Should I include this non-medical work and volunteer experience in my application?

[Laurenxxxx]

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[no]

 

[Lya]

Yup, include it!

 

[Pacna]

There's nothing wrong with that. 100% put it on your application. Yes, medical schools want to see clinical experience, but do not think for a second that non clinical experience isn't also important.

 

[Oso]

That is an awesome activity! I think it shows commitment, talent, and that you have interests outside of medicine. Just make sure you also have clinical experiences on your app. Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

Any job should be included on your application if for no other reason that to account for your time, particularly if you worked more than 8 hours/wk.

 

[DokterMom]

Throughout my years in college, I have worked as a horseback riding instructor. I give lessons to able bodied as well as individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities, and have taught summer camps. I also have extensive volunteer time assisting with horseback riding lessons taught by a speech therapist who uses the horse's motion to encourage speaking. Even though this isn't clinically related, should I include it on my resume? I would assume teaching lessons is leadership experience and can only help, right? But I'm worried the non-clinical aspect of it will make it less important.

Hippotherapy? Great EC!
And do list it that way in your 'title' since that is the technical term -- which will earn respect by those familiar with the term and spark interest for those unfamiliar with it.
Is that one of your most meaningful activities?

 

[Laurenxxxx]

Hippotherapy? Great EC!
And do list it that way in your 'title' since that is the technical term -- which will earn respect by those familiar with the term and spark interest for those unfamiliar with it.
Is that one of your most meaningful activities?

Yes hippotherapy! I really enjoy it. I've gained a lot from it and it has fueled my interest in pediatrics. I'm hoping this volunteer experience as well as teaching lessons myself and training horses will be an "interesting" EC. I've been working with horses all my life - they deserve a spot on my resume and I want admissions to agree.

 

[Staffsy77]

I don't see why they wouldn't agree. Not only do you have a service oriented angle in there, it shows that you have personal interests that mean something to you. Here is to well-roundedness 🙂

 

[boeing112]

Any job should be included on your application if for no other reason that to account for your time, particularly if you worked more than 8 hours/wk.

Would this be the case if you maybe only worked for one or two semesters of your college career? For example, many jobs at my college only last one semester, and the next semester students usually find new jobs. Should I list every single one of my jobs?

 

[Lya]

Would this be the case if you maybe only worked for one or two semesters of your college career? For example, many jobs at my college only last one semester, and the next semester students usually find new jobs. Should I list every single one of my jobs?

If there are spare spaces in your AMCAS, sure I would include them. Usually, you can put all of them under one activity box whose title could be like "Seasonal work."

 

[Stephanopolous]

Yes definitely include.

 

[QuantumJ]

Include. It's interesting and I would imagine unique so I'm fairly positive it will come up on the interview trail and give you something to talk about.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Med schools want to see clinical stuff so you can demonstrate you know what you're getting yourself into, but that doesn't mean non-clincal stuff isn't important too. Schools also like to see you have other interests and are kinda "normal" too. Plus, I'd imagine interviewers like not having to have the same conversation with everyone about their activities. I flipped burgers and definitely intend to include that, along with teaching swimming lessons and coaching.