Summer presents a unique opportunity for pre-med students to enhance their medical school applications through strategic extracurricular activities. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1.  Clinical Experience
   1. Shadowing Physicians: Shadowing physicians across various specialties can offer invaluable insights into the medical profession. It can help you understand different healthcare environments and solidify your interest in medicine.
   2. Volunteering at Healthcare Facilities: Volunteering at hospitals or clinics provides direct patient interaction and exposure to medical environments. These types of experiences can help demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and patient care.

Check out these opportunities in Waterloo!

• CCCare: https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-community-clinical-applied-research-excellence/education/volunteer-opportunities 
• Grand River Volunteer: https://grhf.ca/pages/volunteer

3. Medical Scribing: Working as a medical scribe allows you to gain experience in documenting patient encounters and understanding medical terminology, offering a closer look at the physician-patient relationship.
4. Research Opportunities
   1. Laboratory Research: Engaging in laboratory research develops critical thinking and analytical skills. Look for opportunities at universities or research institutions, regardless of whether the research is related to medicine or not .

• CCCare Research: https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-community-clinical-applied-research-excellence/research 

2. Clinical Research: Working in clinical research involves patient-focused studies, data collection, and understanding research ethics, all of which are valuable experiences for a future in medicine.

Here are some websites that might help in getting started in your research journey:

• https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/missing-manual/student-life/undergraduate-research-opportunities-waterloo 
• https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-community-clinical-applied-research-excellence/research 

3. Community Service
   1. Health Education Initiatives: Involvement in health education programs in your community, such as workshops and health fairs, showcases your dedication to public health and preventive medicine.
   2. Volunteering with Nonprofits: Working with organizations that address social determinants of health, such as homelessness and mental health, highlights your commitment to holistic healthcare.
4. Leadership and Professional Development
   1. Pre-Medical Societies/Clubs: Taking active roles in a Pre-Medical Society can help demonstrate your leadership skills and a commitment to the medical community. This can be  true for any club, as long as they are health-related. 
   2. Leadership Workshops: Attending leadership workshops enhances skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are crucial for a career in medicine.

Conclusion

Strategically selecting extracurricular activities during the summer can significantly enhance your medical school application. Focus on quality experiences that reflect your passion for medicine and personal growth. This balanced approach will prepare you for a successful career in healthcare and demonstrate your dedication to becoming a compassionate and skilled physician.