Building a Strong Medical School Application: Volunteering vs. Shadowing
When aspiring doctors search for ways to strengthen their medical school applications, shadowing and volunteering can both play significant roles. Each method offers its unique advantages and insights into the medical profession. Whether you find it challenging to shadow an individual practitioner or have limited opportunities, engaging in a hospital or medical environment can be highly beneficial.
Understanding the Medical Team Effort
When you work or volunteer in a medical environment, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the hospital's operations and the interconnected nature of the healthcare team. Each department is crucial, and their combined efforts keep the 'factory' running smoothly. This internal view can be invaluable for future medical school applications, as it demonstrates your understanding of the healthcare system and your ability to contribute to it.
The Efficiency of Shadowing vs. Volunteering
Shadowing an individual practitioner can be a rewarding experience, but it might also leave you waiting for extended periods. This method allows you to observe clinical encounters firsthand and engage with patients and staff, which is an essential aspect of gaining a holistic understanding of the medical profession. However, if you find it challenging to secure shadowing opportunities, volunteering offers a viable alternative. Volunteers in hospitals and clinics often participate in tasks that contribute directly to patient care, such as handing out water, assisting nurses, or even scribing for doctors.
Exploring Volunteering Opportunities
Most medical schools have student health clinics where volunteers are needed. These positions are known as "student workers." Such experiences can provide a rich and engaging environment for learning about the healthcare setting. Alternatively, if your university lacks a medical school, consider contacting local physicians and expressing your desire to observe their practice. Many local doctors are willing to offer limited shadowing opportunities on a volunteer basis. They can provide invaluable insights into the day-to-day realities of a medical practitioner.
Becoming a Scribe
Becoming a scribe can be an excellent way to gain firsthand experience in a medical environment. Scribes assist physicians by typing notes and medical records during patient visits. This role is particularly popular among pre-med students. The duration of training for a scribe is typically a week or two, and the process is straightforward once you're trained. While scribes don't type verbatim, they do fill in and modify certain details in the notes provided by pre-entered templates.
Adding Value to Your Experience
Every opportunity you have to add to your experience is important. Whether it's shadowing, volunteering, or becoming a scribe, the key is to show genuine interest and dedication. By demonstrating your commitment to the healthcare field, you can make a significant impact on your medical school application.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to shadow, volunteer, or become a scribe, these experiences can greatly enhance your medical school application. Each method provides unique insights and adds value to your portfolio. By making the most of these opportunities, you can highlight your dedication and understanding of the medical profession, making you a more attractive candidate for medical schools.