Quick volunteering question

[Owenstm03]

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I have an opportunity to volunteer at a hospital but it wouldn't be clinical it would be clerical, I would sit at the security desk and tell people that came in where to go and things like that. Is this experience worth it to medical schools? Or should I not even bother with it because it isn't clinical?

 

[TopSecret]

I have an opportunity to volunteer at a hospital but it wouldn't be clinical it would be clerical, I would sit at the security desk and tell people that came in where to go and things like that. Is this experience worth it to medical schools? Or should I not even bother with it because it isn't clinical?

Minimally useful.

 

[Owenstm03]

So I shouldn't bother?

 

[Mattabet]

The experience itself is just plain old volunteering (which is still worth something, it's nice to help people for free). But it might be the kind of thing where you'll meet people that can give you some exposure in a hospital setting. So it might be useful, insofar as you can parlay the desk job into shadowing, clinical volunteering, etc.

But you know what this thing is better than I do; you be the judge.

 

[BlackPanties]

I would look for a more hands-on experience where you can work with the patients. Try Hospice, it's a great, meaningful, compassionate organization and you often are able to work with the patients directly. Or look for another hospital department where you get to do more. If all else fails, try asking a physician you know if you can assist at their office. That is how I got my current volunteer experience nailed down.

 

[Disinence2]

I wouldn't take it just cause it sounds boring

 

[JonathanMD]

I have an opportunity to volunteer at a hospital but it wouldn't be clinical it would be clerical, I would sit at the security desk and tell people that came in where to go and things like that. Is this experience worth it to medical schools? Or should I not even bother with it because it isn't clinical?

Not worth mentioning.

But it might get you opportunities at other volunteer positions around the hospitals. While you're there, get to know the hospital, other people you work with, and drop questions asking about other positions.

edit: The only non-clinical volunteering I would mention is anything that deals with people. Like tutoring, helping out at day cares, old folks homes, homeless centers, etc. Things like that.

 

[decentdude]

I have an opportunity to volunteer at a hospital but it wouldn't be clinical it would be clerical, I would sit at the security desk and tell people that came in where to go and things like that. Is this experience worth it to medical schools? Or should I not even bother with it because it isn't clinical?

I actually spoke to the admissions office of a medical school today and they said they would like to see volunteer work, and they also look for some sort of work in a clinical setting. If you can volunteer doing something with more patient interaction that would be much better, otherwise, im afraid you will be wasting your time. The point of volunteering is to do something youre passionate about even if you arent getting paid.