How to Gain Clinical Experience for Medical School

Gaining clinical experience is crucial for standing out in medical school applications. It not only enhances your resume but also provides you with real-world insights and experiences that you can share during interviews. Here’s how you can get started:

Clinical Experience Tip #1. Volunteer or Work in Hospices and Assisted Living Facilities

Volunteering or working in hospices and assisted living facilities helps you develop your bedside manner and improve your communication skills. You’ll interact with patients and collaborate with doctors, gaining a deeper understanding of the medical field. This experience also exposes you to the sad side of the world of medicine, helping you develop effective coping mechanisms.

Clinical Experience Tip #2. Volunteer in Hospitals or Family Medical Clinics

Many pre-med students volunteer in hospitals, gaining valuable insights into hospital operations and administration. For a more hands-on experience, consider volunteering at family medical clinics. Here, student volunteers often get more hands-on experience and work closely with doctors, providing a deeper understanding of patient care and medical practices.

Clinical Experience Tip #3. Intern at Research Hospitals or Independent Research Facilities

Interning at research hospitals or independent research facilities allows you to explore the cutting-edge developments in medicine. This experience will teach you about research methodologies and broaden your knowledge, expanding your range as a candidate for medical school.

Clinical Experience Tip #4. Train as an Emergency Room Scribe

Becoming an emergency room scribe involves documenting doctors’ interactions with patients. The training for this role is relatively short, but the experience is invaluable. You’ll learn to communicate with patients, understand medical evaluations, and navigate the hospital environment, all while genuinely helping people as you prepare to be a doctor.

Clinical Experience Tip #5. Join Your School’s Volunteer EMT or Ambulance Service

Participating in your school’s volunteer EMT or ambulance service offers hands-on experience in emergency medical situations. You’ll learn to assess and respond to various medical conditions, working alongside other healthcare professionals and gaining practical skills that are essential for a future doctor.

Enhance Your Medical School Application

By gaining diverse clinical experiences, you’ll stand out from all the other candidates in every part of the medical school application process. For additional support, consider seeking professional MCAT preparation and expert advice from Prep101. Book a free consultation now.