Medical schools are stressing more and more that applicants expand beyond simply fulfilling the required course load by engaging in extracurricular activities of significant endeavor. Extracurricular activities are important for two reasons. First, medical schools tend to prefer people who are complete and exhibit a passionate interest in some activity rather than those applicants who are simply outstanding in the classroom. Extracurriculars provide applicants with the opportunity to show traits such as empathy, which may not be demonstrated in class. Second, medical students and doctors maintain busy schedules and thus, extracurricular activities provide proof that a prospective candidate is capable of managing their time wisely. However, despite what medical schools prefer, applicants should do what they desire to do simply because they enjoy what they are doing. Hopefully, applicants can find joy in gaining clinical related work experience that is rewarding as well.

This following list represents some of the volunteer and paid job opportunities available in Greater Boston and Cambridge for those interested in exploring health-related careers. A volunteer position, is only for a short period of time each week, and can be a valuable part of your preparation for a health/human service career. Moreover, a volunteer experience may provide insight on other important qualities about your character such as compassion to future employers.

Some advice concerning work related to the medical field is found in the Resource Guide to Health and Human Service Work Opportunities. The list below provides some ideas and directions to investigate areas where a person can find volunteer and employment opportunities.

Hospital Profiles

Service Links

MIT Public Service Center http://psc.mit.edu
Volunteer Community Connection http://www.volunteersolutions.org
MedLink http://web.mit.edu/medical/hm22medl.html
Share a Vital Earth http://www.mit.edu/activities/save/home.html
Alpha Phi Omega http://www.mit.edu/activities/apo/index.html
Amnesty International http://web.mit.edu/amnesty/www/home.html
Circle K http://www.mit.edu/activities/circle-k/home.html
Educational Studies Program http://www.mit.edu/activities/esp/esp-home.html
Teacher Education Program http://web.mit.edu/teacher-ed/www