What should the Class of 2016 do this summer?

[MedBound1]

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Looking to get some input from both incoming students as well as current Med students and Residents. What is everyone planning to do the summer before med school starts?

I am particularly interested in people like me that are not coming straight out of undergrad (If I was, then I would probably just take it easy, do some volunteering etc.). However, I've had a full time job for awhile now and am trying to decide if I should work right up until school starts for the extra income or if I'll regret not taking more time off. I'm a biomedical engineer so the job pays pretty well but is fairly time-demanding and consuming if that factor's into anyone's advice. Should I plan to leave my job early and take a break to be 'fresh' for med school or it doesn't really matter?

Thanks!

 

[theseeker4]

Looking to get some input from both incoming students as well as current Med students and Residents. What is everyone planning to do the summer before med school starts?

I am particularly interested in people like me that are not coming straight out of undergrad (If I was, then I would probably just take it easy, do some volunteering etc.). However, I've had a full time job for awhile now and am trying to decide if I should work right up until school starts for the extra income or if I'll regret not taking more time off. I'm a biomedical engineer so the job pays pretty well but is fairly time-demanding and consuming if that factor's into anyone's advice. Should I plan to leave my job early and take a break to be 'fresh' for med school or it doesn't really matter?

Thanks!

I am working up through June, then taking a month off before med school. Going on vacation with my wife and son right before orientation week, going to build a deck on my house, do some things for fun and just spend time with my family before I have to focus on school. I would definitely take some time off, the extra income won't do much to mitigate 4 years of debt anyway, and time will be a very precious commodity very soon.

 

[GoZags]

I thought about working through until school starts as well, but the physician I work for urged me to take some time off before medical school, as there will be little time during the next 4 years when you will truly have fewer obligations.

If you will be financially able to take some time off, I think his point of view is sound!

 

[protonate]

I'm planning on working out, volunteering, and playing basketball. I might travel a little but for the most part I'm gonna just relax

 

[octupus]

I'll be leaving my research job in June, and take what will probably be the longest vacation I'll be allowed to take for the next 10 years. Spending a month with my SO in Europe, eating, drinking, relaxing. Living the life while I still can.

Like my dad says, there's always more money to be made. Have to relax and enjoy it at some point.

 

[MT Headed]

I'm going to get a head start and prepare for medical school by studying human anatomy for the next three months









at a beach somewhere.

 

[NickNaylor]

You should do nothing school related. Trust me, it won't help you.

 

[ppfizenm]

I'm getting laid off at the end of May so I will be collecting unemployment.

 

[octupus]

I'm getting laid off at the end of May so I will be collecting unemployment.

:O really? I wonder if there's a way I can get around that

 

[ppfizenm]

:O really? I wonder if there's a way I can get around that

Get around what? I've worked in my state for the required period of time and no one is going to hire me when I am leaving in August.

 

[tantacles]

You should work out and get really hot. That's what I'm doing.

 

[octupus]

Get around what? I've worked in my state for the required period of time and no one is going to hire me when I am leaving in August.

 

[Slowpoke]

Spending a month with my SO in Europe, eating, drinking, relaxing. Living the life while I still can.

👍

Also will be in Europe mid june to early july. Will be my first actual trip out of the country.

 

[octupus]

👍

Also will be in Europe mid june to early july. Will be my first actual trip out of the country.

have you decided which countries you'll be visiting?

 

[phnerd1105]

you should work out and get really hot. That's what i'm doing.

+1

 

[tantacles]

+1

No girls allowed.

 

[NickNaylor]

Get around what? I've worked in my state for the required period of time and no one is going to hire me when I am leaving in August.

You're collecting unemployment while you'll be a medical student? Seriously?

 

[luckyducky87]

I also had the same dilemma! EVeryone told me to take the summer off but I couldn't afford that financially. I'm working till the end of June and taking the month of July off, though I don't have the financial means to really take a trip anywhere :-/ (the moving is costing me enough...)

 

[theWUbear]

have you decided which countries you'll be visiting?

Same question for person he was responding to. I'll be in italy around then. For July I have to finish writing up a research pub, work out as much as possible, and maybe do a little language learning or book reading. Tennis will be a must. Med school starts August 4th ish

 

[theseeker4]

You're collecting unemployment while you'll be a medical student? Seriously?

I think he means during the time between getting laid off and when classes start in three months.

 

[phnerd1105]

No girls allowed.

Fine. See if I come drop off cupcakes next year. 😡

 

[tantacles]

fine. See if i come drop off cupcakes next year. 😡

OK OK GIRLS ALLOWED GIRLS ALLOWED. Please cupcakes nao kthxbai

 

[octupus]

Same question for person he was responding to. I'll be in italy around then. For July I have to finish writing up a research pub, work out as much as possible, and maybe do a little language learning or book reading. Tennis will be a must. Med school starts August 4th ish

If you are in Venice, you must try to dine at Tattoria Rivetta. It has been one of my restaurant experiences. ever

 

[ppfizenm]

You're collecting unemployment while you'll be a medical student? Seriously?

I don't recall saying or suggesting that. Unemployment requires that you actively be seeking a job in the time which you are receiving it which is impossible during school.

I'll have a period of two and a half months between the end of May (when I said I was getting laid off) and when med school starts in August that I will be eligible. I've paid into for years and meet all the stipulations. Even if I work a minimum wage job in that time I'd still qualify for unemployment based on the salary I make now so it would be dumb not to take it.