Running a Business while Pre-Med: Good Extracurricular?

[giantdoctor]

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I'm currently running a family owned restaurant while I'm in school, I love getting up for work in the morning and we're closed by 4 every day. I won't necessarily be tied down to it once I'm in medical school (fingers crossed) but is it going to be as good of an extracurricular as I think it is?

There's constant interpersonal interaction with all kinds of people from all walks of life, I could have a CEO of a construction company in one minute and a blue collar guy who works for Ford, Chrysler or GM the next, so I'm very good with people, I just don't want it to interfere with other things (sports, student organizations, etc..)

I suppose what I want to know is if I get the clinical experience and the shadowing time, volunteering and etc. would I be considered "well rounded" enough, or should I start working on things outside of my current business now?

Also wondering if there are any others out there who are experienced in running a business while in school?

 

[Ride Big Sky]

It could only help you stand out a bit. Then again unless everything is in your name and you are the one signing the checks I would be hesitant to say that you "run" it. Also, just remember it wont make up for poor grades or clinical/research experience so those are still musts.

 

[LadiiKay]

My mom and I own a boutique, so I do get to deal with customers, as well as designers fairly often. I definitely see where you're coming from, and I give you props if you can run a restaurant full time while going to school.

IMO running a family restaurant for 3-4 years looks better than working the register at Sears during summers. Just keep in mind you can't have a LoR from a family member, I suggest that you still get your profession-related EC's and perhaps one or two outside of the medical field if you're that concerned about it.

 

[slatermd]

I suppose what I want to know is *IF* I get the clinical experience and the shadowing time, volunteering and etc. would I be considered "well rounded" enough, or should I start working on things outside of my current business now?

Also wondering if there are any others out there who are experienced in running a business while in school?

IF you get the experiences that make an applicant well-rounded, you will be well-rounded. Running a business is a great extra curricular but shouldn't be your only one.

There are several people on sdn who have experience running a Serious Business while premed.

 

[giantdoctor]

Good to know,
thanks for the input everyone.

 

[NickNaylor]

ECs are only "good" if you can effectively relate why they're important to you or how they have contributed to your decision to pursue medicine. The specific activity is largely irrelevant.

 

[YoungDocs]

I'm currently running a family owned restaurant while I'm in school, I love getting up for work in the morning and we're closed by 4 every day. I won't necessarily be tied down to it once I'm in medical school (fingers crossed) but is it going to be as good of an extracurricular as I think it is?

There's constant interpersonal interaction with all kinds of people from all walks of life, I could have a CEO of a construction company in one minute and a blue collar guy who works for Ford, Chrysler or GM the next, so I'm very good with people, I just don't want it to interfere with other things (sports, student organizations, etc..)

I suppose what I want to know is if I get the clinical experience and the shadowing time, volunteering and etc. would I be considered "well rounded" enough, or should I start working on things outside of my current business now?

Also wondering if there are any others out there who are experienced in running a business while in school?

I too ran a business during undergrad and now in grad school. When I was applying, I tried to give myself as much credit for that as possible. What I mean by that is in your personal statements, extracurricular activities, etc, make sure you are clear about the job you do, your responsibilities, and most importantly, how it has PREPARED you for your future in medicine. Everything you have said is good, such as working on your people skills and being responsible.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

ECs are only "good" if you can effectively relate why they're important to you or how they have contributed to your decision to pursue medicine. The specific activity is largely irrelevant.

This. Any activity is only as good as you "explain" it on your AMCAS primary and PS, if you include it there. Any broad classification of experience or job can encompass a huge range of actual learning and growth. It's up to you to make an adcom know the what you did was important and meaningful in helping you choose medicine (instead of the family business) as a career.

 

[FIREitUP]

ECs are only "good" if you can effectively relate why they're important to you or how they have contributed to your decision to pursue medicine. The specific activity is largely irrelevant.

I don't necessarily agree with this. An extracurricular you engage in can display your ability to thrive as a physician and show that you have the ability to effectively manage your time and balance doing several things in tandem. I doubt anyone being head of the pre-med club has anything to do with their passion for medicine; but it does demonstrate their ability to lead, something that is important for a physician.