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Cheeky
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"What are some effective ways to gain clinical experience before applying to medical school" ?
Any tips and skills to gain
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7 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey there Cheeky,
How to Gain Clinical Experience Before Med School (Without Accidentally Becoming a Patient) 🏥😂 sure thing I can help out and if I miss something or need further questioning just ask. So the Good news! You don’t need a stethoscope tattoo or Grey’s Anatomy binge sessions to prove your passion. Here’s how to get real-world experience, impress admissions, and avoid passing out in a hospital corridor. Because who wouldn't want this. But again those will be just extra extras! 😉
1. Become a Shadow Ninja (Just shadow a Doctor) 🕵️♂️
You follow a doctor around, observe their work, and pretend to understand what’s going on. Simple.
Go ahead
Email local doctors, clinics, or hospitals (be polite, not desperate).
Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, or family connections (yes, this is the one time your uncle’s friend’s cousin’s doctor matters).
Pro tip: Ask thoughtful questions! “What’s the hardest part of your job?” works better than “Can I hold the scalpel?”
🤦♂️ So here something I tried even but don't do it 🤣 unless you got a cool senior there!
Stand awkwardly in silence for hours.
Pretend you know things you don’t (you will get exposed, fast).
Take selfies in the operating room.
2. Volunteer in a Healthcare Setting (Bonus: It Makes You Look Like a Good Person) 💖
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and blood donation centers love volunteers. You won’t be performing surgeries, but you’ll gain patient interaction experience (and maybe some free snacks).
You can always try:
Google “hospital volunteer programs near me” and apply.
Try nursing homes (old folks love good company and bad jokes).
Red Cross? Medical camps? Clinics? Yes, yes, and yes.
🤦♂️ Don't, And Don't,
Expect to diagnose patients (“Ma’am, I think your headache is actually a brain tumor” = lawsuit).
Get too emotionally attached (“I am now legally adopting this patient” = also a lawsuit).
3. Become an EMT or Medical Assistant (let's just say. Actually Do Something Cool) 🚑
If you want hands-on experience and adrenaline rushes, becoming an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is peak pre-med energy.
EMT courses take a few months and give you real patient experience.
You’ll see emergencies, work under pressure, and flex your CPR skills.
So don't
Expect Grey’s Anatomy drama (“WHERE’S THE DEFIB?!” – no, you’ll mostly transport patients).
Or,
Panic (The patient is already panicking. You don’t need to join them).
4. Scribe Like a Pro. Become a Doctor’s Typing Machine) 💻
Medical scribes work alongside doctors, writing patient charts. You’ll learn medical terminology, case documentation, and how to decipher a doctor’s handwriting (if that’s even possible).
Apply to scribe programs (many hospitals hire pre-meds for this).
Be fast at typing (or risk getting left behind).
Listen carefully! If a doctor says "patient has tachycardia," don’t write “patient is a taco.”
🤦♂️ Don't do these things like:
Zone out mid-patient interview (“Wait, what was their diagnosis again?”).
Try to give medical advice (“You should totally ask for a second opinion” = lawsuit).
5. Work in Research (If You Want to Sound Extra Smart) 🧪
Clinical research gigs help you understand medical studies, write papers, and casually say ‘statistically significant’ in conversations.
Check university labs, hospitals, or research centers for opportunities.
Offer to help with data collection, patient interviews, or lab work.
If you get published? Instant bragging rights.
🤦♂️ Remember I caught some amazing interns totally cool do this so don't!
Mix up test samples (“Oops, whose blood was this again?”).
Fall asleep in front of your professor.
6. International Medical Missions (A.K.A. Travel AND Gain Experience) 🌍
Want to help people AND rack up clinical hours? Join medical missions or global health programs.
Look for programs like Doctors Without Borders (intern roles), IVHQ, or local mission groups.
Great for hands-on experience in underprivileged areas.
Looks amazing on med school applications.
🤦♂️ What NOT to Do:
Expect luxury (“Where’s the Wi-Fi?” = No.)
Treat it like a vacation (“Selfie with a sick patient!” = No.)
Now if you can, combine multiple experiences! Shadowing + Volunteering + Scribing = 🔥 medical school application.
🏆 Start early, be proactive, and say YES to opportunities! Every bit of experience counts.
Now, go forth and get that clinical experience. Just remember: patients don’t like being called "interesting case studies." 😂 good luck out there.
How to Gain Clinical Experience Before Med School (Without Accidentally Becoming a Patient) 🏥😂 sure thing I can help out and if I miss something or need further questioning just ask. So the Good news! You don’t need a stethoscope tattoo or Grey’s Anatomy binge sessions to prove your passion. Here’s how to get real-world experience, impress admissions, and avoid passing out in a hospital corridor. Because who wouldn't want this. But again those will be just extra extras! 😉
1. Become a Shadow Ninja (Just shadow a Doctor) 🕵️♂️
You follow a doctor around, observe their work, and pretend to understand what’s going on. Simple.
Go ahead
Email local doctors, clinics, or hospitals (be polite, not desperate).
Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, or family connections (yes, this is the one time your uncle’s friend’s cousin’s doctor matters).
Pro tip: Ask thoughtful questions! “What’s the hardest part of your job?” works better than “Can I hold the scalpel?”
🤦♂️ So here something I tried even but don't do it 🤣 unless you got a cool senior there!
Stand awkwardly in silence for hours.
Pretend you know things you don’t (you will get exposed, fast).
Take selfies in the operating room.
2. Volunteer in a Healthcare Setting (Bonus: It Makes You Look Like a Good Person) 💖
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and blood donation centers love volunteers. You won’t be performing surgeries, but you’ll gain patient interaction experience (and maybe some free snacks).
You can always try:
Google “hospital volunteer programs near me” and apply.
Try nursing homes (old folks love good company and bad jokes).
Red Cross? Medical camps? Clinics? Yes, yes, and yes.
🤦♂️ Don't, And Don't,
Expect to diagnose patients (“Ma’am, I think your headache is actually a brain tumor” = lawsuit).
Get too emotionally attached (“I am now legally adopting this patient” = also a lawsuit).
3. Become an EMT or Medical Assistant (let's just say. Actually Do Something Cool) 🚑
If you want hands-on experience and adrenaline rushes, becoming an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is peak pre-med energy.
EMT courses take a few months and give you real patient experience.
You’ll see emergencies, work under pressure, and flex your CPR skills.
So don't
Expect Grey’s Anatomy drama (“WHERE’S THE DEFIB?!” – no, you’ll mostly transport patients).
Or,
Panic (The patient is already panicking. You don’t need to join them).
4. Scribe Like a Pro. Become a Doctor’s Typing Machine) 💻
Medical scribes work alongside doctors, writing patient charts. You’ll learn medical terminology, case documentation, and how to decipher a doctor’s handwriting (if that’s even possible).
Apply to scribe programs (many hospitals hire pre-meds for this).
Be fast at typing (or risk getting left behind).
Listen carefully! If a doctor says "patient has tachycardia," don’t write “patient is a taco.”
🤦♂️ Don't do these things like:
Zone out mid-patient interview (“Wait, what was their diagnosis again?”).
Try to give medical advice (“You should totally ask for a second opinion” = lawsuit).
5. Work in Research (If You Want to Sound Extra Smart) 🧪
Clinical research gigs help you understand medical studies, write papers, and casually say ‘statistically significant’ in conversations.
Check university labs, hospitals, or research centers for opportunities.
Offer to help with data collection, patient interviews, or lab work.
If you get published? Instant bragging rights.
🤦♂️ Remember I caught some amazing interns totally cool do this so don't!
Mix up test samples (“Oops, whose blood was this again?”).
Fall asleep in front of your professor.
6. International Medical Missions (A.K.A. Travel AND Gain Experience) 🌍
Want to help people AND rack up clinical hours? Join medical missions or global health programs.
Look for programs like Doctors Without Borders (intern roles), IVHQ, or local mission groups.
Great for hands-on experience in underprivileged areas.
Looks amazing on med school applications.
🤦♂️ What NOT to Do:
Expect luxury (“Where’s the Wi-Fi?” = No.)
Treat it like a vacation (“Selfie with a sick patient!” = No.)
Now if you can, combine multiple experiences! Shadowing + Volunteering + Scribing = 🔥 medical school application.
🏆 Start early, be proactive, and say YES to opportunities! Every bit of experience counts.
Now, go forth and get that clinical experience. Just remember: patients don’t like being called "interesting case studies." 😂 good luck out there.
Oishi Rahman, PharmD
Retail Pharmacist
15
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Oishi’s Answer
Hello! Great question. I suggest volunteering at a hospital in different departments if possible. Also, asking doctors who have private offices if you can shadow them or volunteer in their office is another option. You may have to seek opportunities in different hospitals and ask many doctors before someone gives you a chance because the medical field is very competitive. Research experience in hospitals are another great way to network to make connections that may lead to patient centered experiences. Wish you the best of luck!
Giuseppe Rotolo
Medical doctor, psychotherapist in Italy
7
Answers
Palermo, Italy
Updated
Giuseppe’s Answer
I'm writing to you today to share some thoughts on pursuing a career in medicine. For me, becoming a doctor was the best decision I ever made. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding profession, and I believe that with passion and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams in this field.
Your passion is your most valuable asset. Start with your curiosity and let it guide you. I suggest you learn how to use artificial intelligence effectively to study more efficiently and comprehensively. This can be a great tool to deepen your understanding and accelerate your learning process.
If you have the opportunity, connect with doctors who are passionate about their work. Their experience and insights can be invaluable. There are also many resources available online, including doctors who mentor aspiring medical professionals.
Remember, the path to becoming a doctor is not always easy, but it's definitely worth it. Stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams.
I wish you all the best in your journey.
Your passion is your most valuable asset. Start with your curiosity and let it guide you. I suggest you learn how to use artificial intelligence effectively to study more efficiently and comprehensively. This can be a great tool to deepen your understanding and accelerate your learning process.
If you have the opportunity, connect with doctors who are passionate about their work. Their experience and insights can be invaluable. There are also many resources available online, including doctors who mentor aspiring medical professionals.
Remember, the path to becoming a doctor is not always easy, but it's definitely worth it. Stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams.
I wish you all the best in your journey.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Cheeky
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
This should do
Gaining clinical experience before applying to medical school is a crucial part of building a competitive application. Here are some **effective ways** to gain clinical experience:
### 1. **Volunteer at Hospitals or Clinics**:
- **Hospital Volunteering**: Many hospitals offer volunteer programs where you can assist healthcare professionals, interact with patients, and learn about medical environments.
- **Clinic Volunteering**: Look for free or community health clinics that provide opportunities to work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
### 2. **Shadowing Physicians**:
- **Shadowing**: Reach out to doctors in your community and ask to shadow them. Shadowing allows you to observe day-to-day clinical work, patient interactions, and medical procedures.
- **Diverse Specialties**: Try shadowing physicians from different specialties (e.g., pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine) to get a broad view of the medical field.
### 3. **Internships in Healthcare Settings**:
- Some healthcare organizations or research hospitals offer internship programs to pre-med students. These internships might involve clinical work, research, or administrative tasks that give you exposure to the healthcare environment.
### 4. **Research Assistant Positions**:
- **Medical Research**: Working as a research assistant in a medical or clinical research lab can offer valuable experience in understanding medical research processes and contributing to studies related to health and disease.
- **Public Health**: Engage in research related to public health or epidemiology, which can give you insight into population health and preventative medicine.
### 5. **Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training**:
- Becoming an **EMT** is a hands-on way to gain direct clinical experience. It allows you to work in emergency medical settings, responding to calls and interacting with patients.
### 6. **Scribing**:
- **Medical Scribing**: Work as a medical scribe, which involves documenting patient information during medical visits. This provides exposure to patient care, medical terminology, and the clinical environment.
### 7. **Volunteer Abroad**:
- If possible, look into medical volunteer opportunities abroad, especially in underserved areas. Programs like **Doctors Without Borders** or other medical mission trips provide unique clinical experience while contributing to global health.
### 8. **Clinical Research Assistant**:
- If you're interested in the scientific side of medicine, working as a clinical research assistant allows you to engage with patient care and research in a clinical setting, often alongside healthcare professionals.
### 9. **CNA or Nursing Assistant**:
- Becoming a **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)** can provide direct patient care experience, working closely with patients and healthcare teams in a hospital or long-term care facility.
### 10. **Participate in Medical Outreach Programs**:
- Many organizations offer medical outreach programs where you can work on health education, screenings, and patient care in your community or abroad. This can provide exposure to a variety of clinical experiences.
### Tips:
- **Start Early**: The earlier you start gaining experience, the more exposure you’ll have to different aspects of healthcare.
- **Balance**: It’s important to balance clinical experience with academics and extracurricular activities to maintain a strong application.
- **Documentation**: Keep detailed records of your clinical hours, duties, and what you learned from each experience for your application and interviews.
By exploring these options, you'll gain valuable clinical experience that will not only strengthen your medical school application but also help you confirm your commitment to the medical profession.
Gaining clinical experience before applying to medical school is a crucial part of building a competitive application. Here are some **effective ways** to gain clinical experience:
### 1. **Volunteer at Hospitals or Clinics**:
- **Hospital Volunteering**: Many hospitals offer volunteer programs where you can assist healthcare professionals, interact with patients, and learn about medical environments.
- **Clinic Volunteering**: Look for free or community health clinics that provide opportunities to work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
### 2. **Shadowing Physicians**:
- **Shadowing**: Reach out to doctors in your community and ask to shadow them. Shadowing allows you to observe day-to-day clinical work, patient interactions, and medical procedures.
- **Diverse Specialties**: Try shadowing physicians from different specialties (e.g., pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine) to get a broad view of the medical field.
### 3. **Internships in Healthcare Settings**:
- Some healthcare organizations or research hospitals offer internship programs to pre-med students. These internships might involve clinical work, research, or administrative tasks that give you exposure to the healthcare environment.
### 4. **Research Assistant Positions**:
- **Medical Research**: Working as a research assistant in a medical or clinical research lab can offer valuable experience in understanding medical research processes and contributing to studies related to health and disease.
- **Public Health**: Engage in research related to public health or epidemiology, which can give you insight into population health and preventative medicine.
### 5. **Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training**:
- Becoming an **EMT** is a hands-on way to gain direct clinical experience. It allows you to work in emergency medical settings, responding to calls and interacting with patients.
### 6. **Scribing**:
- **Medical Scribing**: Work as a medical scribe, which involves documenting patient information during medical visits. This provides exposure to patient care, medical terminology, and the clinical environment.
### 7. **Volunteer Abroad**:
- If possible, look into medical volunteer opportunities abroad, especially in underserved areas. Programs like **Doctors Without Borders** or other medical mission trips provide unique clinical experience while contributing to global health.
### 8. **Clinical Research Assistant**:
- If you're interested in the scientific side of medicine, working as a clinical research assistant allows you to engage with patient care and research in a clinical setting, often alongside healthcare professionals.
### 9. **CNA or Nursing Assistant**:
- Becoming a **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)** can provide direct patient care experience, working closely with patients and healthcare teams in a hospital or long-term care facility.
### 10. **Participate in Medical Outreach Programs**:
- Many organizations offer medical outreach programs where you can work on health education, screenings, and patient care in your community or abroad. This can provide exposure to a variety of clinical experiences.
### Tips:
- **Start Early**: The earlier you start gaining experience, the more exposure you’ll have to different aspects of healthcare.
- **Balance**: It’s important to balance clinical experience with academics and extracurricular activities to maintain a strong application.
- **Documentation**: Keep detailed records of your clinical hours, duties, and what you learned from each experience for your application and interviews.
By exploring these options, you'll gain valuable clinical experience that will not only strengthen your medical school application but also help you confirm your commitment to the medical profession.
Did you use like Ai to get this?
Cheeky
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
73
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Great question! You can start getting an idea of careers in the medical field by volunteering in a hospital or clinic. Contact physicians and other medical professionals and see if they're open to an interview. Research is helpful. The field of Healthcare is wide open , highly varied and rewarding. Best to you!
Thank you so much, Kathleen!
Cheeky
Albert Giannone, M.D
Retired physician/former pharmacist
13
Answers
Center Moriches, New York
Updated
Albert’s Answer
I think volunteering to work in any field that helps people is best. The core of what you'll be doing as a physician will require you to understand people in need, especially if you're thinking about going into primary care.
Thank you, Albert for the advice.
Cheeky
Caleb Lindsey
Nursing Assistant
10
Answers
Bloomfield, Indiana
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hi Cheeky,
Thank you for your question.
In my experience talking w/ medical school admissions experts, there are two kinds of clinical experience that are both valued by admissions committees: direct patient care (DPC) experience & generalized healthcare experiences:
- Direct patient care experiences are volunteer opportunities/jobs in which you are directly involved in caring for a patient. I think of this as you are physically participating in the patient's care, whether by helping them dress as a CNA, checking their blood pressure as an EMT, or drawing their blood as a phlebotomist. Other than the ones I just mentioned, there are numerous other ways to gain DPC experience, such as a surgical tech (CST), physical therapy assistant (PTA), and many others. Working in fields like these grant you basic skills crucial to success as a physician, such as basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. I recommend finding a direct patient care job/volunteer opportunity that fits your specific interests and pursuing it. You can often find many certification programs for CNA, EMT, phlebotomist, and other DPC jobs through local community colleges and workplace development centers, so those would be good places to start your search.
- Generalized healthcare experiences are volunteer opportunities/jobs in which you are not directly involved in caring for a patient. This can often be things like medical scribing, shadowing, medical coding, and research in a healthcare setting. These experiences often teach you about skills you would not initially think of when it comes to medicine, such as typing speed, while also granting a different perspective about healthcare as a whole.
There is no right or wrong way of gaining clinical experience, just that you should have some before applying to medical school. In my opinion, striking a good balance of both of these types would make you an appealing applicant to medical schools & provide you a very good baseline of skills and experiences that you can use to prepare yourself for medical school. But again, there is no right answer for the amount and types of hours you should get.
The best advice I can give you is to seek out opportunities/jobs that excite you, allow you to learn new things, and connect you with mentors and peers who can help open more doors for you in the future.
I hope you found this information helpful! Best of luck to you on your medical journey!
Thank you for your question.
In my experience talking w/ medical school admissions experts, there are two kinds of clinical experience that are both valued by admissions committees: direct patient care (DPC) experience & generalized healthcare experiences:
- Direct patient care experiences are volunteer opportunities/jobs in which you are directly involved in caring for a patient. I think of this as you are physically participating in the patient's care, whether by helping them dress as a CNA, checking their blood pressure as an EMT, or drawing their blood as a phlebotomist. Other than the ones I just mentioned, there are numerous other ways to gain DPC experience, such as a surgical tech (CST), physical therapy assistant (PTA), and many others. Working in fields like these grant you basic skills crucial to success as a physician, such as basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. I recommend finding a direct patient care job/volunteer opportunity that fits your specific interests and pursuing it. You can often find many certification programs for CNA, EMT, phlebotomist, and other DPC jobs through local community colleges and workplace development centers, so those would be good places to start your search.
- Generalized healthcare experiences are volunteer opportunities/jobs in which you are not directly involved in caring for a patient. This can often be things like medical scribing, shadowing, medical coding, and research in a healthcare setting. These experiences often teach you about skills you would not initially think of when it comes to medicine, such as typing speed, while also granting a different perspective about healthcare as a whole.
There is no right or wrong way of gaining clinical experience, just that you should have some before applying to medical school. In my opinion, striking a good balance of both of these types would make you an appealing applicant to medical schools & provide you a very good baseline of skills and experiences that you can use to prepare yourself for medical school. But again, there is no right answer for the amount and types of hours you should get.
The best advice I can give you is to seek out opportunities/jobs that excite you, allow you to learn new things, and connect you with mentors and peers who can help open more doors for you in the future.
I hope you found this information helpful! Best of luck to you on your medical journey!
Thanks for the advice.
Cheeky