Planning Your Path

Gap Years and Postbaccalaureate Programs:

What to do with your Gap Year:

Gaining Clinical Experience:

1. Shadowing:  Observing doctors across various specialties offers invaluable insights into the daily life of a physician.

2. Clinical Volunteering:  Volunteering or working in a hospital or clinic allows for direct patient interaction and hands-on experience in a medical environment.

3. Medical Scribe:  Serving as a medical scribe enables you to observe patient care closely, familiarize yourself with medical terminology, and document patient encounters.

4. EMT or Other Clinical Roles:  

Consider pursuing roles such as EMT, medical assistant, or other healthcare positions that involve direct patient contact and significant responsibilities.

Research Opportunities:

1. Research Technician/Assistant:  Working as a research technician or assistant, whether in basic science or clinical research, can provide essential experience and may lead to publications.

2. Research Fellowships:  

Applying for research fellowships can offer structured research experiences and potentially result in strong letters of recommendation.

3. Exploring Specialty Interests:  

Engaging in research helps refine your interests within medicine and can connect you with mentors in your desired field.

Community Service:

1. Meaningful Volunteering:  Participating in community service, particularly in a healthcare context, showcases your commitment to service and social responsibility.

2. Teaching or Tutoring:  Sharing your knowledge, particularly in science or healthcare, can be a rewarding experience.

Other Options:

1. Working in a Non-Medical Field:  Gaining experience in a different field can offer valuable life lessons and perspective.

2. Travel or Personal Projects:  A gap year may also be an opportunity for personal growth, travel, or pursuing meaningful personal projects.

3. Preceptorships with Local Doctors:  Shadowing local physicians across various specialties provides critical insights into a physician's daily responsibilities.

4. Reflecting on Your Goals:  Use this time to contemplate your motivations for pursuing a career in medicine and to solidify your career objectives.

Types of Postbaccalaureate Programs:

1. Career Changers: These programs cater to individuals who did not complete the necessary prerequisite science courses (such as biology, chemistry, and physics) during their undergraduate studies. 

2. Academic Record Enhancers: Designed for students aiming to improve their GPA, particularly in science courses, these programs make applicants more competitive for admission to professional schools.

3. Special Master's Programs: These programs provide a comprehensive, graduate-level science curriculum, beneficial for students with some scientific background who wish to strengthen their academic records or build a solid foundation before entering medical school.

Benefits of Postbaccalaureate Programs:

Strengthens Academic Record: Postbaccalaureate programs can help students improve their GPA and demonstrate their preparedness for the demands of professional school.

 Fulfills Prerequisites: They enable students to complete any necessary prerequisite coursework for their chosen health profession.

 Enhances Application: Postbaccalaureate programs often offer opportunities for clinical experiences, research, and other activities that can enhance an application.

 Provides Support: Many programs offer advising, MCAT preparation, and various resources designed to foster student success.

 May Offer Linkage Agreements: Some programs have formal partnerships with medical schools, enabling conditional acceptance based on a student’s performance in the postbaccalaureate program.