volunteering in Greater Vancouver

[Guest dentisthopeful]

Hello everyone, I'm about to enter UBC and I'm looking for some health-related volunteering, preferably where I can learn something about the medical profession or something technical. I heard someone volunteered at a hospital pharmacy and I think that's quite interesting. Would anyone please recommand some places? Also, how can I shadow a doctor, like do they let you volunteer in their office? Thanks a lot:)

[Guest threeputt]

I found it tough to find a doctor to shadow - even ones I knew personally, it seems there may be some policies regarding confidentiality and non-medical people. But everyone's experience is different.

 

I've heard that hospice work is quite rewarding and interesting. I myself did a lot of work at the Van Crisis Center, which I though was much more interactive and gave more responsibility than the hospital. A good place to start is the Volunteer Vancouver website.

[Guest kanayo101]

many health-releated volunteer positions are listed on

 

www.govolunteer.ca

 

i recommend royal columbian hospital ;) ;)

[Guest McCarey007]

I believe that if you want to shadow a doctor, you technically need "observership status" from the hospital or some governing body.

 

However, some doctors don't fully adhere to these regulations and let you observe anyway...or so I've heard.:rolleyes

 

For example, I might be shadowing a doctor at VGH in the next month. First, I need to apply for the observership status. But the doc said that since I'll be in med next year, it may not be necessary.