Gaining Clinical Experience
The only real way to know if the health professions are right for you is to gain some exposure and experience in a clinical setting. This can include spending time with doctors, other practitioners, and most importantly with patients.
Nathan Smith Society Shadowing Program
Dartmouth is very fortunate to have a robust Shadowing Program, at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center & White River Junction VA Hospital, that allows students to spend time witnessing what doctors do day-to-day. Currently, this is managed by the faculty advisor for the Nathan Smith Society, Dr. Lee Witters. Freshmen are encouraged to participate! There are no prerequisites for the program, but there are necessary forms and immunizations.
Volunteering/Working Abroad
While some students choose to engage in volunteer abroad experiences, there are very important considerations that must be taken before participating in an abroad program. Please review the AAMC's Guidelines for Students Providing Patient Care Abroad.
The most important note in the guidelines: You may put your acceptance to medical school and residency training programs at risk. Many pre-medical students believe that the more in-depth clinical experience they have, the stronger their applications will be. However, taking on tasks that are beyond your training could make you look unethical, unknowledgeable about the health professions, irresponsible to admission committees, and may diminish or eliminate your chance for acceptance into medical school. Similarly, medical students who perform procedures beyond their training may negatively impact their chances of matching in residency programs.
Volunteering/Working in a Clinical Setting
Students can participate in local, domestic, and international programs while at Dartmouth or during times they are off-campus such as: