Clinical
250 hour minimum
Goal
patient contact (ideally hands-on) and getting exposure by observing physicians, interacting and communicating with patients, becoming part of their medical experience.
Type
shadowing with an array of physicians, volunteering at a hospital, medical assistant, scribe, or EMT
Pro Tips
You need to get letters of recommendation from at least one doctor
When you apply, your goal is to highlight what you learned from these experiences - focus on interpersonal skills, communication you learned from interacting with patients and clinicians.
250 hour minimum
Goal
to get experiences, published, get outstanding letter of recommendation from PI (Principal Investigator)
Type
any–bench, clinical, animal, or all the above
Pro Tip
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Everyone’s profile is different, and there is no hard and fast rule, but medical schools want some sort of research, so even if research isn’t for you, just give it a try.
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A good place to start is asking a professor to work in their lab as a volunteer for a set amount of time per week or over the summer semester.
How to find positions?
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Build relationships with your professors and express interest in their research.
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If you are working in a medical setting, many physicians take part in research and are looking for a helping hand.
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If your university has a hospital, try to find research opportunities there.
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Don't be picky: although some research topics may not seem to interest you, the experience is what counts. You may eventually end up enjoying what you are researching.
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If you also want to interact with patients and not only work in a lab, clinical research is a great field to pursue. Keep in mind that clinical research opportunities post-grad usually require a two-year commitment.
Summer
Research Opportunities
Gap Year
Research Opportunities
Leadership
250 hour minimum
Goal
Help people in need and contribute to your community
Get greater exposure to all people
Type
Anything you are passionate about and meaningful for you! You are better off with 1 or 2 long term volunteer commitments than a bunch of short lived ones.
This can range from volunteering with the elderly, working in a soup kitchen, being a tutor, etc.
Pro Tip
You should plan on undertaking both medical AND non-medical community service opportunities-medical schools will look for both!
Research
Service
Minimum 100 hours over long term
Goal
Help people in need and contribute to your community
Get greater exposure to all people
Type
Anything you are passionate about and meaningful for you! You are better off with 1 or 2 long term volunteer commitments than a bunch of short lived ones.
This can range from volunteering with the elderly, working in a soup kitchen, being a tutor, etc.
Pro Tip
You should plan on undertaking both medical AND non-medical community service opportunities-medical schools will look for both!
Abroad Opportunities
Your school mostly has options to visit other countries and take classes there. Make sure the credits will transfer over and the medical schools you are interested in accept those credits.
However, a way to elevate your application is through medical mission trips!
