Volunteering/Shadowing Questions

[HoustonArete]

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I have a couple of questions about volunteering and shadowing that I was hoping someone might have some advice for: first of all, is there usually a certain number of hours that are considered average or above average in evaluating one's application into med school? I wonder about this since there are so many other time-consuming considerations for a pre-med. Also, are there any types of clinical volunteer jobs that are looked highly upon? I have heard that ER experience is one of the best settings to volunteer in. Aside from the volunteering, should I try to shadow a doctor in a field that I am particularly interested in myself, or instead look to shadow one in primary care? Thanks a lot - I'm still new to all of this, and appreciate the feedback and guidance I see on the forums here!

 

[Bojangles85]

I have a couple of questions about volunteering and shadowing that I was hoping someone might have some advice for: first of all, is there usually a certain number of hours that are considered average or above average in evaluating one's application into med school? I wonder about this since there are so many other time-consuming considerations for a pre-med. Also, are there any types of clinical volunteer jobs that are looked highly upon? I have heard that ER experience is one of the best settings to volunteer in. Aside from the volunteering, should I try to shadow a doctor in a field that I am particularly interested in myself, or instead look to shadow one in primary care? Thanks a lot - I'm still new to all of this, and appreciate the feedback and guidance I see on the forums here!

I would search for a number. I would say four hours a week until you graduate would be sufficient. Assuming you didn't decide your senior year. The big thing to gain from this is patient contact. I transport pts. I interact heavily with my pts. From helping them out of their bed, speaking with them/answering and asking questions. I believe it is a good starting place to volunteer. You get the pt contact and you learn the hospital.

 

[Web MD]

I'd say for shadowing anywhere from 3-5 docs would be fine. There's really no reason to shadow 20+ docs and have 500 hours of shadowing. During interviews, it's all about quality over quantity. Basically, if you can give interesting and insightful answers to questions about medicine and the role of a physician after shadowing 1-2 docs, then that's enough.