Local Volunteer Opportunities: Palliative Care (pdf)

Jeanette Augustine volunteers  More >

With professional school admissions very competitive, you are advised to seek out first-hand experience in a health-care setting. Clinical experience of some kind is an absolute must. Enjoying work in a medical setting is essential to a successful health career. 

Volunteering:

1. helps you decide whether you are pursuing the correct career path, and
2. lets medical schools know that you are serious about becoming a health care provider.

You can obtain this experience in a wide variety of ways, including working or volunteering in hospital emergency rooms or in pediatric clinics, in a physician's office, health care clinic, and/or public health program.  The best shadowing experiences are set up by the individual student. Are there any physicians in your family? Neighbors? Family friends? Check with a local hospital about an organized volunteer program.  This experience can be paid or unpaid.

You will probably want to request a letter from your health care supervisor for your medical school application, so be sure that you perform your duties reliably and responsibly.

For additional advice, contact the Health Profession Advisory Committee.