Undergraduate Summer Program Advice

[doctorally]

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Hey guys!

I'm a freshman, but this summer I am planning on taking summer classes. Next summer (after sophomore year), I want do some type of summer program - whether it be research or clinical internships. Being a freshman, I have no research or clinical background in college - yet. By the end of sophomore year, I will have taken two clinical courses. I do have clinical shadowing experience from high school. As of now, I am looking into radiation oncology, but I am open to any type of health-related exposure.

1) My goal is to be an M.D. Would it be better to get into a summer research program or do clinical shadowing?

2) What types of EC should I pursue this first year of college to better the chances of getting into a summer program, i.e. research, clubs, clinicals?

3) How do you find your clinical shadowing opportunities? Does your college set them up or do you contact physicians at your local hospital? I have heard of students having mentors - even in different states - in which they work with over the school year or summer. How do I find a mentor?

 

[ciestar]

1. My friend who is currently a med student at Pitt couldn't speak highly enough of a summer program he did at Penn State Hershey. This really helps with shadowing as well. You can try and get involved in research during the school year.

2. They all tend to like leadership. Get involved in what you enjoy though (I am no expert on this). Do some volunteer work along side your summer classes. Most don't require much time a week, do something you can do for a short period of time.

3. I had a mentor for one of my opportunities and the rest I made calls/emails like a crazy person until I got somewhere. It can be a tough process, so a summer internship at a medical would help you a lot with that. I was connected with my mentor through a program at my University. (Penn State has a rather, large, alumni pool)

 

[EndlessEntropy]

Why does it have to be a summer research program? I became involved in a professor's research group on campus and continued the research every year and stayed during the summer to work and I also had time to continue hospital volunteering.

 

[scarletgirl777]

1. Research program. The amount of clinical shadowing (actual observation of an MD/DO in clinical work) you need to do in order to be competitive for med school is less than you might think. A few weeks is more than enough. Non-shadowing experiences that are clinically related can show an interest in healthcare.

2. The number one priority is that it's something you're interested in. Then you will be passionate about it, stay involved, get a leadership position, and help make the organization successful.

3. Contact physicians at a local hospital, local to your school or home. Most will not respond, but some will, just be persistent and reach out to more if the ones you initially speak to don't get back to you.