Is being a medical scribe a good gap year option?

I'm interested in medicine and was thinking about working as a scribe during my gap year. How do I get started, and is it really beneficial for someone looking to pursue a med career?

Being a medical scribe can indeed be a valuable gap year experience, especially if you're planning to pursue a career in medicine. It allows you not only to learn medical terminology and witness healthcare professionals at work but also to familiarize yourself with the electronic health record system, all of which can be extremely useful for your future medical studies.

To get started as a medical scribe, you generally need to have a high school diploma and sometimes a certification or previous healthcare experience. Some organizations that hire scribes also seek candidates with strong computer skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. You can find job openings on general job search websites or specifically through companies that hire medical scribes, such as Scribe America or PhysAssist.

However, it's essential to remember that the work can be quite intense, involving long hours and meticulous attention to detail. But if you're eager to get a front-row seat to patient care and medical decision-making, it could provide you with substantial insight into the healthcare field.

To enhance your application when you apply to medical school, it's also a good idea to couple scribing with other activities during your gap year, such as volunteering, research, or additional coursework. This can help demonstrate your commitment and multidimensional preparation for a career in medicine.