Yesterday's interview went well...I think? It was more like a discussion about the project I would be working on than a traditional Question-and-Answer interview session. The guy interviewing me didn't even ask me for a list of references.
They are looking for a bilingual medical assistant to help expand a new program at a senior home, someone who can work with elderly Chinese patients and provide translation services for the patients so the health providers can help individuals with physical therapy, pain management and other ailments characteristic in older people. The impression I got was that he (the guy interviewing me) was not even reviewing anyone else or had not found anyone appropriate, which is odd because we're in San Francisco, where there are LOTS of people who speak Cantonese MUCH better than I can. Then again, maybe it was overlooked by all the anxious pre-health kids because it is not a traditional doctor's office: there is only one MD (a physiatrist) overseeing several Physician Assistants, a couple chiropractors and physical therapists.
I really want this position. It's perfect for what I want and need: the potential to be fulfilling, paid, within the health field, and I get to practice my medical Chinese. Aaand the pay is decent. Better than folding sweaters for $10/hour (although I do miss the discounts from working in retail).
If I get the job, I'll be starting off part-time and gradually progressing to full time. I don't really want to work full-time, but I'll just have to suck it up. After reading the non-traditional pre-med profiles on http://journeysinmedicine.blogspot.com/, suddenly, working 30 or maybe even 40 hours a week while studying for MCATs sounds easy compared to people who do all that WHILE raising children.
I have another interview tomorrow with the Big Kahuna, the physiatrist, tomorrow. I guess I'll learn more about my status tomorrow.
On another note, my right-handed typing is improving. I think by the end of my sling-time, I'll be able to type faster than some people. Woohoo!
I too studied for the MCAT while working 50-60 hours per week and taking biochemistry on top of that ... and did well on the MCAT ... it is do-able, but difficult (in many ways, a good preparation for the third year of medical school where you have to work at least that many hours/week while studying on your own).
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting :D
ReplyDeleteAnd you have a good point...it will only get worse and if I can't handle a P/T job + studying, then I won't do well in rotations.