The Activities Section of the medical school application process can certainly be overwhelming though let’s try to break it down to give you the best idea of how to tackle this section:
Medical Assistant (MA) at The University of New Mexico (UNM)
This might be the element which captures the reader’s attention, leading them to read more.
Paid Employment – Medical / Clinical [EXPERIENCE TYPE]
Research Assistant in Dr. Smith’s Biochemistry Lab [EXPERIENCE TITLE]
August 2017 – June 2019 [EXPERIENCE DATES]
350 hours [TOTAL HOURS]
The University of New Mexico [ORGANIZATION]
Dr. Smith, 777-777-7777, ssmith@unm.edu [SUPERVISOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION]
Albuquerque, NM, USA [LOCATION]
In continuing my previous research with Dr. Smith’s, I was promoted to a position in the mouse lab and was afforded the opportunity to write a miniature thesis over supplementation in the folate pathway and its effects on mouse lifespans. I have been trained in mouse handling and techniques when conducting animal experiments. I gained not only strong critical thinking skills but having been entrusted to perform complex experiments on my own, I also gained confidence in myself and my capabilities. I am hopeful the skills I have acquired will permeate my future efforts in both medicine and clinical research.
I slipped into the lab and grabbed my petri dish with the C. elegans as well as my worm hook. It was a typical day and I began to count which worms had survived and which did not when I realized the only worms left alive were the ones treated with methotrexate. I approached my professor, immensely excited and grinning ear to ear as I indicated that methotrexate seemingly elongated the worm lifespans, via inhibition of enzymes more than any other amino acid supplementation had. This finding was that which allowed us to begin similar testing in mice. This finding was exhilarating and is the first time I experienced the power of scientific inquiry. Through my time working with Dr. Smith, I have become stronger in both academic writing and critical thinking. Learning to ask questions and take on leadership roles in the laboratory broadened my scientific curiosity and reaffirmed my goal to be a lifelong learner. I found a passion for research and hope to continue this as a medical student and physician. Similarly, the skills and growth I have acquired from my research experience form the foundation with which I hope to selflessly serve patients in the future.
You will find that through writing these entries, you will need to do a lot of reflecting on your experiences. Including these details in your writing will allow the admissions committee additional insight into who you are and your overall candidacy for medical school since your experiences will often follow a theme such as underserved populations, education, mentorship, etc. Think hard about the culmination of your efforts in each of your activity entries as this may not only produce thoughtful writing in your application but a foundation to build off of for your secondary essays!
