REU or clinical experience?

[Biochem rocks]

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Hi everyone! I am a pre-MD/PhD student (hopefully!) who will be applying this coming fall and I have a quick question about my upcoming summer options. I am trying to decide between doing an REU or sticking around and trying to get some clinical experience while continuing work in my current lab. I don't have any clinical experience yet, and I feel pretty confident about being able to get a job as a CNA (certified nurse assistant) in the next month or so, but I've also heard that experience in an REU program can look very good. I've been working in my current (and only) lab for almost a year now on a structural biology project and I have a good GPA (3.86). I have the MCAT coming up in May, and I feel pretty confident about all other areas of my application besides the clinical experience. I do have (what I believe are) good reasons for wanting to pursue a combined degree, but I'm sure clinical experience would really help out my application. So, what would you recommend? REU or clinical experience? Thanks!

 

[tiamat360]

I think the REU would look really good.

For MD/PhD programs, you generally don't need a lot of clinical experience (although you do need some). Can you do a little before the summer? It only takes a few hours every couple of weeks to shadow a doctor, for example. You can also continue to gain clinical experience during the application cycle (i.e. after your REU is complete). It'll give you something to say when you get asked "Why do you want to be a doctor?"

Good luck!

 

[gbwillner]

Hi everyone! I am a pre-MD/PhD student (hopefully!) who will be applying this coming fall and I have a quick question about my upcoming summer options. I am trying to decide between doing an REU or sticking around and trying to get some clinical experience while continuing work in my current lab. I don't have any clinical experience yet, and I feel pretty confident about being able to get a job as a CNA (certified nurse assistant) in the next month or so, but I've also heard that experience in an REU program can look very good. I've been working in my current (and only) lab for almost a year now on a structural biology project and I have a good GPA (3.86). I have the MCAT coming up in May, and I feel pretty confident about all other areas of my application besides the clinical experience. I do have (what I believe are) good reasons for wanting to pursue a combined degree, but I'm sure clinical experience would really help out my application. So, what would you recommend? REU or clinical experience? Thanks!

I don't know what a REU is... but becoming a CNA is A COMPLETE WASTE OF YOUR TIME, unless you get paid for it and need the money. Do what tiamat said.

 

[Joaquin]

i would go with the REU...you will probably get a nice focused scientific project from a decent PI who will write you a letter of rec.
can you volunteer in a local emergency department for the clinical experience?

 

[GliaGirl]

REU for sure, but wherever you go for your REU, there should be some clinical experiences that you can do. If you're doing your research in a hospital, volunteer a bit or shadow a bit. I've done a couple of REUs myself, and you'll have plenty of time for clinical stuff if you want it enough.

 

[reine1jb]

definitely do the REU. I've done several and was able to get some clinical experience at one of them (was somewhat related to my research project) but I would imagine that you could gain some clinical at the REU. Plus the REU's look great on the app, you'll get valuable experience working in a different lab, have another LOR for someone that can speak of your research capabilities, and get to see some part of the country that you may not have seen.