Will it hurt me to not have a medically related job during year off?

[jackson1]

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Hey everyone! im having conflicting thoughts about what I want to do for work next year. Originally I was set on getting something medically related no matter what-office assistant, patient care associate, research assistant, whatever. I've actually had a couple leads that look kind of promising. My other option I have though is to watiress and work at my dad's children's shoe store and possibly substitute teach. The latter would offer WAY more flexibility, as well as money. I would love to travel for the last ~4 months of the year (because when would I have the chance to do that again), visit my friend in paris, attend some football games at my undergrad, go on interviews etc. I know that taking all this time off wouldn't fly with a "real" job.

My question is, would passing up a medically related job be a bad decision for trying to get in to school or do they not care as long as I continue volunteering and staying involved with the medical profession? I could also shadow a couple docs to show continued interest. Thanks so much for any input!!!

 

[mmmcdowe]

Hey everyone! im having conflicting thoughts about what I want to do for work next year. Originally I was set on getting something medically related no matter what-office assistant, patient care associate, research assistant, whatever. I've actually had a couple leads that look kind of promising. My other option I have though is to watiress and work at my dad's children's shoe store and possibly substitute teach. The latter would offer WAY more flexibility, as well as money. I would love to travel for the last ~4 months of the year (because when would I have the chance to do that again), visit my friend in paris, attend some football games at my undergrad, go on interviews etc. I know that taking all this time off wouldn't fly with a "real" job.

My question is, would passing up a medically related job be a bad decision for trying to get in to school or do they not care as long as I continue volunteering and staying involved with the medical profession? I could also shadow a couple docs to show continued interest. Thanks so much for any input!!!

I would strongly recommend that you pursue some form of clinical work, even if you do work at your other options. A few hours a week volunteering would probably negate any bad effect of not working a clinical job.

 

[jackson1]

I would strongly recommend that you pursue some form of clinical work, even if you do work at your other options. A few hours a week volunteering would probably negate any bad effect of not working a clinical job.

thanks for the reply! I've been volunteering in the oncology department at the local hospital for the past 2 summers, do you think it would be sufficient to do that about 5 hours a week?

 

[rocketbooster]

do something clinical or research related, FOR SURE.

so, yes, it WILL HURT you if you don't. as many premeds do, once you get your 1st acceptance, you can just quit that job and do whatever you want till med school begins. not that I think this is the most ethical thing to do, but most premeds do it. I was actually surprised to discover some of the ppl who did this haha. Personally, I don't think I would stop doing my activities immediately, but I would for sure try to end them at least before the summer before med school begins in order to make time for last minute traveling.

People will judge you for doing the above, but if you were just a volunteer, you can tell them to shove it. Generally, the ppl who judge you for it didn't have the option themselves to quit what they were doing to enjoy their last few months before med school. They're just bitter, IMO.