Does this count as clinical experience?

[soniale]

So I applied to be a volunteer at a clinic but they're full right now so I'm currently a receptionist. I help those who walk in or call with appointments and paperwork and I get to interact with some doctors as well. I'm looking to gain more clinical experience and I was wondering if this fits the requirements?
Thank you!

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[Catalystik]

So I applied to be a volunteer at a clinic but they're full right now so I'm currently a receptionist. I help those who walk in or call with appointments and paperwork and I get to interact with some doctors as well. I'm looking to gain more clinical experience and I was wondering if this fits the requirements?
Thank you!

You are interacting with current patients in a clinical setting. It is a clinical experience for med school application purposes (and far more pertinent than than cleaning beds and stocking cupboards in an ED, IMO).

 

[teenyfish]

So I applied to be a volunteer at a clinic but they're full right now so I'm currently a receptionist. I help those who walk in or call with appointments and paperwork and I get to interact with some doctors as well. I'm looking to gain more clinical experience and I was wondering if this fits the requirements?
Thank you!

I think so! I worked at the back desk at a clinic for a while before moving to being a MA and it was a great experience to see what goes on behind the scenes of a practice. I did things like call insurance companies, get prior authorizations, schedule surgeries/appointments and all the lovely back and forth phone tag that goes along with it. Made me realize how much goes into healthcare, how inefficient/frustrating it is at times, and the fact that I still wanted to do it after all of that meant I really loved medicine.

 

[LizzyM]

Yep! You meet my definition; see below.

 

[907914]

Yep! You meet my definition; see below.

Remember, it is only clinical experience if you sniff the patients.

 

[LizzyM]

Remember, it is only clinical experience if you sniff the patients.

Untrue. Merely being in their presence is sufficient.

 

[907914]

Untrue. Merely being in their presence is sufficient.

Sarcasm does not travel well through the electrons.

 

[LizzyM]

OP is a newbie. And yes, sarcasm does not travel well through the electrons and I've actually gotten PMs about sniffing the patients while bringing them water and snacks.
I just want to make it clear to those who aren't familiar with our brand of humor.

 

[DirtyNewYorker]

Remember, it is only clinical experience if you sniff the patients.

I always think of this definition whenever a patient vomits while I’m transporting them and that beautiful smell hits my nostrils. Delicious

 

[907914]

I always think of this definition whenever a patient vomits while I’m transporting them and that beautiful smell hits my nostrils. Delicious

My most memorable experience:
Me - “Sir, I’m here to draw your blood for some lab tests.”
Patient - “Well I got a being for you right here!” *whips up his gown, flails his genitals while urinating everywhere*

I just had the nurses draw him. Their actions and their smells are part of why we love patients.

Edit: Don’t talk about anything like this anywhere in any application or interview. Patients can be silly...we all know that, no one wants these stories in a professional setting

 

[doc05]

It’s not clinical or worthwhile. Find another gig.