Non-Trad Volunteering

[Katatonic]

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I have two potential opportunities for volunteering (4 hours a week in the ER, and a couple hours a week as a Chemo Pal) but am wondering whether to do both or just choose one. Working full time and studying for the MCAT (as well as having to re-take Ochem II at some point) has me a bit worried about spreading too thin.

I'm assuming that as Non-Trad we are held to the same standard in terms of volunteering time and clinical exposure, so I am tempted to just take on both (as well as shadowing at some point). Does this seem like the best choice? For everyone here with busy schedules and full-time jobs, how did you squeeze in multiple clinical exposure experiences?

*FWIW I was going to be a chemo pal anyway because it's important to me, but then the more "typical" ER volunteering opportunity became a possibility as well. I figure it could be a good chance to gain some insight into being around a ton of patients and care providers and helping out where I can with simple things.*

 

[SN12357]

I have two potential opportunities for volunteering (4 hours a week in the ER, and a couple hours a week as a Chemo Pal) but am wondering whether to do both or just choose one. Working full time and studying for the MCAT (as well as having to re-take Ochem II at some point) has me a bit worried about spreading too thin.

I'm assuming that as Non-Trad we are held to the same standard in terms of volunteering time and clinical exposure, so I am tempted to just take on both (as well as shadowing at some point). Does this seem like the best choice? For everyone here with busy schedules and full-time jobs, how did you squeeze in multiple clinical exposure experiences?

*FWIW I was going to be a chemo pal anyway because it's important to me, but then the more "typical" ER volunteering opportunity became a possibility as well. I figure it could be a good chance to gain some insight into being around a ton of patients and care providers and helping out where I can with simple things.*

No one can do everything. I wasn't able to volunteer most of the time I did my post-bacc and studied for the MCAT. Work and classes was all I could handle. I know it may be considered a weaker spot in my application, but I have no regrets. My post-bacc record is a 4.0. My MCAT score is exactly what I wanted it to be. I did have extensive volunteering experiences (non-clinical) from before I started post-baccing.

Don't overburden yourself and risk your score and your grades. I would pick the volunteering experience you prefer and stick with that.

 

[Goro]

The chemo pal seems more humanistic and altruistic. Definitely eye opening.

I have two potential opportunities for volunteering (4 hours a week in the ER, and a couple hours a week as a Chemo Pal) but am wondering whether to do both or just choose one. Working full time and studying for the MCAT (as well as having to re-take Ochem II at some point) has me a bit worried about spreading too thin.

I'm assuming that as Non-Trad we are held to the same standard in terms of volunteering time and clinical exposure, so I am tempted to just take on both (as well as shadowing at some point). Does this seem like the best choice? For everyone here with busy schedules and full-time jobs, how did you squeeze in multiple clinical exposure experiences?

*FWIW I was going to be a chemo pal anyway because it's important to me, but then the more "typical" ER volunteering opportunity became a possibility as well. I figure it could be a good chance to gain some insight into being around a ton of patients and care providers and helping out where I can with simple things.*

 

[QofQuimica]

The chemo pal seems more humanistic and altruistic. Definitely eye opening.

Agree.

OP, don't overextend yourself. You're a lot better off picking one meaningful volunteer activity and sticking to it than flitting around among a bunch of things without really committing yourself to any one of them. Forget about the ED and just do the chemo pal gig. You can supplement that experience with some shadowing during your school breaks.

 

[Katatonic]

Thanks everyone, I think I'll just take on the Chemo Pal gig, it's really important to me and it's an awesome organization that runs it. I guess I worry about not having a ton of volunteering, but I don't want to just check boxes. This way I can give more time to volunteering at events they run too, auctions and fund raisers etc. outside the clinical aspect. Thanks again, just needed to hear from others with experience!

 

[Courtjester8]

I'm not sure what a chemo pal is but i'm guessing its hanging out with people getting chemo. As a general rule, if you can smell patients, its clinical and I would think being a chemo pal definitely applies. I would suggest chemo pal because it will be absolutely eye opening in terms of the struggles of patients. Additionally, i guarantee it will be 10 times more fulfilling for you.

-cj8

 

[Aelius]

I think quality over quantity, just pick one.

With that said, I would go with the one that is in a hospital setting. Part of why med school want to see volunteer experience is they want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into and it's not just about watching House, Grey's Anatomy, etc, or whatever illusions/disillusions we think being a doctor is.

 

[brownbaglunch]

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