Work experience? Lab tech/ former part time phlebotomist

[microkid1992]

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Hello SDN. I am currently working as a clinical laboratory scientist. I wanted to know if this plus my per diem work in phlebotomy is valuable for med school. Unfortunately because of finances, I don't have time to do hours upon hours of clinical volunteering 🙁. What should I do?

 

[Ismet]

Are you completely unable to swing 3-4 hours of clinical volunteering per week?

In addition to exposure to patients, you need to see what doctors do. What do you have on your resume that shows that you have exposure to what a physician does on a day-to-day basis, and can you effectively communicate that this is what you want to do with your life?

 

[microkid1992]

I am currently shadowing an oncologist on Saturday mornings at the hospital where I work. I also shadowed an ER doctor.

 

[GrapesofRath]

You can find a volunteering shift for 3-4 hours a week. If it's something you really think is important you can find a way, particularly since there are many hospitals with weekend shifts. Keep in mind these shifts are very laid back and not stressful at all with loads of downtime.

The importance of shadowing is something that tends to be overstated on this site. It's valuable for yourself but volunteering in a hospital, even for a couple hours a week, is something that will help solidify your application.

 

[microkid1992]

Thanks for all of your advice. I potentially may have found something I can try. But after some thinking, I figured that I will worry about all that after I take my MCAT.

 

[Spirit of the Student Doc]

Hello SDN. I am currently working as a clinical laboratory scientist. I wanted to know if this plus my per diem work in phlebotomy is valuable for med school. Unfortunately because of finances, I don't have time to do hours upon hours of clinical volunteering 🙁. What should I do?

Kinda of the same boat, job wise, here. I think it was missed that while you don't have the volunteering down. You have a vast amount of clinical experience as your job does involve patient contact (phleb responsibilities).

I personally volunteer at the blood center and sometimes even do lab testing at events, mostly just blood typing people and even then just a front type.

So you do have a positive to play off here.

Best of luck 😉