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Finding a Clinical Volunteer Position As you prepare for a career in the health professions, it is important to gain some experience working with patients in a clinical setting. This is extremely beneficial for your own professional development, so that you know for sure that you will enjoy working as doctor. Moreover, when medical schools review applications, they will look for indications that you are truly enthusiastic about medicine and have sought out opportunities to learn more about the field. Most volunteer positions require only a minimal time commitment—as little as 4 hours a week—so it should be possible for you to get involved while juggling a difficult academic course load. For clinical experience, many students choose to volunteer at one of the local hospitals. The volunteer office at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has recently put together a new program, through which students can complete volunteer rotations in various parts of the hospital. Other students choose to volunteer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Opportunities there typically involve organizing play activities for patients. Although not strictly “medical,” this can provide a wonderful chance to observe the “human side” of medicine and see the ways in which pediatric patients and their families cope with disease and illness. To volunteer at CHOP, contact Elizabeth Schlosser, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 215-590-1093. While HUP and CHOP are two of the most convenient places to begin exploring the medical profession, volunteer positions are available at many other local hospitals and health organizations. Below are links and contact information for several places in ActionAIDS Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter Children’s Crisis Treatment Center LIFE (Living Independently for Elders) Center Metropolitan AIDS Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA) Penn Center for Rehabilitation and Care (a care facility for elderly individuals) Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania Wissahickon Hospice United Community Clinic (UCC) This is not an exhaustive list of health-related volunteer opportunities. If you would like to do your own search, you might start by using a search engine like volunteermatch.com.
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