What to do this summer?

[muffinman23]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am a freshman in a combined BA/MD program. In the past, I've spent a summer doing research and another summer shadowing an oncologist. Although I've applied to a few summer research programs, I highly doubt I'll get in. Since those attempts are a likely fail, what would you suggest I do this summer? If I do volunteer work, should it be at a hospital or someplace else? Or should I try to do research for free at a university? Or should I get a job or take summer classes or an EMT class? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

 

[DrWookie]

So you are in a program where you are already accepted to medical school when you graduate undergrad?

If that is the case, and you don't need to apply to med school after undergrad,then do whatever sounds the best to you. You don't have to worry about being a good candidate, so just do what you enjoy.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

I am a freshman in a combined BA/MD program.

you have a free pass. do whatever you WANT. if that means research or EMT anyway, then do it. if that means making muffins, then make muffins.

 

[shindotp]

I say do something with pay.

 

[snoopypoo]

ditto situation as muffin's

anything specific we can do?

 

[Naijaba]

Hi muffinman23 and snoopypoo,

For many (myself to a limited extent), summer research is a piece of flare on their medical school applications. Since you're not applying to medical school, summer should be the time for you to be thinking about what you want to do with your MD degree.

The basic dichotomy is choosing between working in the clinical setting or conducting laboratory research. If you enjoy the former, lookup research or volunteering opportunities that will place you into patient care environments. Establishing an early relationship with Doctors Without Borders, for example, would be useful if you intend to pursue that route after medical school.

If you intend to conduct medical research, as is my objective, definitely pursue in-depth research opportunities now. Research is more art and luck than science because breakthrough are not made overnight. Moreover, there are so many different avenues of research that you want to make sure that you're doing something you enjoy. Since you are both freshmen, many on-campus laboratories may take you immediately because you'll be around for so long. However, some labs may require specific knowledge that you have yet to obtain.

 

[135892]

I would either: get involved in some research at your university (if this is your sort of thing) or get a job. Of course, you could do both if you're feeling really ambitious, but it might be nice to relax a bit as well. Personally, unless you have a chance to do something truly meaningful, I wouldn't waste my time volunteering, and I really don't see any benefit of becoming an EMT, outside of just personal growth (which is important of course).

 

[redlight]

well, as wearenotrobots pointed out, muffin-making is the way to go.
do as you please.

but if i had a free summer (and $ if there are no summer programs to fund the adventure) id go abroad, or at least visit a new cool/fun area of the country. i'm trying to experience a new area AND get paid to do research, among other things, so i make sure the only fun i have wont be be tied to research/med school stuff.

 

[justdoit31]

Maybe consider study abroad/travel... if you want to research or do other shadowing do so but just do what you are interested in- try being in a community theater show, work at a summer camp (medical or regular), you only have a little while left to relax so enjoy the break!

I will say the most rewarding experiences as an undergrad for me were international trips- consider taking medical spanish abroad (some schools offer credit for this), volunteering with orphans (I did this in Africa and it was amazing), take an art class in France, or anything else interesting to you.