Volunteering opportunities come with many benefits for pre-med students. In addition to the excellent science GPA calculator in your application letter, checking off the volunteering box can help qualify you as a dedicated med student. You also have endless opportunities at your disposal if you choose to go the volunteer way. For instance, while volunteering, you might interact with expert medical researchers who can take you in their team, thus giving you more exposure. Below are reasons why volunteering is important for pre-med students.
Shows you’re empathetic
Choosing your career in medicine involves more than just offering healthcare to patients in your Medical School HQ. You also need to be empathetic and practice patience throughout your career. When duty calls, be ready to offer help alongside support and encouragement to your patients. This way, you’re not only meeting your career goals but also portraying that you have humanity which is a must-have quality for future doctors. Engaging in volunteer work means that you’ll gain the necessary experience in the medical field. It also portrays you as an experienced person. As a result, you can convince medical committees that you’re a perfect fit for any opportunities that may arise.
Help you to easily connect with patients
There’s no better way to meet your career goals and aspirations than being able to connect with your patients and the entire world. If you’re participating in regular volunteering opportunities, you know what to expect in your medical training and medical career. As a result, you cultivate the art of connecting with your colleagues and patients at a personal level. This is an important aspect of medicine for a person who makes a positive impact on patients. Furthermore, someone who can easily connect with humanity will leave the world a better place, which is one important goal in a medical career.
Show you’re a committed medic
Commitment and dedication are some of the top qualities that any aspiring medic should possess. You need to be ready to go out of your way to serve patients without expecting anything in return. Indicating that you’re committed to your application and demonstrating are two different things. Having participated in volunteering work either in a free clinic, a charity workshop, or a dispensary lab shows your readiness to undertake a medical career. Also, engaging in volunteer work shows your dedication to becoming a physician.
Improves your communication skills
Attending volunteering workshops goes a long way in improving your interpersonal skills, including communication. In the process, you might be required to address patients, medical experts, patients, or the public at large. In your practice talking to these crowds, you grow your communication skills and learn how to put across different messages. As a result, you’ll have the experience required in addressing your patients, especially during workshops and medical training camps.
Volunteering is crucial in the healthcare system since it is what can make you stand out. It also proves that you have a heart and can make a great doctor.