When seeking volunteer opportunities, treat it as a job search. Be prepared to present a resume and possibly participate in an interview.
For clinical volunteering, some clinics/hospitals have an overabundance of volunteers so always be professional, pleasant and proactive when making contacts. Be prepared to submit vaccinations upon request, background clearances (may be required) and attend site orientations. It is recommended to submit applications at more than one site. The application process may be lengthy and most require a time commitment. "Hands-on" experience should not be the goal but, rather, patient interaction and exposure to the healthcare field.
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical/PA/PT/Nursing | |
| Scripps Mercy Trauma Surgery Internship | The internship is a unique program for USD pre-medical students to participate in clinical rotations with trauma surgeons and staff at Scripps Mercy Hospital. |
| Health Equities Fellows Program | The program is suitable for any student pursuing a career in medicine, health policy, or public health administration. |
| Scripps Medical Center | Seven area hospitals/clinics. 3-4 hour per week commitment. (858) 626-6994 |
| Rady Children's Hospital | Requires a 1-year, 100-hour commitment. (858) 966-4021 |
| Sharp Medical Centers | Six are hospitals/clinics. Requires a 100-hour commitment, 4 hours per week. (858) 939-3588 |
| UCSD Free Medical Clinic | Volunteer positions open throughout year. (858) 534-6160 |
| UCSD Health System (La Jolla/Hillcrest) | Must attend an orientation first. |
| Research Associates Program UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest – ED |
Program that allows students to combine clinical research with doctor/patient exposure in the emergency department. 100 hours/6-month commitment. Students must attend UCSD orientation to be eligible to apply. (619) 543-7342 |
| Palomar Pathmaker Internship Palomar Pomerado Health Centers (Poway) |
Students rotate through hospital departments every three months. Requires a 4 hour per week, 270-hour commitment. Positions available in Escondido and Poway. (442) 281-3232 |
| Alvarado Hospital | 4 hour shift/100-hour minimum commitment. (619) 229-4619 |
| Volunteers in Medicine (El Cajon) | Nonprofit medical clinic serving low-income, uninsured families. (619) 440-4591 |
| VA San Diego Healthcare System | Healthcare services for veterans. (858) 642-3267 |
| Family Health Centers of San Diego | Community health center for medically underserved. |
| Dental | |
| UCSD Student Run Dental Clinic | Dental clinic for medically underserved. |
| Pharmacy | |
| UCSD Student Run Clinic | Pre-pharmacy volunteer positions. Email Eduardo Fricovsky at esfricovsky@ucsd.edu. |
| Veterinary | |
| Wildlife Assist | Emergency response organization. |
| County Animal Shelter | |
| San Diego Humane Society | |
| San Diego Zoo | |
Student Opportunity Center
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Questions?
For more pre-health advising information, contact:
Cassandra Gomez, MPH
Director, Pre-Health Advising
Founders Hall, Room 117
cagomez@sandiego.edu