Gaining Health-Related Experience

In addition to the intrinsic value of obtaining related experience, know that admissions committees assess these experiences through:

1. Length of time involved (long-term better than short)
2. Depth of the experience (observing is valued, but also having experiences with more "doing" and hands-on will be highly regarded)
3. Lessons learned (your tolerance for stress, ability to communicate, and empathize with people from different backgrounds/cultures; problem solving skills, willingness to put others needs before your own; and understanding the nature of medical practice and daily demands on physicians and their families.)

Types of Experience

Hospital work: Any hospital experience, even transport and information services, can give you a chance to learn about hierarchy, departments, who, what, etc. Some of the local hospitals take volunteers; you need to apply early. It is competitive. Also consider hospitals where you will be located for a summer.

• Cooley Dickinson Hospital
• Basytate Health

Clinical: Includes CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) training and experience; EMT (Emergency Medical Technician; see Hampshire link below) volunteer or paid; summer camp jobs with chronically ill or disabled children or adults. Clinical experience is especially important for state schools and for those interested in primary care. 

• Hampshire Emergency Medical Services

Summer camp jobs with the chronically ill or with children or adults with disabilities:

• Very Special Camps
• Kids Camps

Medical Scribe Training and Employment:

• 10 Reasons to Consider Becoming a Medical Scribe Ahead of Med School
• How to Become a Medical Scribe

Teaching/coaching/counseling: You will be required to give of yourself similarly to how you will work as a health practitioner. Focus on people who are different from you, especially in terms of socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, ability, etc. 

Shadowing: Observe neighbors, family, friends, alumni who are practicing. Through observing different practitioners, you can see if you enjoy the experience and gain a realistic picture of that profession. It’s a great idea to observe different practitioners, not just one person in one specialty. These are generally easy to arrange and flexible; at the same time, they are unlikely to be paid.

Bench and Clinical Research: Work with a Principle Investigator, learning more about research. Research is extremely important for anyone pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. It might also help to bolster the application of a non-science major.

Sampling of Summer Research Experiences: (Most applications due from Oct. 31-Feb. 1)

• GREAT (Group on Graduate Research, Education, and Training): Summer Undergraduate Research Programs: M.D./Ph.D. Schools
• Johns Hopkins University: Summer Opportunities for Pre-Health Students: Links to lots of schools and programs, national and organized by state
• National Science Foundation: Research Experience for Undergraduates: Generally paid, with housing, and great research experience  (NSF-funded must be citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.)
• National Institutes of Health: Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP): Most are paid, although some volunteer positions may be offered, housing not included (NSF funded-must be citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.)
• Rochester Institute of Technology: Co-op/Internship and Summer Research Opportunities in the Sciences: Terrific page with lots of great ideas for many science disciplines, including pre-meds

Programs for Underrepresented/Disadvantaged Students (Oct.-Feb. deadlines)

These programs introduce students to practical, relevant experiences to stimulate interest in the health professions and increase representation in the health workforce of traditionally underrepresented professionals, particularly Black, Latino, and Native Americans.

• CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholars (CUPS) Program: Offering public workplace experience at one of 5 partner institutions.
• NAAHP Student Opportunities
• Rochester Institute of Technology: Co-op/Internship and Summer Research Opportunities in the Sciences for Minority and Underrepresented Students: under "research," includes a section that has many useful links.
• Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP): The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions which takes part at 12 universities around the country.