I’m restarting my post-bac program after about 6 months away (was offered a spot in an NP program, accepted it, then declined it, then took a job in public health research).
My advisor suggests that I quit my job and either volunteer or get a job as a part-time MA. I have volunteered in the hospital in a couple of capacities, and it has provided almost zero patient care experience. I would be up for working as an MA or something similar, but the hospital won’t hire post-bacs as MAs anymore. The community health clinic does take volunteer MAs and eventually hires some, so that could be a decent option.
But, my question is, if I already have about 1500 hours of patient care experience (almost all is in mental health) and my med school application is otherwise strong, would I be at a big disadvantage by continuing in my public health research job (which is also mental health oriented) at reduced hours rather than volunteering or working as an MA to “diversify” my patient care experience? Thanks,
kt
Hm… perhaps a different approach would be beneficial?
Rather than asking whether you should do this or that, let me ask: do you know what you’re getting yourself into? Do you know what practicing medicine is like? Can you prove it to me?
If the answer is yes, than I suspect you’ll be just fine.
For what it’s worth, I’m a big proponent of mental health experience. Most of my clinical exposure has been through that avenue (with a bit of shadowing on the side), and I think it’s helped me.
I concur with Adam. If you can express to an adcom that you have a good understanding of the practice of medicine, I don’t think it matters that your patient care experience is in the mental health field.
Thanks, that way of looking at it is helpful. I can answer yes the questions you posed, Adam, but I think that more shadowing experience would probably help me feel more prepared and better able to express that I know what I’m getting into. I should be able to work that out while keeping my job and taking classes.
- pi1304 Said:
Rather than asking whether you should do this or that, let me ask: do you know what you're getting yourself into? Do you know what practicing medicine is like? Can you prove it to me?
If the answer is yes, than I suspect you'll be just fine.
For what it's worth, I'm a big proponent of mental health experience. Most of my clinical exposure has been through that avenue (with a bit of shadowing on the side), and I think it's helped me.
I agree with Adam
Hey KT,
I wouldn’t worry too much about it. If you love what you do, I would stick with it. In fact I have heard that research is a great way to boost the apps of less-than-stellar candidates. I for one, am a practicing RN and have been told by some folks not to expect the adcoms to be blown away by all my patient contact. Your research-related job clearly demonstrates your ability to use analytical processes- I think that’s really what they are looking for.
- kt Said:
That sounds good, KT. Let us know how you enjoy it
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I also have heaps of experience in mental health and research. When I decided that I wanted to go back to school, I was a lil intimidated by it all. I took an anatomy class and formally shadowed a few MDs and watched some minor surgeries. That drastically increased by confidence level and also made me 100% sure that YES, I am doing the right thing by making this leap! (Granted, I am still playing the waiting game…) I have been advised that anything that develops your patient skills is excellent - it doesn’t matter what specialty it is in. If you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with as much as possible - all the better. Best of luck :).