Medical schools want applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to service and hands-on patient experience. Volunteering is one of the best ways to gain exposure to healthcare, but not all opportunities are created equal. Some students spend time in roles that offer little patient interaction, while others find experiences that shape their perspective on medicine.

At AcceptMed, we help students identify high-impact volunteer opportunities that build strong applications and prepare them for medical school. If you're looking for the best volunteering roles to develop the skills and insights medical schools value most, this guide is for you.

1. Community Clinics: Real Patient Interaction

• Why It’s Great – Working in free or low-income clinics allows you to interact with diverse patient populations and understand barriers to healthcare.
• Skills You’ll Gain – Patient communication, medical terminology, and exposure to primary care.
• How to Get Started – Reach out to community health centers or programs like Volunteers in Medicine.

2. Crisis Hotlines: Training for Tough Conversations

• Why It’s Great – Future doctors must handle sensitive topics with empathy. Answering calls for crisis hotlines builds critical communication skills.
• Skills You’ll Gain – Active listening, mental health awareness, and patient de-escalation.
• How to Get Started – Consider organizations like Crisis Text Line, Trevor Project, or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

3. Hospice and Palliative Care: The Human Side of Medicine

• Why It’s Great – Provides exposure to end-of-life care, grief counseling, and the emotional side of medicine.
• Skills You’ll Gain – Emotional resilience, bedside manner, and understanding of chronic illness.
• How to Get Started – Check local hospice centers or organizations like Hospice Foundation of America.

4. Medical Research Volunteering: Understanding the Science Behind Medicine

• Why It’s Great – Medical schools value applicants who understand evidence-based medicine and have experience in research settings.
‍• Skills You’ll Gain – Data collection, patient interaction in clinical trials, and scientific analysis.
‍• How to Get Started – Contact research labs at medical schools or hospitals in your area.