Taking part in voluntary work can give you all sorts of useful
skills. It can help show that you are willing to take on
responsibility.
Volunteering is an unpaid activity with a charity or
not-for-profit organisation that makes a difference to the wider
community. Volunteering is a great way to enhance your
experience.
As well as being fun, it can:
- Give you a great sense of achievement
- Help you to develop essential skills that will be looked for in
the medical school interview, such as organisation, communication
and teamwork skills
- Help you build confidence
- Give you the opportunity to meet new people
- Give you the chance to make a difference in the community.
In addition to high academic achievement, medical schools look
for commitment, perseverance, initiative, originality, personal
integrity, concern for others and the ability to communicate in
their applicants. Good academic qualifications are normally
required because the course is long and intellectually demanding.
Relevant work experience, e.g. working in a care home or caring for
an elderly or sick relative, can also help strengthen your
application and show dedication to the profession.
UK Volunteering organisations
Do-it is a UK-based volunteering
database run by YouthNet UK. This allows you to find suitable
opportunities by entering your postcode, client type, time you have
available and which days you want to volunteer.
- Do-it have a volunteering scheme for under-16s
- They also have a page of advice for volunteering in the health
sector
Timebank has a searchable database of
volunteering opportunities and some great links for those
interested in a bit more detail.
St John's
Ambulance
St John Ambulance is a great place to be a young person – if
you’re aged 5-25, you can learn first aid and other life skills,
meet new challenges and make new friends.
The Duke of Edinburgh awards
Leading youth Charity the DofE gives all young people the chance
to develop skills for work and life, fulfil their potential and
have a brighter future.
Other volunteering organisations:
Vinspired - England
Volunteer
Development Scotland - Scotland
Volunteer Development Agency
- Northern Ireland
WCVA -
Millenium Volunteers - Wales
Volunteer work abroad
Gap Medics offer 16 – 25 year olds
the opportunity to work in hospitals in India, Tanzania and St.
Lucia to gain work experience.
N.B. This is a private organisation so there are costs involved.
See the Gap Medics website (above) for further details.
Projects Abroad offers you
the chance to take part in tailor made medicine & healthcare
projects in the developing world
N.B: NHS Medical Careers does not endorse external
sites and listings are provided for information only. We do not
accept liability for the content or services offered by sites
listed.