Shadowing/Clinical experience

[NCF145]

I don't know if this or something similar has happened to anyone else, if not, then the following will sound pretty ludicrous.

When I was shadowing a neurosurgeon he let me make the incision in the scalp and drill the holes in the skull (and it was a live human patient and not a cadaver). I was wondering if I should put this down on my application or mention it in any interviews. I am worried that if I mention it I will come off kind of cocky, not to mention illegal on the doctor's part. I don't know what to do because this is about as much "clinical experience" as you can get; but on the other hand, I don't want the adcoms to think that I think I am as good as a doctor b/c of the surgery and therefore they should let me in. I am just wondering what you would do.

Thanks for the advice.

NCF

PS even if you think the above is a complete and total lie, just humor me and answer it like it really did happen.

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[drmota]

i wouldn't bring it up. thats a serious liability that the neurosurgeon took on letting you do that but i dont think the adcomms will necessarily be impressed by it.
-mota

 

[Pontifex Maximus]

Definitely don't bring it up. They might react the wrong way.

 

[Uncle_Tbag]

IMO, it's more clinical exposure than clinical experience, but still really cool!

When I think of someone that has real experience, I think of someone who's worked in a medical profession for a while. Not to diminish you're experience, as I said it sounds like an amazing experience.

 

[potato51]

Don't mention details - just say you were actively assisting a brain surgery, and when asked about it, downplay your role a little while emphasizing your clinical exposure.