Insights from Volunteering in Healthcare: How Giving Back Can Shape Your Medical Career

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a medical student or aspiring to become one, exploring ways to gain experience that aligns with your educational and career aspirations. As current and future physicians, we find immense fulfillment in the act of giving. Our passion for medicine is fueled by the profound impact we can make in our patients’ lives. Volunteering is a wonderful way to shape your medical or premedical career. Volunteering not only offers the rewarding experience of helping others but also provides unique opportunities and insights that can play a pivotal role in shaping your future medical career.

Over the years I have had the privilege of participating and leading various volunteer roles, each offering unique insights and lessons that I still reflect upon today. Through these experiences, I’ve connected with remarkable individuals who have significantly influenced my career path. In this blog post, I will share how volunteering experiences can be incredibly impactful along your premed/medical journey and provide guidance on how you can get involved and make a real difference. 

Develop Empathy and Compassion

Volunteering allows you to connect and reach a diverse group of patients with unique circumstances. During my community medication rotation in medical school, I was matched with an organization that supports pregnant women in need by offering resources, guidance and housing. At the time I was unaware how extensive this population of pregnant women in need was in my local community. While assisting these women, I was struck by how many of them reported no funds available for diapers. Many of these women said they had no idea how they were going to obtain diapers for their baby. The thought of babies not having the basic need met of a clean diaper was heart-wrenching to me.

After connecting with so many women sharing the same concern I was determined to assist with obtaining diapers. I initiated several community-wide diaper drives that raised over 100,000 diapers. I continued organizing diaper drives long after my rotation because I was deeply moved by the families I was helping. Volunteering helps you cultivate empathy and compassion, inspiring a deeper commitment to supporting those in need and shaping your journey toward becoming a compassionate physician.

Gain Practical Experience

Volunteering in healthcare settings provides hands-on experience that will serve you well throughout your medical school career. By assisting in clinics, hospitals, mission trips or community programs, you’ll gain knowledge and practical skills that will help you have a better understanding of the healthcare system and patient needs. No textbook can capture the same learning opportunity that touching individual patients’ lives in real-world experiences can. For example, you might hone your blood pressure-taking skills at a community fair or assist with wound care after a natural disaster. These experiences will not only develop your skills but also benefit you in the long run. By volunteering, you’ll have a chance to touch individual patients’ lives and make a meaningful impact – an opportunity that will stay with you throughout your medical career.

Enhance Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in medicine. Volunteering hones in on your abilities to interact with patients, families, community members and colleagues. You will have the opportunity to be an active listener which will allow you to have a deeper understanding of your patients while building trust. Even more so you will have the opportunity to articulate important medical information – a skill that will serve you well in your future career..  

Build Professional Networks

Volunteering also offers an opportunity to connect with professionals who can help guide and support your medical career.I can attest to this firsthand. During my time volunteering as a wilderness camp counselor for children with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, I was able to connect with the president of the ADA who ended up becoming an incredible mentor and supporter of my medical career. I would not have had that opportunity to connect with this incredible physician if it weren’t for my volunteer efforts. The connections you make while volunteering can be invaluable, providing guidance that can shape your medical career in meaningful ways.

Start Early and Explore Different Roles

There is no time like the present, especially with volunteering. There will always be people in need who stand to greatly benefit from your dedication. In other words, don’t waste time waiting  for the right opportunity to present. Ask around, especially your fellow students and professors to see what is available and get involved. Call community centers to see where they may need help. By being proactive and starting early you’ll have the chance to discover what roles resonate with you most. This will give you the time and opportunity to seek out similar experiences. 

Look for Meaningful Opportunities

Once you have gotten your feet wet you may have discovered a particular area that resonates with you. Now it’s time to seek out volunteer positions that align with your interests and career goals. Whether it’s working in a free clinic, joining a medical mission trip, or assisting in community health education, find opportunities that ignite your enthusiasm. For example, if you are interested in neonatology, contact the local NICU to explore opportunities to give back to the babies and families there. Or maybe you have discovered your love for sports medicine. Contact a local high school to see if they need sideline volunteers. Whatever resonates the most with you, take proactive steps to pursue those opportunities. Your dedicated efforts are sure to pay off.

Be Consistent and Committed

Consistency is key to unlocking the full potential of volunteering. By committing to regular volunteer work, even if it’s a few hours a week or month, you can make a significant difference and build long-term relationships and skills. Showing commitment and reliability in your volunteer roles will demonstrate your passion while making a significant impact. Moreover, this commitment will 

]be helpful when it comes time to showcase your experiences for applications and interviews. The wealth of experiences you can discuss will bring forth even more rewards for your dedicated efforts.   

Reflect on Your Experiences

Take time to reflect on your volunteering experiences. What did you learn? How did it affect you? What are other ways that you wish to give back?  Reflecting helps you gain deeper insights and will help you apply what you’ve learned to your medical career. It can also be very helpful for shaping how these experiences will shift or align with your medical career.  

Volunteering in healthcare offers an enriching and transformative experience that can profoundly influence your medical career. It’s a journey filled with learning, empathy, and personal growth, shedding light on your path as an aspiring medical professional. By giving back, you not only assist others but also acquire invaluable skills and insights that will benefit you throughout your career. So, roll up your sleeves, immerse yourself in the world of healthcare volunteering, and witness firsthand the significant impact you can make in the lives of others and yourself.

As always, if you’re looking for guidance and support in your medical school journey, Elite Medical Prep is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the resources and expertise you need to succeed. Whether you’re preparing for exams or navigating the challenges of medical school, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today and let’s work together to achieve your goals.