I am currently in high school and am looking for a way to gain more experience in a clinical setting. I would also be interested in completing administrative work (i.e. answering calls, making appointments).
What is the best way to do this-- calling or approaching in person?
Check with your counselor and see if they know of any medical internships.
If you want to approach private practice doctors, send a well worded, grammatically correct cover letter and resume to several offices. We often have people call and ask if we are hiring and then ask for an e-mail where they can send their resume. If you walk in to drop off your resume and cover letter, make sure you are dressed professionally and that your phone is put away. That also holds true for when you go in to interview. As you sit in the waiting room, keep your phone put away. My front office manager is the most critical of potential employees because she is often the one training them. Realize that and make a good first impression.
I understand what you mean when you say that you want to work in a clinical setting but “clinical” sounds like you are interested in something that involves more training that an office can commit to for summer help. Maybe say that you are interesting in working in a private practice setting and are willing to do paperwork and front office work. Make your expectations clear and let the office know how many hours you can work and if you are willing to volunteer or expecting to be paid.
Good luck.
My daughter asked her pediatrician if she could intern for her in her senior year in hs and she said yes. She also volunteered at our local hospital for two years. She was able to move around in different departments and really enjoyed it.