What are some activities I could be involved in this summer?

[Krypton36]

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I have nothing specific planned for this summer in terms of beefing up my medical school application or to tailor my college transcript. My plan is to eventually apply MD/PhD in a few years. Would it be wise to find a position in a lab nearby? Also, I could probably do some more volunteer work than I have. Any ideas? 😎

 

[Morsetlis]

Summer research programs. You get paid.

 

[lstone13]

Summer research programs. You get paid.

I second this, especially because you want to apply for MD/PhD. If you have time, it wouldn't hurt to continue any volunteer work.

 

[tinery]

Summer research programs. You get paid.

i also agree. i've had awesome experiences with summer programs. i actually recommend going to one away from where you live because then you get to experience a new city and the program usually provides travel expenses and housing.

 

[Narmerguy]

Definitely summer research. Wouldn't hurt to do some shadowing etc on the side if you can manage it.

 

[Elpenor]

Hula-hooping and Tae-bo

 

[Arjuna]

I have nothing specific planned for this summer in terms of beefing up my medical school application or to tailor my college transcript. My plan is to eventually apply MD/PhD in a few years. Would it be wise to find a position in a lab nearby? Also, I could probably do some more volunteer work than I have. Any ideas? 😎

What year are you? I would focus on finding a long term research gig, not just a summer internship. Although, the summer internship is a good thing, it is probably too late now, and even if it isn't its better to have something that you can work on long term, so that eventually you can have your own independent project, and maybe even a publication. Md-PhD is highly competitive, as it funds all your education and even provides a stipend. Plus it requires more focus on research than on the clinical side. Accordingly, you find a lot of non-trads in this field, who have typically 3-4 years of consecutive, continuous research experience. A typical undergrad who had stints at campus labs for a semester or just worked in the lab in the summer doesn't have a shot, especially for the top tier programs. (Well in MD-PhD, really all programs are top tier 😀)

 

[docta123]

summer research programs for sure!! There are so many of them... and they are rather competitive. getting into one of those programs at a big research school could really help your resume and give you great experience.

 

[Morsetlis]

Other suggestions:

TAing while volunteering/shadowing/researching.