Choosing a Gap Year Job Before Premed

I'm a premed student thinking about a gap year. What kind of job should I look for that would be beneficial before starting medical school? I'd appreciate any insights from those who've taken a similar path.

I've encountered numerous premed students who've found gap years highly beneficial before embarking on the demanding journey of medical school. Gap year jobs offer a unique chance to gain practical skills, cultivate experiences, and develop interests that can enhance your competitiveness as a candidate for medical school.

Your choice of gap year job will, of course, depend on your interest and where you wish to develop further knowledge or skills. If you're interested in enhancing your patient care skills, consider jobs like medical scribe, emergency medical technician (EMT), or certified nursing assistant (CNA). These roles would provide firsthand clinical experience, expose you to the medical field and allow interactions with patients, all of which medical school admissions committees appreciate.

Research positions, like a lab assistant or research analyst, could be valuable too, especially if you're considering a career in academic medicine. Some prestigious institutions offer post-baccalaureate research programs, which might be of interest.

Working as a medical assistant at a clinic or physician's office is another option to consider. This not only provides a firsthand look at healthcare delivery but can also elucidate the daily rigors and rewards of being a doctor.

If your intent with the gap year is to explore other interests or avenues that you might not have been able to in college, considering jobs in public health, healthcare consulting, or even medical writing could offer you a unique perspective.

For example, with public health roles or working with non-profits, you could gain a broader understanding of how socio-economic factors affect healthcare access and outcomes. On the other hand, health consulting roles could give you an overview of the business side of healthcare, which is also insightful.

Remember, it's not just about doing what you think will look good on your medical school application. It's also about personal and professional development, so choose something that genuinely interests you and has a particular value.

It's critical to plan your gap year(s) effectively, as having defined goals will help you to maximize this time. Make sure to seek out job-specific capabilities and skills, along with enriching experiences that contribute to your personal growth and understanding of the medical field. Good luck!