Worrying about ECs!

[ashjamar]

So i have been worrying lately that my ECs are not good enough to get in to med school. I have looked at many of the md apps profiles and the majority of them have these wonderful ECS, traveling around the world volunteering here and there and i would love to do that but im just not sure how to go about it.

Right now i am working at my university's clinic since freshman year. I am a lab assistant thru the presidentials scholars program. I will also begin volunteer regularly at the local hospital very soon. Im worried that as ECs go this is far from enough. Tho these three things will be taking much of my time plus school. what else do you guys suggest to boat my application in the EC area? I am trying to plan out a study abroad for this summers maymester,,but anything else?

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[Mobius1985]

Do you work face-to-face with patients in the clinic or in the lab? (Or is it not permited due to privacy concerns?) If not, these may not count as clinical experience, though they'd still look good on your application. I am an advocate of having a broad base of clinical exposure. If you volunteer in a hospital, switch to another department after six months. Also try for maybe nursing home or hospice care. If your current clinic jobs are behind the scenes, volunteer in a free clinic or a family planning clinic, where you'll interact with sick people. Also shadow, and try to follow several types of specialists. You may not have the opportunity to do all these things, I am just presenting some ideas.

Don't feel that you have to travel for your experiences to stand out. Overseas missions are expensive and usually result in another type of shadowing experience, ie, your personal contribution is not particularly meaningful. There are lots of folks here at home who need help too.

 

[ashjamar]

Thank you so much! as simple as that seems, i found that soooo insightful. I guess ive been focusing so much on getting into med school and then also seeing "overseas work" as a common EC of the apps ive read that i completely overlooked all the opportunities i have here. Ill definitely work on some of your suggestions!