Getting Clinical experience as an undergrad

[drnancydrew]

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So I am a first year undergrad. Becoming a doctor has been my ambition since I was in preschool. Anyway, to make things short, I know that medical schools do look for clinical/volunteer experience in one's application. I have been volunteering in the local emergency department for 4 years and am planning to do so for the rest of my undergrad. I am also a certified nursing assistant/aide (CNA), but I am currently not working. I was wondering if getting a job as a CNA is a good idea, or if I can, maybe find a volunteer position, that is, work as a CNA, but not get paid. Also, should I try to start shadowing doctors soon, like this coming summer, or should I wait until the summer after sophomore or junior years? Thank you in advance!

 

[mvenus929]

The best clinical experience, IMO, is that which is paid. Because you are able to learn more by virtue of you having a certification that allows you to work more directly with patients. Volunteers are awesome, but they aren't allowed to do a lot of stuff.

It won't hurt you to start shadowing this coming summer, but if you wait, it's not a big deal either.