Thoughts on volunteering situation

[Flipase]

I have a good chunk of hospital volunteering that is my main clinical experience (good pt contact). I also volunteer for a free clinic (setting up and taking bp/blood glucose at the food pantry and spreading the word). I am assuming this will also count as clinical experience.

BUT

I really have no non clinical volunteering whatsoever. I know schools typically look for this to see interest in working with underserved communities. Do you guys think my free clinic @ food pantry events can compensate for my lack of non clinical volunteering?

also: I know it’s not a hard requirement, but I am just wondering

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[chilly_md]

Can you volunteer on the food pantry side? It sounds like it would be convenient.

Doing screenings on healthy people coming in for food sounds more like non-clinical any how.

 

[LizzyM]

I do agree that when you interact with people at the food pantry they are people, maybe called "clients" or a euphemistic honorific such as "Neighbor" or "Friend" but not "patient". You don't call people to the table saying "I'm ready for the next patient." Therefore, I would argue that you should describe this as a food pantry that also provides health screenings for such things as BP and blood sugar. Adcoms will see it as non-clinical.

 

[Styrene]

I have a good chunk of hospital volunteering that is my main clinical experience (good pt contact). I also volunteer for a free clinic (setting up and taking bp/blood glucose at the food pantry and spreading the word). I am assuming this will also count as clinical experience.

BUT

I really have no non clinical volunteering whatsoever. I know schools typically look for this to see interest in working with underserved communities. Do you guys think my free clinic @ food pantry events can compensate for my lack of non clinical volunteering?

also: I know it’s not a hard requirement, but I am just wondering

I had a really great experience at a local library tutoring adults preparing to take the high school equivalency test (has a new name now, previously GED in NY). Did it for three years during undergrad. Actually helped a few students pass the test. It was great.