Clinical experience is one of the most important aspects of your medical school application. It not only demonstrates your commitment to medicine but also helps you confirm that this is the right career path for you. Admissions committees look for candidates who have real-world exposure to patient care and an understanding of the challenges of working in healthcare.

If you need expert guidance for your med school application, AcceptMed is here to help you highlight your clinical background and make your application stand out. We offer personalized support to maximize your chances of acceptance.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to gain clinical experience before applying to medical school, and how to make the most of these opportunities.

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Shadowing Physicians

One of the easiest and most direct ways to gain clinical experience is by shadowing physicians. This involves observing a doctor as they go about their daily responsibilities in hospitals or clinics. While shadowing may not always be hands-on, it gives you a first-hand view of a physician’s routine and the various aspects of patient care.

• How to Start: Reach out to physicians in your network or local hospitals. You can also ask your pre-med advisors for recommendations.
• Specialization Variety: Try to shadow doctors in multiple specialties to get a broad perspective on different medical fields.
• How to Maximize the Experience: Come prepared with questions, observe patient interactions, and reflect on what you learn after each shadowing session.

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Volunteer at Hospitals or Clinics

Volunteering is another excellent way to gain clinical experience, and it often provides more direct patient interaction than shadowing. Many hospitals and clinics offer volunteer programs where you can assist with non-medical tasks, but still be in close proximity to patient care.

• What You’ll Do: Depending on the setting, volunteers might help with patient transport, administrative work, or comforting patients.
• Finding Opportunities: Check with local hospitals, nursing homes, and community clinics for volunteer programs. Websites like VolunteerMatch can help you locate opportunities.
• Commitment: Volunteering regularly over an extended period is better than short, sporadic stints. Consistency shows dedication to the healthcare field.

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Work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or EMT

For more hands-on patient care experience, consider becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). These roles provide direct patient care and give you a real sense of what working in healthcare entails.

• CNA: CNAs assist with daily patient care, including feeding, bathing, and monitoring vital signs. Many hospitals and long-term care facilities hire CNAs, and certification programs are typically short and affordable.
• EMT: EMTs work in emergency situations, providing immediate care to patients in crisis. This experience teaches you how to work under pressure and respond to medical emergencies.
• Benefits: Both roles allow you to interact with patients daily and give you tangible skills that are highly relevant to a future in medicine.

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Scribe Programs

Medical scribes assist physicians by documenting patient interactions during appointments and procedures. This experience gives you a behind-the-scenes look at patient care and helps you learn medical terminology, charting processes, and diagnostic decision-making.

• What You’ll Do: A scribe’s main role is to record the physician’s notes, patient history, and care plans, often using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Benefits: You’ll observe the physician-patient interaction up close and learn how doctors arrive at diagnosis and treatment plans. It also sharpens your attention to detail.
• How to Apply: Look for scribe programs through companies like ScribeAmerica, or inquire at local hospitals and clinics.

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Intern at Health-Related Nonprofits or Public Health Organizations

While not always patient-facing, internships with health-related organizations can still provide valuable exposure to healthcare systems and policy. Nonprofit organizations and public health agencies often have roles that involve interacting with underserved populations or contributing to healthcare outreach programs.

• Types of Roles: You could work on health education initiatives, community outreach, or public health research.
• Why It’s Valuable: This type of work demonstrates your interest in health beyond clinical care and gives you insights into broader healthcare challenges.
• How to Find Opportunities: Reach out to local nonprofits, global health organizations, or government health agencies. Many organizations have summer internship programs.

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Participate in Clinical Research

While research may not always involve direct patient care, clinical research is a valuable experience that can deepen your understanding of the scientific process behind medicine. Some research roles, particularly those in clinical trials, do offer patient interaction.

• Why It’s Important: Research shows your ability to contribute to the scientific community, and understanding research is a key skill for physicians.
• Where to Look: Many academic medical centers and universities offer summer research programs for undergraduates. You can also ask professors or physicians you know about openings in their labs.

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Global Health Volunteer Trips

Volunteering abroad can provide unique and immersive healthcare experiences. Many pre-med students participate in medical missions or health outreach programs in underserved regions of the world. While these trips are often short-term, they offer a broader perspective on global healthcare challenges.

• What You’ll Do: Depending on the program, you may assist with public health campaigns, help in clinics, or observe local physicians in action.
• Choosing a Program: Be mindful of choosing ethical programs that prioritize the needs of the community over providing medical experience for volunteers.
• Popular Organizations: Organizations like Projects Abroad, Global Medical Brigades, and International Volunteer HQ offer opportunities tailored to pre-med students.

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Why Clinical Experience Matters

1. Demonstrates Commitment: It shows admissions committees that you are serious about pursuing a career in medicine and have tested your interest through direct involvement in healthcare.
2. Develops Interpersonal Skills: Working with patients, healthcare professionals, and under pressure helps develop essential soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork.
3. Provides Valuable Insights: Clinical experiences allow you to see the daily realities of healthcare and can help you decide if the profession aligns with your passions and abilities.
4. Strengthens Your Application: Having meaningful experiences gives you concrete examples to discuss in your personal statement and during interviews.