My Experience with Pre-Health Volunteering and Organizations at UF
- Makena Woolet-Stockton
- Aug 10, 2024
- 3 min read
Written by: Makena Woolet-Stockton
Position, Member Since: Online Coordinator, joined Fall 2022
Major & Track: Biology, Pre-Med
Current Year: 2nd Year
Entering my freshman year, it was very overwhelming learning about the various extracurriculars that pre-health schools want to see, with volunteering being a significant part of that experience. Admission committees typically want to see clinical and non-clinical community service, and I strongly recommend searching through the various clubs at UF and organizations in Gainesville to find a cause you are passionate about. Even though the pre-health track can be very overwhelming, volunteering can truly be such an uplifting experience and offer a chance to give your part in the community around you. Below I will be detailing the volunteering opportunities I have been involved in and highlighting my favorite—volunteering as a NICU Cuddler.
Clinical Volunteering
Clinical volunteering involves providing assistance in a patient-centered environment!
Shands Volunteering: Volunteers may assist in various departments throughout Shands, with varying levels of patient experience. An important note for Shands is that spots fill up very quick because of the large pre-health population at UF, and the program is first come first serve! I highly recommend selecting the earliest time slot available and selecting it right when the portal opens at 9 am. Check the website for updated dates on when registration opens.
NICU Cuddler: I currently volunteer in the NICU and it has been my favorite volunteering experience. During my shift, my main job is to assist the nurses by holdling/comforting these babies. It is the most direct patient experience I have had while volunteering, and I truly feel that I am making a difference in hopefully contributing to the babies feeling somewhat more comfortable while having to stay in the hospital.
Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic: I have also volunteered at the UF Health’s Orthopedic clinic where I allocated supplies to restock cast rooms, and assisted the nursing staff by cleaning and turning over rooms. During my time there, I had lots of exposure to how health professionals work as a team, and even got to see a few procedures!
Other great opportunities for clinical volunteering can be found through HCA North Florida, and UF organizations such as Hearts for the Homeless!
Nonclinical Volunteering
Regarding nonclinical volunteering, this can involve anything that is not related to direct patient care. Therefore, I highly encourage finding a cause you are passionate about. Joining clubs through UF is a great way to earn these hours, as well as meet people, but there are various organizations throughout the Gainesville that also offer meaningful opportunities! My primary nonclinical volunteering has been through Friends for Life which I detailed below:
Friends for Life: This organization raises awareness for pediatric cancer, and offers many opportunities for leadership. We primarily create holiday cards to send to pediatric cancer patients at Shands and volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house.
I attached the link to UF clubs and additionally highlighted a few below that offer great opportunities for nonclinical volunteering:
· Dance Marathon
o Raises awareness and funds for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital
· Women Building Women
o Seeks to empower Gainesville’s female youth via education and mentorship
· Surfrider (environmental cleanups/ocean conservation)
o Advocates for ocean conservation and conducts nature-related service
· Red Cross Gator
· UF Special Olympics
Resources:
Shands volunteering - https://ufhealth.org/volunteering/degree-seeking-volunteers
Gainesville community organizations- https://gatorsvolunteer.ufl.edu/for-volunteers/volunteer-with-community/
UF Clubs and Organizations- https://orgs.studentinvolvement.ufl.edu/Organizations
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