Taking a year off

[Cholinergic]

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Does it look bad to take a year off after 4th year and apply for residency the following year? Or would it be better to take the year off between 2nd and 3rd years? In my mind, it would be better to take the year off between 2nd and 3rd. Thanks in advance.

The year off may or may not be spent pursuing something medically related (ie an MPH).

 

[Brainsucker]

Lots of people also take a year off between third and fourth. In fact, most people I know who took a year off did it then.

 

[ramonaquimby]

i took time off between med school and residency and was still extremely competitive (in 3 different fields i was considering) ...do it! 😀

 

[Cholinergic]

Thanks.

You know, I didn't think about taking it off between 3rd and 4th. I was thinking between 2nd and 3rd because I didn't want the hassle of trying to get recommendation letters after graduating.

I figured as long as my board scores and recommendations were good, it wouldn't be to big of a deal. But I still had a little doubt.

 

[turtle md]

I took a year off btw 3rd and 4th, and it didn't hurt me in the application process. It may depend on why you take the year. Mine was for medical rotations abroad. If it were to sit on a beach and drink tequila all day, it may not be viewed as highly.

 

[Cholinergic]

Thanks Turtle MD. I definitely won't spend my year goofing off. But I may not do something medically related. I really want to live abroad and possibly teach or study something artistic, but somehow I don't see that happening once I get into clinical years and residency. I did, however, just learn about a one month program abroad that may be the perfect solution for me. So instead of losing a whole year, I'm just taking a month off. We will see what happens. . .

 

[liz358]

Thanks Turtle MD. I definitely won't spend my year goofing off. But I may not do something medically related. I really want to live abroad and possibly teach or study something artistic, but somehow I don't see that happening once I get into clinical years and residency. I did, however, just learn about a one month program abroad that may be the perfect solution for me. So instead of losing a whole year, I'm just taking a month off. We will see what happens. . .

Hi Cholinergic

I am taking a year off for Medical Reasons btwn my 2 and 3rd. I was also considering going abroad and maybe learning medical spanish and also doing some volunteering. But I don't know how residencies would view that, positive or not.... A lot of people recommend doing research but I really want to see other countries and their way of health care.

Liz