Just looking for some input on how D goes about finding volunteering (medicine-related) opportunities this summer (before heading off to college). Is it just pounding-the-pavement, or are there more organized ways nowadays like all-encompassing volunteer-search websites?
She’ll have about 2 months free before heading out, so any good advice on what type of things she should look for (shadowing a local dr, certain things in the local hospital, etc). I checked the local rescue squad but they said since it would only be for 2 months they’d prefer to use the resources for people that would be around longer.
I’m just assuming it should be medicine related, is that a valid assumption?
Once in school she’ll have the pre-health advisors to work with, but before then I’m trying to find things to get her started on the right path.
If your D is interested in volunteering as an EMT (like with a rescue squad?), you may want to check if there’s a summer EMT-B class at your local community college. Or CNA or phlebotomy. All of those skills will be helpful in finding a paid or volunteer position later on.
^^Like @bjkmom 's kids, both my (now) doctor daughters worked in the summers, both the summers leading up to college and during college. They needed the $$$ to pay for things like car insurance & maintenance, sorority dues, travel expenses.
Clinical volunteering, shadowing etc doesn’t take 40 hours/week.
My D was surprised at how long the process was to volunteer at a local hospital. Orientation offered infrequently, necessity of a TB test and week wait for results (and the hospital where my D volunteered required 2 clear TB tests, so it took twice as long). So if your D is planning on pursuing that route, have her begin contacting hospitals now to start the process.
FWIW, my D did not find hospital volunteering very rewarding or helpful. Four hours a week without a lot to do, but at least it was a medical floor. Some hospital volunteers are assigned the gift shop or information desk.