Server vs Medical assistant

[peachybeachy]

So I was offered a job as a medical assistant at a clinic, but I'm not sure if I should take it.
I'm currently working as a waiter at a restaurant and I make a lot more than I would as an MA. I already have experience in clinical settings and I volunteer now as well. The benefits of being an MA would be working closely with the doctors and having even more experience which would be useful for LORs. The reason I'm working as a server is so I can save up for when I'm actually in med school to help pay for everything. Does it make sense to take a lower paying job? I know I'll have to take out loans either way so maybe it doesn't matter how much I save up now.

Also, I don't need the job for money right now just for future savings.
And I know a lot of people say it doesn't matter what job you work as a pre-med, but wouldn't the mentorship and shadowing and great LORs be a real benefit?

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[LizzyM]

Some schools might want to see that you've had paid medical experience (physician assistant programs mostly do) and some might want a LOR from a clinician (osteopathic schools want to see a letter from a DO), but for the most part, letters from physician-employers are not highly valued. The letters I've seen from faculty who have taught you or supervised your research are more highly valued and letters from varsity coaches and college band directors can be informative as well.

Frankly, I believe that the stresses of dealing with diners is great training for dealing with the public in health care settings.

If, God forbid, you never get into medical school, which job would better prepare you for Plan B? If you would strongly consider a physician assistant program or a post-bac RN training program, than the medical assistant job might be a stepping stone so that could go into your calculation.

 

[Robin-jay]

The only time you don't choose an MA, is when you can have an MS.

But seriously, MA.

 

[Dwight Snoot]

I have been working as an MA for 6 months now and I love it. Honestly, working as an MA will undoubtedly make you a better applicant. I have already developed a lot of skills that will be useful during medical school (i.e lung sounds, looking in ears, learning about antibiotics and much more). Also, you should be able to get a strong letter from one of the providers at the clinic. Getting a truly strong and personalized letter from a physician would definitely bolster your app. But really, if you enjoy working as a server and confident that you will get into school you should just keep doing that.

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

Worrying about finances to this level of granularity during medical school is a great way to have a nervous breakdown. Even if you're making 20K more as a server that's <10% total cost of medical school, probably closer to 5% depending where you go. If you need the experience/your CV isn't impressive already I'd take the MA job. Don't forget that often clinical work like this can easily transition into book chapters/case writeups for a research boost as well...

 

[DetroitDoc1993]

As everyone else is saying, MA position all the way. And if you stay there long enough its possible to get raises depending on the doctor. I was an MA for only a short few months and would have gotten a raise had I stayed longer but I had to quit due to being accepted into medical school last may. I loved working at a doctor's office. Its less stressful than being a server and its actually fun and a great learning experience I don't think you would regret it.