Cedars-Sinai volunteer program

[sylus]

Has anyone participated in Cedars-Sinai's Independent Student Volunteer Program (http://www.csmc.edu/7032.html) or heard anything about it? It looks pretty cool, just wondering if anyone has any thoughts to share on it?

Also, does anyone have suggestions for interesting places to volunteer in LA, both clinical and non-clinical?

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[TrojanMatt]

I know a couple of people who did this program... they really enjoyed it. I've only heard great things. I personally did the Med Volunteer program though, which was incredible as well. They pair you with an anesthesiologist for the first 3 or 4 months and you get to scrub in on all of his or her surgeries when you visit. After those first months, you get to choose which specialty you want to shadow; I chose a heart-transplant surgeon. If you have the time, Cedars is a great place to volunteer, whatever program you choose.

 

[sylus]

I know a couple of people who did this program... they really enjoyed it. I've only heard great things. I personally did the Med Volunteer program though, which was incredible as well. They pair you with an anesthesiologist for the first 3 or 4 months and you get to scrub in on all of his or her surgeries when you visit. After those first months, you get to choose which specialty you want to shadow; I chose a heart-transplant surgeon. If you have the time, Cedars is a great place to volunteer, whatever program you choose.

Do you have info on that program? I don't think I saw it on their website- it sounds pretty cool.

Do you know what kind of time commitment they ask for?

 

[kuhlguy]

ive been in the program for 3 years now

call the volunteer office and ask to talk to kelly .... tell her ur interested in the program and shell get you going ...

great program ... shadowed tons of doctors ... got a great letter from it

 

[Ella Shepherd]

ive been in the program for 3 years now

call the volunteer office and ask to talk to kelly .... tell her ur interested in the program and shell get you going ...

great program ... shadowed tons of doctors ... got a great letter from it

What if I'm from another country and I just want to go there to do the volunteer work? Is that possible? 🙂

Majorly expensive I'm sure and all that...but just wondering if it's possible. 😛

 

[TrojanMatt]

Do you have info on that program? I don't think I saw it on their website- it sounds pretty cool.

Do you know what kind of time commitment they ask for?

Yea, call Kelly at the Volunteer Office. Time commitment is VERY flexible; you and the doctor you are shadowing will decide on what would be best for both your schedules. Mine were usually one morning a week, but as the year went on we extended it to almost a full day a week.

 

[selissa]

I know a couple of people who did this program... they really enjoyed it. I've only heard great things. I personally did the Med Volunteer program though, which was incredible as well. They pair you with an anesthesiologist for the first 3 or 4 months and you get to scrub in on all of his or her surgeries when you visit. After those first months, you get to choose which specialty you want to shadow; I chose a heart-transplant surgeon. If you have the time, Cedars is a great place to volunteer, whatever program you choose.

Hi Matt! What is the difference between the "Med" volunteer program and the Independent Student Volunteer program?

Also, would you mind sending me the name of the Anesthesiologist you shadowed? I promise, I'm normal and responsible. 🙂 My email address is selissa77@hotmail.

Thanks!

 

[candyqueen]

I was in the IS program for my last 2 1/2 years of undergrad. Absolutely loved it! Lots of clinical research experience, some publications, and shadowing on the side. I think your experience is heavily dependent on your mentor/PI, so make sure you click with them. It sounds like many others had mentors just as great as mine too! Highly recommend.

 

[uclaussr]

Ive been doing this program for the last 1.5 years...its really amazing. You get to see and do so much! You don't waste your time sitting at the nurses station as is often the practice. You and your mentor arrange when you come in. highly recommend it

 

[MalibuPreMD]

I know that this is an older thread, but I had such an amazing experience as an independent student volunteer that I wanted to contribute! The physician that I shadowed was well respected and at the top of his field (cc medicine). He had such an investment in his patients - and would oftentimes remember their conditions, prognosis, social situations, etc 3-4 months after they left the icu. Furthermore, he ALWAYS made time for me to come in when it suited my schedule, never pressured me to leave, and took the time to answer any questions or concerns I might have had. He invited to me to many of his meetings (the top IM docs would often meet over lunch to discuss any important issues/cases) and has taken the time to look over my application and offer advice.

Cedars Sinai is an amazing place because it has physicians like my mentor. I could not speak more highly of him!