hijkl Posted April 8, 2020 Report Share Posted April 8, 2020 I've been saving up for years for a big Europe trip and it doesn't look like it'll be able to happen this summer. If I get accepted to medical school this year, will it be possible to travel for 4-8 weeks in the summer after my first year? The reason I ask is because I've heard that you should get research or other med-related work/volunteer experience in the summers during med school in order to be competitive for residency. I know this is a silly thing to be worrying about right now, but I've been pretty sad and I'm just trying to find something to look forward to. Edict 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meridian Posted April 8, 2020 Report Share Posted April 8, 2020 As long as your Med school doesn't run through the summer, yes you can take time for an extended trip. (Although 8 weeks may be too much). Many Med students will opt for a research opportunity and to make money, but it is not necessary. Taking some time to look after mental health and unwind may be a better use of the time. hijkl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeDayDream Posted April 8, 2020 Report Share Posted April 8, 2020 1 hour ago, Meridian said: As long as your Med school doesn't run through the summer, yes you can take time for an extended trip. (Although 8 weeks may be too much). Many Med students will opt for a research opportunity and to make money, but it is not necessary. Taking some time to look after mental health and unwind may be a better use of the time. Cry in 3 year program ChemPetE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Compton Posted April 8, 2020 Report Share Posted April 8, 2020 My brother and I used the summers in 1st and 2nd year to travel. I can't possibly be out for 8 weeks in a row but we did take 2 2-week trips each summer. It's possible in 4 year professional programs, just got to plan around research opportunities and work/externships. Also, use the points from your LOC credit cards, they come in handy hijkl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RepresentativeSalad Posted April 10, 2020 Report Share Posted April 10, 2020 I did a summer of research after first year, and 5 weeks of travel after second year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambi Posted April 10, 2020 Report Share Posted April 10, 2020 Summers in med school are strictly for R & R, the next occasion to take time off will be retirement! With an upperclassman, I did a 3 week literature review that was published. Work is a zero sum gain as the bursary is reduced by the amount of employment income you receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxsci Posted April 11, 2020 Report Share Posted April 11, 2020 Always nice to balance the two. I spent about 3-4 weeks a summer doing a minor research project, which usually ended up as a poster or oral presentation, then travelled or spent time with friends/family/etc for the remainder. Edict 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Usherroddy Posted September 17, 2022 Report Share Posted September 17, 2022 Which university did you go to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juninater Posted September 21, 2022 Report Share Posted September 21, 2022 My sister graduated from medical university about two years ago. Every summer, she found a few weeks to go somewhere and relax. If you don't take a break from work, you can spend all your strength. When applying to a hospital, doctors will look at your real skills, not the number of hours worked in residency. I advise you to fly to Costa Rica next summer on tours from www.costaricafocus.com. I was there in 2019, and I liked it. Tropical regions are good for their unusual nature and diverse wildlife. I wanted to fly to Chile as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheliaarisa Posted May 2, 2023 Report Share Posted May 2, 2023 Many med students take some time off during the summer to relax and recharge before starting their next academic year. While getting research or other medical-related experience can be helpful for residency applications, it's also important to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health. Travelling can be a great way to do that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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