Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is your time in a medical setting. It is important for many medical schools (and, for your own interest) to have experience here. Specifically take note of clinician patient interaction or broader health policy if possible. Here are a few methods on gaining these types of experience

• Volunteering - hospital and clinics are always taking new volunteers. Check out different opportunities in your area, see what the requirements are etc and make sure you have time to do so!
• Jobs - there are a few types of jobs that are entry level, however these jobs generally look for some type of prior training or licensing. Some jobs include: medical assistant, ABA technician, phlebotomist, CNA, patient transporter, EMT, telemetry technician/unit secretary. Read the job description! Make sure you qualify

A key skill you need to develop and will develop as a result of applying to different places is how to market yourself. A few tips:

• Don't exaggerate or paint yourself as sanctimonious
• Speak plainly and authentically
  • If you are an experienced writer you can experiment more with clever/poetic writings
• Before you start writing on anything, make sure you have a solid understanding of yourself. People are attracted to (tempered) ambition and genuine passion.
• Practice Practice Practice! Journal to yourself and gain experience becoming a better writer. It will be a useful skill in any application, as well as make you more prepared to talk during interviews. If I write about why I want to go to medical school before I am asked verbally, I will likely make a much more coherent statement as opposed to just "winging it".