Medical Volunteer Opportunities: Where, Why, and How To Get Involved

Get involved and make a difference in your community with these medical volunteer opportunities.

Knowing you want to get involved in some way is one thing; actually doing it takes intentionality and action. Whether you’re in your first year in medical school or are about to graduate, volunteering in the medical field is a great way to get hands-on experience, make valuable connections, and positively impact your community.

This blog will help you find volunteer opportunities, highlighting how taking these chances can help you grow academically and personally. Ready to learn about how you can widen your horizons through volunteering? Let’s dive in.

Why Volunteer?

There are countless positive reasons to sign up for medical volunteer opportunities. From real-world job training to personal and professional development, volunteering can do you—and your community—a lot of good:

Hands-on Experience

Nothing beats first-hand experience, especially in your field of interest. When you volunteer, you get a chance to work with patients outside of your school’s walls, helping you react to situations in real time and gain critical training for upcoming jobs. Whether assisting staff in the emergency department or offering support in patient rooms, these volunteer roles provide invaluable exposure.

Skill Development

Some people are visual learners, while others grasp tasks best by doing. Whichever category you land in, volunteering your time is one of the best ways to deepen your well of knowledge. Not only will you absorb information in a new setting, but you’ll be put in situations that you might not otherwise experience in the classroom. A well-rounded volunteer program ensures you get the most out of your experience.

Networking Opportunities

No matter where you spend your volunteer hours, you’ll be surrounded by other students, staff, and medical professionals who can guide you. Plus, these connections can come in handy when applying for jobs or needing answers to questions. For example, participating in a student volunteer program at a medical center or university hospital can open doors to mentorships and career advice.

Understanding Patient Preferences

By working with patients directly, you can identify what real people in your field need and how they want to be treated by the professional taking care of them. This is beneficial information to know once you start a nine-to-five, giving you a leg up on competing job applicants.

Resume Building

While it shouldn’t be the only reason to volunteer, there’s no denying that donating your efforts looks wonderful to future employers. Having a few volunteer positions listed shows you’re willing to go above and beyond to grow personally and professionally. Plus, it demonstrates your existing skill sets gained from these roles. For example, contributing to the volunteer services department or assisting with palliative care can highlight your dedication to patient care and public health.

Contributing to Public Health

Volunteering provides an opportunity to directly impact public health by addressing the needs of underserved populations. Whether through health screenings, education initiatives, or assisting with community outreach programs, your efforts can help bridge gaps in healthcare access.

Completing Volunteer Hours

Many academic programs and medical schools require a set number of volunteer hours before graduation or admission. Volunteering fulfills these requirements while simultaneously giving you invaluable insight. Junior volunteer and adult volunteer programs often cater to specific needs, helping participants meet their goals efficiently.

What Volunteer Opportunities Are Available?

Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! Several medical settings take on students year-round:

• Hospices: Assist with non-medical tasks like companionship, administrative work, or even preparing meals.
• Hospitals: Help with patient transport, observe procedures, administrative tasks, or provide comfort to patients.
• Medical research institutions: Lend a hand by working in labs, collecting data, or conducting literature reviews for ongoing studies.
• The American Red Cross: Assist with blood drives, disaster response, or providing community health education.
• Medical explorer programs: Shadow professionals and take part in workshops and training sessions to learn about different medical fields.
• Healthcare charities: Provide care for underserved populations, assist with clinics, and help with fundraising efforts.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers several volunteer opportunities for students as well as career services for future job success:

• Patient centers and clinics 
• Research opportunities 
• Special student events 
• Service learning trips 

Who Can Volunteer in Medical Programs?

Anyone can volunteer in the medical field, but it’s especially vital for students in continuing and professional education programs. What better way to gain the necessary hours and develop critical skills to start a flourishing career in the industry?

Apply to MCPHS today to put those volunteer hours to good use.