Does online volunteering count?

[ZeroTouchMeNot]

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So I am an international student from a third world country, but I am not in my country right now. Since the Spring of my freshman year until now, I have been teaching underserved communities in my country, and my classes have gained a lot of traction. Until now, I am still teaching, especially since educational resources in my country are scarce, and schools have went fully online. Now my question is: will medical schools even consider this as "non-clinical volunteering" when I am not even teaching my students face to face?

 

[Tyrese]

I think if you are not physically in the presence of patients, then it's non-clinical.

Also, reading the description of your listed experience, that sounds more like non-clinical volunteering anyway (online or not), since it isn't in a clinical setting. That's what I think at least.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

yeah, especially in 2020 virtual volunteering is going to be super legitimized, especially if you have this longstanding relationship with this program. 100% qualifies as non clinical volunteering.

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

 

[ZeroTouchMeNot]

I think if you are not physically in the presence of patients, then it's non-clinical.

Also, reading the description of your listed experience, that sounds more like non-clinical volunteering anyway (online or not), since it isn't in a clinical setting. That's what I think at least.

Yes, it is non-clinical, but would ADCOMS view virtual volunteering in a negative light?

 

[ZeroTouchMeNot]

yeah, especially in 2020 virtual volunteering is going to be super legitimized, especially if you have this longstanding relationship with this program. 100% qualifies as non clinical volunteering.

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

Thank you so much!

 

[candbgirl]

I think that since you seem to have a long relationship with this project it will be just fine. You are are showing initiative in keeping up with the students under unusual circumstances.

 

[Tyrese]

Yes, it is non-clinical, but would ADCOMS view virtual volunteering in a negative light?

I don't think adcom would view it in a negative light, since you're still devoting time to an undeserved community. Provided theses are the circumstances that nearly everyone is currently dealing with, I would think they won't be surprised your volunteer experience was virtual. But that's what I think.