VOLUNTEERING: AN INTRODUCTION

modified 4/23/2008

Volunteer opportunities abound. Volunteers are always needed and hospitals will try to place you in a setting that will be mutually beneficial. If necessary call or visit several facilities to find the one that best meets your needs. There are other ways, outside of the hospital, where students can help the community: volunteering with a suicide prevention hotline would be an example of this.

Hospitals with special summer programs or internships can be very competitive. If you are hoping to get into one of these keep in touch with their volunteer coordinator about deadlines and make sure you understand the application process. One director said that on the day they begin to accept applications a line forms before the office opens. It's never too early to be thinking about summer experience. Some students make an even greater commitment to serving the community through organizations such as the Peace Corps and Echoing Green.

Because of the time involved in training, most hospitals have a minimum number of required hours. In compliance with state regulations you will also need proof of measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations and be required to take a TB test. Some settings require a letter of good standing from your university before accepting an application. Call first and see what is needed in order to save time and be well prepared.

A few excellent web resources:
Volunteer Office of Stony Brook's University Hospital Medical Center
United Hospital Fund--especially their links page.
The Career Center's Volunteers for Community Service page.

Not all health-related experiences are on a volunteer basis. You can sometimes get paid or get credit for the experience! Sign-up for the Career Center's Zebranet to find health-related jobs and internships.

NOTE: Stony Brook's Department of Emergency Medicine has a special program for students: the opportunity to assist in clinical research as an Academic Associate (for academic credit).

Note on volunteering for preveterinary students: Veterinary practices are covered by different insurance than hospitals are. As such, it is often easier to get in touch with veterinary practices, send your resume, and get a part-time paid job than to work as a volunteer. An exception to this is the Cornell Cooperative Farm in Yaphank, run by the Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension. The farm accepts volunteers, and preveterinary students can get large animal experience there as well.