Volunteer Advice

[Askaquestion]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I am trying to build this aspect of my med school application for a 2014 start. I already have some shadow experience (albeit not recent). I work way more than your normal 40 hr work week in a non-health career; maximizing my time is critical.

1. Any thoughts on hospital v. hospice? I understand patient contact is the primary goal in any position I would seek out.

2. How many hours/wk is sufficient?

3. Any thought about volunteering at my first choice medical school (or its hospice component) v. other local options?

Thank you very much for any comments.

 

[Deekle]

1. I'd personally choose hospital. Yes, patient contact is important, but so is Dr. contact. You're more likely to see a broad variety of things in the hospital setting in my opinion.

2. Do what you can do. 4 hours a week is the sort-of unoficial minimim I hear a lot, but nontrads are given a bit more flexibility here, I think. Don't take advantage of it and you'll be fine.

3. It sure can't hurt, if you can get in. Make sure you get an LOR or two out if it. Sounds like a good way to maximize your chances to me. Just be careful. If you're not going to be able to volunteer much, this could bite you in the butt. You don't want to be known as the volunteer who's never there at your first choice med school.

 

[HollywoodUpstairs]

1. I'd personally choose hospital. Yes, patient contact is important, but so is Dr. contact.

This is really a key consideration if your time is limited. Medical schools want to know that you understand the realities of practicing medicine. Patient contact is great, but it should be balanced by opportunities to see the day-to-day activities of physicians. If you don't think you'll see a lot of provider activity at the hospice, it's probably more beneficial to look at a hospital setting.

2. Do what you can do. 4 hours a week is the sort-of unoficial minimim I hear a lot, but nontrads are given a bit more flexibility here, I think. Don't take advantage of it and you'll be fine.[/B]

Agree. Most hospital settings are going to ask for a minimum of 4 hours/wk. Many also request that you commit to the volunteer program for a certain duration of time (6 months, a semester, 1 year, etc.). Even at four hours/wk, it adds up fast.

 

[Askaquestion]

Thanks for your replies. I already have spent several summers & winter breaks working in a MD's office. I have to see how flexible my hospital will be with my often chaotic work schedule. The hospice seems to be a little more flexible.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

If you have a full schedule, try volunteering at your hospital's emergency room. Since they're open 24 hours, you can pick any time that works well for you, as long as you show up at more or less the same time each week. I've been volunteering from 5-9 on Friday nights since that fit my class schedule well.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

Thanks for your replies. I already have spent several summers & winter breaks working in a MD's office. I have to see how flexible my hospital will be with my often chaotic work schedule. The hospice seems to be a little more flexible.

If you spent atleast a couple of weeks actually shadowing the doctor full-time, then I'd say hospice.