Scribing or volunteering?

[4bes]

I graduated in May with a biology degree with a stellar GPA and MCAT score. I applied last year and didn't get in anywhere. I got feedback from UW telling me that I was lacking in volunteer hours (~70-80) and needed a better understanding of a medical team. I am currently working full-time at Intel (to pay off loans and such) and my compressed-work-week schedule allows me to take on a second job as a medical scribe. If I were to take on the scribe position in addition to my current job, I would have no time to volunteer (or have a life). This particular scribing position requires a 2 year commitment which I would begin in September, so I would be taking 2 gap years. I am wondering if I would be better off to spend the next 2 years participating in various volunteer activities or if medical schools value a good scribing experience enough to look past lacking volunteer hours.

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[workaholic181]

I graduated in May with a biology degree with a stellar GPA and MCAT score. I applied last year and didn't get in anywhere. I got feedback from UW telling me that I was lacking in volunteer hours (~70-80) and needed a better understanding of a medical team. I am currently working full-time at Intel (to pay off loans and such) and my compressed-work-week schedule allows me to take on a second job as a medical scribe. If I were to take on the scribe position in addition to my current job, I would have no time to volunteer (or have a life). This particular scribing position requires a 2 year commitment which I would begin in September, so I would be taking 2 gap years. I am wondering if I would be better off to spend the next 2 years participating in various volunteer activities or if medical schools value a good scribing experience enough to look past lacking volunteer hours.

I don't like the idea that you have to put off your ultimate goal of matriculation to be part of this scribing company. I'd take the volunteer route.

 

[Doc_Ock]

I graduated in May with a biology degree with a stellar GPA and MCAT score. I applied last year and didn't get in anywhere. I got feedback from UW telling me that I was lacking in volunteer hours (~70-80) and needed a better understanding of a medical team. I am currently working full-time at Intel (to pay off loans and such) and my compressed-work-week schedule allows me to take on a second job as a medical scribe. If I were to take on the scribe position in addition to my current job, I would have no time to volunteer (or have a life). This particular scribing position requires a 2 year commitment which I would begin in September, so I would be taking 2 gap years. I am wondering if I would be better off to spend the next 2 years participating in various volunteer activities or if medical schools value a good scribing experience enough to look past lacking volunteer hours.

That’s not legally enforceable. If you leave there’s nothing they can do. Having said that, I think scribing is overrated and volunteering is a better route anyway.

 

[MedNole1]

I would take the volunteer route as well. You could even shadow physician's too during that time. I am currently a scribe but didn't have to commit two years for my company and I'm able to still volunteer. If it's something you really want to do I would look for another company then.

 

[Telega987]

That’s not legally enforceable. If you leave there’s nothing they can do. Having said that, I think scribing is overrated and volunteering is a better route anyway.

Thanks