Including Volunteer Abroad in Activities Section

[eg123]

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Hi All!

I have gotten some mixed feedback on this in the past, but wanted to gauge what to do. I was going to put my volunteer work in a developing country as one of my 15 activities, where I went for 3 weeks and worked in a clinic every day of my trip. I didn't do anything outside of my scope as an EMT, but I know some view these trips as controversial. I was wondering whether it would be okay to include this as clinical volunteer on my application?

Thank you all for the feedback and advice!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

My opinions:

First, you can't control how others view your clinical volunteer abroad experience.

Second, you shouldn't have overseas clinical experience as your ONLY clinical experience before medical school. Ideally, you should have more hours with domestic (US) clinical experience than non-US.

Third, if you did act in some clinical capacity, you must make sure you stayed within your training and was appropriately trained and supervised.

 

[eg123]

My opinions:

First, you can't control how others view your clinical volunteer abroad experience.

Second, you shouldn't have overseas clinical experience as your ONLY clinical experience before medical school. Ideally, you should have more hours with domestic (US) clinical experience than non-US.

Third, if you did act in some clinical capacity, you must make sure you stayed within your training and was appropriately trained and supervised.

Yea I totally understand, this isn't my only clinical experience. I also have over 1500 clinical hours as both an EMT and working in the hospital as a part of my application. I also was well within my training and always supervised at the clinic.

I appreciate the feedback!

 

[LizzyM]

I'd see that as fine given that you have engaged as an EMT in the States and your volunteerism was 3 weeks which is more than the typically criticized 1 week.

 

[FrederickMarx]

Great experience! Shows dedication, perspective, and real-world clinical commitment.