Supervisory or International Experience?

[aust10n]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I am currently a non-traditional post-bac student in hopes of applying in 2018 or 2019. I have been graced with two opportunities; however, I can only accept one.

So my question is, what is more valuable to admission committees; international paramedic experience or supervisory experience?

My international opportunity will take me to the Caribbean for one year (or greater should I choose to stay). My supervisory role would be as a Lt with an urban EMS system that employs > 200 people.

Thanks for the input and advice 🙂

 

[JowellHollyBuddy33]

If it were me, I would take the Lt. spot in the urban EMS system. A lot of clinical exposure and leadership goes a long way. And I've always been a fan of the way EMS is set up in the states. Putting that license to use here is probably the best way you could spend your time leading up to medical school. But it's whatever you think you'd enjoy more!

I'm a non trad paramedic as well. Best of luck to you in the whole process


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[MarshMedic]

Lt position for sure. I looked at international stuff in Saudi, but I feel those experiences are really about the money and not so much about cultural exposure/etc. The Lt position would be great leadership experience and I have yet to go to an interview where they haven't asked about leadership exp or to name a strength. Not to mention the perks of staying in the states and the likely decent money an Lt gig would bring in.

Non-trad paramedic and I just got accepted to school!

Best of luck!

 

[poloboy]

Do you have much clinical exposure/community service experiences in the states? If not, I'd go with the Lt. position.

I'm pretty sure the international opportunity would give you eye-opening experiences that you wouldn't have here in the states. But you also have to consider a potential question that med schools might ask: what have this applicant done for their local communities in addition to their works for communities abroad?

Remember, you'll be applying to med schools in the states, not in the Caribbean. You want more exposure working with patient populations here.

 

[aust10n]

Thank you for the replies and advice; it is much appreciated!

I have 6 years of full time paramedic experience ranging from urban to country, level 1 trauma Center ED to interfacility critical care transports. I've also taught hands-only CPR to underprivileged city neighborhoods and volunteered regularly at two urban rescue squads.

I've reflected on the advice provided and agree that the Lt position will carry me further. Being young and not tied down is ultimately what draws me to the Caribbean. It isn't the best of reasons.

-
Please excuse my brevity and grammatical errors. I typed this from my mobile device.

Sent from my SM-G935V using SDN mobile