Opinion: Oncology research or clinical hours?

[The Doctor Student]

Looking at summer experiences and need some input.
Where should I focus my efforts?

1. research programs
   • oncology (bench work, no patient interaction)
   • environmental physiology (Army research lab, some participant interaction but not necessarily clinical)
2. hospital/practice hours
   • shadowing
   • volunteer work
   • clinical work where I can find it

Note that I haven't decided if I want to stick with medical school or instead enroll in a PA or NP program down the road. I'm open to all options but am leaning toward an MD.

What do you think I should invest my last summer as an undergrad in?

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[anhtimmy]

Invest your time in whatever you want as long as you like it and are passionate about it.

 

[Morsetlis]

It depends on your life goals, what you've already accomplished, and how well you think you can do in each of the options. I hated volunteering because it entailed no responsibilities. Therefore I did research in pre-med. However, I shadowed a ton because talking to physicians is more fun than helping the unit clerk / nurses.