Why Volunteering Is Important for Health Professions Students

By Anamarie Beluch

A pre-health student's goal is to attend a health professional school, and in order to do that successfully, service experience is essential. One reason service is crucial for applying to a health professional school is that it demonstrates a good, caring person who is well rounded and committed to helping others. The health profession is a field dedicated to serving others, so volunteering is significant because it exhibits the person's willingness and continued commitment to the well being of others. It also provides a future dentist, doctor, veterinarian, optometrist, or podiatrist a chance to learn about who they are and what they like to do. Many pre-health students feel that they do not have the time for service in their busy schedule, but it only takes a few hours a week and it is very feasible to fit service into a hectic schedule. Also, always make it a priority to volunteer wherever you find yourself during the summer (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, homeless shelters, daycare centers, food banks, children's day camps, outreach programs for migrant workers, and many other places need and welcome volunteers).

If you are worried that service has to be in the typical hospital setting, it doesn't have to be. It can be any kind of service that interests you (but remember that you need some clinical experience as well). Health professions schools do not specify what kinds of service you should becomeinvolved in, only that you are committed to helping people. Just remember that service can be fun, don't think that it just has to be boring work. I volunteer on Saturday afternoons at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in the pediatric department and I play with the kids. I really enjoy it, and for me it is fulfilling and enjoyable. Therefore, you need to find something that you will enjoy as well. Here are some contacts in the area to help you get started:

Aids/HIV
Bronx Aids Services
Contact- Hermansu Mangal
Email – hmangal@basnyc.org
Website – http://www.basnyc .org/

Elderly
Jewish Home and Hospital
Contact – Ellen Colyer
Website – http://wwwjewishhome.org
Phone# - (718) 410-1563

Group Service
World Vision
Contact – Steven Violano
Email – sviolano@worldvision.org
Website – http://www.worlvision.org/newyork-thestorehouse

Health
Calvary Hospital
Contact – Mary Ann Gulla
Website – http://www.calvaryhospital.org
Phone# - (718) 518-2115

Continuum Hospice Care
Contact – Joy Hass
Email – jhass@chpnet.org
Website – http://www.hospice nyc.org

St. Barnabas
Contact – Ann Sperrazza
Email – asperrazza@stbarnabashospital.org
Website – www.stbarnabashospital.org

Hunger
Part of the Solution
Contact – Johnny or Taina
Email – serve@potsbronx.org
Website – http://www.potsbronx.org/

Tutoring
St. Rita's Center
Contact – Kerresha Poorman
Email – ashlievida@yahoo.com
Phone# - (718)733-8100 x 581

These service sites are located in the Bronx and fairly close to campus. Stop by Dr. Engel's office and check out the community service folder for more information regarding these sites.

If you are a commuter and service in the Bronx is not a good option call or check out on the web any hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, after school programs, etc. in your area and see if they have any volunteer opportunities available. If you don't know, it doesn't hurt to call and ask!