<p>I'm interested in medicine, but i've realized that there's no way that just volunteering at a hospital twice a week will make colleges think that i truly am interested. i've tried to get more volunteering opportunities including research, but i was told to wait until i started volunteering, and then was told that all of the research positions have been filled. my parents are not in the medical profession, and my school doesn't have any programs that put me in contact with a research lab, etc.
I need YOUR help! I need to find some other type of volunteer opportunity/internship, whatever relating somehow to the healthcare field/life sciences. i tried finding out if i could volunteer at a science museum explaining things to kids, but i can't find anything like that that doesn't start in the fall. And it's not just that i want to stand out to colleges (i don't have a 4.0 gpa like everyone on here), i also really want some other thing to do,because i am bored out of mind, because i only volunteer twice a week. the rest of the week, i have nothing to do.
pleaseeee help!!!!
thank you</p>
<p>To clarify, it doesn’t have to be a specific program, and im not asking anyone to put me in contact with a doctor, etc. lol. I’d just REALLY appreciate some suggestions as to what i could do.</p>
<p>You could try reading into some journals and trying to figure out what areas of medical research you’re interested in. That might give you some more insight on what you can do to prepare. </p>
<p>…just saying, because I’m not a med person.</p>
<p>thanks, but i’m not trying to prepare in advance for medical school…im trying to find some sort of volunteer position, etc. that relates to medicine in some way…</p>
<p>Have you checked if there is a free clinic or community clinic in your area that you can volunteer in? They often need administrative help. Also, rather than asking for a research position, look around for a field that interests you in science or healthcare, and then e-mail physicians or researchers who may be interested in the research you want to do. </p>
<p>Another thought is calling your doctor’s offices to see if they would allow you to shadow the doctor, nurse, or mid-level (NP or PA) for half a day. Most don’t mind but you need to ask in advance. I work for a doctor’s office and we have had students shadow before. There may be age restrictions, so make sure about that.</p>
<p>It’s very hard to start something like this over the summer. But check out programs like “Hands on Science” and other science education programs for kids—they are always on the lookout for instructors. Good luck! The fall is only about a month away, and maybe you can line up something.</p>
<p>depending on how old you are, you could join the local EMT squad as a cadet. you basically tag along on real calls, deal directly with the patients, and depending on how competent you are, you may be able to call some shots.</p>
<p>you could get a job if you’re bored, possibly with the hospital as a janitor/secretary deal.</p>
<p>you could volunteer at other places like an animal shelter, counselor for underprivileged kids, and a soup kitchen</p>
<p>i know that there are certain programs for high school kids their junior year that deal with medicine. you just apply, get accepted, and attend.</p>
<p>be creative, be open minded. i’m sure you’ll find something.</p>
<p>btw- there’s no shame in getting a job at mcdonalds.</p>
<p>thanks for the ideas. I’ve decided that I’ll just stick with what i’m doing and try to find an internship/research position for the fall, because there’s not really going to be anything starting in late july…but thanks:)
also, do you guys think it looks bad to start an internship/research position for the first time in senior year?</p>