Volunteering and Extracurricular Activities
Foremost, this is an opportunity to do something that is meaningful to you. When approached from this perspective, it leads you to find the profession that fits you. Professional schools are looking for evidence of commitment, not token effort. It is better to begin early and work one or two days per month over several semesters. You will only get busier as you approach the application period because of standardized test (i.e., DAT MCAT or OAT) and application preparation. There is a wide range of volunteer possibilities available. Experiences that you initiate or develop yourself are particularly rewarding and are viewed positively by admissions committees. Appropriate types of volunteer service involve working directly with people in need (e.g., patients) and health care professionals.
Additionally, research, community and campus service, leadership experience, participation in organized sports or arts, and well-developed personal interests can be very important in the admission process*.
Hospitals and Medical Centers
- Mercy General Hospital -- Adult Volunteer Line (916) 453-4559
- Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Sacramento -- (916) 453-2087
- Sutter Medical Center -- (916) 733-8329 or email
- UC Davis School of Medicine -- (916) 734-2401
- Kaiser Permanente -- 2025 Morse Avenue (916) 973-6580
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- Volunteer Office (916) 366-5372
Other Volunteer Organizations
- This search at Volunteer Match lists 94 health and medical organizations looking for volunteers in the Sacramento area
- The Volunteer Center of Sacramento
- Hands On Sacramento
- The PPSO has links to local internship organizations and more
*Some of the above was modified from UCD HSA
