Please advise on my choice of returning to research or working as a medical assistant

[coffemug]

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Hello all,

I come looking for advice on a career decision from now until hopefully matriculating in 2018.

I graduated from the Univ. of Delaware in may 2015. I worked as a research technician from September 2015 to June of 2016 and left on good terms with the ability to return. After leaving I took 2 post bacc courses, and studied for the mcat which I took January 28th 2017. I have just begun working as a medical assistant (trained for two days) but received word about the ability to return to the lab (had to accept the medical assistant job offer timely).

From any of your standpoints, what do you think would look better. Continuing my research (neuro/immunology lab investigating bioelectronic therapies, this includes me performing mice model experiments, vagus nerve stimulation/recording, physio readouts, immunohistochemistry, published on 3 abstracts, 1 paper pending and potentially more) or working as a medical assistant in which I gain clinical experience by taking patients vitals, briefing the physician on patients symptoms, scribe for the doctor, enter info into EMR, patients of all ages, physician is an ENT.

As far as previous experiences go that would be relevant to getting a better idea of which career I should choose, I shadowed an orthopedic surgeon one summer during college. I also volunteered at a local hospital running the main desk of the surgical waiting room bringing patients families into the care unit prior and post surgical procedure

Thank you all for your time and help, it is very much appreciated!

 

[luckyely91]

I would have to say working as a medical assistant because you are working with patients and physicians. I have done my fair share of research (awarded 2 research grants/stipends during undergrad, completed an honors senior thesis in pharmacology, did research since freshman year), but when I was interviewing at schools, the admissions committee seemed more interested in what I was doing clinical-wise, including scribing. You already have research experience under your belt, but I feel like working in health care show your resilience and your interest in medicine. 🙂

 

[mfrey28]

I have been working as an MA for a couple of years and feel that is was very beneficial when I applied. I was able to draw on experiences from work to show my passion for medicine and why I wanted to pursue medical school.

 

[MakeLifeHappen13]

Continue working as a medical assistant. Admission committees really value clinical experience and you already have nearly a year of experience doing research. Having both on your application will make you a more well rounded applicant.

 

[coffemug]

Thank you all for your responses and insight! Going to try to swindle perhaps MA during the week and conduct experiments 1 day per week and on weekends.

If I can't then I will pursue MA