Volunteer work with animals

[Apparition]

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How would adcoms view volunteer work for a rescued cats organization? Is it considered a worthwile experience? I'm afraid I would be asked why I am not applying to vet school. I appreciate thoughts on this.

 

[ForensicPath]

I did a little volunteer work in an animal shelter. It was when I was working there that I decided veterinary medicine was not for me.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Sure, it shows caring and just because you are a caring person doesn't mean you have to be a vet.

 

[patzan]

Some kid at the University of Utah is organizing all these protests/rallies at the medical school to stop research on primates....and he's pre-med. Probably burning more bridges than he's building.

 

[rugtrousers]

If it was a meaningful experience to you, by all means list it. It will distinguish you from other applicants, provide opportunities for interview questions, and show that you care. But you should be prepared to answer the question about why med school and not vet school. Knock their socks off!

 

[MDMD]

The point of having volunteer work on your resume is to show that you have compassion and you care about your community. Your volunteer work is important, but you also need some experience in a hospital setting, since that is where you want to work. If you love your current gig, don't let it go, but you should get some experience with people and in a hospital setting. They want to make sure you can handle the atmosphere, you know? Don't let anyone give you crap about your animal volunteer work, either. Just tell them that you followed your heart and did something that mattered to you. good luck 🙂

 

[smokeycat]

I did a little volunteer work in an animal shelter. It was when I was working there that I decided veterinary medicine was not for me.

I had the same experience while working in an animal clinic. I plan to list my experience b/c I learned a lot that I can relate to human medicine.

 

[snowhite]

yes, list it and how it compares with human medicine. I second that it does mean your compassionate about life. Also, it's okay to have different interests...it's something that'll make you stand out from others. Also, re-evaluate the reasons WHY you chose to volunteer and be ready to explain this in interviews.

 

[principessa]

Go for it. I worked in a vet clinic for six years, and I was on the pre-vet track before choosing medicine. The question, "Why med school over vet school?" did come up, multiple times. One of my interviewers even said he?d made a similar decision, and that my vet experience would serve me well in human medicine. This is definitely a worthwhile experience and it will set you apart.