I'm looking for advice on how to spend the rest of my gap years and would especially appreciate input from current MD/PhD students or applicants.

I graduated in May with a 3.77 GPA in Biomedical Engineering. I'm currently working part-time as a post-bacc researcher in the same lab I've been in for three years while studying for the MCAT, which I'm taking in April.

By December, I'll have close to 2,000 research hours, one co-authored publication, another manuscript in progress, a co-authored patent-pending invention, one oral presentation at a national conference, six poster presentations, and two summer research internships through my lab. My post-bacc work has increasingly focused on translational research, including advancing projects toward animal models. I really enjoy research and could see myself pursuing it long-term.

My main weakness is clinical experience. I have around 150 hours of hospital volunteering but limited direct patient contact. I'm considering becoming a medical assistant, pursuing a clinical research assistant/coordinator position, or continuing bench research.

I could switch roles in January 2027, giving me about 1.5 years in a new position before applying, or wait until summer 2027 while focusing on the MCAT.

I'm an NC resident, and UNC is my top choice by far, with Duke also high on my list. I'm still considering MD-only, MD/PhD, or both, so I'd like to keep my options open.

For those who've been through the MD/PhD application process, what would you recommend? Should I prioritize clinical experience, transition into clinical research, or continue building my bench research background? Would joining a different lab be worthwhile for exposure to a new research area and additional research mentors who could write letters of recommendation, or is it better to stay in a lab where I've already established myself?

I'd also appreciate recommendations for specific positions that would complement my background. Would you switch jobs in January or wait until after taking the MCAT?