5 answers
Ava
Student
New Bedford, Massachusetts
15
Questions
Asked
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Where should i volunteer ?
I am a sophmore in highschool. I am in New bedford Ma I have no clue were to volunteer I would like events that are known that i can volunteer at. I want to volunteer in a medical setting. becuse i want to become a surgeon.
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5 answers
Joy Oahimijie
Freelance Proofreader and Editor
15
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Joy’s Answer
Hi Ava!
Consider volunteering at organizations that focus on healthcare access and education, such as:
1. Many cities have free or low-cost clinics that provide healthcare services to underserved populations. Volunteering at these clinics can give you a glimpse into the healthcare system and the challenges faced by patients.
2. Look for organizations that offer health education programs for students, seniors, or underserved communities. You could help teach health workshops, assist with program development, or support outreach efforts.
3. If you're interested in the research side of medicine, consider volunteering with organizations that conduct medical research, such as the Lustgarten Foundation (pancreatic cancer research) or the Alzheimer's Association.
4. Volunteering with organizations that support people with disabilities, like the Arc of Greater New Bedford, can help you understand the intersection of healthcare and disability.
5. Organizations like the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society often have local chapters that offer volunteer opportunities.
These options can provide valuable experience and exposure to the healthcare field, while also making a positive impact in your community!
Consider volunteering at organizations that focus on healthcare access and education, such as:
1. Many cities have free or low-cost clinics that provide healthcare services to underserved populations. Volunteering at these clinics can give you a glimpse into the healthcare system and the challenges faced by patients.
2. Look for organizations that offer health education programs for students, seniors, or underserved communities. You could help teach health workshops, assist with program development, or support outreach efforts.
3. If you're interested in the research side of medicine, consider volunteering with organizations that conduct medical research, such as the Lustgarten Foundation (pancreatic cancer research) or the Alzheimer's Association.
4. Volunteering with organizations that support people with disabilities, like the Arc of Greater New Bedford, can help you understand the intersection of healthcare and disability.
5. Organizations like the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society often have local chapters that offer volunteer opportunities.
These options can provide valuable experience and exposure to the healthcare field, while also making a positive impact in your community!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
702
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Ava, as a high school sophomore in New Bedford, MA, with dreams of becoming a surgeon, there are several ways you can volunteer in a medical setting to further your aspirations:
1. Southcoast Health, with its regional hospitals and clinics, frequently has volunteer programs for high school students. Reach out to their volunteer services department to find out about current openings and how to apply.
2. New Bedford Public Health Department: Look into opportunities with your local public health department. They might have volunteer positions or programs focused on health education and community health projects.
3. The YMCA occasionally runs health and wellness programs that require volunteers. Ask at your local YMCA branch to see if they have any upcoming opportunities.
4. Facilities like Royal of Fairhaven or The Oaks can offer enriching volunteer experiences. Volunteering here gives you a chance to engage with patients and assist healthcare professionals.
5. The American Red Cross has a variety of volunteer opportunities, including blood drives and community health education. Volunteering with them can give you a taste of medical and emergency care environments.
6. Get in touch with local community health clinics or non-profits such as the Community Nurse Association. They might have volunteer positions or internships in a medical setting.
7. Hospitals in and around New Bedford, like St. Luke’s Hospital, often have volunteer programs for high school students. Reach out to their volunteer or community outreach departments to find out more.
Remember, Ava, by getting involved with these organizations, you can gain invaluable experience in a medical setting, deepen your understanding of healthcare professions, and make a significant contribution to your community, all while working towards your dream of becoming a surgeon.
1. Southcoast Health, with its regional hospitals and clinics, frequently has volunteer programs for high school students. Reach out to their volunteer services department to find out about current openings and how to apply.
2. New Bedford Public Health Department: Look into opportunities with your local public health department. They might have volunteer positions or programs focused on health education and community health projects.
3. The YMCA occasionally runs health and wellness programs that require volunteers. Ask at your local YMCA branch to see if they have any upcoming opportunities.
4. Facilities like Royal of Fairhaven or The Oaks can offer enriching volunteer experiences. Volunteering here gives you a chance to engage with patients and assist healthcare professionals.
5. The American Red Cross has a variety of volunteer opportunities, including blood drives and community health education. Volunteering with them can give you a taste of medical and emergency care environments.
6. Get in touch with local community health clinics or non-profits such as the Community Nurse Association. They might have volunteer positions or internships in a medical setting.
7. Hospitals in and around New Bedford, like St. Luke’s Hospital, often have volunteer programs for high school students. Reach out to their volunteer or community outreach departments to find out more.
Remember, Ava, by getting involved with these organizations, you can gain invaluable experience in a medical setting, deepen your understanding of healthcare professions, and make a significant contribution to your community, all while working towards your dream of becoming a surgeon.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
388
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ava,
That's brilliant that you're looking to volunteer in a medical setting so early in your high school career! It shows great initiative and dedication to your future as a surgeon. Volunteering in a medical setting is a great way to gain experience, especially if you aim to become a surgeon. Here are some ideas and places you can explore in New Bedford, MA:
1. Southcoast Health: This health system includes St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. They often have volunteer programs for high school students. You could assist in different departments, gaining exposure to various medical environments.
2. Community Health Centers: Check with local health centers like the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center. They might have opportunities for you to help with administrative tasks, patient intake, or community health events.
3. Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities: Volunteering at places like the Sacred Heart Home or other local nursing homes can give you experience working with patients and understanding patient care.
4. Local Blood Drives: The American Red Cross frequently holds blood drives and often needs volunteers to help with donor registration and other tasks.
5. Health-Related Events: Keep an eye on local health fairs, vaccination clinics, or wellness events where you can volunteer.
6. Shadowing Opportunities: Reach out to local doctors or surgeons to see if they would allow you to shadow them. This can be a fantastic way to gain firsthand experience in a medical setting.
7. School Nurse's Office: Sometimes, your own school might have opportunities to help out in the nurse's office, especially if they're organizing health-related events or need assistance with administrative tasks.
Make sure to check with your school guidance counselor or visit these places directly to inquire about volunteering opportunities. Also, don't forget to look for any required permissions or applications that might be needed to volunteer in a medical setting.
Best wishes!
That's brilliant that you're looking to volunteer in a medical setting so early in your high school career! It shows great initiative and dedication to your future as a surgeon. Volunteering in a medical setting is a great way to gain experience, especially if you aim to become a surgeon. Here are some ideas and places you can explore in New Bedford, MA:
1. Southcoast Health: This health system includes St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. They often have volunteer programs for high school students. You could assist in different departments, gaining exposure to various medical environments.
2. Community Health Centers: Check with local health centers like the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center. They might have opportunities for you to help with administrative tasks, patient intake, or community health events.
3. Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities: Volunteering at places like the Sacred Heart Home or other local nursing homes can give you experience working with patients and understanding patient care.
4. Local Blood Drives: The American Red Cross frequently holds blood drives and often needs volunteers to help with donor registration and other tasks.
5. Health-Related Events: Keep an eye on local health fairs, vaccination clinics, or wellness events where you can volunteer.
6. Shadowing Opportunities: Reach out to local doctors or surgeons to see if they would allow you to shadow them. This can be a fantastic way to gain firsthand experience in a medical setting.
7. School Nurse's Office: Sometimes, your own school might have opportunities to help out in the nurse's office, especially if they're organizing health-related events or need assistance with administrative tasks.
Make sure to check with your school guidance counselor or visit these places directly to inquire about volunteering opportunities. Also, don't forget to look for any required permissions or applications that might be needed to volunteer in a medical setting.
Best wishes!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
295
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Ava - this is an excellent question, and Chinyere has given terrific suggestions. I would like to underscore her reference to community health. As a medical professional, you should understand a patient's medical challenges in the context of their lives. For example, if they are overweight, do they have access to fresh produce? Can they afford it? Are the foods they grew up with less healthful? Do they have a supportive network? Are they anxious?
Getting experience in a public health. department (see link below) or community health center would help you understand context better. This perspective may be more relevant to a general practitioner, but would be directly relevant for consideration of weight-loss surgery or considering risk/reward for any major surgery. Plus the cultural awareness you would gain in either of these settings would help you develop rapport and gain trust with a diverse population, which would be useful in any medical role.
I happen to know a bit about New Bedford because my daughter worked there. As you know, the area has a fascinating history, but struggles with high unemployment and depressed wages. Someone with your initiative could make a significant difference in other people's lives. Good luck!
New Bedford Public Health - https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/public-health-internships/
Getting experience in a public health. department (see link below) or community health center would help you understand context better. This perspective may be more relevant to a general practitioner, but would be directly relevant for consideration of weight-loss surgery or considering risk/reward for any major surgery. Plus the cultural awareness you would gain in either of these settings would help you develop rapport and gain trust with a diverse population, which would be useful in any medical role.
I happen to know a bit about New Bedford because my daughter worked there. As you know, the area has a fascinating history, but struggles with high unemployment and depressed wages. Someone with your initiative could make a significant difference in other people's lives. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
599
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Volunteermatch.org can be a great resource for finding places to volunteer. You can also do a quick Google search with your area name and “volunteer opportunities” to find a fair amount of information.