Summer for some people might mean pool time and Popsicles, but for many pre-health students, summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all the best opportunities for building a great resume.
While it might be tempting to study with Picmonic all summer (it’s actually super fun, we totally get it), the med school admissions committee is looking for a well-rounded resume. This means they want to see your awesome grades and the real world experiences you’ve had outside of the classroom.
With so many opportunities it can be hard to know where to start looking. We picked out a few that will boost your knowledge and your med school resume.
Medical Scribes
If you’re interested in getting a look inside the medical world, becoming a medical scribe is a great way to immerse yourself. A medical scribe acts almost like a physician’s personal secretary. They take notes while the doctor is with the patient and gather information to ensure the best possible care all while experiencing a real-life clinical setting. This is a tough job to land though, so be prepared for a rigorous application process. But hey, just think of it as practice for applying to med school!
Internships for Pre-Health Majors
Snagging some real world experience in medicine is a great way to jumpstart a med school resume and your career. 7 out of 10 internships lead to full-time jobs post-graduation, so don’t hesitate to apply to one that interests you.
Shadow
Do you know someone in the medical field? Ask if you can shadow them for a few weeks. Chances are they’ll be thrilled you asked and jump at the chance. Unlike interning, you don’t usually earn money or college credit for shadowing someone, but you will get a first hand look at what it’s like to be a working medical professional and that’s priceless.
Tutor
Study sessions can be panic inducing when you’re not sure what you’re doing. If Picmonic has helped you recall more information and boost your test scores as you prepare for the MCAT, give back to your fellow students by tutoring. When you tutor you’re not only helping someone, but you’re learning how to be a leader and listener, two things that will come in handy in the medical field.
Med School Summer Programs
Participating in a summer med school program is a great way to introduce yourself to your future profession and the faculty at a medical school. These enrichment programs let you have a small taste, usually two weeks to a month, of what it’s like to study and work in the medical field. There are lots of universities that offer med school summer programs but check enrollment dates often. While a few programs are rolling admission, meaning year round, many have late winter cut-off dates.
Volunteer Opportunities
Giving back to your community is important, especially when you’re in the medical field. It shows not only a love for helping people but a commitment to the medical profession. Don’t pass up the opportunity to connect with people and make a positive difference in their lives all while gaining real world experience. If you’re not sure where to look for a volunteer position, start by asking your advisor. They can point you in the right direction.
Research Assistant
Find a research opportunity that suits your needs and excites you. If you’re already studying to be a pre-health major in college, ask around to see if any professors need a research assistant or check out the Association of American Medical Colleges’ list of programs. The list is frequently updated and if it’s AAMC approved, you know it’ll be a great opportunity for learning and networking.
Specialized Programs
If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the world of say, cardiovascular surgery or anesthesia, there’s likely a specialized program for that. Usually designed for high school and undergraduate students, these programs are intense but often offer a certification training as well as mentoring. This is something that could come in handy for your future med school career.
With so many great pre-health opportunities to choose from, you won’t have a problem staying busy this summer. Don’t forget to take some time to study up with Picmonic so you can be ahead of your class come fall. After all, great test scores look good on a resume, too.
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