With internship season approaching, pre-med students often find themselves stuck in a dilemma. The one thing going through your mind is probably: what internship is suitable for a pre-med student?
There are so many choices and pathways available out there that you’ve got to select the proper one. This blog will walk you through the best choice to ready you for med school success.
Clinical Research Internship
Clinical studies are only one of the well-spent hours a pre-med can experience. Why? Medicine isn’t solely about patient care. It’s also about having knowledge about how treatments work (or don’t work).
Between 2021, there had been over 365,000 registered clinical trials. And because this is what fuels the world of medicine, there are positive probabilities that there will always be plenty of chances for you to get involved with clinical studies.
As a pre-med student, what would you basically do? You could help with study design, data collection, data analysis, and even report writing. How can this help your career? Medical schools love to find applicants who understand the science of medicine.
It also enhances your critical thinking skills. If you’re not sure where to begin, research opportunities at universities, hospitals, or companies. Some have summer programs specifically for undergrads.
Hospital Shadowing or Volunteer Program
Watching doctors with patients gives you first-hand insight into what it’s really like to be a doctor. Maybe you see them delivering bad news to a worried patient or coordinating care with specialists and nurses. Shadowing is basically a pre-med tradition, with almost 95% of pre-med students taking part.
Volunteering is also a great option. In fact, research suggests a positive correlation between volunteering and academic performance among undergraduate medical students. So, how can pre-med students find appropriate volunteer opportunities?
Get in touch with your local hospitals directly. Most institutions have unique departments specifically focused on volunteers and observers. Some may even have programs where you’ll be tasked to assist workers by bringing items, welcoming visitors, or comforting patients. Such actions show admissions committees that you’re not afraid to assist others.
Public Health Internship
So, you might wonder, “What does public health have to do with being a doctor?” Great question! The truth is that modern medicine isn’t just about patients anymore. It’s about communities.
Public health focuses on preventing diseases and promoting wellness on a larger scale. Think vaccines, nutrition programs, and policies to reduce smoking rates. By completing an internship in this field, you’ll learn how social factors—like poverty, education, and access to healthcare—affect people’s well-being.
Medical schools appreciate applicants who are able to think beyond the exam room. Public health internships demonstrate that you care about the broader world. And, they expose you to non-clinical medicine careers, including epidemiology or global health.
Where can you find these experiences? Start with your local health departments, organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or organizations that are community-focused. Even smaller nonprofits need interns to help with outreach and education.
Biomedical Science Internship
If you enjoy labs, microscopes, and experiments, this is ideal for you. Biomedical science examines the biological mechanisms of diseases and possible treatments.
During this internship, you could assist scientists in performing experiments, testing hypotheses, and creating new technology. This is an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of biology and chemistry. Additionally, it develops transferable skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork.
There are plenty of biomedical internships available. Universities, pharmaceutical firms, and biotechnology companies hire interns. Some of them even pay a stipend. Search and find one that suits your goals.
Healthcare Administration or Policy Internship
You’ll never be alone as a doctor. You will have to contend with insurance payments, hospital costs, and federal regulations. These aspects of health care make you a more capable leader and an advocate for patients.
In this type of internship, you might analyze billing processes, compose proposals for improving patient care, or attend meetings with policymakers. Medical schools value applicants who are familiar with the business of medicine. It shows maturity and a desire to solve real-world problems. And it leads to dual-degree programs, like MD/MBA or MD/MPH.
To start, look for internships in hospitals, consulting firms, or advocacy groups. Organizations like the American Hospital Association or Kaiser Permanente often offer internships in operations and policy.
Final Thoughts
These internships offer valuable experiences for pre-med students, strengthening their applications and preparing them for medical school. But the list above is just the start. Thorough research is recommended for each opportunity.
We at International Medical Aid (IMA) have the full wealth of resources and experience at our disposal to support your pre med internships. If you’ve got questions or concerns, consider getting in touch to gather more information on your next best steps.
