Volunteer experience

[X11R6Man]

Just curious, as I am a few years out from even being able to apply to med school, but what kind of volunteer experience did you do and what would you do different to better prepare for a medical career? I am going to have to work it in between full time work, part time student, and my family.

thanks in advance,

X11

[HH79FUN]

its good to have some hours, i did my hours at a hospital. try to do three hours a week for a yr or less, it should be enough.

[stateofequilibrium]

It's always good to have volunteer experince, though not necessary, especially if you have some other hands on experience in the health field.

Personally, I did the routine volunteering at the hospital, shadowed doctors, helped in a clinic, in the OR, did research, all that good stuff. Though I wish I studied more instead of spending all my time doing that.

[Belgiandoc]

I hate working for free. I got a job in an emergency department for a year and was an EMT for 2. I got a lot more hands on experience than any of the volunteers did, however that wasn't always good! A nice part time job gives you cash and experience!!!!!!

[jaywalk81]

and expereicne also gives u something to write on and talk about duirng interviews

[emt036]

I hate working for free. I got a job in an emergency department for a year and was an EMT for 2. I got a lot more hands on experience than any of the volunteers did, however that wasn't always good! A nice part time job gives you cash and experience!!!!!!
I agree that gaining experience in the medical field prior to going to med school is definately advantageous. I know people in the class that have never stepped foot inside a hospital... How can they know it's really what they want to do? Plus it looks good for the application, and you may actually have a clue when you get on the floors for clinicals.

Belgiandoc, I have no problem with getting paid either (I do at the hospital), but as a volunteer I still have done more calls/gotten more experience than most of the paid staff at the ambulance... Depends on the situation. Glad to see that you will be diving again!

[RussianJoo]

I have volunteered at certain hospitals where I was the "go-for" guy there and didn't really get to see a lot of stuff. other times i shadowed physicians and learned a lot. Being an EMT is an awsome way to see if you are cut out to be a doc. I would recomend shadowing attendings and signing up to an EMT squad. If they have you working with anyone less than the attendings you're wasting your time.

[IndianBabu]

Worked in a palliative care unit for 5 years. This is truly a awesome experience if you can, working in a unit where patients are bound to die in 2-3 days, its an experience that really builds character.

Worked in an ER for 5 years. This gives you a completely different view of medicine, the fast-paced lifestyle.

Worked/volunteered in research labs. Helps you see the clinical side of medicine.

Good luck,

IndianBabu

[cowgirl]

community health promotion with student groups on campus, 3 years at a cancer centre, 2 years at canadian blood services, 1 year in the ER, 3 years in pediatrics...

gave me a chance to see a lot within the hospital setting...

3 summers of lab research experience too.

good luck!

[MDpower]

basically the same as everyone else here but i am bored so i'll add to this thread..

1. summer research student
2. teaching ESL in a community school (volunteer teacher)
3. highschool bio/math tutor
4. overseas volunteering-helped rebuilding a destroyed school building...setting up classrooms,...books..etc
5. shadowed docs (pediatrics,oncology,pathology)
6. hospital volunteering

[wai2w3c]

I volunteered at a hospital doing research. researched at school. Tutored retarded kids after school. taught Sunday School, lead the chior, was the church pianist, lead the children's church. Worked as a dental assistant for 2 years. shadowed a plastic surgeon while also working in her business office for 2 years. fed homeless during the holidays. rang the bell for the Salvation Army during xmas time. passed out toys to poor kids...... did all that but my grades hella sucked. i say study more too. try to incorporate ur paid job into your clinical or research experience.