LiconC Posted April 11, 2019 Report Share Posted April 11, 2019 I am just about to finish my degree and I'm writing the MCAT this summer, so BEST case scenario I won't be starting in an MD program for a whole year. So, I am trying to figure out what to do, and I thought I would ask all of you what you, personally, would do if you had a year off like I do. I'm looking for ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prolene Posted April 11, 2019 Report Share Posted April 11, 2019 I would travel and do mission trips. As exciting as it sounds, it's probably a faraway dream lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiconC Posted April 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2019 4 minutes ago, Prolene said: I would travel and do mission trips. As exciting as it sounds, it's probably a faraway dream lol I've thought about this, but I have noticed that a lot of the organizations that do it seem to be really profit driven. Like I feel like I can't even research volunteer abroad opporunitites because there are just like 10 pages of really profit driven companies trying to sell me stuff on google. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prolene Posted April 11, 2019 Report Share Posted April 11, 2019 1 minute ago, LiconC said: I've thought about this, but I have noticed that a lot of the organizations that do it seem to be really profit driven. Like I feel like I can't even research volunteer abroad opporunitites because there are just like 10 pages of really profit driven companies trying to sell me stuff on google. I didn't look into it but I'm glad you pointed this out. How about DoctorsWithoutBorders? Is it for profit too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiconC Posted April 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2019 Just now, Prolene said: I didn't look into it but I'm glad you pointed this out. How about DoctorsWithoutBorders? Is it for profit too? MSF would be pretty good actually, the thing though is that they usually want you to commit to an entire year away, like a full 12 months. Honestly, I would be willing to do that. i am qualified for some of the jobs due to my experience doing bush work/ running remote camps, but I would also like some more hands-on medical care-based stuff, rather than running a camp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballsortahard Posted April 12, 2019 Report Share Posted April 12, 2019 10 hours ago, Prolene said: How about DoctorsWithoutBorders? Is it for profit too? Pretty sure doctors without boarders requires you to have some sort of fairly meaningful skill (and previous work experience) prior to bringing you on. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnGrisham Posted April 12, 2019 Report Share Posted April 12, 2019 30 minutes ago, ballsortahard said: Pretty sure doctors without boarders requires you to have some sort of fairly meaningful skill (and previous work experience) prior to bringing you on. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Yes. Most real organizations dont take people without real skills. If you have no skills and someone is willing to take you, and your $$$, then its probably not a good organization. Persephone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freewheeler Posted April 12, 2019 Report Share Posted April 12, 2019 I'd read things that interest me, engage in hobbies, play sports, exercise, socialize, find fulfillment in an allied healthcare profession or within business, and read up on financial literacy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterfly_ Posted April 12, 2019 Report Share Posted April 12, 2019 If possible, do something fun, without regard for whether it will boost your application or not. Do what makes you happy. Do something you’re passionate about. Solo-travel is a wonderful way to experience different cultures, gain a new perspective and develop self-awareness. If finances are a concern, then perhaps get a job and save up $$ for school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiynadoll Posted April 12, 2019 Report Share Posted April 12, 2019 I agree with everyone with doing something that you enjoy, but do keep in mind that there is still the chance you'll need more than 1 year to get in to med school. In that case, it's a good idea to have a plan for what you're going to do when you get back from your one year off, and continue to work on building your application through things you enjoy as well. Prolene 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edict Posted April 12, 2019 Report Share Posted April 12, 2019 Do something like MSF would be pretty cool, but yeah you have to be interested and committed to it, 12 months is a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg_McMuffin Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 If I had that option I'd pick something that helps me grow as a person and most importantly as un-related to medicine as possible. Once you get in you'll see how valuable that time away from the premed and med bubble is. LiconC and IMislove 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiconC Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 1 hour ago, Egg_McMuffin said: If I had that option I'd pick something that helps me grow as a person and most importantly as un-related to medicine as possible. Once you get in you'll see how valuable that time away from the premed and med bubble is. Thats really interesting advice and it makes a lot of sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prolene Posted April 16, 2019 Report Share Posted April 16, 2019 On 4/12/2019 at 1:15 AM, JohnGrisham said: Yes. Most real organizations dont take people without real skills. If you have no skills and someone is willing to take you, and your $$$, then its probably not a good organization. Very true, I've heard some people do take you on as long you pay $$ which honestly sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plz Don't Tax My Cigs Posted April 16, 2019 Report Share Posted April 16, 2019 Probably pick up a hobby and see how much progress I can make in 1 year. Work part time, go to the gym and get shredded. Chill with friends and family on down time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xiphoid Posted April 16, 2019 Report Share Posted April 16, 2019 Would also second what @Egg_McMuffin said - something very very un-related to medicine. If money isn't a concern, I'd travel as much as possible. If it is, then I'd get a part-time/contract job (or perhaps a few jobs) in something service-related/touristy. I worked at a really popular tourist attraction (not an amusement park) for a while before starting med, and that job honestly taught me so much about myself, about people in this world, and just about the non-medicine working world in general. As much as it was kind of awful at times during it (I lost a little bit of faith in humanity while working there and seeing the way people acted), I'm really glad I had that experience and I wouldn't give up that time in my life for med-related experiences. Once you start med, it really can be quite all-consuming and if you aren't consciously aware of it, you'll one day realize that the only people you interact with and are friends with on a daily basis are all in medicine or healthcare. LiconC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hihi1234 Posted April 17, 2019 Report Share Posted April 17, 2019 I completely agree with what xiphoid and Egg_McMuffin said as well as everyone before me. I haven’t gotten into med school yet, but I was rejected post interviews last year. I took a year off to work (service/tutoring) and also spent 2 weeks to backpack on my own (in Europe). Meanwhile, spent lots of time with fam&friends, tried many new activities (made a bucket list), read (books/finance articles/news). I really cannot stress how important it is to forget about the med process for a while and really take some time for yourself. You will look back and see how much you have grown as a person, the breadth of opportunities outside, and how vast the world is. You gain a lot of understanding of both the world and more importantly yourself. It is definitely a personal investment and you get to do something you enjoy. At the same time, these experiences are exactly what is going to get you into med, because they truly make you who you are and that’s what the adcoms want to see. Just take it easy on yourself and do whatever you’ve been wanting to do, while obv still maintaining everything you need for next cycle. LiconC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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