Session 181 In today's episode, Ryan is joined by Allison as they discuss interesting topics such as taking gap years and fostering healthcare teamwork. This is also the first time for Ryan and Allison to go live on the Facebook Hangout Group while recording this session at the same time so they're also taking in some questions from people in the group. Here are the highlights of the conversation with Ryan and Allison: Gap Years before Medical School Reasons for taking a gap year: Allison taking a gap year due to burnout to be able to take a breather It allows you to gain more clinical experience or shadowing experience. It allows you to try a lot of things. It may add more substance to your application. Doing things that allows you to grow and to continue in your service of others or ability to do research or to dig deeper into something you're passionate about. Options you can take during the gap year: Clinical experience Getting involved in a pharmaceutical company doing drug development Is it okay to travel during your gap year? Yes. Traveling allows you to experience different cultures, people, and communities. Maximizing the use of healthcare team players Your team is invaluable! How the team works together plays a major role in the strength of your ability to function well. The healthcare team is a collaborative environment where each person's role is so important. Tips when working in a team: Be a team player as early as you can. Learn your role and how it works with the roles of other people on your team Learn how you can best function and how you can best lead and serve their needs and get what you need from them. Respect is critical. Being a physician doesn't mean you're the boss so arrogance has no place in any team. Have respect for people who have been in their role for 25-30 years even if they're not doctors. Learn your place and earn your dues. Dealing with pimping or superiors trying to talk you down: Keep your cool and rise above it. Always be professional. Keep your head high but show respect. Premed Q&As Q: Other types of career Ryan and Allison would do if they weren't doctors or in healthcare: A: Allison would be on Broadway and be a professional dancer. Ryan thinks he'd be involved in computer programming. Q: Was doing Allison's undergrad at McGill a disadvantage for her application to medical school? A: In some ways, yes, because her GPA was lower than would have been because they had a very rigorous curriculum and the way grades were weighted was really hard. Hence, her application was not as strong as it could have been. Q: How do Ryan and Allison balance work-life aspect during medical school and residency? A: Ryan thinks there is no work-life balance but it's one big pot that you need to do whatever needs to be done to stay sane through exercise and eating well. Having kids during this time would be different as you need to set aside family time. Having a dual physician (where you and your spouse are both doctors) household may also work for many although it's a personal decision. Some pieces of advice for premed students: Keep your head high. Keep going. Keep working hard. This too shall pass. Elite Medical Scribes - Show Sponsor You heard Allison talk in this show about reading notes that have been scribed and talking about how when she was premed she would have loved to be a scribe because of the unique experience that you gain as being part of the healthcare team. Elite Medical Scribes is the nation’s preeminent provider of the highest quality medical scribe services and the first place you should start when looking for scribe jobs. Head to Elite Medical Scribes now to see what they have to offer in your area! Links and Other Resources www.medicalschoolhq.net/group Elite Medical Scribes - Learn more from them on The Premed Years Session 171