Pre-Medical job and a few questions.

[eLeMeNtX7]

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Hello, first I would like to say that I'm very impressed so far by the abundance of information this forum contains, and I apologize in advance if this is a form of "thread necromancy" as I do not wish to repeat old material.

I had a question concerning jobs while one is in college earning their bachelor's degree. Currently I work for PPD(Pharmaceutical Product Development), the nature of the work is performing blood draws, reading ECG's, recording vital signs, etc. The position is called a "Technician" and there's no state certification required to be hired.

I'm wondering if there's a specific type of job that I can get that will help me gain the favor of medical schools. I've been planning on volunteering at a hospital, but I was hoping to do this in some form of shadowing a Doctor if that's at all possible.

Also, I was formerly(3 years ago) an EMT-B and worked for an ambulance company for a few months, but I was fired for an automobile collision. Despite the result of the accident was literally a dent on the wheel, there was a patient in the back and they claimed that was the reason I was being let go. I was curious if this situation would hinder my acceptance into a medical school? There are details to my being fired that I believe are very odd, that I will explain if necessary.


For the time being this is all I can think to ask, if anyone has any advice or tips that might pertain to my situation, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

No one job is a silver bullet. Working in healthcare where you touch/smell patients is a plus: technician, EMT, nurses aid -- it doesn't matter what the title is. The point is to experience dealing with patients and being comfortable around the ill and injured. I think your current job sounds just fine.

Volunteering is good. It doesn't have to be in a hospital. The point here is to demonstrate an understanding of community service.

Another idea is to do some research. Some school really dig that kind of experience.

Shadowing docs is all but required for some schools. The idea is to see first hand exactly what a doctor does. Not from TV or from across the room, but actually be the doc's shadow and experience his/her day.

I wouldn't worry too much about the getting fired from the ambulance. When you apply, the application will only ask for a description of the experience. Talk about being an EMT. If they want to know why you left they'll ask at the interview and then you can tell them. Just be mature and honest about it.

 

[armybound]

The work you're doing now is great clinical experience. The work you did as an EMT was great experience, and they don't need to know about getting fired for the accident.

As Captain said, volunteering and research would really complete your application by showing varied interest in medicine/science and showing a little altruism.

Get involved with a club or two at school to really complete your ECs section. Don't stress too much, the job you're working now is really good.

 

[eLeMeNtX7]

Thank you both for your responses! This has been very helpful, and much appreciated.