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Congratulations on finishing year 1.  Many often consider this year the hardest one, and I will agree in the sense it is the year you have to make the most adjustments, and learn to absorb an enormous amount of information in such a short amount of time.  The rest of the years will require a lot of work too, but you have already proved to your self that you can do it, congrats.  This time before year 2 is a very important time because it will essentially be your last summer off.  Some decide to go home and take time off.  Others decide to stay at school and either start research that they will continue during year 2, or start some type of project.  I completed a computer project in collaboration with my medical school that I could complete from home.  I even got paid too.  In the months before the summer, you will often find that faculty will e-mail the class searching for those interested in working on one of their ongoing projects over the summer.  The other opportunity is being involved with some type of established summer program, which often includes stipends.  If you plan well enough, perhaps you can even find a program like this back home, and they don’t usually take up your entire summer.  On our website you will find the most current information regarding summer research, or other projects available nationwide.  Plan to apply to these very early, say October or November before the summer.  I believe that if you decided to take it easy back home with your family, try to spend at least 2 weeks shadowing a physician (even if only 1-3 days per week.)  Most physicians like having medical students around, in addition, it makes them look well with their patients as they acquire the image of an educator, especially if you are coming from a very reputable school.  It will even be a great time to learn about a specialty of medicine you may want to pursue in the future (or not).  Be creative, and don’t forget to have some fun too.  I don’t want to sound contradictory, but the key to medicine is balance.  Balance between working hard, and enjoying your life. 

For a listing of summer clerkships available click here.  Also, if you sign up for our monthly newsletter, you will be notified of new summer programs available, and when to apply (click here to sign up).  Keep in mind that applying for these programs usually must take place months in advanced.

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