Medical Technically research, but really non-clinical volunteering? Help?

[TheBoneDoctah]

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Hi,

Approximately 3 years ago, three other students and myself at my university were enlisted by a non-profit to do research in South Africa for 6 weeks. The non-profit works on making clay water filters coated in colloidal silver that both mechanically and chemically filter water. These filters were made with local materials in South Africa by South African workers. We were supposed to research the optimal clay composition for filters made with the local clay at a new filter factory that was built, however, when we arrived at the factory, it was not anywhere close to operational. Instead of doing the research that we were supposed to do, we ended up helping finish the factory (painting the building, building filter racks, identifying clay deposits, installing storage and equipment, etc.). I was wondering if this experience could pass for non-clinical volunteering instead of research. Any advice?

Seems like it could...it definitely wouldn't be research.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

I'm just concerned adcoms will see it as trying to fluff my nonclinical volunteering hours.

Would definitely get other non clinical hours but it’s a good start.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Its non-clinical volunteering but not community volunteering/service.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

You need a substantial amount of volunteering helping the less fortunate. Think food bank, etc.

 

[GoSpursGo]

No clinical volunteering

 

[Catalystik]

For AMCAS, tag it under Extracurricular or Other and let Adcomms decide if they think it is an altruistic activity or not. IMO it was a community service, so you see just in this thread alone the diversity of opinion. I agree you still need volunteering in your local community helping those in need.