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Doctors, why take a gap year?
During the pathway to becoming a doctor, many students take a gap year (or a few) between undergrad and medical school. Why should students consider a gap year? How would you make the most of that gap?
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9 answers
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Compassion, these are excellent questions. Let's take them one at a time.
There are many reasons to consider a gap year from having more time for the MCAT and applications to gaining more experience (such as in research or being a medical scribe) to saving money to just giving your brain a break. There are so many good reasons that well over half (62% by one count) take at least a one year break between undergraduate and medical school.
How to make the most of that time varies by your interests and needs. If you need more of the prerequisite courses, I would prioritize that for your gap year. If you think having more medically-related experience would strengthen your application (it couldn't hurt), then focus on that. If you want to pay down your undergraduate loans before taking on debt for medical school, spend a year or two doing that. Maybe you just need a rest from school. If so, find something (maybe travel, if you could afford it, or pursuit of a hobby) that will give you joy and/or broaden your perspective.
There are more ideas in the links below. Good luck!
AAMC - https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/what-do-during-your-gap-years
Career Village -- https://www.careervillage.org/questions/913712/is-it-wise-to-take-a-gap-year-between-college-and-med-school-what-are-the-best-majors-for-pre-med
There are many reasons to consider a gap year from having more time for the MCAT and applications to gaining more experience (such as in research or being a medical scribe) to saving money to just giving your brain a break. There are so many good reasons that well over half (62% by one count) take at least a one year break between undergraduate and medical school.
How to make the most of that time varies by your interests and needs. If you need more of the prerequisite courses, I would prioritize that for your gap year. If you think having more medically-related experience would strengthen your application (it couldn't hurt), then focus on that. If you want to pay down your undergraduate loans before taking on debt for medical school, spend a year or two doing that. Maybe you just need a rest from school. If so, find something (maybe travel, if you could afford it, or pursuit of a hobby) that will give you joy and/or broaden your perspective.
There are more ideas in the links below. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hi Compassion,
The path to becoming a physician is a long one - four years of college, four years of medical school, and 3 plus years (depending upon what specialty one chooses) of post-graduate training (internship, residency, and possibly a fellowship). Therefore, my advice is a bit different from what you have been receiving - if you don't need to take a gap year, then don't take one.
With proper planning, there is time to take all of your pre-requisite courses, study and take the MCAT, and make applications to medical school during your undergraduate education. Financially, it does not make sense to me to try to pay down your debt between college and medical school, as your earning potential will be much greater after your education is completed, so the sooner you can get that done the better. Plus, the sooner you graduate, the more years you will have to practice medicine.
If you are admitted to a quality medical school while in college, I would suggest continuing your education. On the other hand, if that is not the case, then you can spend a year to do what you need to do to increase your chances of admission and reapply. I would think that it would be important to use that time wisely.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
The path to becoming a physician is a long one - four years of college, four years of medical school, and 3 plus years (depending upon what specialty one chooses) of post-graduate training (internship, residency, and possibly a fellowship). Therefore, my advice is a bit different from what you have been receiving - if you don't need to take a gap year, then don't take one.
With proper planning, there is time to take all of your pre-requisite courses, study and take the MCAT, and make applications to medical school during your undergraduate education. Financially, it does not make sense to me to try to pay down your debt between college and medical school, as your earning potential will be much greater after your education is completed, so the sooner you can get that done the better. Plus, the sooner you graduate, the more years you will have to practice medicine.
If you are admitted to a quality medical school while in college, I would suggest continuing your education. On the other hand, if that is not the case, then you can spend a year to do what you need to do to increase your chances of admission and reapply. I would think that it would be important to use that time wisely.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
Updated
Madison’s Answer
There are so so many reasons people may take a gap year (or years). You have to think first about what your personal timeline is in life. Do you need/want a break after college to travel/see the world/visit or spend time with family/friends/loved ones. Do you want to have a child?
Alot of people simply want to have a job or do reasearch or shadow for a year in order to fully solitify if medicine is the right career for them before committing the time/money to medical school/application process.
Some people also just need the time to commit to the application process if they didn't get to in in the last year of college. For instance if you had not yet taken the MCAT or wanted/needed to re-take it or take a prep course. Some people changed majors during college and didn't finish application pre-recs in time for senior year med school applications.
ALOT of people feel they need to improve certain areas of their application to either be competitive/increase admission changes overall or even for a specific school/program they want to go to. Whether that is getting a masters degree, taking grad school classes, getting a healthcare related job, doing volunteer work, shadowing, medical mission work/trips, re-taking classes or MCAT to get better grades/scores.
Additionally, it is so important to recognize that ALOT of people apply to medical school more than once. The process is very very competitive and I think going into that year of applications for the first time everyone should understand that chance and have a back up plan ready! If you apply once and don't get accepted, reach out to programs you got rejected from, express your interest, and ask if they would be willing to re-review your previous application and give some advice on what you could do to improve your chances for the next cycle/year.
Lastly, everyone should remember that once you start medical school, typically, there are no more gap years that you can take except for very specific circumstances.
Hope this helps!!
Madison
Alot of people simply want to have a job or do reasearch or shadow for a year in order to fully solitify if medicine is the right career for them before committing the time/money to medical school/application process.
Some people also just need the time to commit to the application process if they didn't get to in in the last year of college. For instance if you had not yet taken the MCAT or wanted/needed to re-take it or take a prep course. Some people changed majors during college and didn't finish application pre-recs in time for senior year med school applications.
ALOT of people feel they need to improve certain areas of their application to either be competitive/increase admission changes overall or even for a specific school/program they want to go to. Whether that is getting a masters degree, taking grad school classes, getting a healthcare related job, doing volunteer work, shadowing, medical mission work/trips, re-taking classes or MCAT to get better grades/scores.
Additionally, it is so important to recognize that ALOT of people apply to medical school more than once. The process is very very competitive and I think going into that year of applications for the first time everyone should understand that chance and have a back up plan ready! If you apply once and don't get accepted, reach out to programs you got rejected from, express your interest, and ask if they would be willing to re-review your previous application and give some advice on what you could do to improve your chances for the next cycle/year.
Lastly, everyone should remember that once you start medical school, typically, there are no more gap years that you can take except for very specific circumstances.
Hope this helps!!
Madison
Updated
Bright’s Answer
A gap year before medical school is a valuable option for several reasons. It enhances the application process, improves the MCAT score, provides more clinical experience, conducts research, and accumulates volunteer hours. It also promotes personal growth and maturity, reduces burnout, offers career exploration, and provides financial considerations.
To make the most of a gap year, one can gain clinical experience through work as a medical scribe, EMT, or CNA, volunteer in a hospital or clinic, shadow physicians in different specialties, conduct research in a research lab, contribute to research projects and publications, volunteer in the community or abroad, pursue personal interests like travel, learning a new language, or pursuing a hobby, and engage in activities that promote personal growth and well-being.
To prepare for medical school, continue studying for the MCAT if needed, and reflect on experiences and prepare for medical school interviews. Be intentional in setting clear goals for the gap year, diversifying experiences to enhance the application and personal growth, and reflect on what has shaped your perspective. By using your gap year wisely, you can significantly enhance your medical school application and prepare yourself for a successful career in medicine.
To make the most of a gap year, one can gain clinical experience through work as a medical scribe, EMT, or CNA, volunteer in a hospital or clinic, shadow physicians in different specialties, conduct research in a research lab, contribute to research projects and publications, volunteer in the community or abroad, pursue personal interests like travel, learning a new language, or pursuing a hobby, and engage in activities that promote personal growth and well-being.
To prepare for medical school, continue studying for the MCAT if needed, and reflect on experiences and prepare for medical school interviews. Be intentional in setting clear goals for the gap year, diversifying experiences to enhance the application and personal growth, and reflect on what has shaped your perspective. By using your gap year wisely, you can significantly enhance your medical school application and prepare yourself for a successful career in medicine.
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hi Compassion,
Thank you for your question.
I was previously on the pre-med track before switching to pre-PA, but I still feel that I can provide some insight into your question based on my experiences.
I spoke with a former Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago Medical School, who told me that gap years are often very beneficial for students who use them to gain healthcare experience, improve their GPAs/MCAT scores, and live out life experiences they would like to do before going to medical school.
I also have spoken to several medical students when I was a Simulation Patient for the IU School of Medicine, and many of them told me they took at least one gap year and sometimes more. One student took 3 gap years to retake his MCAT, and another took 2 gap years to gain healthcare experience as an EMT.
To summarize, gap years can be effective tools to gain job/life experience, improve your MCAT or GPA, and take some time in between graduation and starting medical school to relax. In my opinion, it really depends on what you need for your application in order to make the most of your gap year. You may speak to an advisor or faculty member at your school to examine weaknesses in your application, and develop a plan for your gap year to make the most improvement for your application.
I wish you the best of luck on your medical school application. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
Thank you for your question.
I was previously on the pre-med track before switching to pre-PA, but I still feel that I can provide some insight into your question based on my experiences.
I spoke with a former Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago Medical School, who told me that gap years are often very beneficial for students who use them to gain healthcare experience, improve their GPAs/MCAT scores, and live out life experiences they would like to do before going to medical school.
I also have spoken to several medical students when I was a Simulation Patient for the IU School of Medicine, and many of them told me they took at least one gap year and sometimes more. One student took 3 gap years to retake his MCAT, and another took 2 gap years to gain healthcare experience as an EMT.
To summarize, gap years can be effective tools to gain job/life experience, improve your MCAT or GPA, and take some time in between graduation and starting medical school to relax. In my opinion, it really depends on what you need for your application in order to make the most of your gap year. You may speak to an advisor or faculty member at your school to examine weaknesses in your application, and develop a plan for your gap year to make the most improvement for your application.
I wish you the best of luck on your medical school application. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
Updated
Giuseppe’s Answer
Dear Compassion,
I'm writing to you as a senior physician specialized in psychotherapy and functional medicine, hoping to share some reflections that might resonate with you on your journey.
Looking back on my own path, I can tell you with certainty that embracing periods of introspection and self-discovery has been invaluable. Even during my medical studies, I took a sabbatical year, and then another after graduation to thoughtfully consider my specialization in psychotherapy. These weren't just pauses in my career; they were crucial moments of clarity.
And you know what? I am profoundly happy with the choices I made, and if I had to do it all again, I wouldn't hesitate to follow the same path. These sabbatical years were instrumental in allowing me to truly understand what I deeply desired. Once that inner compass was set, I pursued my goals with full force and unwavering decision.
These were not just years of study, but years of incredible experiences! I had the joy of exploring and learning in both Europe and America. Honestly, if I hadn't granted myself those crucial sabbaticals to truly listen to myself, I know I would have missed out on many of the most meaningful aspects of my life.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly encourage you to "become who you are," as the philosopher Nietzsche wisely said. If you delve into what truly lies within you, if you learn to recognize and honor your inner depths, your life will be rich and fulfilling. We, as humans, need meaning to live a life that is both full and happy. We must not feel pressured to follow the timeline set by others; our journey is unique and personal.
I wish you all the very best as you navigate your own path, and may you create a life filled with happiness and purpose.
Warmly,
Giuseppe
I'm writing to you as a senior physician specialized in psychotherapy and functional medicine, hoping to share some reflections that might resonate with you on your journey.
Looking back on my own path, I can tell you with certainty that embracing periods of introspection and self-discovery has been invaluable. Even during my medical studies, I took a sabbatical year, and then another after graduation to thoughtfully consider my specialization in psychotherapy. These weren't just pauses in my career; they were crucial moments of clarity.
And you know what? I am profoundly happy with the choices I made, and if I had to do it all again, I wouldn't hesitate to follow the same path. These sabbatical years were instrumental in allowing me to truly understand what I deeply desired. Once that inner compass was set, I pursued my goals with full force and unwavering decision.
These were not just years of study, but years of incredible experiences! I had the joy of exploring and learning in both Europe and America. Honestly, if I hadn't granted myself those crucial sabbaticals to truly listen to myself, I know I would have missed out on many of the most meaningful aspects of my life.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly encourage you to "become who you are," as the philosopher Nietzsche wisely said. If you delve into what truly lies within you, if you learn to recognize and honor your inner depths, your life will be rich and fulfilling. We, as humans, need meaning to live a life that is both full and happy. We must not feel pressured to follow the timeline set by others; our journey is unique and personal.
I wish you all the very best as you navigate your own path, and may you create a life filled with happiness and purpose.
Warmly,
Giuseppe
Marcos A. Vargas, MHA, PA-C
Physician Associate (formerly Physician Assistant)
12
Answers
Updated
Marcos A.’s Answer
Hi Compassion: Here is my take on your question. Taking a gap year between undergraduate studies and medical school can be a strategic decision for many students, offering several benefits that can enhance both personal growth and professional development. Here are some reasons why students might consider a gap year, along with suggestions on how to make the most of it:
Reasons to Consider a Gap Year
Gain Relevant Experience: A gap year can be an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the medical field. This might include working as a medical scribe, research assistant, or in a clinical setting, which can strengthen medical school applications and provide practical insights into the healthcare environment.
Improve Academic Credentials: Some students use this time to improve their academic records by taking additional courses or retaking the MCAT to enhance their competitiveness for medical school admissions.
Personal Growth and Reflection: A gap year allows for personal development and reflection on career goals. This can lead to a more mature, focused approach to medical school and a clearer understanding of one's motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
Prevent Burnout: The pre-med track is rigorous, and a gap year can provide a much-needed break to recharge and avoid burnout before embarking on the equally demanding journey of medical school.
Explore Other Interests: Engaging in activities unrelated to medicine, such as traveling, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies, can broaden perspectives and contribute to a well-rounded personal and professional life.
Making the Most of a Gap Year
Set Clear Goals: Before starting a gap year, outline specific goals you want to achieve, whether it's gaining clinical experience, improving your academic record, or personal development.
Seek Relevant Opportunities: Look for internships, volunteer positions, or jobs that provide exposure to the medical field. Networking with professionals can also open doors to valuable experiences and mentorship.
Pursue Research Opportunities: Engaging in medical or scientific research can enhance your understanding of the field and make your application stand out. It also demonstrates commitment and can be a talking point in interviews.
Develop New Skills: Use this time to develop skills that will be beneficial in medical school and beyond, such as communication, leadership, or language skills, which are increasingly important in diverse healthcare settings.
Reflect and Prepare: Take time to reflect on your experiences and how they align with your career aspirations. This can also be a good time to prepare for the application process, writing personal statements, or preparing for interviews.
By strategically planning a gap year, students can enter medical school with enhanced experiences and a renewed sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to their success in the medical field. Hope my perspective was helpful to you and good luck in your aspirations!
Reasons to Consider a Gap Year
Gain Relevant Experience: A gap year can be an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the medical field. This might include working as a medical scribe, research assistant, or in a clinical setting, which can strengthen medical school applications and provide practical insights into the healthcare environment.
Improve Academic Credentials: Some students use this time to improve their academic records by taking additional courses or retaking the MCAT to enhance their competitiveness for medical school admissions.
Personal Growth and Reflection: A gap year allows for personal development and reflection on career goals. This can lead to a more mature, focused approach to medical school and a clearer understanding of one's motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
Prevent Burnout: The pre-med track is rigorous, and a gap year can provide a much-needed break to recharge and avoid burnout before embarking on the equally demanding journey of medical school.
Explore Other Interests: Engaging in activities unrelated to medicine, such as traveling, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies, can broaden perspectives and contribute to a well-rounded personal and professional life.
Making the Most of a Gap Year
Set Clear Goals: Before starting a gap year, outline specific goals you want to achieve, whether it's gaining clinical experience, improving your academic record, or personal development.
Seek Relevant Opportunities: Look for internships, volunteer positions, or jobs that provide exposure to the medical field. Networking with professionals can also open doors to valuable experiences and mentorship.
Pursue Research Opportunities: Engaging in medical or scientific research can enhance your understanding of the field and make your application stand out. It also demonstrates commitment and can be a talking point in interviews.
Develop New Skills: Use this time to develop skills that will be beneficial in medical school and beyond, such as communication, leadership, or language skills, which are increasingly important in diverse healthcare settings.
Reflect and Prepare: Take time to reflect on your experiences and how they align with your career aspirations. This can also be a good time to prepare for the application process, writing personal statements, or preparing for interviews.
By strategically planning a gap year, students can enter medical school with enhanced experiences and a renewed sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to their success in the medical field. Hope my perspective was helpful to you and good luck in your aspirations!
Marcos A. Vargas, MHA, PA-C
Physician Associate (formerly Physician Assistant)
12
Answers
Updated
Marcos A.’s Answer
Hi Compassion: Here is my take on your question. Taking a gap year between undergraduate studies and medical school can be a strategic decision for many students, offering several benefits that can enhance both personal growth and professional development. Here are some reasons why students might consider a gap year, along with suggestions on how to make the most of it:
Reasons to Consider a Gap Year
Gain Relevant Experience: A gap year can be an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the medical field. This might include working as a medical scribe, research assistant, or in a clinical setting, which can strengthen medical school applications and provide practical insights into the healthcare environment.
Improve Academic Credentials: Some students use this time to improve their academic records by taking additional courses or retaking the MCAT to enhance their competitiveness for medical school admissions.
Personal Growth and Reflection: A gap year allows for personal development and reflection on career goals. This can lead to a more mature, focused approach to medical school and a clearer understanding of one's motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
Prevent Burnout: The pre-med track is rigorous, and a gap year can provide a much-needed break to recharge and avoid burnout before embarking on the equally demanding journey of medical school.
Explore Other Interests: Engaging in activities unrelated to medicine, such as traveling, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies, can broaden perspectives and contribute to a well-rounded personal and professional life.
Making the Most of a Gap Year
Set Clear Goals: Before starting a gap year, outline specific goals you want to achieve, whether it's gaining clinical experience, improving your academic record, or personal development.
Seek Relevant Opportunities: Look for internships, volunteer positions, or jobs that provide exposure to the medical field. Networking with professionals can also open doors to valuable experiences and mentorship.
Pursue Research Opportunities: Engaging in medical or scientific research can enhance your understanding of the field and make your application stand out. It also demonstrates commitment and can be a talking point in interviews.
Develop New Skills: Use this time to develop skills that will be beneficial in medical school and beyond, such as communication, leadership, or language skills, which are increasingly important in diverse healthcare settings.
Reflect and Prepare: Take time to reflect on your experiences and how they align with your career aspirations. This can also be a good time to prepare for the application process, writing personal statements, or preparing for interviews.
By strategically planning a gap year, students can enter medical school with enhanced experiences and a renewed sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to their success in the medical field. And there you have it, hopefully I addressed your queries clearly for you.
Reasons to Consider a Gap Year
Gain Relevant Experience: A gap year can be an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the medical field. This might include working as a medical scribe, research assistant, or in a clinical setting, which can strengthen medical school applications and provide practical insights into the healthcare environment.
Improve Academic Credentials: Some students use this time to improve their academic records by taking additional courses or retaking the MCAT to enhance their competitiveness for medical school admissions.
Personal Growth and Reflection: A gap year allows for personal development and reflection on career goals. This can lead to a more mature, focused approach to medical school and a clearer understanding of one's motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
Prevent Burnout: The pre-med track is rigorous, and a gap year can provide a much-needed break to recharge and avoid burnout before embarking on the equally demanding journey of medical school.
Explore Other Interests: Engaging in activities unrelated to medicine, such as traveling, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies, can broaden perspectives and contribute to a well-rounded personal and professional life.
Making the Most of a Gap Year
Set Clear Goals: Before starting a gap year, outline specific goals you want to achieve, whether it's gaining clinical experience, improving your academic record, or personal development.
Seek Relevant Opportunities: Look for internships, volunteer positions, or jobs that provide exposure to the medical field. Networking with professionals can also open doors to valuable experiences and mentorship.
Pursue Research Opportunities: Engaging in medical or scientific research can enhance your understanding of the field and make your application stand out. It also demonstrates commitment and can be a talking point in interviews.
Develop New Skills: Use this time to develop skills that will be beneficial in medical school and beyond, such as communication, leadership, or language skills, which are increasingly important in diverse healthcare settings.
Reflect and Prepare: Take time to reflect on your experiences and how they align with your career aspirations. This can also be a good time to prepare for the application process, writing personal statements, or preparing for interviews.
By strategically planning a gap year, students can enter medical school with enhanced experiences and a renewed sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to their success in the medical field. And there you have it, hopefully I addressed your queries clearly for you.
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Taking a gap year (or multiple gap years) before medical school has become increasingly common for students pursuing a career in medicine, and it offers several distinct advantages that can enhance both personal development and academic readiness. One of the primary reasons students consider taking a gap year is to gain additional experience that can make them more competitive applicants. During this time, students can pursue meaningful opportunities such as research, clinical experience, or volunteer work in healthcare settings. This exposure allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the medical field, refine their interests, and develop practical skills that will serve them well during medical school. Engaging in these activities also provides valuable insights into patient care, strengthens empathy, and further solidifies their commitment to the profession.
Another reason students opt for a gap year is to improve their academic profile. Some may use this time to retake courses or improve their MCAT scores, ensuring they present a more competitive application to medical schools. Additionally, a gap year can provide a much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge. The path to medical school is long and rigorous, and taking a year to focus on personal growth, work, or travel can help prevent burnout, allowing students to enter medical school with renewed energy and clarity of purpose. It also offers time for students to explore other passions or interests outside of academia, which can contribute to a well-rounded perspective and better work-life balance throughout their medical training.
To make the most of a gap year, it’s important to approach it with intentionality. Students should set clear, achievable goals for their time away from formal education, whether that’s gaining clinical experience, pursuing a relevant research project, or engaging in volunteer work that directly contributes to their development as future healthcare professionals. Many students also use a gap year to travel abroad for medical mission trips, where they can learn from diverse healthcare environments while giving back to underserved communities. Networking and building relationships with mentors during this time can also be invaluable in securing recommendations for medical school applications. Lastly, a gap year can be an excellent opportunity for self-reflection—by taking a step back, students can evaluate their motivations for pursuing medicine, refine their goals, and enter medical school with a stronger sense of purpose and direction. Ultimately, a gap year, when used wisely, can provide invaluable experiences and create a stronger foundation for success in the challenging journey to becoming a doctor.
Another reason students opt for a gap year is to improve their academic profile. Some may use this time to retake courses or improve their MCAT scores, ensuring they present a more competitive application to medical schools. Additionally, a gap year can provide a much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge. The path to medical school is long and rigorous, and taking a year to focus on personal growth, work, or travel can help prevent burnout, allowing students to enter medical school with renewed energy and clarity of purpose. It also offers time for students to explore other passions or interests outside of academia, which can contribute to a well-rounded perspective and better work-life balance throughout their medical training.
To make the most of a gap year, it’s important to approach it with intentionality. Students should set clear, achievable goals for their time away from formal education, whether that’s gaining clinical experience, pursuing a relevant research project, or engaging in volunteer work that directly contributes to their development as future healthcare professionals. Many students also use a gap year to travel abroad for medical mission trips, where they can learn from diverse healthcare environments while giving back to underserved communities. Networking and building relationships with mentors during this time can also be invaluable in securing recommendations for medical school applications. Lastly, a gap year can be an excellent opportunity for self-reflection—by taking a step back, students can evaluate their motivations for pursuing medicine, refine their goals, and enter medical school with a stronger sense of purpose and direction. Ultimately, a gap year, when used wisely, can provide invaluable experiences and create a stronger foundation for success in the challenging journey to becoming a doctor.