The decision to take a gap year does not have to be a complicated process. Working with your Prehealth Advisor and the Duke Career Center to identify your application needs, explore options, and identify opportunities will help to set you up for future success. 

Check out the videos below for more information about taking a gap year(s):

There are a multitude of opportunities available to you (and really, you can do whatever you want).  Actively explore and search for the right one for you. 

MedServe is a two-year service-learning fellowship for recent graduates interested in health careers, especially pre-med and pre-PA students. MedServe places future physicians in “rock star” primary care clinics across rural and other medically underserved communities in North Carolina. As Fellows, students work in both a clinical role (e.g. as a medical assistant) and community role (e.g. as a health coach). 

American Public Health Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. A variety of internships for undergrad and grad students are available. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a variety of fellowship and internship opportunities for individuals who have, or will soon have, a college degree. These programs can help jump-start a career in protecting the public’s health. 

Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities supports various fellowships and training opportunities for qualified students at all levels of their education. Many of the opportunities involve working with the Federal Government or the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

Dept of Health and Human Services Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a competitive, two-year, paid, federal internship within HHS. The program provides interns with a unique opportunity to develop enhanced leadership skills in one of the largest federal agencies in the nation. HHS is looking for talented and highly motivated individuals with a commitment to public service. The program provides an excellent opportunity for participants to begin a professional career in HHS. 

Global Health Corps mobilizes a diverse community of leaders to build the movement for global health equity. 
 
For clinicals opportunities visit our resource for obtaining clinical hours

Additional, non-clinical, gap-year opportunities may found here