Community Service

[bluedevil777]

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I haven't volunteered at a hospital or anything (but I do have patient interaction through my shadowing and working as an ophthalmic technician). However, I have started my own non-profit that aims to refurbish eye clinics in developing countries. Is it set in stone that I should also volunteer at a hospital on top of this?

 

[CognitiveSci]

Nope, nothing is set in stone except for pre-reqs and cutoff GPA lol. I'd say starting a non-profit is a pretty big deal and will be consuming most of your time already. To add in volunteering on top of that may not be necessary. If you have the extra time and it's something you really want to do, then go for it

 

[aspiring20]

I haven't volunteered at a hospital or anything (but I do have patient interaction through my shadowing and working as an ophthalmic technician). However, I have started my own non-profit that aims to refurbish eye clinics in developing countries. Is it set in stone that I should also volunteer at a hospital on top of this?

you should be fine

there are two things that are mostly the top 2 ECs on any application

1) exposure to medicine (achieved by interacting with patients through shadowing, working, hospital volunteering, etc.)

2) service to others (any form of community service)

hospital volunteering can accomplish both 1 and 2 because you are both interacting with patients (exposure to medicine) and helping other people

 

[Planes2Doc]

Nice! Yeah this should definitely count as the "community service" portion of the application. Currently, non-profits are pretty hot among ADCOMs, so this is a definite plus to your application.

It definitely doesn't make up for the clinical aspect of your application. So you can either volunteer or shadow to get this. I would say shadowing since you won't be bound by a commitment agreement assuming you don't enjoy it.

By the way, when you're admitted to medical school, what will happen to your non-profit?

Best of luck! 👍

 

[bluedevil777]

Nice! Yeah this should definitely count as the "community service" portion of the application. Currently, non-profits are pretty hot among ADCOMs, so this is a definite plus to your application.

It definitely doesn't make up for the clinical aspect of your application. So you can either volunteer or shadow to get this. I would say shadowing since you won't be bound by a commitment agreement assuming you don't enjoy it.

By the way, when you're admitted to medical school, what will happen to your non-profit?

Best of luck! 👍

Thanks!

I have clinical experience from shadowing a trauma surgeon and neurosurgeon. I also worked as an ophthalmic technician and surgical assistant for my dad (not sure how much this counts).

My brother is very involved in the non-profit and will hopefully take on the position of director while I still serve on the board.

 

[Planes2Doc]

Thanks!

I have clinical experience from shadowing a trauma surgeon and neurosurgeon. I also worked as an ophthalmic technician and surgical assistant for my dad (not sure how much this counts).

My brother is very involved in the non-profit and will hopefully take on the position of director while I still serve on the board.

Sounds good! You should be set then. Just focus on grades and MCAT!