Thread: Major dearth of clinical experience...

I appreciate that you've detailed your thinking in some detail so it will be available to others using the search function for information on MSTP in the future. You bring up points important to consider in seeking a nonscience-based PhD.

I agree, good thought =) Actually yes, I am very much considering it. I certainly would like to pursue a PhD at some point in my life. Right now, I'm torn but leaning a bit away from an MD/PhD. Unfortunately, the logistics of finding, applying to and completing an MD/PhD in the humanities is not straightforward. First of all, very few schools allow this option. A few more have anthro MD/PhDs, which is a possibility, but my work isn't...

Quote: Originally Posted by Catalystik Good thought, JDUB. thanks!

I agree with Cat. Last minute clinicals don't bode well for any student, no matter how high the MCAT or GPA. Consider taking a year off to really buff up your clinical volunteering activities, and you will have a very good chance at a top tier medical school. What's another year? As of now, your chances at a top tier school are jeopardized by your clinical problem.

Get some clinical experience just to show them that you know what you are getting into. Do well on the MCAT, and you should be fine. Don't waste a year by not applying.

There are basically three things that adcoms like to discern from your clinical experiences. 1. You have an interest in medicine (from all clinical experience) 2. You have altruism and compassion (usually only from volunteering, but possible also from a clinical job depending) 3. You know what you are getting into (IMO a clinical job is the best way to get this, but for most pre-meds it comes just from shadowing and a little bit from...

Quote: Originally Posted by UrsusHorribilis Thanks for the replies all! I'm going to make sure to volunteer at least 5hrs a week next semester and I'll try to rack up 50-100 hours of shadowing by app time. I'll also stay involved in clinical activities/work while I apply so that I can bring that up if I am lucky enough to get interviews =) And Catalysik-I was heading for a PhD until very recently and decided to switch to go for...

Quote: Originally Posted by UrsusHorribilis Thanks for the replies all! I'm going to make sure to volunteer at least 5hrs a week next semester and I'll try to rack up 50-100 hours of shadowing by app time. I'll also stay involved in clinical activities/work while I apply so that I can bring that up if I am lucky enough to get interviews =) And Catalysik-I was heading for a PhD until very recently and decided to switch to go for...

Quote: Originally Posted by UrsusHorribilis I agree, good thought =) Actually yes, I am very much considering it. I certainly would like to pursue a PhD at some point in my life. Right now, I'm torn but leaning a bit away from an MD/PhD. Unfortunately, the logistics of finding, applying to and completing an MD/PhD in the humanities is not straightforward. First of all, very few schools allow this option. A few more have anthro MD/PhDs,...