Taking time off to care for family in the gap year

[Misunderstood Warlock]

So I applied this cycle to about 35 MD schools, and since I don't have any interviews yet, I've been thinking of some options to help my chances. I've been considering sending letters of intent/update letters to schools that accept them, but I'm questioning how they would be received given the contents of said letters. I finished my post-baccalaureate program in June and was working full-time until a couple of months ago, when I quit my job and reduced my professional responsibilities to care for one of my immediate family members who was diagnosed with cancer through helping them around the house, helping with daily activities, visiting them in the hospital, accompanying them to doctor's appointments, etc. I've been out of work since, but I'm starting a new job later this month and looking for more ways to get involved now that they are about to start treatment and try to get back to their normal routine. Is this something that would be worth including in an update letter or would this be viewed negatively?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Kpw101]

First and foremost I am very very sorry for what you and your family are going through right now. You're an amazing person for quitting your job to make yourself more available.

I'm not an adcom member, but if I were to receive an update letter about how someone's family member got sick I would be expecting a request for withdrawal/deferral. If I received the letter as a letter explaining how it makes them a better candidate, I might be a little put off unless it was worded very carefully.

But this is just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. I wouldn't know how other people would view it.

 

[jarednogeek]

I’m sorry for you and hope your situation gets better. I would not consider this update worthy

 

[Naruhodo]

I am sorry that you have to shoulder this responsibility. As painful as it is I think this experience can help you someday understand/sympathize better with what your patients and their families are going through. But I agree that this can be very difficult to articulate in a way that doesn't sound opportunistic and honestly like something an adcom has heard a million times (most people deal with illness and or death of someone close to them at some point in their lives). Do your best to take care of yourself and remember that even if it feels like your plans/hopes are on an involuntary hiatus they will still be there after you've taken care of everything that you need to now.
When I went through my first application cycle I was working part-time at a couple of odd jobs, trying to study for the MCAT, drafting applications, taking a class at cc, and caring for a dying parent. Even though I wouldn't admit it at the time I was pretty depressed too. I never felt particularly eloquent when talking about that period (I still don't) and so I personally shy away from making it the focus of personal statements, etc. As a mentor once told me, "Your family may be your motivation, but med schools will accept you because of your qualifications so focus on those." Remember what you have to offer.
I'm now (finally) in med school and I've been told several times that I am really good at delivering difficult news. It's probably not the super power I would have chosen, but it is unfortunately one that comes in handy more often than you'd like in medicine. Your experiences will definitely influence how you care for people in the future (I suspect in a good way). Good luck with your applications and wishing that your family member's cancer therapy goes well.