travelling + medicine

[gabeybaby]

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I have a huge passion for travelling and medicine. I know I can do this during my premed years by studying abroad, etc. but I don't know how to go about this when I'm done with med school.😕 I was wondering if anyone has the same interest, and how you go about in pursuing both? I realize that being a doctor is quiet a hectic job, and sometimes you don't have time to take "vacations". Therefore, I'm looking for inputs on what type of job that I can do that will incorporate both of these aspects.

(I chose to put this under allopathic with the mind set that most ppl on here are further along in their medical pursuits and can answer my question, but feel free to move this thread if it's in the wrong place)

Thanks for your thoughts on this topic 😀

 

[ESzczesniak]

It will be difficult to travel through both med school and residency because of the money. You're not exactly rich in either one.

If you do have the money though, it is very reasonable time wise to travel during the first two years of medical school. Third year of medical school is almost impossible, as every rotation feels it's 4-12 weeks is critical and it is hard to even get a single day off. Fourth year at most schools again is easier, as you usually have a decent amount of "vacation" time between rotations. How much through will vary by you future specialty and your medical school.

Residency won't be very easy time wise, but is workable. You usually get 2-6 weeks off with most programs giving you a set 2-4 weeks off (program dependent) and then giving an option for an extra two weeks that you;d have to make up at a later date (meant for things like family illness or maternity leave).

Once you are a full fledged physician, any difficulty you have traveling timewise will be self imposed. Very few, if any specialities, are setup such that you can't get at least 4 weeks of vacation a year. You may have to work a few extra shifts before or after, or take a little cut in a paycheck, but very doable. Many of the attendings I know are in the 6-8 weeks of vacation a year, although surgical specialties as a whole tend to be less.

 

[236116]

lol, until you're a 10-yrs out attending, it ain't gonna happen, unless you go for international health.

but i suspect you meant as a tourist, not for working with DABs.

 

[indianstar]

Some med schools have programs that are abroad. This could allow you to travel. I know of at least one school that encourages you to take a year off (usually between 2nd and 3rd) to participate in research abroad. After you graduate med school there is always Doctors Without Borders as well. I think their policy is you have to have completed your residency. My mom's hospital sends out a mission trip to Haiti every year and welcomes doctors (including new attendings) to apply for the program. A lot of your choices will depend on what type of facility you end up practicing in.

 

[gabeybaby]

Some med schools have programs that are abroad. This could allow you to travel. I know of at least one school that encourages you to take a year off (usually between 2nd and 3rd) to participate in research abroad. After you graduate med school there is always Doctors Without Borders as well. I think their policy is you have to have completed your residency. My mom's hospital sends out a mission trip to Haiti every year and welcomes doctors (including new attendings) to apply for the program. A lot of your choices will depend on what type of facility you end up practicing in.

what school is that?
your response is very helpful; I mean I am not looking for "vacation time" but more in the sense that I can still travel while learning or doing my job.
thanks alot guys 🙂

 

[236116]

what school is that?
your response is very helpful; I mean I am not looking for "vacation time" but more in the sense that I can still travel while learning or doing my job.
thanks alot guys 🙂

international health

 

[indianstar]

what school is that?
your response is very helpful; I mean I am not looking for "vacation time" but more in the sense that I can still travel while learning or doing my job.
thanks alot guys 🙂

It was Dartmouth. They emphasized their international opportunities at the info session I attended last year.

 

[DrMattOglesby]

most every school I have interviewed with has opportunities to do international rotations if one was so inclined.

aside from that obvious option...you might think about taking a military scholarship. You will definitely get in some travel time...not sure if you would end up in places you would like to be staying, but at least you'd be moving around a bit.

And as far as specialties that might be more suitable for international travel; I suggest tropical medicine and infectious disease. That'll definitely get you out of the house and most likely into the under developed countries around the world.

 

[NutCracker2021]

most every school I have interviewed with has opportunities to do international rotations if one was so inclined.

yeah i was going to say that many schools have that opportunity for you to do so...i know a few med students that are going to be doing that during their 3rd year

also the summer between first and 2nd year would be a great opportunity for you to travel whether it be medically related or for leisure