Applying for Volunteer Positions
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.
Clinical Volunteer Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical/PA/PT/Nursing | |
| Family Health Centers of San Diego | Community health center for medically underserved. |
| Health Equities Fellows Program | The program is suitable for any student pursuing a career in medicine, health policy, or public health administration. |
| Kaiser Permanente | A 12-month commitment of up to four hours per week. |
| Palomar Pathmaker Internship at Palomar Health Centers (Escondido or Poway locations) |
Students rotate through hospital departments every three months. Requires a 4 hour per week, 270-hour commitment. Positions available in Escondido and Poway. |
| Rady Children's Hospital | Requires a 1-year, 100-hour commitment. |
| Research Associates Program UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest |
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. |
| Scripps Medical Center | Seven area hospitals/clinics. 3-4 hour per week commitment. |
| 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. |
| Sharp Medical Centers | Six are hospitals/clinics. Requires a 100-hour commitment, 4 hours per week. |
| UCSD Free Medical Clinic | Volunteer positions open throughout year. |
| UCSD Health System (La Jolla/Hillcrest) | Commit to a weekly four-hour shift for a total minimum of 100 hours of service over six to eight months. |
| VA San Diego Healthcare System | Healthcare services for veterans. |
| Volunteers in Medicine (El Cajon) | Nonprofit medical clinic serving low-income, uninsured families. |
| 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 | |
| County Animal Shelter | |
| San Diego Humane Society | |
| San Diego Zoo | |
Student Opportunity Center
For even more opportunities, explore and apply to thousands of fellowships, grants and more through the Student Opportunity Center. Create a free account to browse listings.
Questions?
For more pre-health advising information, contact:
Cassandra Gomez, MPH
Director, Pre-Health Advising
Founders Hall, Room 117
cagomez@sandiego.edu