Clinical Experiences

Clinical experience is a fundamental part of a student's medical school application because it proves to medical schools that the applicant has been exposed to the medical field atmosphere and is confident that they want a career in this type of setting. There are many routes that a pre-med student can take to gain clinical experience: 

1. Physician Shadowing

Shadowing simply means following a physician as he/she does his/her typical work activities in a clinic or hospital setting. Shadowing gives you the sense of what it’s like working with patients, working with other health care practitioners (nurses, PAs, and others), and what the challenges and rewards are of working in the medical profession. Although shadowing is arguably the most difficult clinical experience to receive, it is still very beneficial and is worth pursuing! Below is an international shadowing opportunitiy:

  •  https://atlantisglobal.org/atlantis-clinical/

2. Hospice Volunteer

Spending time as a hospice volunteer may help you better understand the emotional toll of caring for a dying patient, and see first-hand how care providers interact with patients and their families. As an added benefit, hospices are usually staffed with counselors who can help you process your experiences as you serve. Below are links to hospice volunteer opportunities:

  • https://hospicefoundation.org/Volunteer

  • https://www.vitas.com/about-us/hospice-volunteers?gclid=CjwKCAjwtvnbBRA5EiwAcRvnpsWYli-oOemIAnLAt8Ae35cXKZOMxmKaBaqVGkg5TTD8tej9vnzYVBoCvqYQAvD_BwE&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=seer_volunteer&utm_term=hospice%20volunteer&cmpid=cpc-google-seer_volunteer_desktop-all-hospice%20volunteer&adgrp=34071866386&kwd=hospice+volunteer&mtyp=Phrase&s_kwcid=AL!4694!3!147704882359!p!!g!!hospice%20volunteer&_vsrefdom=Seer_Paid_Media&mchxkw=c:677176250,k:hospice%20volunteer,m:p,p:1t1,d:c,ai:34071866386,ad:147704882359,s:g&ef_id=VSya2AAAAPhphRLw:20180824012042:s

3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNA training programs vary in length, from four to sixteen weeks, and are offered by local community colleges, vocational schools, and the Red Cross. One benefit of working as a CNA is the flexible hours, so you may be able to work an evening or weekend shift that does not conflict with your classes or other activities. Below are links to CNA programs: 

  • https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/Certified-Nurse-Assistant-Training-Programs.aspx

4. Volunteer EMT

Serving as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) is a great way to gain hands-on experience as an entry-level health care provider. Volunteer EMTs provide a needed service in their communities and are exposed to a variety of medical conditions. As an aspiring physician, you’ll become knowledgeable about the health care needs in your community and will gain exposure to the delivery of health care in various environments. Below are links to EMT programs:

  • https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/public-health/emt-training/

  • http://www.citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/emt/Pages/default.aspx

  • http://www.ccpe.csulb.edu/continuinged/course_listing/programdescription.aspx?OfferingID=1777

  • https://www.das.edu/emt/

5. Hospital Scribe

A hospital scribe is usually a paid position found in the emergency department and assists the on-call physician with gathering information and making documentation. Working as a scribe is a unique opportunity to partner with a provider in the delivery of care and demonstrates to admissions officers that you’re skilled in oral and written communication. It also demonstrates that you can be a reliable and dependable member of a health care team. Below are links to well-known scribe opportunities: