What kind of volunteer experiences do med schools really look for?

[MSMEDIC2013]

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I did a search and most posts I have seen refer to volunteering in hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and so forth. I saw a video where a physician was talking about volunteering, and he said to try and find volunteer opportunities other than the common ones such as in a hospital. He said to find things that may require you to travel out of state, even out of country.
This is not an option for me at all. I have a family to support, and I just can’t up and leave the state or country to volunteer for something. So what kind of volunteer opportunities do med schools really like to see?
I was a volunteer firefighter for five years before I moved, and I am in the process of trying to find a fire department where I live now to join. I am also about to put in an application at a hospital nearby where I live. Will these type of volunteer opportunities look positively on a med school application, or should I really find other volunteer opportunities? Thanks.

 

[Ismet]

Traveling outside of the state or country is DEFINITELY not required or even recommended. Volunteering/community service in any way is perfectly fine. Volunteer firefighting for an extended period of time sounds great to me. I can't say how that may be viewed by an admissions committee or faculty interviewer, but as a student interviewer I would be impressed.

People recommend volunteering in a hospital because it "kills 2 birds with one stone" - aka you get your clinical experience while getting community service. You can just as easily volunteer at a fire department and get your clinical experience through several hours of shadowing physicians, if that is more feasible and attractive to you.

If you're looking for volunteer positions in a hospital, make sure you get one with patient contact. Don't sign up to be a greeter or mail courier or to file paperwork.

 

[Omnomnomagon]

I did a search and most posts I have seen refer to volunteering in hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and so forth. I saw a video where a physician was talking about volunteering, and he said to try and find volunteer opportunities other than the common ones such as in a hospital. He said to find things that may require you to travel out of state, even out of country.
This is not an option for me at all. I have a family to support, and I just can’t up and leave the state or country to volunteer for something. So what kind of volunteer opportunities do med schools really like to see?
I was a volunteer firefighter for five years before I moved, and I am in the process of trying to find a fire department where I live now to join. I am also about to put in an application at a hospital nearby where I live. Will these type of volunteer opportunities look positively on a med school application, or should I really find other volunteer opportunities? Thanks.

Those volunteering options are fine.

Med schools really want to see long term commitment and dedication.