volunteering

[yjj8817]

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Hi I am going to be a freshman at college next year and I am interested in doing volunteering at these places because I heard that medical schools want students who do community service

1) Big hospital- probably will work in ER
2) a clinic where I can help out the homeless - once per two weeks, can start end of this July
3) maybe hospice

So if I do all this, I am afraid that I would have a hard time and not be able to keep up with my grades. So I was thinking of doing number 1 and 3 only during Summer and do number 2 during the school year. Is this a bad idea? What do you think is the best plan?

thank you!

 

[Druggernaut]

It wouldn't be a bad idea, but I'd expect you'll find it difficult to get a job in the emergency department only for summers, unless by "job" you mean a volunteer gig there. But those tend to be pretty meaningless as far as value to you. Admissions committees might like to see it, but I personally refused to do anything that I didn't feel had some educational or entertainment value for volunteer things. I'd suggest looking into what programs your local Red Cross offers. The first aid teams can be fun, and teach you a few things if you have no other medical training.

But you're right to concentrate on your grades above all else. I've got some nice ECs, but I'm sweating this application cycle with the hit my GPA took as a result of doing them.

 

[goodmansk]

I'd want to use this chance to ask the US (pre)medical students, what you usually do when you are volunteering in hospitals?

 

[Electronegative]

I'd want to use this chance to ask the US (pre)medical students, what you usually do when you are volunteering in hospitals?

That depends on different hospitals, is some places voluntees just answer phones and deliver flowers and stuff, and in some places the volunteers help nurses to make beds bring water to patients and even take blood pressure of patients under nurse supervision.

EN

 

[Plasma Petrol]

Don't be surprised if the opportunities offered for volunteers at medical facilities aren't exactly hands-on. That's not to say that they won't be positive additions to a med school application or you won't enjoy them, but the probability of you learning an exorbitant amount of med school-relevant information in such an environment is slim to none. That being said, remarkable opportunities can crop up from time-to-time, so be sure to thoroughly research your options & ask questions about whatever program you're considering.

Regarding academics, my opinion (which I share with good bulk of medical school admissions officers) is that success in courses should be one's primary priority. If you can manage to keep your obligations well-balanced & aren't easily fazed when confronted with pressure, I say go for it. If not, academic achievement is far more important than a menial position as a volunteer.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Adjust to college life first, and then seek out volunteer opportunities. Just my 2 cents.

 

[familyaerospace]

I'd want to use this chance to ask the US (pre)medical students, what you usually do when you are volunteering in hospitals?

Make beds, restock supplies, bring patients back to their rooms, patient transport, run errands, get blankets, get food/water, talk to patients, etc.

ED at my hospital requires a 6 month commitment.