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How do I shadow a doctor/ volunteer at a hospital ?

Hi I'm a senior but I'm 17 and I really wanted to get some volunteer hours in something I want to do as a career. How do I get started and if you know how it would be shadowing or volunteering pls lmk any thing helps!!

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Marcos A.’s Answer

Start by contacting the HR department or practice manager at local hospitals, community clinics, or teaching hospitals. Ask if they have volunteer programs and explain that you want to gain experience to help with your career decision. You can also reach out to your high school career and placement counselor for guidance.
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George’s Answer

Many high schools have clubs and organizations related to specific interests, like health care or education, which often maintain connections to local volunteer organizations or internship programs. Non-profits, hospitals, community centers, and even libraries or museums commonly offer volunteer programs for teens; it's useful to check their websites or call their volunteer coordinators directly.

Websites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist allow searching for volunteer opportunities by category and location. Doing volunteer work in a field of interest provides hands-on experience and helps build critical skills and meaningful networks.
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Kirza’s Answer

In high school, I spent my summers volunteering at Cook Children's Hospital, and it was truly an amazing experience. If you're interested, make sure to apply early to secure a spot. You can sign up here: https://www.cookchildrens.org/medical-center/volunteers/
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Afrad’s Answer

Hi Denise -

Volunteering is a great way to start your career exploration; and the most direct path is through hospital volunteer programs.

How to Volunteer
- Check Hospital Websites: Look for a "Volunteer" section on the websites of local hospitals like Texas Health Arlington Memorial or Medical City Arlington. They usually have an age minimum of 16 or 18.
- Complete the Application: Be prepared to fill out an application, submit a resume, and get parental consent. You'll also likely need a background check and health screening.
- General Duties: Expect duties to be focused on patient support, like stocking supplies or working at the information desk. This isn't direct medical work, but it offers invaluable exposure to the hospital environment.

How to Shadow - Shadowing a doctor can be more difficult due to privacy regulations and your age.
- Use Your Network: The best way to find an opportunity is through personal connections. Ask your family, friends, or your own doctor for help.
- Be Professional: When you reach out to a doctor, be professional and concise. Explain your interest and that you're seeking a brief, observational experience.

The key is to be proactive. Start with the volunteer programs first—they're your most realistic path to gaining experience right now.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much I'll start looking into it as soon as I can. denise
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Michelle’s Answer

Hi, Denise !

It is awesome that you are think about becoming a Doctor and that you are starting to explore ways to learn about the subjects related to healthcare.

To begin with, Shadowing is not going to be beneficial. Besides the liabilities and privacy issues being there when a patient is being examined, shadowing is not put on a resume, but Volunteer Work is. Shadowing also does not provide effective experience for you as someone who wants to sharpen their skills and learn the things connected to health care.

I would advise that you contact the Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Region 2/3 at (817) 264-4500 and inquire about volunteer opportunities there. Not only do they have a lot of programs that you could possibly volunteer in, they also have an Audio/Visual Library with resources that could help you learn about illnesses and health issues. They have a community health worker program, too. So your first step would be to visit there and see what you may be interested in for volunteer work. The American Heart Association is also a great place to seek volunteer work. They are located at 4601 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 700, Arlington, VA. While still in high school, it just may be good to learn about different medical conditions. Once in college, you will do a major connected to one of the human sciences and learn more. Even though you want to be a doctor, you may probably realize that you wouldn't be able to volunteer working on people's bodies just yet. Getting knowledge, honing your communication skills and being in a health/medical oriented environment will be a good introduction for you and provide you with valuable experience.

If you are currently enrolled in a chemistry or other science course, see if there are any extracurriculars, clubs or groups at your high school connected with human sciences and join them. You do not need to jump into working in a hospital just yet. There are videos on You Tube that you can find if you do a search for "What it is like being a Doctor". This way you can get an idea without having to shadow or talk to many busy doctors. I have left a link to some videos for you below.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

VIDEOS ABOUT BECOMING A DOCTOR https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=What+is+it+like+to+be+a+Doctor+%3F
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Gittel’s Answer

The best way to volunteer is to contact the major hospitals in your area, and speak with their volunteering department. Many of them have opportunities for students to come in and volunteer in the emergency room and on the units. If you want to shadow a medical professional, the best way to do that is if you are connected with a someone who will allow you to come and shadow them. But, that can be difficult since there are many regulations surrounding patient privacy and their providers. If you are able to volunteer at a hospital, speak with their on staff medical team. Ask any of the doctors if they will allow you to shadow. You will have already filled out the required paperwork for working in that setting, so it will be easier to get the shadowing approval. Good Luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! denise
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Ryan’s Answer

If the hope is to do volunteer work at the hospital I recommend walking into the hospital of your choice and ask the information person if you could be directed to the volunteer department so that you can present your desires in person which will always rule over all other forms of communication.

If you're looking to shadow I recommend you first reach out to friends and family and if there are no connections there you reach out to other community organizations you are associated with. You will be suprised how quickly you will find out you are associated with someone who knows a doctor who would be willing to schedule a day of shadowing to an aspiring physician.

God Bless
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Jeya Prakash’s Answer

Check local hospitals, community clinics, or teaching hospitals.
Look for "Volunteer Services" or "Medical Education" departments on their websites.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! denise
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