Giving Back| Why prospective medical students need to volunteer.

Medical schools are not looking for science geeks who have never stepped outside of a classroom. They want to see you as a passionate and interesting individual who has all the merit to be a great doctor.

I mean, this does not go to say that you shouldn’t focus on your studies. You should always focus on your education regardless of what discipline or career path you wish to endeavour.

But as this post is about volunteering I am going to highlight some of the reasons why volunteering is so sought after…

Firstly, it is a realistic way to truly understand what you are getting yourself into. Proving that you are ready for life as a medical student will make you much more appealing!

Volunteering shows you have integrity and know how to commit to things.  This will show that you will obligate to medical school – no matter how tough it may get.

Volunteering will really display you as a very compassionate individual. Being a nerd is great in terms of achieving good grades but does it really demonstrate what sort of a person you are? We don’t only want “smart” doctors but also doctors that will CARE about us.

Good leaders make good doctors (well I think so anyways). Volunteering will really enhance your leadership skills. When working as a volunteer you will need to lead a team, show initiative and have an influence on those around you.

Finally, volunteering will extend your prospects. If you are volunteering to just look good then don’t do it! You need to really care about helping others, otherwise maybe being a doctor isn’t for you! Volunteering will give you the opportunity to meet new people, share new thoughts and ideas and make some special memories along the way. It is a very elevating experience.

Now, I understand that finding volunteering opportunities in a hospital can be very difficult but there’s plenty of other places you can go to dedicate your time and services. I will dedicate my next post, however, on how I managed to find volunteering opportunities within a hospital environment.

Writing this on a Friday so I hope you all have a lovely weekend!