Hello Dr. Gray and nontrad community,
I am a former high school science teacher who left the classroom to pursue medicine. I have a BA in political science and an MS in education. After completing a policy fellowship and teaching for four years, I knew that both education and politics were not for me. I had considered medicine at various stages in my life, but didn’t want to pursue it until I was fully sure. My life experiences taught me that I wanted to work with people in need and help them achieve their full potential. I believe that through medicine and education, I can treat and heal patients so that they can achieve their goals and live the lives they want. A year and a half ago, i began volunteering at the front desk of a major hospital and then transitioned to the ED while working full time as a teacher. I started off as a science major in college and had some science AP credit awarded by my undergrad institution so I was not starting from scratch with prerequisites. I also completed about 24 science credits at a community college and took the MCAT. My undergrad GPA is a 3.8, and current GPA from my prerequisites is a 4.0 and my MCAT is a 511. I started a post-bacc this past summer at a university and am currently enrolled full time in all upper level science courses. I have about 250 volunteer hours.
Right now, my main concern is getting clinical experience and shadowing hours for the upcoming admissions cycle. I recently started volunteering with a hospice organization, but have only done 4 hours so far. When I volunteered at the hospital, I didn’t have a ton of patient interaction. Also, I have only shadowed 2 doctors thus far, 1 being my dad. Today I spent about 3 hours calling doctor’s offices and every single office told me they didn’t allow shadowing. I am wondering 1.What is the most effective way to get permission to shadow? 2. Does it look bad to get most of your shadowing and clinical experience in the 6 months before you apply? 3. Should I not even worry about research and just focus on getting all As and clinical experience?
Thank you all for your help!