Top Out-of-School Experiences for Aspiring Medical Students

Aspiring medical students often seek unique and valuable out-of-school experiences to bolster their applications. Here, we explore several opportunities that can help distinguish you from the thousands of applicants vying for a seat in medical school.

Getting Trained as and Working as an EMT

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training not only provides valuable first aid skills and experience in a high-pressure environment, but it also offers a taste of the real-life medical field. EMTs respond to emergency calls, provide critical care, and work closely with first responders and hospital staff. This experience exemplifies your commitment to serving the community and your professional readiness for the medical field.

Volunteering in an Emergency Room or Public Clinic

Volunteering in a hospital’s emergency room or a public clinic offers a more in-depth look into the medical profession. You can observe procedures, interact with patients, and understand the workflow in a fast-paced environment. This experience is invaluable for gaining firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards of working in healthcare.

If You Speak Spanish Well, Consider Being a Medical Translator

If you have bilingual skills, consider volunteering as a medical translator. This role is crucial in ensuring that non-English speaking patients receive accurate and effective medical care. It not only demonstrates your language skills but also your commitment to inclusivity and patient care.

Earning a Medical Scribe

A medical scribe is a critical position that records clinical information during patient encounters. This experience not only provides a clear and structured understanding of medical documentation but also enhances your communication and observational skills. Medical scribes often have a behind-the-scenes look at medical practices, which can be incredibly valuable for future medical professionals.

Joining a Research Lab

Participating in research projects in a medical lab can be one of the most enriching out-of-school activities for aspiring medical students. You get hands-on experience with cutting-edge research, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of medical science. Research involvement also shows your dedication to advancing the field of medicine and your ability to contribute to scientific endeavors.

What Not to Do

While these experiences are valuable, you should also be aware of the experiences that may not add as much value to your application. Here are some activities to avoid:

Shadowing a Physician: While shadowing can be beneficial, it is not always recommended as a primary out-of-school experience. Admissions committees have received thousands of shadowing requests, and it can be challenging to gauge the true value of these experiences. It is best to seek long-term shadowing opportunities with clear learning outcomes. Short Trips or ‘Medical Tourism’: Quick trips to exotic locales where you teach people to wash their hands or give out band-aids can come across as inauthentic. Admissions committees prefer experiences that show sustained commitment and measurable learning. Years Abroad: Unless you are participating in a supervised research project or serving in the Peace Corps, long overseas trips without a clear academic or medical purpose are not recommended. Random Good Deeds: Volunteering as part of a church or sorority/ fraternity event, like handing out turkeys at Thanksgiving, is not typically counted as a meaningful out-of-school experience unless it shows a sustained commitment and personal connection to the community.

Personal Insight: Pursuing your enthusiasm wherever it lies can lead to unexpected paths. For instance, engaging in a lay pastoral care ministry before applying to medical school might provide you with unexpected insights and opportunities. Remember that medical school is not the endpoint for everyone, and being open-minded can lead you to a career you may have otherwise overlooked.

Conclusion: The key to a strong out-of-school experience is relevance, commitment, and measurable involvement. By choosing activities that align with your career goals and demonstrate your readiness for the challenges of medical school, you can make a compelling case for your application.