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[DrPatrickStar]

I didn't include anything on my app that I couldn't further explain how and why that experience could make me a better doctor. Think about that before you include anything on your application as well. While I don't think adcoms will consider you irresponsible for this activity, do you believe this is something worth including if you're on the fence about it?

 

[Catalystik]

I've been volunteering with a nonprofit that's been 3D printing and disinfecting face shields and then distributing them to hospitals, doctors, policemen, etc. in the area. I don't know if I should bother listing this on my app when I apply because I don't know if adcoms would view it as irresponsible during this quarantine. For the record, all volunteers are required to wear proper PPE and maintain social distancing during each shift.

I'm not doing this to pad my app so I plan on continuing to volunteer regardless, but any opinions on whether I should bother listing it on my application?

Include it. You're providing an essential service that benefits society. And you're following the distancing and personal protection rules.

 

[openstage]

IMHO I would tread carefully. I’m sure this isn’t you, but I suspect Adcoms will read a lot of pumped up & superficial experiences related to this. In fact, there maybe a genuine fatigue from them working very close to the front line of this pandemic, and then having to read countless essays about it.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Include it. You're not working outside the guidance that has been provided and are making a contribution to help folks that currently lack PPE. I don't think this will significantly influence your application any more or less than other volunteer experiences but it does show that in a time of crisis you were able to step up and help out. And as for the point about pumped up superficial experiences related to covid - adcoms have had to deal with that for countless years as premeds hype their clinical and non-clinical experiences. From experience, one gets really good at detecting bull**** in an application. I don't think you're in danger of that here. Good luck with your applications.

 

[openstage]

I totally agree and understand that, I'm not trying to come off as some sort of saint like I feel some people might be with whats going on. This is definitely not the focal point of my app.

After reading the replies to this post I think I'll include it and just provide a brief explanation of my responsibilities.

Yes, just be modest.

 

[LizzyM]

I personally know people who are doing this work as volunteers because they have a printer and/or organizational skills and/or time and they work as a team. I've also heard of other groups doing similar work. I think it is fine to include. It is unusual enough that it might be something novel that you'll be asked about. It also shows how you used your down time during a period when your community needed the talents and resources you had to offer.

 

[LindaAccepted]

I've been volunteering with a nonprofit that's been 3D printing and disinfecting face shields and then distributing them to hospitals, doctors, policemen, etc. in the area. I don't know if I should bother listing this on my app when I apply because I don't know if adcoms would view it as irresponsible during this quarantine. For the record, all volunteers are required to wear proper PPE and maintain social distancing during each shift.

I'm not doing this to pad my app so I plan on continuing to volunteer regardless, but any opinions on whether I should bother listing it on my application?

Obviously I don't know what might not get included if you include this or the rest of our profile, but I would include. You're following guidelines and stepping up to help in a time of crisis. You may also have a great answer here to possible interview questions about what you did during the pandemic to help your community.

 

[DNAJB6]

Application time is not the time to be overly modest. If it can be counted, count everything unless and until you have all 15 slots full of substantive activities.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Include it. You're providing an essential service that benefits society. And you're following the distancing and personal protection rules.

This. You don't have to be curing cancer for an experience to be both helpful to society and valuable experience to yourself. It is implied that you are following CDC guidelines for the time period. When I talked about my experience working on an ambulance, it was implied that I wore gloves when doing patient contact.

David D, MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors