<p>what's better to do if i only have one summer before applying for an EA program to med school, shadowing a doctor, or doing research? </p>
<p>for shadowing:
shadowing at a big hospital (ex: mass-gen)
or shadowing at a local hospital</p>
<p>good question</p>
<p>They're completely different commitments and aspects of your application, it shouldn't be an either/or. Shadowing is kind of an unwritten requirement, research isn't.</p>
<p>You should definitely shadow to prove that you've seen how doctors work and that you know (somewhat) what you're getting yourself into. It doesn't matter where you do it because it requires no skill, you're contributing nothing to anyone, and it's a short time frame. You're just stalking a doctor for a few hours.</p>
<p>Research is a real commitment, it takes patience, time, and effort. Generally starting out, you do the lab ***** work, washing dishes and making solutions. Once you've paid your dues and gain the trust of a PI then you can get into real research. Substantial research takes months and real dedication.</p>
<p>Definitely shadow, but don't think of it as an EC and don't expect that it's a summer's worth of commitment. If you have a genuine interest in research, do it, but if not then don't because you'll hate your life for the entire summer.</p>
<p>Shadowing (or some type of clinical experience) is absolutely necessary for acceptance (and any case where someone got in without it will be an exception that proves the rule). Research is not (says the medical student who got in without any research experience). Obviously neither is sufficient for acceptance.</p>
<p>Shadow, to know for yourself whether you want to be a doctor. Do you find the work interesting. In contrast to BigredMed, you do not need to have shadowed. I never shadowed. You just have to have an answer to the interview question: "Why do you want to be a doctor?" and if you've never seen a real doctor in action, than it can be hard to answer that question. But people have experiences through personal, family illness, doctor in the family, etc. Just don't say "gray's anatomy". If you can answer the question. Do not waste a summer shadowing. </p>
<p>Research -- shows commitment, creativity, drive, and that you want to advance an area. What medical school would not want a future medical leader (research, pushing boundaries) versus a future follower (shadowing where you follow a doctor around).</p>
<p>I am not saying don't shadow. But you can do it afternoons between classes. Don't devote a whole summer to it, unless you get to participate in patient care. Ie. do history and physicals. Shadowing adds nothing to your application.</p>