Children's Hospital vs Regular Hospital volunteer?

[keikoblue2]

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Hi Everyone,

I volunteered at a children's hospital for two semesters (spring of freshmen year and fall of sophomore year), and quit for various reasons. My first semester I enjoyed since I had a lot of patient interaction, but the second semester I was stuck with cleaning toys the entire shift b/c it was late and the patients were resting/didn't want to play. Thus, I quit for the next semester b/c I would have had the same time shift/no patient interaction. I also started a research job as well as joined a co-ed volunteer fraternity so my time was limited as well. I'd like to start volunteering in a hospital again my senior year but should I stick with the same hospital for "consistency?"

To an outside eye, my ECs may seem flaky since they've only lasted 1-2 years (with the exception of clubs). I started research soph spring but will stop after this semester (junior spring) b/c my PI is leaving permanently. The children's hospital I only volunteered at for 2 semesters, and I started volunteering at the autism center this semester (through my frat) and plan to continue next year b/c I REALLY enjoy it. But again, it'll only be 3 semesters. So if I start volunteering at a different hospital for my last two semesters, would it seem as if I had commitment issues and was just drifting from 1 activity to another? Everyone always says that quality is better than quantity, and I'm afraid med schools may think I was just trying to pad my resume with different activities without sticking to one, despite the fact that I genuinely enjoyed them.

I volunteered my sophomore/junior summer of high school in children's hospitals so I would like to branch out and work with patients of different ages, but I'm not sure if admissions would view that as being flaky, in light of my EC history.

Thank you for your advice!

 

[Meihua]

People switch between volunteering commitments for lots of reasons, and the one you gave is perfectly valid if any interviewer should ask.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Children only count as a 1/2 patient, so you're better off in a real hospital.

 

[TangoDown]

They only want to see that you have meaningful clinical volunteer experience to solidify your decision to pursue medicine.

I'm sure adcoms won't bat an eye. And if it comes up, you've got your reasons.

 

[applemac123]

Children only count as a 1/2 patient, so you're better off in a real hospital.

1/2 the patient, but 3x the "Awwww" factor. so, 1.5x more legit than real hospital.

That's .5 more lizzm points for med school! stick wit it op!

 

[Tots]

Hi Everyone,

I volunteered at a children's hospital for two semesters (spring of freshmen year and fall of sophomore year), and quit for various reasons (yes I was still doing community service, just not in the hospital). I'd like to start volunteering in a hospital again my senior year but should I stick with the same hospital for "consistency?"

I volunteered my sophomore/junior summer of high school in children's hospitals so I would like to branch out and work with patients of different ages, but I'm not sure if admissions would view that as being flaky.

Thank you for your advice!

You already stopped volunteering so I doubt it will matter either way. If you want to do something different, do it. Don't go back to the Children's Hospital just because you think it might look better.

 

[keikoblue2]

Children only count as a 1/2 patient, so you're better off in a real hospital.

 

[keikoblue2]

Whoa, so many replies while I was editing my original question. Thanks for the advice, everyone! Seems like people are just saying to go for the other hospital