Extracurriculars for a freshman

[WendyW]

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Hey everyone!

I'm trying to figure out what to do this winter in New York, but every hospital I call says they can't take volunteers for a short period of time because medical clearance takes so long. I'll pretty much get bored out of my mind sitting around at home, so what could I possibly do?

Could I do research during this time? Would that be possible to do for such a short period of time?

Should I shadow a doctor for a few weeks? Is it weird if I shadow a doctor for that long?

 

[Mount Sinai]

Are you from New York?? Why don't you try your family physician.

 

[Catalystik]

You might try volunteering at a local skilled-nursing facility (not a retirement home) if they will let you help with their ill (bedbound) clients. In my area it is far easier to get a short-term position at a nursing home, with less red tape and waiting time, and fewer test/vaccine requirements.

 

[Mount Sinai]

You might try volunteering at a local skilled-nursing facility (not a retirement home) if they will let you help with their ill (bedbound) clients. In my area it is far easier to get a short-term position at a nursing home, with less red tape and waiting time, and fewer test/vaccine requirements.

What is your area, or should I say where?

 

[varsityblue]

Try shadowing a physician. If that doesn't work, take advantage of your free time by doing a spot of MCAT prep, reading novels, unwinding completely, and bonding with your family! It's called a break for a reason, you know...

 

[Catalystik]

What is your area, or should I say where?

Midwest. But I expect our experience is probably generalizable to other locations.

 

[GiantFetus]

I'm also in that same boat OP. If you have decent contacts with your physician, I would try to set up a time(lunch hour?) to sit down and ask them a few questions about solely becoming a doctor. You can follow this up with a quick "Do you know of any physicians that would be willing to let me shadow them...?" and hope for a positive response.