<p>I am curious about the opportunities for undergrads to get involved at the areas hospitals either as a volunteer or in doing research. I'd like to hear about how easy it is to find such opportunities.</p>
<p>I have been involved in both hospital volunteering and research. Boston is home to some of the top medical facilities in the country, and many of them have volunteer programs designed just for college students. I was part of a program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where I had a chance to volunteer in various aspects of the hospital and have patient contact, and in the second phase of the program you get a chance to specialize and work with a specific department. (My roommate volunteered in the neonatal intensive care unit and spent her time cuddling babies!)</p>
<p>As for research, you have to take the initiative to talk to professors, but most of them really want to get undergraduates involved. If you take the time to ask about their research, show interest, and follow through, there are lots of opportunities available. (Professors like students who are enthusiastic and persistent!) I met the professor I work with as part of program to get freshmen involved in science/math/research (called PRISM - I highly recommend it), and I am now in my 4th year as part of her lab. I have had a chance to present my research, attend multiple conferences, and win a research fellowship. It’s what swayed my decision to go to graduate school instead of medical school. Some people will also end up staying on part-time or on a volunteer basis where they did a research co-op.</p>
<p>There are a ton of opportunities available both at Northeastern and in Boston in general for both medical volunteering and research.</p>