Below are a few examples of some activities I participated in as an undergraduate. You will see that not everything takes place in a clinical setting and that is okay! Medical schools expect you to be a well rounded individual so make sure that you partake in activities that you are genuinely interested in!
Traveling across the border, I volunteered in primary care clinics conducting patient intakes and mental health screenings, taking vitals, and shadowing physicians and medical students.
I partook in research at UCSD’s ICU, where I screened patients each morning, checked in with nurses to verify eligibility, and determined if they met inclusion criteria for various research studies.
My role responsibilities were to be a relatable guide and mentor to underrepresented high school students who were interested in healthcare. One of my goals was to empower students by providing them direction and unconditional support. One way I did this was by collaborating with other undergrads to put together presentations that broke down various college-application topics and finding ones that best fit the needs of each student.
As a medical assistant, I conducted patient intakes, pre-ops for cataract surgery, and other administrative and clinical tasks. I not only learned a lot about eye health but also how to work with patients in a clinical setting.
Worked in various food service settings that taught me many soft skills and how to best interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I managed multiple tables simultaneously, ensuring customers received food and beverages in a timely manner. While doing so, I assisted my coworkers and made time to create connections with each of my guests.