Taking a Year Off - Pediatric-related activities; Ideas anyone?

[guppy3]

Hi!

I've finally made the somewhat painful decision to take a year off because I don't have enough time to study for the MCAT during the school year. I'm going to study while I'm at my summer internship, and take it in September so that I can apply the following June.

I'm going into pediatrics for sure, so I would like to do something in my year off that involves working with children on a daily basis. I'd rather not do research since my application is already research-heavy, and I do need some more clinical experiences (I've only volunteered in one hospital for about a year) because I only recently decided to pursue an MD.

Does anyone have any ideas? My ideal year off would be volunteering at an orphanage in another country but I have to be in the states to do interviews and applications, and I don't have have that kind of money.

I'm also going to keep volunteering and shadowing during my year off (I love my hospital and the kids are awesome!)

Thanks!

Guppy

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[Marcus Brody]

get a clinical jerb at a childrens' hospital

 

[PedsDoc14]

Community Health Centers are also a great place to get clinical family medicine and pediatric experience. Also being that a bachelor's degree actually gives you less applicable knowledge and experience for clinic work than say a certificate from a CC does, many will train you on the job. Americorps also has some cool assignments.

 

[casillas]

I say you continue volunteering at a hospital but then also get a job as a tutor. It is a great way to get money and work with kids. There are A LOT of tutoring jobs advertised on craigslist (at least in my area).

 

[mvenus929]

Just don't tell your interviewers that you are definitely going into pediatrics. It's like going into college with a specific major... most will change their major (specialty) several times before they graduate. Be open to others, just say you're strongly considering pediatrics.

I worked in a pediatrician's office for a little over a year doing office work... not much exposure to the kids themselves, but I got a good feel for what it's like in private practice. Ask at the local children's hospital (if you have one close) what you can do volunteer wise. Work at a daycare center. Volunteer at a preschool or other school program.