Hospital Intern versus Free Clinic Volunteer?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>Hey all! Back with another question :)</p>

<p>I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention it again. Along with some of my other ECs, I currently volunteer (and have been volunteering for the past year) at a well-known local hospital. I get a lot of patient contact (working as a patient escort and in the ER), but I wanted to venture out and get another different type of experience in the clinical setting.</p>

<p>As of now, I've narrowed my options down to two: either interning at a hospital through COPE (it's a pretty well known program) or volunteering at a local free clinic. Personally, I'd rather look into the free clinic because it seems completely different from anything I've done. Most of my peers, however, suggest interning because "it looks better" on applications. </p>

<p>I just wanted to know if any of you had experience doing either and would give me your suggestions? If there's a reason why I should intern rather than volunteer, I'd really like to know before making a decision! Otherwise, the free clinic seems pretty appealing to me. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Any reason that includes the words “because it looks better on applications” is just plain the wrong reason to do anything.</p>

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<p>Your friends are in med school?<br>
You go for the choice that represents a step up in responsibilities and impact. Would the clinic allow you to (eventually) help manage client needs, run interference, make suggestions, etc? A lot of COPE sounds like practical nurse duties, observation and the standard “mentoring.” ymmv.</p>

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<p>Fwiw, I’ve never heard of cope. I think what you said in your first post about doing the free clinic to get exposed to something new sounds like a great reason to do that.</p>