What are some good jobs or volunteering opportunities to be involved in before applying for medical school?

Question

I know that it is a good idea to shadow doctors and other healthcare providers, but what are some other possible jobs or service opportunities that medical school acceptance committees consider as valuable experience?

Answer 1

Being a scribe. Scribing is probably the single most appealing thing to medical schools that you can do for clinical experience. Getting your CNA license and working as that is great too--lots of very personal patient interaction. I personally went the route of EMT-I and got my ACLS among other things. Even though that was all well and good, I still believe scribing is the best possible thing you can do.

Answer 2

Volunteer work at a hospital is important. If you can a personalized recommendation letter out of it, the better. Being an orderly or CNA can help.

Basically, medical schools want to see if you have explored the medical field and understand what you are getting into.

Shadowing doctors is a lot harder than when I did it due to HIPAA and privacy laws.

Having extra-cirrcular activities help as well. Even if they have nothing to do with medicine (which is probably better). Quality over quantity here. Again, if you can get a nice personalized recommendation letter from an advisor, etc., stating that you were an integral part of the club, that's great. It's better than being a member of dozens of clubs but not really doing anything unique.

Finally, research experience is also very helpful. Try to get into a lab early in your college career. Be prepared to have to pay your dues, such as washing dishes and doing the dirty work. The fact that you may have to pay your dues is the reason to get in early. The quicker that the lab trusts you, the more you'll be able to do real research.

Answer 3

Candy stripe hospital volunteer is one that I have seen make a difference in acceptance.

Working as an aid on an overseas medical mission is useful from a personal development and personal satisfaction point of view as well as looking very impressive to selection committees..

Answer 4

Volunteer fire department, CPR training, swimming pool Gard, Volunteer help in hospital, Setting with elderly people.
Part time work,in doctor office or any kind or hospital work, or any kind of training in medical field while finishing colledge.
Queen Bee

Answer 5

Big Brothers / Big Sisters
Habitat for Humanity
MADD (sorry just had to think of a third one quickly. I promise the first two are real).