, possibly with total hours for each season of involvement.

2) a) Will you resume the activity again before you submit the Primary application? Then you can use the Repeated box for future hours and use (perhaps) 3/2015 for the first end date and 12/2015 for your second end date. b) If you won't resume until later in the summer, then I suggest listing future planned hours and end date in the narrative, and fill the one End Date with the last month of this year that you volunteered there, like 3/15 (Spring Break, if you participated then). I hope that helps, otherwise ask another question to clarify.

 

[-----MD]

Awards/Honor question.

I have an entry with an awards I received as an undergrad. It includes an award I received at my graduation and my Dean's list record.

I am a non-trad application and work in an hospital in an educational role. I was nominated for a teaching award but didn't win. I would love to include that.
I can either include that with the paid clinical entry for the job, add it to the awards entry, or create a separate one. Which one would be best?

Thanks

 

[Catalystik]

Awards/Honor question. I have an entry with an awards I received as an undergrad. It includes an award I received at my graduation and my Dean's list record.

I am a non-trad application and work in an hospital in an educational role. I was nominated for a teaching award but didn't win. I would love to include that. I can either include that with the paid clinical entry for the job, add it to the awards entry, or create a separate one. Which one would be best?

I think that keeping it in context, by mentioning it in the same space as the activity for which you were nominated (where you describe your teaching role), would be most suitable.

 

[nomnombunny]

Hi guys! Good luck with applications! Had a couple questions..

1) For hobbies...I lumped piano/tennis/violin as the experience name...what should I put as organization name? The same thing piano/tennis/violin again?

2) Should I list out every scholarship you got coming into college under awards/honors? Including random like $1000 ones from organizations around your hometown and stuff? I don't think they'll all fit....even with abbreviations

3) If I am President of a club...do you think it's better to list it as leadership or EC? What if it was a position like Publicity Chair that doesn't sound as leader-like but is still a board position? Should I list both as leadership

 

[Catalystik]

1) For hobbies...I lumped piano/tennis/violin as the experience name...what should I put as organization name? The same thing piano/tennis/violin again?

2) Should I list out every scholarship you got coming into college under awards/honors? Including random like $1000 ones from organizations around your hometown and stuff? I don't think they'll all fit....even with abbreviations

3) If I am President of a club...do you think it's better to list it as leadership or EC? What if it was a position like Publicity Chair that doesn't sound as leader-like but is still a board position? Should I list both as leadership

1) I recall that entering an Organization name is elective for this category. See what happens if you don't fill it in and report back, if you don't mind, as to whether this is still true. If it allows you to save the activity without giving an error message, you're fine to leave it blank.

2) Why not pick out the ones granted for merit, achievements, or with the highest monetary value? If it's over, say, $6000, you might even enter the amount. Ideally, you would explain the basis for the awards.

3) They are both Leadership and deserve their own spaces 1) if you have room and 2) if your description of your role supports the leadership assertion (like, managing other people who are your peers to work toward a common goal).

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Hi,

I asked something similar to this earliest in this thread, but could use some more clarification: I presented 4 abstracts that I was on (3 podiums and 1 poster) at a conference a few weeks ago, and for one of which I received a high award. I was originally planning to list these all as a 'presentations/posters' activity, but the titles of the 4 abstracts that I presented are already more than 700 characters...any advice on what to do?

Thank you!

Potentially put in the first author, then Et al., then name of abstract and meeting, date. If you have any of the 15 ECs left, break it up into 2 categories.

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Is it reasonable to list having been "acknowledged" or thanked in a publication? In other words, I am not an author but am publicly thanked for my comments/input/writing suggestions. If so, under what category would I put it? Research, or publications?

I was acknowledged in a paper for my artistic contributions (original drawings were in the publication). I put it under poster/presentations, with the citation, and a quick summary of what I was acknowledge for (the figure number).

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

Apologies-I have searched and can't find the answer though I know it must be obvious- if I am using the university registrar as a contact for an award, what do I do for a first and last name?

I just put University of XX, Office of the Registrar for Names.

 

[Lannister]

So a few years ago, I volunteered for Clinton Global Initiative America. It was a really cool experience that I really would like to put on my application. The actual event is not focused on politics. Its aims involve " improving global health and wellness, increasing opportunity for women and girls, reducing childhood obesity and preventable diseases, creating economic opportunity and growth, and helping communities address the effects of climate change." However, it is run by the Clinton Foundation, which obviously has a universally-known political affiliation. I know that you aren't supposed to talk about political involvement on AMCAS (ironically, I'm actually a Republican, so it wouldn't even be reflecting my political views haha). But since the event itself is not really political in nature, can I safely put this on my application?

 

[bumblebee611]

I know a couple of people on this thread have asked about listing family caregiving responsibilities as an activity/work experience and the advice seems to be to list it under "Other." That makes sense to me but I'm wondering what the experts here think about listing parenting under this "other" category. I was a stay at home parent for a few years and this accounts for a gap in my work and educational history. I do mention that I am a parent in my PS (because I discuss one child's illness and its impact on me). I don't want to make the whole thing sound like I am so overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities that I can't handle school but on the other hand it seems absurd to leave out a few years of being a stay at home parent ... and then if I do list it it seems bizarre not to make it "most meaningful" (and I'm not sure I really want to do that because just parenting doesn't have much to do with my wanting to become a physician).

 

[Catalystik]

So a few years ago, I volunteered for Clinton Global Initiative America. It was a really cool experience that I really would like to put on my application. The actual event is not focused on politics. Its aims involve " improving global health and wellness, increasing opportunity for women and girls, reducing childhood obesity and preventable diseases, creating economic opportunity and growth, and helping communities address the effects of climate change." However, it is run by the Clinton Foundation, which obviously has a universally-known political affiliation. I know that you aren't supposed to talk about political involvement on AMCAS (ironically, I'm actually a Republican, so it wouldn't even be reflecting my political views haha). But since the event itself is not really political in nature, can I safely put this on my application?

Yes.

 

[Catalystik]

I know a couple of people on this thread have asked about listing family caregiving responsibilities as an activity/work experience and the advice seems to be to list it under "Other." That makes sense to me but I'm wondering what the experts here think about listing parenting under this "other" category. I was a stay at home parent for a few years and this accounts for a gap in my work and educational history. I do mention that I am a parent in my PS (because I discuss one child's illness and its impact on me). I don't want to make the whole thing sound like I am so overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities that I can't handle school but on the other hand it seems absurd to leave out a few years of being a stay at home parent ... and then if I do list it it seems bizarre not to make it "most meaningful" (and I'm not sure I really want to do that because just parenting doesn't have much to do with my wanting to become a physician).

Parenting as an EC has been discussed repeatedly over the years, primarily in the Non-Trad Forum. Personally, as a mom, I'm fine with it, but that is not the predominant opinion, as I recall. Here is a sampling of past threads on the topic that I've saved, which you might like to look through. Also consider Searching for more recent threads. Maybe the tide is turning to be more supportive for inclusion.

Parenting as an EC:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=749784
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=530554
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=398775
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=283710

 

[bumblebee611]

Parenting as an EC has been discussed repeatedly over the years, primarily in the Non-Trad Forum. Personally, as a mom, I'm fine with it, but that is not the predominant opinion, as I recall. Here is a sampling of past threads on the topic that I've saved, which you might like to look through. Also consider Searching for more recent threads. Maybe the tide is turning to be more supportive for inclusion.

Parenting as an EC:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=749784
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=530554
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=398775
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=283710

Gee, Catalystik, can you tell I am a little conflicted about this work-family thing? Thanks for the tips. It sounds like I just have to figure out what feels right.

 

[Catalystik]

Gee, Catalystik, can you tell I am a little conflicted about this work-family thing?

Welcome to the club. 😕

 

[neuroresearchguy23]

I apologize if this was asked already. I tried to search. But my question is how important is it to have 15 activities? I could get 15 activities, but I would rather combine some activities that are similar (like all my undergraduate paid work). Is it advantageous to give each activity its own slot or combine ones that are similar? Thanks guys.

 

[Catalystik]

But my question is how important is it to have 15 activities? I could get 15 activities, but I would rather combine some activities that are similar (like all my undergraduate paid work). Is it advantageous to give each activity its own slot or combine ones that are similar?

The average number of activities listed by all applicants is 9-10. It's been stated (adcomms who regularly post on SDN in agreement) that four activities looks weak, but that five strong, multifaceted experiences can be sufficient. Don't feel compelled to expand things, aka fluff them up, thinking it will be appreciated. So use the space where it's needed, and lump things together where that makes more sense, tells your story sufficiently, and keep the focus on more important activities.

 

[neuroresearchguy23]

The average number of activities listed by all applicants is 9-10. It's been stated (adcomms who regularly post on SDN in agreement) that four activities looks weak, but that five strong, multifaceted experiences can be sufficient. Don't feel compelled to expand things, aka fluff them up, thinking it will be appreciated. So use the space where it's needed, and lump things together where that makes more sense, tells your story sufficiently, and keep the focus on more important activities.

Awesome thank you!!

 

[Lemutty]

8b. What happens if I wrote about my most meaningful activities in my personal statement?
It is best not to repeat information on your application. There are two options:
1. Pick different activities as your "Most Meaningful".
2. Rework your personal statement. For example, you could use your Personal Statement to address a specific story, patient, or moment, then use the "Most Meaningful" box to provide a more general, big picture message from the activity.

I'm a bit confused now. It seems obvious that the most meaningful, relevant activities should be in my PS because they both contribute to my interest in medicine, my qualification to go to school, and my competence. Why would I spend so much precious space elaborating on experiences that were just fun or impressive but not all that meaningful in my PS? And why wouldn't AMCAS specify if adcoms didn't want applicants to select topics covered in the PS? Other th

 

[Catalystik]

I'm a bit confused now. It seems obvious that the most meaningful, relevant activities should be in my PS because they both contribute to my interest in medicine, my qualification to go to school, and my competence. Why would I spend so much precious space elaborating on experiences that were just fun or impressive but not all that meaningful in my PS? And why wouldn't AMCAS specify if adcoms didn't want applicants to select topics covered in the PS? Other th

It's not Ismet's (and the volunteer staff's) intent to suggest that you can't cover a PS topic in a MM space as well, just that it might be the better choice to refrain from using identical words or thoughts in both places. See post #267 for clarification.

 

[Eb123]

Have a couple of questions regarding categorizations:

1) Took a job out of undergrad doing organic synthesis -- categorize as Research/Lab or Paid Employment Non-Medical?
2) Moved to a position doing materials science in the R&D department of a construction materials company -- same question as above
3) Now working in a biomedical research lab studying employment of novel radiotracers in PET scans. No patient contact but plenty of interaction with nursing staff and research has direct medical applications for diagnostic radiological imaging. -- categorize as Research/Lab or Paid Employment Medical?

I'm leaning towards all being Research/Lab, but I have plenty of other lab experience during undergrad that will fall under this category. The majority of programs to which I am applying will have a heavy research emphasis.

Final question: Is it frowned upon to project hours into the total hours? I know this has been touched on previously, but I am working full time and will continue to do so until I matriculate--is it okay to count the future hours? Same with two volunteer positions I have right now--I will continue these commitments until I attend med school. Is it still better to signify these as repeated activities and split the hours? Thanks for the advice!

 

[nRomaleos]

Two related questions:

1. How would you classify working with a philanthropy for the disabled? In some cases I could argue that it was "clinical" and other times it wasn't.
2. This same philanthropy recently re-branded and changed their name. Should I use the old one or the new one? Or both?

 

[vantheman]

I am sure there are many different schools of thought here, but what is the best way to describe your activities?

Should it be in paragraph form that describes what you did/what you learned:

"For two semesters I tutored college students in biology, physics, and chemistry at my undergraduate institution. The center at which I worked at provided drop-in services where college students could receive free tutoring in science related subjects. Being a tutor in a drop-in environment required me to stay up to date on a variety of topics and to effectively manage my time and multitask since I would often have multiple students requiring my assistance at any given point during my shift. I found this experience challenging yet rewarding since I was able to aid in helping other students achieve their academic goals while developing my leadership and communicative abilities. "

Or should it be a quick read that lists the main points:

-Tutored college level biology, physics, and chemistry at undergraduate institution.
-Worked at center that offered free drop-in tutoring.
-etc
-etc

Thanks for your help and for your time.

 

[Catalystik]

Have a couple of questions regarding categorizations:

A) 1) Took a job out of undergrad doing organic synthesis -- categorize as Research/Lab or Paid Employment Non-Medical?
2) Moved to a position doing materials science in the R&D department of a construction materials company -- same question as above
3) Now working in a biomedical research lab studying employment of novel radiotracers in PET scans. No patient contact but plenty of interaction with nursing staff and research has direct medical applications for diagnostic radiological imaging. -- categorize as Research/Lab or Paid Employment Medical?

I'm leaning towards all being Research/Lab, but I have plenty of other lab experience during undergrad that will fall under this category. The majority of programs to which I am applying will have a heavy research emphasis.

B) Final question: Is it frowned upon to project hours into the total hours? I know this has been touched on previously, but I am working full time and will continue to do so until I matriculate--is it okay to count the future hours? Same with two volunteer positions I have right now--I will continue these commitments until I attend med school. Is it still better to signify these as repeated activities and split the hours? Thanks for the advice!

A) As you have plenty of undergrad experience to list under Research, I'd propose that these three examples all be listed under Employment - not Medical/Clinical. Yes, all of them, as the last experience did not require you to interact with patients. You can use the title and/or description of the activity to make clear that you got experience in a medical facility and worked with nurses. All three should have the word Research in the name of the space (probably as part of whatever title you held with the organization).

B) See post #245 on options for adding future hours.

 

[Catalystik]

1) How would you classify working with a philanthropy for the disabled? In some cases I could argue that it was "clinical" and other times it wasn't.
2) This same philanthropy recently re-branded and changed their name. Should I use the old one or the new one? Or both?

1) If you were paid, it was Employment. If it was unpaid, it can be described as Community Service/Volunteer. If you interacted with patients in a helpful way, you can pick the "-Medical/Clinical" option. If you worked to raise money to assist concerns of the disabled or interacted with folks who incidentally just happened to have a disability, it is -Not Medical/Clinical. If this doesn't cover your concern, give more information about exactly what your role is.

2) Use the current name, but in the description add somewhere "previously called XXXXXX".

 

[Catalystik]

I am sure there are many different schools of thought here, but what is the best way to describe your activities?

Should it be in paragraph form that describes what you did/what you learned:

"For two semesters I tutored college students in biology, physics, and chemistry at my undergraduate institution. The center at which I worked at provided drop-in services where college students could receive free tutoring in science related subjects. Being a tutor in a drop-in environment required me to stay up to date on a variety of topics and to effectively manage my time and multitask since I would often have multiple students requiring my assistance at any given point during my shift. I found this experience challenging yet rewarding since I was able to aid in helping other students achieve their academic goals while developing my leadership and communicative abilities. "

Or should it be a quick read that lists the main points:

-Tutored college level biology, physics, and chemistry at undergraduate institution.
-Worked at center that offered free drop-in tutoring.
-etc
-etc

It's fine to mix and match styles from entry to entry and even within an entry. Use bullets or narrative as best conveys what you want to communicate.

 

[Eb123]

A) As you have plenty of undergrad experience to list under Research, I'd propose that these three examples all be listed under Employment - not Medical/Clinical. Yes, all of them, as the last experience did not require you to interact with patients. You can use the title and/or description of the activity to make clear that you got experience in a medical facility and worked with nurses. All three should have the word Research in the name of the space (probably as part of whatever title you held with the organization).

B) See post #245 on options for adding future hours.

Thanks for the advice! I agree with the Employment - not Medical/Clinical designation for the first two. Still not positive about the last one. If the position is at a university would that change the designation from Employment to Research/Lab? I could argue that I am an employee of the university, but the position is really a research position (albeit not grant funded). I suppose the distinction is of little consequence because "research" is in the position title, as you suggested.

 

[Catalystik]

1) I agree with the Employment - not Medical/Clinical designation for the first two. Still not positive about the last one.
2) If the position is at a university would that change the designation from Employment to Research/Lab? I could argue that I am an employee of the university, but the position is really a research position (albeit not grant funded). I suppose the distinction is of little consequence because "research" is in the position title, as you suggested.

1) It never hurts to get a few opinions and I've said repeatedly in this thread that "There's no one right way." But from an adcomm perspective, if you call it "clinical" we'd expect to see patient-contact-somehow within the entry. If it's not found, it could be perceived as "upselling" which doesn't reflect well. OTOH, if an individual adcomm feels that working in a medical facility without patient contact is indeed "clinical" then that person will count it as such regardless of the tag you choose.

2) If you decide not to list your current Research job as Employment, be sure to mention that it was paid somewhere, as an employee has far more accountability than a volunteer or one receiving class credit, and IMO gets more kudos.

 

[nRomaleos]

1) If you were paid, it was Employment. If it was unpaid, it can be described as Community Service/Volunteer. If you interacted with patients in a helpful way, you can pick the "-Medical/Clinical" option. If you worked to raise money to assist concerns of the disabled or interacted with folks who incidentally just happened to have a disability, it is -Not Medical/Clinical. If this doesn't cover your concern, give more information about exactly what your role is.

2) Use the current name, but in the description add somewhere "previously called XXXXXX".

Fundraising was part of my involvement. Another part was interacting with the disabled but not "incidentally." I would volunteer at The Arc or Easter Seals (for example), supervise the kids, play sports, occasionally wipe off some drool. I also volunteered in adaptive sports, again supervising the disabled with handcycling & wheelchair basketball.

 

[ktm4643]

For the last couple of years I have been working as an emergency technician in the ER of a top tier university hospital. Per the advice of many physicians I work with in the ER and other services, shadowing, in addition to my employment, would be redundant and I should consider hours from my employment as shadowing. One of my letter writers, who is also department chief, has worked with me to determine the number of hours I can classify as shadowing. What is the best way to format this for AMCAS?

 

[pageantry]

Would you consider running a medically advised (psychiatrist) support group a clinical activity? I've heard a yes or two, but an outside perspective would help.

 

[Catalystik]

Fundraising was part of my involvement. Another part was interacting with the disabled but not "incidentally." I would volunteer at The Arc or Easter Seals (for example), supervise the kids, play sports, occasionally wipe off some drool. I also volunteered in adaptive sports, again supervising the disabled with handcycling & wheelchair basketball.

See post 294, #1 above. It sounds to me like they are not sick or injured patients. JMO.

 

[Catalystik]

For the last couple of years I have been working as an emergency technician in the ER of a top tier university hospital. Per the advice of many physicians I work with in the ER and other services, shadowing, in addition to my employment, would be redundant and I should consider hours from my employment as shadowing. One of my letter writers, who is also department chief, has worked with me to determine the number of hours I can classify as shadowing. What is the best way to format this for AMCAS?

You might add the words and Shadowing to the title you give the Employment activity.

Alternatively, you can split out the hours you attribute to shadowing and list them under their own "Shadowing" entry, taking care not to double count the hours. Or, just list 1 hour and say in the narrative that XX hours of Physician Shadowing are included among the Employment hours.

 

[Catalystik]

Would you consider running a medically advised (psychiatrist) support group a clinical activity? I've heard a yes or two, but an outside perspective would help.

What is discussed in the support group and what is your role?

 

[pageantry]

What is discussed in the support group and what is your role?

Most members were rejected by family and suffered varying levels of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and continue to deal with trauma. There was no other support group like it when I founded it, although now the particular issue is gaining national attention, although not without controversy. I've been a media point person on the issue as well.

As I said, I founded and facilitate, as well as have developed interventions and emergency protocol through work with the advisor, who I recruited. Have been the main contact for handling suicidal ideation and threats, but luckily the majority of my work outside of the weekly support group context has been things like hosting holiday parties for people with nowhere else to go.

 

[Catalystik]

Most members were rejected by family and suffered varying levels of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and continue to deal with trauma. There was no other support group like it when I founded it, although now the particular issue is gaining national attention, although not without controversy. I've been a media point person on the issue as well.

As I said, I founded and facilitate, as well as have developed interventions and emergency protocol through work with the advisor, who I recruited. Have been the main contact for handling suicidal ideation and threats, but luckily the majority of my work outside of the weekly support group context has been things like hosting holiday parties for people with nowhere else to go.

It sounds like the activity qualifies for multiple categories, including "Clinical" (whether Employment or Volunteer) for the support group role (though I would hope you also have experience with physically ill and injured folks too). If you have plenty of other qualifying experience, using the Leadership tag might be a good strategic choice. Or Other, since its' such a mixed bag.

 

[pageantry]

It sounds like the activity qualifies for multiple categories, including "Clinical" (whether Employment or Volunteer) for the support group role (though I would hope you also have experience with physically ill and injured folks too). If you have plenty of other qualifying experience, using the Leadership tag might be a good strategic choice. Or Other, since its' such a mixed bag.

I do, but I also have a huge amount of leadership hours already, so I think I'd rather add it to my clinical hours. Thanks for your perspective!