Sorry if this is far off topic but i could use some advice. Currently in my third year of med school. Had some experiences over the last year that really changed my views on life. I’ve been thinking a lot about taking the next year off to backpack around SEA, Europe, Australia. I wish I did this earlier but I’m realizing this is probably the last chance I have. Once I finish school I’ll start residency and I won’t have the opportunity to do an extended trip like this until I’m much older.

Biggest concerns are how this will reflect on applications and affect my career.. I’d be more worried if I was going for a really competitive specialty but I’m an average student tbh. I shouldn’t have an issue matching into the less competitive specialties but it could still be a red flag and limit my options as far as where I want to end up location wise.

Lastly I just think it’d be good for me. A year of experiences and growth could really help me develop as a person. Let me know what y’all think, just want to hear different perspectives.