There’s no question that getting clinical experience is important not just to get admitted to medical school, but to show admissions officers that a career in medicine is right for you.
But with stiff competition surrounding these “shadowing” experiences, it can be challenging. Do not despair! The good news is there are other alternatives to substitute for shadowing a doctor. The key is to demonstrate to admissions officers that you have gained some clinical exposure and demonstrated the necessary skills sought in future doctors.
A survey of medical school admissions officers conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) found that 87% of survey admission officers said that they accept an alternate activity instead of clinical shadowing. Some examples include any volunteer service in clinical setting, EMT, scribe, clinical research or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.
The key is to demonstrate to admissions officers that you have gained some clinical exposure and demonstrated the necessary skills sought in future doctors.
So how else can you gain clinical experience? Here are 5 ways cited by admissions officers:
- Hospice Volunteer. When you apply to medical school, admissions committees look to see that your application conveys evidence of empathy, service, and ethical responsibility to yourself and others. They also want to see that you have a good idea of what a career as a practicing physician entails, as well as other characteristics and strengths. Shadowing isn’t the only way to demonstrate these attributes. Spending time as a hospice volunteer gives you a first-hand glimpse into the day-to-day emotional toll of caring for dying patients and tending to their caregivers.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Becoming a CCMA is a great way to earn additional income and get hands-on practice while spending time in a clinical environment. You can complete an online, self-paced course that will prepare you for a nationally accredited industry certification exam in as little as eight weeks. It will prepare you for the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).
3. Hospital Scribe
A hospital scribe is usually a medical scribe in the emergency department that assists the on-call physician with gathering information and making documentation. Scribes say the role has benefitted them through learning medical terminology, observing communication between doctors and patients, and understanding the practice of medicine in an emergency department. For many scribes, the experience reinforced the desire to become a doctor.
- Caregiver
Serving as a caregiver for a family member, friend or loved one can provide first-hand experience with all the kinds of challenges patients and caregivers face. This can include dealing with chronic illness, the costs of obtaining medication, the impacts of nutrition on patient health, and the difficulties of scheduling and attending medical appointments.
- Work with the Underserved
Medical school admissions committees view candidates who have worked with underserved communities more favorably. As a premedical student working with these communities, you have the opportunity to gain a clear picture of the unique challenges that patients in underrepresented communities face and learn about how economic and social factors can affect health outcomes.
It’s best to do your homework and research what different medical schools require. You can learn more about each school’s policies regarding clinical experiences in the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR). It’s also a good idea to contact any medical school that you’re interested in to ensure that your planned activity meets their admission criteria.
For more information about opportunities to gain pre-health experience and certification, here.
