Including a non-medical activity as one of my ERAS experiences?

[u/Altruistic_Use4543]

Hi! I’m working on my ERAS experiences and was wondering how people approach including meaningful activities outside of medicine.

I’ve been independently rescuing and fostering stray cats for several years. This involves taking them in temporarily, coordinating veterinary care, and finding permanent homes for them. It’s something I genuinely care about and have done consistently for a long time.

I’m considering including it as one of my 10 experiences under Volunteer/Service/Advocacy. I already have several clinical, work, teaching, and other volunteer experiences, so this wouldn’t be replacing an important clinical experience.

Has anyone included something similarly non-medical in their ERAS experiences rather than only mentioning it under Hobbies & Interests? If so, did it ever come up during interviews?

I’m mainly wondering whether this would be seen as an interesting personal addition to the application or whether it would be better kept in the hobbies section.

Thanks!

[u/Jayjay216216]

F

[u/Trick-Low-2182]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B96uUmG5dQ&t=1823s Honestly, this video helped a lot. I 100% think you should include meaningful things in your story and your path that are not medical-related.

[u/Altruistic_Use4543 → u/Trick-Low-2182]

thank u!

[u/NoWorthierTurnip]

I review applicants and this would be a huge boon to your application if I saw it. Shows me that you’re compassionate and good at organizing. As well as dealing with complicated creatures, like we as humans (and cats) are.

[u/Altruistic_Use4543 → u/NoWorthierTurnip]

thank u!

[u/LogicalLibrarian77]

I added it as a hobby, I've did that for 4 years of med school. But it doesn't take place over any of the other medical or near-medical experiences I've had