Shadowing/Volunteering

[annbow]

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I'm not planning on applying to med school for several years, need to do some GPA repair and pre-reqs.

I would like to apply to DO programs and a couple of MD programs here in TX. I'm going to ask my OB/GYN if I could shadow her (I want to be an OB/GYN), she's an MD and then I have a DO in family practice to shadow as well...do the schools care or do they just care that you're out there getting to understand more about medicine.

I've also got some volunteering lined up - does it need to be medically focused or just community service type things? I'm going to offer to volunteer some time at the offices of both of the doctor's as well.

I know I have some time, but I just need to get some ideas of what the admission committees like to see as my GPA will be lower than most (going back to start "repair' on a ~2.6).

Any feedback would be helpful...

Thanks,
Anne😀

 

[lainey234]

I can't speak specifically for TX schools, but I will tell you what most schools are looking for. Generally, they want a well rounded applicant who has shown a desire to "give back" to their community. I was recently at a information session with the Dean of Admissions at my state school and she stated they would like 500 hrs of community service. 😱 Now, I think that is higher than most but she said they wanted both types of volunteering - medical and non-medical.

In addition, you want shadowing and clinical experince that shows you know what you are getting yourself into, that you have at least some understanding of what being a physician entails. In general, DO schools like to see LORs from DOs (TCOM requests one specifically). MD schools don't usually require one (panel letter or 3 prof letters usually suffice).