summer plans for MSIs?

[cardyjones]

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Hi,
I was wondering if any MSII, III, IV or otherwise have advice on meaningful summer experiences between 1st and 2nd year. I'm not too interested in bench research but rather something more clinical, methinks. Eager to hear any and all ideas. Please post links to info, if possible.
Peace,
Cardyjones

 

[ckent]

I did some clinical research duing my first year's summer. It's great to have on your CV because for most competive academic residencies, research experience is almost a requirement. It's also nice if you can get paid for it. Just be forewarned that if you do decide clinical research involving patients that they are a huge hassle when it comes to scheduling and compliance and consent. In retrospect, I wish that I chose some easily publishable chart review project. Other interesting clinical stuff that medical students have done during their first year's summer is do stuff like work in a free clinic (where all you do is H+P's, it's often staffed by residents who are happy to teach too). Other of my classmates did things like shadow physicians, some were actually able to complete psychiatry, family practice, and anesthesiology rotations for fourth year credit through special programs run through my school. It's good that you are asking about this now though, since most projects have application deadlines that run around February. A good place to start looking would be your office of student affairs. Mine has a binder with past projects and activities that med students have done over the summertime with their e-mail addresses.

 

[nuclearrabbit77]

I lucked out for sure with my m1 summer. I worked with somebody i knew previously, so he was very lax about my work hours and he had me shadow in the clinic and O.R. as well. he also let me take time off to travel and junk. i also got alot of work done...gave a talk, expecting a paper, and he's sending me to an international conference...oh..and i partied like a monster every night.... this was non-funded though.

i guess, ultimately this reflects the fact that you can get really cool mentors who want to hook you up as much as possible, and then conversely you can end up with people who see you as a scut-munkey and are going to milk every thing they can get out of you.
in regards to the latter, the person i worked for during the school year as an M1 was that type of person....she constantly challenged me and tried to get me to do as much work as possible. not a very nice lady...actually she was a b*tch...i digress...

 

[Adcadet]

Originally posted by nuclearrabbit77
I lucked out for sure with my m1 summer. I worked with somebody i knew previously, so he was very lax about my work hours and he had me shadow in the clinic and O.R. as well. he also let me take time off to travel and junk. i also got alot of work done...gave a talk, expecting a paper, and he's sending me to an international conference...oh..and i partied like a monster every night.... this was non-funded though.

i guess, ultimately this reflects the fact that you can get really cool mentors who want to hook you up as much as possible, and then conversely you can end up with people who see you as a scut-munkey and are going to milk every thing they can get out of you.
in regards to the latter, the person i worked for during the school year as an M1 was that type of person....she constantly challenged me and tried to get me to do as much work as possible. not a very nice lady...actually she was a b*tch...i digress...

But it sounds like you had a very productive summer. Would you do it again if given the chance?

 

[nuclearrabbit77]

oH yah!---summer is a great time to be productive but also have fun. make sure you remember the last part of that statement. 2nd year is more enjoyable in terms of the relevance of what you are learning...but it's alot more material as well.

 

[SarahGM]

I've also heard about people going off and doing something entirely unrelated to medicine, as that summer -- for all intents and purposes -- is the last real "summer break" ever. IE ski bumming in the southern hemisphere, camp counseling, etc.

What's the general consensus on this? Any glaring disadvantages to students who go this route?

 

[dingiswayo]

i did a "health service project" in uganda for the summer through a program called Operation Crossroads Africa. the program was actaully the progenitor of the Peace Corps. it's worth looking into if you want a service/travel experience that is quasi-medical.