What should I do?

[yanu]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys,

I am graduating early in December from college and will start med school next Fall. I wanted to do some research (clinical) for my semester off. Does anyone here know of any good programs I can apply to or any other suggestions for what I should do with my semester off?

Thanks

 

[tupac_don]

Hey guys,

I am graduating early in December from college and will start med school next Fall. I wanted to do some research (clinical) for my semester off. Does anyone here know of any good programs I can apply to or any other suggestions for what I should do with my semester off?

Thanks

I know what you should do with your semester off: party, travel, relax, hang out with your friends. I mean if you really want to do research, try to find something that is really structured or that will lead to publishing of an article. Otherwise you just might be wasting your time. I would see with the medical school that you are going to if they will have something, b/c you will be their student in the fall. So if you do any research, you want to do it with your medical school and maybe get to know some profs there. That I think is the best way to approach it if you really want to do research. But seriously unless you really have your heart set on some specialty, that research probably won't be of much use. You are better off doing research after your first year of med school. B/c at that point you got some knowledge, you are a med student, and for medical students they have very structured programs. That's just my two cents. Best of luck.

 

[Stealth Vector]

Hey guys,

I am graduating early in December from college and will start med school next Fall. I wanted to do some research (clinical) for my semester off. Does anyone here know of any good programs I can apply to or any other suggestions for what I should do with my semester off?

Thanks

I was in the same boat about a year ago. I was tempted to do some research, but I took the time off to relax, and travel and to enjoy life. This advice was given to me by atleast 5 physicians I know. I am glad I listened to them and did take the time to live life, and I have no regrets. I traveled the world and the country, and caught up on my life. By the time med school started, I was at 100% ( an still am). I have no regrets and I'll be doing my research the summer after this first year over.

If you think about it, this may be your last big break for at least 8-11 years, and not everyone gets this oppertunity. There is always time for research (later). But its your call, I thought I would give you my thoughts since I didn't go for research. hope this helps, and good luck.

 

[EctopicFetus]

I agree with the notion of taking time off. If you really want to do research find a local university and look up faculty and call or email them. And as stated above if you dont get a published article out of it you are completely wasting your time.

 

[ironey]

Take a break
Travel
Do anything that really, really enjoy.

I guess if that includes doing research, you should go ahead and do it. However, if you're doing it just to make your residency application look good, you're looking WAY too far into the future.

You'll have a surprising number of research opportunities while in med school.

Best of luck.