What is the most impressive or dangerous EC you've done?

[NemoFish]

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Hello,

I'm just wondering what the most impressive or dangerous EC people have done to impress adcoms. For instance, I would think being a volunteer phlebotamist (sp?) at an HIV clinic would be the absolute most dangerous (and probably impressive as well) EC one could do. I just wonder what might run through the mind of someone who would do a volunteer activity like that--I mean good for them, but I couldn't handle something like that. Volunteering in Africa at a clinic would probably be pretty impressive as well.

 

[relentless11]

My most dangerous activity would be as an advanced rescue diver. Got some training in advanced first aid (with emphasis in diving related injuries), Oxygen delivery, search + rescue, salvage and training to operate in limited adverse sea conditions such as high surge, waves, and under water blackout (limited visibility) conditions.

I believe the dangerous part was really with the ever present threat of decompression sickness. Even though with the neccessary precautions in place, it is entirely possible to get the bends. That actually scares me more than following on rounds in the ER where people cough up bloody sputum, or what not. But thats just me. My friends and i who took this class, can actually go out and help the local police department for search and rescue...and to a lesser extent go search for things lost in the water...... (sadly includes bodies).

Really, my sole purpose for taking the many classes to reach this point was to have fun. I enjoy water very much. It seemed like the next logical step after 6 years of swimming for US Swimming. (always wondered what it would be like to stay under water for longer periods). The moral of my story is, do what YOU like to do. Not neccessarily what others have done. If going to Africa floats your boat, go for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of other things that can be just as effective. Like many have said, they want to see dedication in what you do, not neccessarily all clinically oriented stuff.

I wouldn't really call any of my extracurriculars as impressive. I can only say that my strongest extracurricular would be a toss up between 4 years of lab/clinical research, or 2 years as a water polo coach.

 

[skypilot]

Originally posted by NemoFish
For instance, I would think being a volunteer phlebotamist (sp?) at an HIV clinic would be the absolute most dangerous (and probably impressive as well) EC one could do. I just wonder what might run through the mind of someone who would do a volunteer activity like that--I mean good for them, but I couldn't handle something like that.

If you couldn't handle something like that aren't you worried about when you will have to things that are even worse as a med student and intern. Like get blood and vomit all over you? And disimpact a patients bowels? Or treat a patient who you know has Hep C or TB? Fun fun fun!

🙂

 

[Chirurgien]

Originally posted by NemoFish
Hello,

I'm just wondering what the most impressive or dangerous EC people have done to impress adcoms.

I saw this on a website somewhere and I think it really holds true: "We want you to be convinced that you want to be a doctor and then we want you to convince us." In other words, you shouldn't do something to impress others; rather you should only pursue things because of your own interests and for your own benefit in your personal journey to become a doctor. The simplest activities can convince an adcom that you're ready by the way you describe the activities and the enthusiasm in your expressions.

 

[ForensicPath]

When I worked with the medical examiner we definitely had a few cases of hep C, TB, HIV, etc... to autopsy. I was using sharp objects (bone saws, suture needles, rib cutters, scalpels, etc.) covered in their blood, feces, urine, bile, etc... There are also the numerous drug addict bodies that come through the morgue and god only knew what they had to offer. All in the name of fun and science.

 

[Hamface16]

Originally posted by relentless11
My most dangerous activity would be as an advanced rescue diver. Got some training in advanced first aid (with emphasis in diving related injuries), Oxygen delivery, search + rescue, salvage and training to operate in limited adverse sea conditions such as high surge, waves, and under water blackout (limited visibility) conditions.


Really, my sole purpose for taking the many classes to reach this point was to have fun. I enjoy water very much. It seemed like the next logical step after 6 years of swimming for US Swimming. (always wondered what it would be like to stay under water for longer periods).

relentless: I just got my Open Water Certification and am totally hooked on diving. I'm hoping to get my Advanced and Nitrox Cert also this year but that depends on how much time and money I have. Rescue diving sounds amazing, but I do understand why it can be hazardous.

 

[ATPase]

Originally posted by ForensicPath
I was using sharp objects (bone saws, suture needles, rib cutters, scalpels, etc.) covered in their blood, feces, urine, bile, etc...

Sounds like a fun way to spend a Saturday night...

 

[quideam]

Mountain climbing w/ my WEMT... not only am I out there doing some fairly dangerous stuff, but as the medical person on the climbing team, if I get hurt, well.... that would pretty much suck 🙂

I want to do ski patrol later on in life... now THAT would be a great time!!!

- Quid

 

[Robz]

I got stabbed in the shoulder with a knife as a paramedic.

Not a bad stab mind you but enough to freak me out...learned a good lesson try not to treat the battered wife in a domestic until the cops have the guy fully handcuffed.

Live and learn.

 

[relentless11]

[/i]
relentless: I just got my Open Water Certification and am totally hooked on diving. I'm hoping to get my Advanced and Nitrox Cert also this year but that depends on how much time and money I have. Rescue diving sounds amazing, but I do understand why it can be hazardous. [/B]

Thats great, if you get hooked from the standard open water cert. ....more power to you. It seems some people get dissappointed about the tediousness of basic scuba. But as you move onto advanced classes as you said, you have a lot more fun. We were lucky enough to have the class offered through school, so we get a lot of scientific stuff to play with. The last dive for our scientific diver certification was to dive at Catalina in Southern California in the spring. We got our NAUI Master Diver certification as well. (drysuit + nitrox cert included).

PM me how the diving is over there on the east coast. I figure it should be as cold as here in california, but hey always nice to know any nice dive spots.