Volunteer/shadowing

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Mtillmam

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I'm about 2 years away from graduating and haven't done any volunteering or shadowing. My job is basically total care home health but I'm not certifiedoing outside of the company I work for. Did anyone else not volunteer or shadow?
 
I'm about 2 years away from graduating and haven't done any volunteering or shadowing. My job is basically total care home health but I'm not certifiedoing outside of the company I work for. Did anyone else not volunteer or shadow?

You still have two years to graduation, plenty of time to start doing things.
You'll probably regret it if you don't. And who knows, you may even LIKE doing those things..? *gasp*
 
I'm about 2 years away from graduating and haven't done any volunteering or shadowing. My job is basically total care home health but I'm not certifiedoing outside of the company I work for. Did anyone else not volunteer or shadow?

I can answer that. Chances are very slim.

I hate the concept of "needing" to do things to get into med school, but to be completely honest with you, you NEED to shadow. How else are you going to know you like the lifestyle of a physician or not? With 2 years left of undergrad you have plenty of time to get involved in shadowing (most important) and volunteering. Shadowing is by far the most important EC you can possibly do. Research, volunteering, leadership...they all have their place but they don't teach you what being a doctor is like.

Get out there and good luck
 
You should try to get some community service on your application. It does not need to be clinical but it shows a willingness to be of service to those in need. Of course, being a home health aide is service and for what you're paid, you might be considered someone who is of service to others (the military are paid but that is also considered service, ditto Teach For America).

Shadowing shows you what doctors do all day including what they do when they are not physically with the patient (what happens behind the scenes). You need that given that you are caring for patients outside of a setting where physicians are employed. Start with the physician(s) who care for the person you are a care provider for and ask for referrals to other physicians if the first answer is "no". Point out that you have HIPAA training and all that through your job so you know "the rules".
 
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