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How to Strengthen My Med School Application Beyond Grades?
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for ways to make my medical school application stand out beyond just grades. I love helping my community and want to find opportunities that give me both medical experience and a chance to give back.
I’ve been thinking about reaching out to medical non-profits for volunteer work, but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or how impactful it would be.Does anyone have suggestions for finding research opportunities, internships, or other experiences that med schools value?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
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6 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Angel! 👋
First off, props to you for thinking about ways to make your med school application stand out beyond grades. Med schools are looking for more than just good test scores—they want well-rounded applicants who show passion, commitment, and a heart for service. Here’s how to flex your experience and really shine:
1. Volunteer & Community Service: Helping Hands, Big Impact ✋❤️
Since you love helping your community, that’s a perfect start! Volunteering shows med schools that you're dedicated to making a difference and that you understand the importance of compassionate care.
How to Do It: Reach out to local hospitals, clinics, or non-profits that focus on healthcare or community well-being. Don’t just look for traditional hospital volunteering—find unique opportunities that align with your interests (mental health, senior care, etc.).
Why It Works: Med schools love applicants who have demonstrated empathy and service, so your volunteer work will be an essential part of your application. Bonus points if you take leadership roles or make a significant impact in your community.
2. Shadowing Doctors: Get the Real Scoop on Medicine 🩺👀
Shadowing doctors is an incredible way to get hands-on exposure to what life is really like in the medical world. Plus, it shows med schools you’re serious about the career and committed to learning from experienced professionals.
How to Do It: Reach out to doctors in different specialties to shadow them. Try to get exposure to a variety of fields—cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, etc.—so you can see what excites you the most!
Why It Works: Med schools want to know you’ve done your homework and really understand what it means to be a doctor. Shadowing helps you gain insight into the challenges and rewards of medicine.
3. Research Experience: Your Inner Scientist 🧪🔬
Research is a great way to strengthen your application and show that you have a passion for discovery. Med schools value applicants who have experience in scientific inquiry because it shows critical thinking, problem-solving, and dedication.
How to Do It: Start by looking for research opportunities at your school, local universities, or medical centers. Consider joining a lab or assisting with a research project related to health or medicine.
Why It Works: Research experience can set you apart, especially if you contribute to published papers or present your findings at conferences. It’s also a way to show med schools that you’re comfortable with data, critical analysis, and scientific inquiry—skills you’ll definitely need in med school.
4. Internships or Clinical Experience: The Hands-On Stuff 🏥
If you can, try to get an internship or clinical experience. This gives you direct exposure to patient care and allows you to apply what you’re learning in a real-world setting.
How to Do It: Look for internships with healthcare organizations, medical labs, or even outreach programs. You can also try to get involved in clinical research trials or summer internships at hospitals.
Why It Works: Having clinical experience shows that you’re familiar with the medical environment and are ready to hit the ground running in med school. It also demonstrates that you have real-world skills and are able to handle patient care responsibilities.
5. Leadership & Extracurriculars: Be the Change You Want to See 🌟
If you can take on leadership roles in clubs or organizations, that’s a great way to stand out. Med schools want to see that you can manage your time, work in teams, and take initiative.
How to Do It: Look for clubs, honor societies, or service groups where you can assume leadership positions. Organize events, lead projects, and help mobilize your peers.
Why It Works: Leadership shows that you can handle the responsibilities that come with being a doctor, and it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate qualities like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.
6. Networking & Mentorship: Find Your Guides 👥🔗
Building relationships with mentors, whether they’re professors, doctors, or medical professionals, can provide valuable advice, connections, and opportunities. A strong mentor can also write a powerful letter of recommendation.
How to Do It: Start reaching out to people in the medical field—professors, researchers, doctors—and ask for guidance. You can also join medical associations or attend conferences to meet like-minded people.
Why It Works: Having mentors who can vouch for you and provide you with valuable insights into the field can make a huge difference in your application process.
Final Tip: Be Authentic and Passionate!
At the end of the day, med schools want applicants who are genuinely passionate about medicine and helping others. So, keep seeking out experiences that excite you, that you find meaningful, and that show your dedication. Whether it's working with underserved communities, researching medical breakthroughs, or shadowing doctors, it’s all about demonstrating that you’re ready for the challenges and rewards of a medical career.
Good luck, Angel! Keep building that impressive portfolio, and soon enough, you’ll be on your way to med school. You’ve got this! 🌟😄
First off, props to you for thinking about ways to make your med school application stand out beyond grades. Med schools are looking for more than just good test scores—they want well-rounded applicants who show passion, commitment, and a heart for service. Here’s how to flex your experience and really shine:
1. Volunteer & Community Service: Helping Hands, Big Impact ✋❤️
Since you love helping your community, that’s a perfect start! Volunteering shows med schools that you're dedicated to making a difference and that you understand the importance of compassionate care.
How to Do It: Reach out to local hospitals, clinics, or non-profits that focus on healthcare or community well-being. Don’t just look for traditional hospital volunteering—find unique opportunities that align with your interests (mental health, senior care, etc.).
Why It Works: Med schools love applicants who have demonstrated empathy and service, so your volunteer work will be an essential part of your application. Bonus points if you take leadership roles or make a significant impact in your community.
2. Shadowing Doctors: Get the Real Scoop on Medicine 🩺👀
Shadowing doctors is an incredible way to get hands-on exposure to what life is really like in the medical world. Plus, it shows med schools you’re serious about the career and committed to learning from experienced professionals.
How to Do It: Reach out to doctors in different specialties to shadow them. Try to get exposure to a variety of fields—cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, etc.—so you can see what excites you the most!
Why It Works: Med schools want to know you’ve done your homework and really understand what it means to be a doctor. Shadowing helps you gain insight into the challenges and rewards of medicine.
3. Research Experience: Your Inner Scientist 🧪🔬
Research is a great way to strengthen your application and show that you have a passion for discovery. Med schools value applicants who have experience in scientific inquiry because it shows critical thinking, problem-solving, and dedication.
How to Do It: Start by looking for research opportunities at your school, local universities, or medical centers. Consider joining a lab or assisting with a research project related to health or medicine.
Why It Works: Research experience can set you apart, especially if you contribute to published papers or present your findings at conferences. It’s also a way to show med schools that you’re comfortable with data, critical analysis, and scientific inquiry—skills you’ll definitely need in med school.
4. Internships or Clinical Experience: The Hands-On Stuff 🏥
If you can, try to get an internship or clinical experience. This gives you direct exposure to patient care and allows you to apply what you’re learning in a real-world setting.
How to Do It: Look for internships with healthcare organizations, medical labs, or even outreach programs. You can also try to get involved in clinical research trials or summer internships at hospitals.
Why It Works: Having clinical experience shows that you’re familiar with the medical environment and are ready to hit the ground running in med school. It also demonstrates that you have real-world skills and are able to handle patient care responsibilities.
5. Leadership & Extracurriculars: Be the Change You Want to See 🌟
If you can take on leadership roles in clubs or organizations, that’s a great way to stand out. Med schools want to see that you can manage your time, work in teams, and take initiative.
How to Do It: Look for clubs, honor societies, or service groups where you can assume leadership positions. Organize events, lead projects, and help mobilize your peers.
Why It Works: Leadership shows that you can handle the responsibilities that come with being a doctor, and it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate qualities like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.
6. Networking & Mentorship: Find Your Guides 👥🔗
Building relationships with mentors, whether they’re professors, doctors, or medical professionals, can provide valuable advice, connections, and opportunities. A strong mentor can also write a powerful letter of recommendation.
How to Do It: Start reaching out to people in the medical field—professors, researchers, doctors—and ask for guidance. You can also join medical associations or attend conferences to meet like-minded people.
Why It Works: Having mentors who can vouch for you and provide you with valuable insights into the field can make a huge difference in your application process.
Final Tip: Be Authentic and Passionate!
At the end of the day, med schools want applicants who are genuinely passionate about medicine and helping others. So, keep seeking out experiences that excite you, that you find meaningful, and that show your dedication. Whether it's working with underserved communities, researching medical breakthroughs, or shadowing doctors, it’s all about demonstrating that you’re ready for the challenges and rewards of a medical career.
Good luck, Angel! Keep building that impressive portfolio, and soon enough, you’ll be on your way to med school. You’ve got this! 🌟😄
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Great there is always an eligibility criteria for joining Med School.
Which includes high school grades .
In addition one can increase their chances by enrolling for the prerequisite units required like Algebra, science.
You can also pursue a bachelor of science degree ,LPN,CMA,among other courses that may increase your chances of getting admission to Medical School
Which includes high school grades .
In addition one can increase their chances by enrolling for the prerequisite units required like Algebra, science.
You can also pursue a bachelor of science degree ,LPN,CMA,among other courses that may increase your chances of getting admission to Medical School
Thanks for the help.
angel
Updated
Jody’s Answer
A couple things to put on your medical school application; 1. Community involvement, What are some of the things you are involved with in your community? 2. Volunteer work, have you volunteered for any type of work (IE. A volunteer nurse at your local hospital , or maybe a volunteer at your local community center, or maybe you could volunteer for your city and clean up the streets or the offices there.) Usually, medical schools like to see volunteer work in medical roles.
Thank you so much for the advice.
angel
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hello!
Improving your medical school application beyond just grades is a great approach. Admissions committees look for well-rounded candidates with meaningful experiences that demonstrate commitment to medicine, community service, research, and leadership potential. Here are some proactive steps you can take to enhance your application:
1. Volunteer with Medical Nonprofits
Health-Related Organizations: Reach out to local hospitals, clinics, and nonprofits focused on healthcare. Volunteering with organizations that provide medical services to underserved populations shows your commitment to community service and may give you insight into patient care.
Example Organizations: Look for roles with organizations like the American Red Cross, local health departments, or free clinics.
2. Gain Clinical Experience
Shadowing Physicians: Spend time shadowing doctors in various specialties to gain firsthand experience of the medical profession. This can help you understand different practice areas and patient interactions.
Clinical Volunteering: Volunteer in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, or nursing homes to gain exposure to patient care.
3. Research Opportunities
University Research Labs: Connect with faculty members in your college's biology or health sciences departments to inquire about potential research opportunities. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have projects you can assist with.
Online Platforms: Use platforms like ResearchGate or your university's research office to find postings for undergraduate research assistant positions in medical research.
4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Leadership Roles: Engage in clubs related to healthcare, such as pre-med or health service organizations, and seek leadership positions. This demonstrates responsibility and commitment.
Community Service Projects: Organize or participate in health fairs, wellness programs, or educational workshops within your community.
5. Networking
Mentorship: Look for mentors in the medical field who can provide guidance, support, and potential opportunities. Networking with current medical students or professionals can also give you insight into the application process and valuable experiences.
Professional Organizations: Join student chapters of professional organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) to access resources and events.
6. Communication Skills
Public Speaking or Teaching: Consider volunteering to teach health literacy classes in your community or give presentations on health topics. This illustrates your ability to communicate medical knowledge effectively.
Sample Application Highlighting Experiences
Here’s a sample description of your experiences for a medical school application:
Personal Statement Excerpt
As a rising senior with a passion for medicine and community service, I have sought various experiences that reflect my commitment to pursuing a career as a physician. My journey began in high school when I volunteered at the local hospital, shadowing physicians across multiple specialties. These interactions not only solidified my desire to enter the medical field but also exposed me to the profound impact that compassionate care can have on patients’ lives.
In college, I have actively volunteered with [Local Health Nonprofit], where I assist in organizing free health clinics for underserved populations. Through this experience, I have developed a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the significance of equitable healthcare access. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and fellow volunteers has taught me the importance of teamwork and empathy in delivering care.
My research experience in [University Lab/Research Facility] has further enriched my understanding of medical science. Working under the guidance of Dr. [Name], I contributed to a project focusing on [Brief Description of Research]. This opportunity not only honed my analytical skills but reinforced the link between research and clinical practice as I witnessed how our findings could potentially improve patient outcomes.
I have also taken on leadership roles in [Relevant Clubs/Organizations], where I organized workshops and events focused on public health education. By engaging my peers and the community in discussions about health literacy and prevention, I aimed to empower individuals to take charge of their health.
As I prepare my application for medical school, I am eager to further my education and training in an environment that values community service, innovation, and collaboration. I am committed to becoming a physician who not only provides care but advocates for equitable health access for all.
These steps, along with a well-rounded application highlighting your experiences, will help you stand out in the medical school application process. Focus on meaningful involvement, leadership experiences, and your commitment to improving the health of your community. Best of luck with your journey to medical school!
Improving your medical school application beyond just grades is a great approach. Admissions committees look for well-rounded candidates with meaningful experiences that demonstrate commitment to medicine, community service, research, and leadership potential. Here are some proactive steps you can take to enhance your application:
1. Volunteer with Medical Nonprofits
Health-Related Organizations: Reach out to local hospitals, clinics, and nonprofits focused on healthcare. Volunteering with organizations that provide medical services to underserved populations shows your commitment to community service and may give you insight into patient care.
Example Organizations: Look for roles with organizations like the American Red Cross, local health departments, or free clinics.
2. Gain Clinical Experience
Shadowing Physicians: Spend time shadowing doctors in various specialties to gain firsthand experience of the medical profession. This can help you understand different practice areas and patient interactions.
Clinical Volunteering: Volunteer in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, or nursing homes to gain exposure to patient care.
3. Research Opportunities
University Research Labs: Connect with faculty members in your college's biology or health sciences departments to inquire about potential research opportunities. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have projects you can assist with.
Online Platforms: Use platforms like ResearchGate or your university's research office to find postings for undergraduate research assistant positions in medical research.
4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Leadership Roles: Engage in clubs related to healthcare, such as pre-med or health service organizations, and seek leadership positions. This demonstrates responsibility and commitment.
Community Service Projects: Organize or participate in health fairs, wellness programs, or educational workshops within your community.
5. Networking
Mentorship: Look for mentors in the medical field who can provide guidance, support, and potential opportunities. Networking with current medical students or professionals can also give you insight into the application process and valuable experiences.
Professional Organizations: Join student chapters of professional organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) to access resources and events.
6. Communication Skills
Public Speaking or Teaching: Consider volunteering to teach health literacy classes in your community or give presentations on health topics. This illustrates your ability to communicate medical knowledge effectively.
Sample Application Highlighting Experiences
Here’s a sample description of your experiences for a medical school application:
Personal Statement Excerpt
As a rising senior with a passion for medicine and community service, I have sought various experiences that reflect my commitment to pursuing a career as a physician. My journey began in high school when I volunteered at the local hospital, shadowing physicians across multiple specialties. These interactions not only solidified my desire to enter the medical field but also exposed me to the profound impact that compassionate care can have on patients’ lives.
In college, I have actively volunteered with [Local Health Nonprofit], where I assist in organizing free health clinics for underserved populations. Through this experience, I have developed a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the significance of equitable healthcare access. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and fellow volunteers has taught me the importance of teamwork and empathy in delivering care.
My research experience in [University Lab/Research Facility] has further enriched my understanding of medical science. Working under the guidance of Dr. [Name], I contributed to a project focusing on [Brief Description of Research]. This opportunity not only honed my analytical skills but reinforced the link between research and clinical practice as I witnessed how our findings could potentially improve patient outcomes.
I have also taken on leadership roles in [Relevant Clubs/Organizations], where I organized workshops and events focused on public health education. By engaging my peers and the community in discussions about health literacy and prevention, I aimed to empower individuals to take charge of their health.
As I prepare my application for medical school, I am eager to further my education and training in an environment that values community service, innovation, and collaboration. I am committed to becoming a physician who not only provides care but advocates for equitable health access for all.
These steps, along with a well-rounded application highlighting your experiences, will help you stand out in the medical school application process. Focus on meaningful involvement, leadership experiences, and your commitment to improving the health of your community. Best of luck with your journey to medical school!
Thanks for the advice.
angel
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Angel,
Sorry if this message gets to you so late! Everyone else posted some great answers, but I'd like to add some more advice that may be able to help guide you in the direction of strengthening your application.
First, it's great that you love to help your community and want to find ways to give back. To strengthen your application, you could look into getting a job as a medical scribe. I believe that you need a certain number of patient care hours for your application, and a medical scribe route could be an easy way to get them while being paid to do what you will find beneficial when you become a student doctor in medical school. Other areas that I can recommend for employment that have skillsets you can take with you are to look for an opportunity to become an EMT/paramedic, look for jobs in hospitals, such as a patient care technician (or similar), CNA, or go retail and work as a pharmacy technician (you will learn about the other side of the patient care process with pharmacy, learn about drugs and how insurances work, as well as get leadership from working with the team and understand the workflow, getting a chance to work with doctors and other providers). Granted, I have no idea what your timeline looks like, such as when you plan to apply or where you are in your education (somewhere in undergrad?).
Volunteer work is also valued, so you have the right idea to reach out. You can even look into non-profit clinics and work with the volunteer staff to help the underserved community. It would also be impressive to be a founder of something innovative, like expanding a service or initiative to promote accessibility to patients. For example, check with Texas state laws and the staffing to see if you can create a program where people can donate unopened/unused medications or medical devices/supplies to the clinic. You could create a program and maybe become part of the board of directors for that non profit (just as an idea).
Research is a very big area as well, and it doesn't always have to include a lot of physical labor in the laboratory. If you have a good connection with a professor in your undergrad curriculum that does research, get in contact with them and ask if there's anything you can be a part of. Or, if you have a research proposal, ask them if they would be able to help make it happen. For example, in my university, a lot of undergraduate pre-med students did research on nanoparticles for cancer treatment on Zebra fish (they are invasive and there were many clearances obtained in order to do the research). You can also do research to identify any disparities in your local community and do statistical based analysis. You just have to find something that's niche yet relevant. If you don't have anyone in your university that you can ask for research opportunities that you could get involved in, you could always try to reach out to the local medical schools and see if they may have any opportunities for you. Sometimes they host workshops for prospective students or you can see about an opportunity to sit in on a lecture or see what a typical medical school lecture is like -- it wouldn't hurt to ask, and sometimes they might have student ambassadors that might be able to be in contact with you with whom you can ask for advice and guidance on the process. If there is a local medical school you are interested in attending, I would definitely ask admissions for guidance and express interest so they can stay in contact with you. They like proactive prospective students.
Is there a particular specialty you want to pursue in medicine? Maybe you can get a head start and look for opportunities in those areas. Or, like mentioned previously, find a gap in medicine with connection to your community and brainstorm ideas to address it, even look into non profits that are not in your area and see how you can start a chapter/location/etc.
Everyone wants to help someone but your passion for medicine needs to have your own touch to it. Network and reach out to other physicians or see if there are any kind of events or opportunities that you could be part of. Even a shadowing opportunity could be a good opportunity to discuss during your interview. Everyone knows someone and can get you to the right connection, you just have to keep reaching out. Communication is a good skill and highly valuable.
That being said, as these are impressive directions to strengthen your application, don't let it overwhelm you or consume you. Medical schools do like to see these kinds of aspects to their applicants but of course your grades will be reflective of how well your foundation is in those courses, as well as your MCAT score. The hardest part about medical school right now is getting in. Then when you get in, the next hardest step is adjusting to the curriculum and learning how to manage your time and your workload, etc. Then it will be preparation for STEP 1, etc. Don't forget to take care of yourself and remember that this might be a big part of who you want to be, but it won't be your entire personality. If you let it consume you like that, you will have a hard time as a person who needs to have life balance (I have seen so many students burn out like this).
I hope this helps you in any way. I think I answered another question you had previously about certifications, so that advice can also go hand in hand with this. Best of luck on your medical school journey!
Sorry if this message gets to you so late! Everyone else posted some great answers, but I'd like to add some more advice that may be able to help guide you in the direction of strengthening your application.
First, it's great that you love to help your community and want to find ways to give back. To strengthen your application, you could look into getting a job as a medical scribe. I believe that you need a certain number of patient care hours for your application, and a medical scribe route could be an easy way to get them while being paid to do what you will find beneficial when you become a student doctor in medical school. Other areas that I can recommend for employment that have skillsets you can take with you are to look for an opportunity to become an EMT/paramedic, look for jobs in hospitals, such as a patient care technician (or similar), CNA, or go retail and work as a pharmacy technician (you will learn about the other side of the patient care process with pharmacy, learn about drugs and how insurances work, as well as get leadership from working with the team and understand the workflow, getting a chance to work with doctors and other providers). Granted, I have no idea what your timeline looks like, such as when you plan to apply or where you are in your education (somewhere in undergrad?).
Volunteer work is also valued, so you have the right idea to reach out. You can even look into non-profit clinics and work with the volunteer staff to help the underserved community. It would also be impressive to be a founder of something innovative, like expanding a service or initiative to promote accessibility to patients. For example, check with Texas state laws and the staffing to see if you can create a program where people can donate unopened/unused medications or medical devices/supplies to the clinic. You could create a program and maybe become part of the board of directors for that non profit (just as an idea).
Research is a very big area as well, and it doesn't always have to include a lot of physical labor in the laboratory. If you have a good connection with a professor in your undergrad curriculum that does research, get in contact with them and ask if there's anything you can be a part of. Or, if you have a research proposal, ask them if they would be able to help make it happen. For example, in my university, a lot of undergraduate pre-med students did research on nanoparticles for cancer treatment on Zebra fish (they are invasive and there were many clearances obtained in order to do the research). You can also do research to identify any disparities in your local community and do statistical based analysis. You just have to find something that's niche yet relevant. If you don't have anyone in your university that you can ask for research opportunities that you could get involved in, you could always try to reach out to the local medical schools and see if they may have any opportunities for you. Sometimes they host workshops for prospective students or you can see about an opportunity to sit in on a lecture or see what a typical medical school lecture is like -- it wouldn't hurt to ask, and sometimes they might have student ambassadors that might be able to be in contact with you with whom you can ask for advice and guidance on the process. If there is a local medical school you are interested in attending, I would definitely ask admissions for guidance and express interest so they can stay in contact with you. They like proactive prospective students.
Is there a particular specialty you want to pursue in medicine? Maybe you can get a head start and look for opportunities in those areas. Or, like mentioned previously, find a gap in medicine with connection to your community and brainstorm ideas to address it, even look into non profits that are not in your area and see how you can start a chapter/location/etc.
Everyone wants to help someone but your passion for medicine needs to have your own touch to it. Network and reach out to other physicians or see if there are any kind of events or opportunities that you could be part of. Even a shadowing opportunity could be a good opportunity to discuss during your interview. Everyone knows someone and can get you to the right connection, you just have to keep reaching out. Communication is a good skill and highly valuable.
That being said, as these are impressive directions to strengthen your application, don't let it overwhelm you or consume you. Medical schools do like to see these kinds of aspects to their applicants but of course your grades will be reflective of how well your foundation is in those courses, as well as your MCAT score. The hardest part about medical school right now is getting in. Then when you get in, the next hardest step is adjusting to the curriculum and learning how to manage your time and your workload, etc. Then it will be preparation for STEP 1, etc. Don't forget to take care of yourself and remember that this might be a big part of who you want to be, but it won't be your entire personality. If you let it consume you like that, you will have a hard time as a person who needs to have life balance (I have seen so many students burn out like this).
I hope this helps you in any way. I think I answered another question you had previously about certifications, so that advice can also go hand in hand with this. Best of luck on your medical school journey!
Updated
Rita’s Answer
Usually, you find research opportunities in college.
I would work as a medical scribe. I know several medical students who took a few years off of school and worked as a scribe and when they rotated with me, they just seemed sharper because they had the experience. This also allows you let the medical school know that you have worked in the field and know that you still want to become a doctor. Maybe if you work as a scribe, you decide that medicine is not work you. In that case, you just saved yourself 4 years of medical school training and minimum of 3 years of internship and residency.
I would work as a medical scribe. I know several medical students who took a few years off of school and worked as a scribe and when they rotated with me, they just seemed sharper because they had the experience. This also allows you let the medical school know that you have worked in the field and know that you still want to become a doctor. Maybe if you work as a scribe, you decide that medicine is not work you. In that case, you just saved yourself 4 years of medical school training and minimum of 3 years of internship and residency.