I think applying to med school with some research background would be highly valued, but you have to have some sort of clinical experience (ie. shadowing/volunteering) to show that you know what you're getting yourself into.
That being said, I totally agree with you. The inconsistencies abound.
Also to a certain extent I feel like
volunteering = research, unless you're getting a stipend for research of course. As residents we're essentially volunteering (ie. doing work without immediate expectation of a tangible benefit) our time to do the grunt work and serve the research interests of our mentors. Though I'm sure some rare exceptions are able to fully direct their own research projects in residency.
Warning: Tangent coming...
The whole pathway from undergrad -> med school -> residency teaches us that not being compensated for our time is the norm, that it's ok our time is not our own because we have "a higher calling." It's this culture/goodwill that hospitals take advantage of.
"This clinic patient came an hour late, but are you really going to turn them away?"
"You can take a few extra admission just to help out can't you?"
"Keep track of your work hours, but if you ever find you're going over the restrictions come talk to us first so we can work it out."
"You want to take some time off to see your PMD for the first time in 3 years because you just can't seem to find an appointment that fits your schedule? Hmmm but you're really needed here. Think of the other people who would have to cover for you."
Meanwhile, any other unionized group (not to point fingers) in the hospital...
"You want me to stay for an extra hour? Pay me overtime."
"You want me to work over a holiday? Pay me overtime."
"You want me to work for 27 hours straight? That doesn't sound right. Ooo but
on average I'm not really working that many hours? Nah."
"I don't get a lunch break? Hell no."
"You want me to do what? That's not in my job description, sorry."
"I'm not really happy with my experience here but I can't leave this job because I'm legally bound to stay and even if I did manage to leave I'd have a really hard time continuing my career and good luck paying off my student loans if I did? That definitely doesn't sound right."
Even as an attending they'll wring every bit of productivity out of you that you can muster. Sorry, #jaded