When I was considering medical school as a option. I was trying really to hard to get hands on experience in the medical field. One of the best ways was by volunteering at a hospital, especially a teaching hospital. I started my journey at Mass General Hospital volunteering in different departments. The process was fairly easy, I went online and signed up for an orientation. When I went to the orientation, the volunteer coordinator provided information about the process, departments, and the requirements. From there, I set up an interview with one of the coordinators and pick three departments I would like to volunteer. Going to the interview, I was nervous even though it was to just to volunteer, but the idea of hearing no was not something I wanted to hear. Thankfully, it was pretty straight forward and within two weeks I started to volunteer.

My field of study was in biomedical sciences, so working in the volunteer department as the head office assistant would have not be your ideal vision. However, I accepted the position to keep get my foot in the door into the medical field. Throughout this journey, I got more exposure to patients, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. I learn it’s not just about the amount of applications you send, but more about how much you have expose yourself to getting to know people in that particular industry. I was amazed by how many people from different walks of life volunteered. I started to volunteer multiple times during a week, just to help in other departments. In the end, I got offered a position to continue working at Mass General Hospital in the primary care department.

Throughout this journey, I have learn doctors are more than willing to help you even with their busy schedule. If anything, I would suggest if you are comfortable to email your primary care physician or a physician in the department of your interest. In the email, explain the field you are interested in going to and where you are at academically. Also include, if there is a possibility to meet for an informational interview or to shadow them throughout their day. This will expose you to their field of work and you never know where it might lead. The biggest advice I receive that I can pass on to anyone is to be ready to adapt to change.