Do I need to volunteer?

[marinehrnt]

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Hello everyone. I'm a nontraditional student that is currently employed as a full-time EMS Pilot. My question is do I need to still volunteer in a clinical or non-clinical setting? I notice that many people volunteer in the ER or a local clinic to get some exposure to medicine and show interest in the field. I have been flying in EMS for about four years and work around patients daily in a high stress environment. Although my primary job is flying I still have lots of interaction with patients, nurses and I'm in and out of the ER all the time. I think if I volunteered in the ER I would be much less involved than I am now. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Richardh]

i don't know much about how really EMP pilots have interactions with patients but from reading your statement i believe you will be fine without volunteering. one of the main reasons why volunteering is recommended is because adcom really cares whether you have been exposed to clinical setting. adcom wants to know if you know what you're getting yourself into.

 

[Helen Wheels]

I would disagree that volunteering is simply to obtain clinical exposure. Many schools are looking to see some commitment to community service (which may or may not be clinical in nature). Most pre-meds kill two birds with one stone by volunteering in a clinical capacity.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

agree with the above statement. it is easiest to volunteer in the ER because than you don't have to get seperate clinical experience. However in your case you might be fine with the clinical experience but i would get some volunteering. it doesn't need to be clinical. i volunteer at my childrens' school (safety patrol, working pancake breakfast, etc.) and work as a patient transporter on the weekends. i have the clincal experience covered so i am going to volunteer in something i really want to do. but the general consensus is that you need to be volunteering at least a 2 hour/week average and the longer duration the better.

 

[briton]

I agree with the other posters. The volunteering is not about clinical experience but is more about giving of your time to community service. The reason most pre-meds volunteer in a hospital or clinic is to kill two birds with one stone, as someone else mentioned. Don't underestimate how important this is to adcoms. Most people can find something they are interested in to give a few hours a week to eg. coaching little league or helping at a church Sunday school.

Good luck!

 

[marinehrnt]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'm going to check out some volunteer opportunities at the local Boys/Girls Club and my local library is always looking for volunteers as well. I appreciate the input.

 

[CW 2010]

I volunteer in a non-clinical setting because I work in the hospital. Volunteering even 4 hours in 2 weeks will be good for your application.