Well, there are several good reasons to get involved in extracurriculars. First, they help you develop a bunch of skills outside of academics.

Things like leadership, teamwork, organisation, time management, and communication. Personal growth is another big one. Extracurriculars let you explore your interests and passions, helping you discover more about yourself and work on your strengths and weaknesses.

Absolutely. Joining clubs or teams lets you meet people with similar interests, which can lead to valuable friendships, exposure to many new perspectives, feeling less lonely, and turning into an overall well-rounded and interesting human being. This all makes you feel like you belong; a crucial feeling to obtain during your studies.

Yes, they do. Program directors and employers often value your extracurricular involvement. They reflect your dedication, leadership skills, and initiative often better than grades. Consider a few to boost your chances during an interview!

It can be a bit challenging at first, but that's where time management comes in. Balancing school and extracurriculars teaches you how to manage your time effectively.

Participating in activities that you enjoy can be a great stress reliever. For example, think of joining (or creating) a club that is doing team sports! It's a healthy way to take a break from the pressures of university and also creates many new friendships.

Research is another significant component. During your studies, you can engage in research work related to your specialty, whether it's basic science research, clinical research, or advocacy/policy research. If possible, aim to present your research at conferences, both nationally and internationally, to further expand your interest and build relationships with potential mentors.

Holding leadership positions is always a strong indicator of your commitment and interests. Additionally, consider creating new, sustainable initiatives that align with your interests. Those can be even more impressive in setting you apart.

Certainly! Let's say you're interested in obstetrics and gynecology. Instead of being a member of multiple unrelated organizations and projects, it's more impressive to take leadership in your school's clinic and initiate a new program, such as one focused on intrauterine device education and access. This kind of hands-on involvement is much more attractive to any recruiter in the field than, let's say, grades.

And remember: quality matters more than quantity – genuine involvement in one or a few meaningful projects is much more impressive than surface-level participation in multiple organisations.

Yes! When it comes to research, program directors love to see that you can complete projects, preferably with a research manuscript or a publication as a result. Having a single well-executed research project to your name can be much more impactful than having multiple abstracts from various projects without any published work.

That's a great opportunity to gain further extracurricular experience. You could consider using that time to delve deeper into research, participate in specialized clinical experiences in the country you want to go to, or even engage in volunteer work – all related to your chosen specialty. This can really demonstrate your commitment and dedication during your application process.

You're welcome! Remember, the more you can demonstrate your genuine passions and skills, and being able to fit with a team, the stronger your application will be.