<p>This question is actually for my brother, who is also premed.</p>
<p>He has planned to go to Kenya this summer. We know some people there so he already has arrangements. He plans on volunteering there.</p>
<p>I am completely opposed to it, but I really don't have a say. He already has his ticket and everything. The reason I am concerned is that it may appear cliche, or calculating. It is overdone and doesn't prove anything more than volunteering at the local soup kitchen.</p>
<p>I have gotten great advice here before, and I think this topic would get shot down on sdn, so what advice can you give as to make the best out of his trip? What to avoid?</p>
<p>I am suggesting he works with a church there, and it is already arranged. The church does outreach programs so he will be able to help people that really need it. What his premed adviser is suggesting is he volunteer in a hospital there, so a medical professional can oversee him, and I guess, recommend him
I don't understand that, why would you go to Africa to volunteer at a hospital?- why not help in a non-medical way, like constructing housing, or distributing food. Whats the difference between the Kenya hospital and the backyard hospital? I am thinking, why would you go to a country that has some poverty to help those that can afford a hospital- and why does volunteering have to be medically related- I think it doesn't.
He can get clinical experience here in the US so what could he possibly do meaningful enough, medically, to pursue a hospital?</p>
<p>I am completely at a loss to explain your position.</p>
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Astronomical. Your backyard isn’t in the grips of an AIDS epidemic. Your backyard has advanced medical equipment in a way that most of Kenya doesn’t. Your backyard doesn’t have patients who lack medical access the same way that Kenyans do. My gosh, what a ridiculous thing to say.</p>
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<p>Well, probably because you’re trying to become a doctor and not an architect or USAID worker. You know, things like relevance kind of… matter.</p>
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Clinical experience in the US doesn’t mean that clinical experience in Kenya won’t also be valuable. It’s … you know, a different country. And I have no idea what you mean when you say “pursue a hospital.” Unless this hospital is mobile somehow, I don’t think there’s any need to “pursue” it.</p>
<p>And if it IS mobile, I don’t think there’s much chance of catching a Kenyan hospital.</p>
<p>I’m going to disagree a bit with BDM here. I don’t think that doing some clinical work abroad is harmful to an application (I know Mike did some work abroad as have I) but too many premeds go abroad expecting this to be the silver bullet. Many reviewers and interviewers have indeed challenged applicants on why they spent $3000 to volunteer at a hospital in Africa when they could volunteer at an inner city hospital here for free. There are still good answers to this question and, as always, it depends on what you get out of the experience. But, many premeds are expecting an automatic acceptance just because they’ve held a dead African baby. I think the OP shows some advance thinking in questioning the decision and motivation of his brother.</p>
<p>I completely agree with BluedevilMike and think if your brother is inclined to “do good” in Africa, more power to him. I never thought that such a thing could be considered “trite,” and even if it is, who cares? However, I would be interested to hear from anyone who may have experience or reason to know as to how such a resume item is viewed by a college – not because I believe that how others view good work should be the deciding factor in doing it, but because I am curious.</p>
<p>I guess my initial aggravation with this thing stems from my fear of it backfiring.</p>
<p>BDM, thanks for helping me see the other side. I realize now what he could get out of it, but I also do have to agree that his success with med school admissions, as far as this trip is concerned depends on what he got out of it and his delivery of that experience. (and you know what I meant when I said pursue :))</p>
<p>I am concerned because I know from other people that it is an expensive hospital, and that he would not be getting enough exposure to those that lack any ability to help themselves- or am I just being biased again?</p>
<p>I thank you for your responses, and apologize if I offended anyone with such experiences in my rant.</p>
<p>For your brother this may be something more personal and thoughtful than something to put down on a resume. Traveling to another country shows one’s willingness to adapt to a new culture, learn a new language, and become aware of political and social issues abroad, all in addition to attaining medical experience. It shouldn’t matter whether this is clich</p>