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How can I volunteer to improve Chicago-area healthcare?
I am a pre-med student at Purdue majoring in Public Health looking for more clinical experience. I am interested in healthcare disparities and epidemiology. Additionally, I am interested in the specialties OBGYN, endocrinology, cardiology, pulmonology, dermatology, and urology, but I am open to volunteering/shadowing anywhere! #premed #medicine #healthcare #chicago
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Areeba’s Answer
Hi there,
Volunteering opportunities can be found at any hospital or healthcare facility. Some places that are a great way to interact with patients is through hospice and nursing home facilities. These are great options that need help since they are usually understaffed and would love the help. They would be great to add to your medical school applications as healthcare experience.
One of my favorite places I volunteered was at Lurie Children's Almost Home Kids. This is a transitional care facility for children. It is a very interactive, hands-on, fun and meaningful way to help children who dont have their families to be with them during their time of need . You can play. with them, take them on walks, read to them, or simply hold them. Shifts are usually one hour long and you can choose when you want to go in. There are a few locations that you can choose from: Chicago, Napeeville, and Peoria. For more information you can visit their website almosthomekids.com. Hope this helps!
Best,
Areeba
Volunteering opportunities can be found at any hospital or healthcare facility. Some places that are a great way to interact with patients is through hospice and nursing home facilities. These are great options that need help since they are usually understaffed and would love the help. They would be great to add to your medical school applications as healthcare experience.
One of my favorite places I volunteered was at Lurie Children's Almost Home Kids. This is a transitional care facility for children. It is a very interactive, hands-on, fun and meaningful way to help children who dont have their families to be with them during their time of need . You can play. with them, take them on walks, read to them, or simply hold them. Shifts are usually one hour long and you can choose when you want to go in. There are a few locations that you can choose from: Chicago, Napeeville, and Peoria. For more information you can visit their website almosthomekids.com. Hope this helps!
Best,
Areeba
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
There are so many opportunities to definitely volunteer. I would say, even look into volunteering opportunities at hospitals or shelters. I can tell you there are so many areas that you could look into. I know I did some research before and I looked into how I can contribute to certain underserve population and it definitely helped. I think being able to witness it first hand can help and also looking into different places that will allow you to volunteer would be great for you.
Hopefully this helps!
There are so many opportunities to definitely volunteer. I would say, even look into volunteering opportunities at hospitals or shelters. I can tell you there are so many areas that you could look into. I know I did some research before and I looked into how I can contribute to certain underserve population and it definitely helped. I think being able to witness it first hand can help and also looking into different places that will allow you to volunteer would be great for you.
Hopefully this helps!
Updated
Julie’s Answer
I live in Georgia, we have a Volunteer center where they complete a back ground check and assist in helping us with volunteer hours. Search the Internet in your area or ask your university
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
Great question. Check out helpful organizations that have access to non-profits in the area specializing in health. These include organizations like United Way, Chicago Cares and even searching by key words on volunteermatch.org
Best wishes to you in your career, educational and volunteer goals.
Check out Chicago Cares at https://www.chicagocares.org/
View volunteer opportunities from United Way of Metropolitan Chicago here https://liveunitedchicago.org/volunteers/
Also check out Rosalind Franklin University's opportunities for volunteering and other ways to help. https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/alumni/volunteer/
Great question. Check out helpful organizations that have access to non-profits in the area specializing in health. These include organizations like United Way, Chicago Cares and even searching by key words on volunteermatch.org
Best wishes to you in your career, educational and volunteer goals.
Melisa recommends the following next steps: