Volunteering

[RLK]

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Is it important to do some type of volunteering before applying...is that something schools find impressive? If so, where would you recommend doing it?

 

[Nate]

I think that schools like to know that you have seen what you are getting yourself into in person, more so than just as an idea and that is why medical experience whether paid or volunteer is a good thing.

 

[bkpa2med]

I'd recommend volunteering in an E.R. but I am bias to that because I loved it.

 

[RLK]

Do you just call a hospital and ask them if you can volunteer? Should I say that I'm going to apply to medical school too so they don't give me a volunteer job as a janitor or something?

 

[NewNick]

Do you just call a hospital and ask them if you can volunteer? Should I say that I'm going to apply to medical school too so they don't give me a volunteer job as a janitor or something?

Before you are able to do volunteer, they must interview you. Basically, it's just conversational. Of course, they should know that you're pre-med student by then. They will ask you where you'd like to work. I suggest you work in ER because they always need help there. Moreover, you learn a lot in that area. If nobody teaches you anything, then you still have some work to do such as transferring the patients, bringing the blood tubes to the lab, etc. You won't be bored.

 

[chiddy]

Yup, you just call them and tell them you want to speak to someone about volunteer opportunities at the hospital. Also, try to check the hospital's website as that sometimes has additional information. I'm assuming by the Steelers logo and that you're in PA, that you live somewhere near Pittsburgh... so one thing I can tell you is that if you're interested in becoming an EMT, this is an excellent location to receive training: http://www.centerem.com/content.php?content.13

Good luck, just make sure you really get involved in whatever you do. Medical schools don't really want to see 1000 volunteer jobs that you held for 2 days. They are more interested in hearing about your experiences and how a volunteer position affected you on a personal level.

 

[JasonUD]

Just call your local hospital or look at their website. Make sure you let them know that you want direct patient contact when you volunteer, so you don't get placed in the kitchen or shoveling snow. I volunteered in the pediatrics unit of a hospital and I got to play with the kids in a play room and the sicker ones on their beds, and I loved it. It was through the child-life program is you're interested in something like that, many hospitals have it.

Like someone else said, Med schools want to make sure you can handle sick people and you know what you're getting yourself into. My undergrad institution recommends at least 50 hours, I did about 85 because I had such a great time. When you're doing your volunteering make sure you get to know a supervisor or someone who can write you a letter of rec! I can't say because I'm not on an admissions committee or anything but I would think volunteering would almost be a requirement to matriculate.

Good luck and find something that you like...hospitals are big with many tasks you can do in many departments!

 

[Spankete87]

Volunteering is a great opportunity to get a feel for medicine, although I don't think it's a requirement. I know my previous roommate got into medical school having only spent 1 hour in the ER one time! She had no other health care experience. I think schools definitely like to see that you've had exposure to medicine, but whether you volunteer, shadow or work in healthcare doesn't really matter. I think the biggest advantage (aside from the obvious exposure) is that it gives you more to talk about in your interviews and when completing applications.

Like many people on this website, I also volunteered in a hospital. I volunteered for a year and a half in the ER and for a semester as a pediatric cuddler. Both experiences were fantastic! I'd definitely recommend it. I am also volunteering in a free clinic - which I think has been the best volunteering I've ever done. We see patients that just wouldn't get care otherwise....and most of the time it's care that's really important! !

 

[MikeyLu2010]

you havnt done any volunteering before??? how are you premed!!! with that said i didnt mention half of my volunteering stuff on the apps because i didnt feel it was relevant (volunteering at temple)...And yes..they do ask about it during interviews....wow...no volunteering ...really?

tons of organizations offer volunteer opportunities...if you dont go to college anymore try the big organizations like red cross, habitats for humanity, etc...ive always wanted to volunteer on Extreme home makeover...but they never came to my town..🙁

 

[BobBarker]

Volunteering is overrated. Get some good clinical experience (shadowing, working, etc.) and you'll be set.

 

[RLK]

Volunteering is overrated. Get some good clinical experience (shadowing, working, etc.) and you'll be set.

Thanks for all the good info everyone...

Good job on the Price Is Right, Bob. You're a lucky guy - you still get to work with all those beautiful women!

 

[Duchess]

Is it important to do some type of volunteering before applying...is that something schools find impressive? If so, where would you recommend doing it?

Definately volunteer. If you volunteer at a hospital it shows that you've had exposure to a healthcare setting and like it enough to want to pursue a career in that field. I would suggest doing some clinical experience in addition to that which would help you stand out in your apps (EVERYONE volunteers at a hospital). I was on a medical mission trip, and I've been asked about that. I'm sure that your school would have programs like that, just do a little research. Best of luck to you.