Gap year before applying to Medical School

[NewHope33]

DD is considering taking a gap year before applying to Medical School. The current plan is to work in a med school research lab. But she's doing that this summer and I'm wondering if there might be better options once she graduates.

[dragonmom]

A few of my kid's friends did this. One didn't get into any of the schools she wanted on the first try, spent the year getting EMT training and working for a year doing that. It convinced a good school that she was serious enough to be admitted the next year. Another spent 2 years teaching biology for Teach for America and was accepted at all the schools she applied to.
My advice would be to maybe consider something more "people" oriented than working in a lab if she is worried about demonstrating enough interest in patient care. If she has great experience in that field, the lab would be fine and would tell her if she would prefer a PhD instead or or with an MD.

[katliamom]

The average age for medical students is 25... so a great deal of them take some time off between undergrad and med school.

[skiers-mom]

I have 5 friends with kids either in med school or just completed. All of them took a "gap year" or two because none of them got in on the first try. Always good to have Plan B in the works.

[interesteddad]

I just saw a percentage breakdown at Wiliams College:

a) about 25% apply after junior year for immediate med school after graduation

b) about 25% apply after senior year, with a minimum 12 month gap year

c) the other 50% apply to med school after graduation

Swarthmore doesn't give specific percentages, but sounds about the same. Their pre-med FAQ says the "overwhelming majority" take at least one year off between college and med school.

I don't think it's "not getting in". I think students are spreading pre-med courses out over all four years so they do study abroad programs. I think there are money issues -- med school costs serious dollars immediately after college. And frankly, I think students are smart to take a break between 16 uninterrupted years of school and the start of what will be seven or more years for medical or PhD training. It's better for them as people and it probably makes them better grad students.

[NewHope33]

Thanks to all who replied. Our family is replete with academics and engineers, and unfortunately bereft of physicians. (We live in a community of physicians but they all say "Don't go into Medicine!") So thanks for your comments because this is all new to us.

[Georgiatwins]

A Gap year is always a great idea IMO, and many medical schools want students/people who have experiences in the world beyond the classroom. Take a look at the article published today in the New England Journal of Medicine based upon Harvard's experience. ( Just posted in Parenn'ts forum). Interesting food for thought, and as a medical person, it makes total sense.

Remember, the practice of medicine is TOTALLY different than it was even 15 years ago. Physicians lack the autonomy in management of patient care and while receiving good salaries, are not always paid for risks and burden of their jobs. It is still a wonderful career, but not the world many believe still exists.