There is another thread in the parents forum about a student who plans to apply again to medical school. The question was posed…do applicants to medical school really need patient contact, volunteering, and shadowing to be considered for admission. I thought I would start a thread here to see what those of you who have been there think.
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IMO, yes, even if it weren’t technically needed by the school. I think it’s important for future students to see what goes on behind the scenes and to do it a lot. That way they truly know if the field is for them or not. Med school is a large commitment of time and money, plus it’s super competitive. One should really want to be there after having seen behind the scenes.
Then I’ll add I also think it’s good for applications. Since so many have the experiences, why try to overcome the odds by being one of the few who doesn’t? It doesn’t seem smart to submit apps that are starting behind the pack. Perhaps if there’s a really good reason/story that will sway readers, but without that? I wouldn’t.
My MD guy had volunteering (Hospice, Overseas Medical Missions, Local Clinic), shadowing (some of this at the Overseas Medical Missions too, then typical hospital setting with several different doctors), and probably some patient contact through it all. He enjoyed his hours.
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Yes… Almost every year we get students asking to shadow in our office as we are on a mentor list so they can put it on their application. Last year we got 10 requests on one specific day. Then they ask for a reference letter which I won’t do just because they shadowed for a few hours one time. It wouldn’t be honest. . They know this going in. I find that students wait way too long and try to do this at the last minute.
I have had other students that wanted to ask questions one day and return to do shadowing. I don’t have an issue with this especially with zoom.
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But would you write a LOR if the student shadowed you for two years of so, once a week for a full shift?
To answer my own OP. I feel that most applicants should have these things. Sure, there might be an exception where someone is accepted without…but, in my opinion, why shortchange yourself when applying.
Of course and I have. We had a girl pre med and came once a week as part of a school rotation. She was so great we hired her. After a few years and retaking the mcat she is in her first year. We still keep in touch and she worked on her time off. We won’t take back our key since she will help out here and there and she’s paying for herself so glad to help her out. I am just saying to write a LOR after meeting someone for a few hours is not something I will do. I had a patients son that spent time like once a week and then here and there during his semester. The kid was fantastic. I could see how he thinks. He asked intelligent questions even if he didn’t have the background. He wanted to learn. Patients loved him. He got an awesome LOR and was accepted. I used to be a residency surgical director and have trained many doctors in my field. I sorta have a clue… Lol. Also why wouldn’t someone who’s applying to anything attempt to learn as much as possible about that field?
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