Hey If you work at a hospital I have a question for you..?

Question

Ok, well I'm going to be a sophomore (high school) and this past summer I was nominated to go to a medical forum and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever done. Like less than 1% of high school students were nominated and I was psyched! Anyway, med students at UT Med in Houston told us that when they are looking for students to choose for the new year they love to know that they've been interested for more than just a couple of years and just decided they wanted to be a doctor or whatever. I already did a medical forum this summer and got 3 certificates of completion along with 2 scholarships available for undergrad colleges that are great colleges to go to right before med school. I'm also going to one next year that offers me college credit. So my question is, along with the summer forums I'm doing I want to volunteer at hospitals because they said it definitely shows interest and proves you want to help people, and I do! I know that I can't just walk into a hospital and take care of people.

So my question is - just what do you do when you volunteer at a hospital? I'm almost completely sure it wouldn't involve the patients because of HIPAA and just because I'm not a doctor lol. Also, who do I contact to make sure its okay that I can? If you work at a hospital/clinic that would be great to know from you. I want another way to prove I've been working hard for this and that I'm completely dedicated to medicine. Thanks so much

Answer 1

Volunteering nowadays will almost certainly boost your chances of getting into med school. I've known straight A students to be refused places at med school because they had no relevant work experience. With regards to volunteering, you might do things like make patients tea, perhaps sit and chat with them, go around with newspapers/magazines. I know this seems like nothing a Doctor will do, but what this aims to give you is an insight into what it's like being in a hospital environment and an help with people skills. Many medical and Nursing students drop out within the first year because they can't stand being in a hospital or just had incorrect ideas of what being a Dr or Nurse is;, so from the Universities point of view, it will show you have some idea of what being in the health care profession entails. In your personal statement, write about what experience you have gained from the work experience etc and if your around patients, ask them their thoughts and experiences and draw in that in your personal statement. Today's Doctors are required to be in touch with the patients every need and feelings, before Dr's were more bio-mechanical and the holistic approach was left up to the Nurses, it's no longer the case. Dr's are expected to be involved with this approach now.

Talk to the Volunteer department at the hospital, I take it your in the states? every hospital has one. Good luck in your chosen career, an excellent choice.

Just contact the hospital general enquiries and I am sure they will point you in the right direction..just explain you are interested in the health care profession and would like to volunteer for some experience. Qualifications aren't needed, they may do some basic checks.

Um ok well just explain you have had experience then take it from there. I wasn't saying you didn't know what it's like being a med student, I meant, you need to provide evidence to the University that you do. More so in the US, places are VERY competative as you know.

Answer 2

Hi,

I am a ER volunteer at a local hospital in metro Detroit. Basically we keep cupboards stocked, transfer patients from room to room, clean beds when patients leave and assist nurses and hospital staff as needed. Any questions beyond turn off the lights or bring me a blanket we refer to the nurses because we are not involved in the care of patients, only the assistance of staff. We develop close relationships with hospital staff because we assist them so much. We are there so that nurses and doctors are not wasting time doing small tasks and can concentrate on patient health. I only recommend doing ER if you are ready for a very fast pace from day one. You would need to be strong enough to push patients of varying sizes and healthy enough to walk many miles during your volunteer shift. I love it though and I think most people doing it love it. It will definitely give you a crash-course 1st hand view of what doctors, nurses, PA's, and other medical staff do.

Answer 3

The volunteers at our hospital do many things...from delivering patient mail, flowers, magazines, food trays, etc., to running our gift shop and greenhouse/floral cart.  I'm sure there's more, but I just can't think of them right now, but some do involve a low level of patient contact.

Also, we have a Volunteer Department that coordinates the entire volunteer staff.  Check with your local hospitals/medical centers to see if they do, too, and ask what qualifications/critera need to be met before you could apply.

Sure sounds like you're on the right track...Good luck!  =)