Student Resources

• Getting Started at Penn (PowerPoint Download)
• Campus
• Premed Links
• Financial
• Volunteer
• Research

Penn Campus

• Penn Portal
• Philadelphia and Vicinity
• Off campus living

Premedical Student Related Links

• Medical School Addresses
• American Association of Medical College Application Services (AMCAS)
• Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
• American Association Dental Schools Application Service
• American Medical Student Association
• Student Doctor Network
• Penn Center for Bioethics

Medical School Financing

• Association of American Medical Colleges
• National Health Service Corps
• Scholarship opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Medical Volunteer Opportunities

The richness of Philadelphia's medical facilities affords wonderful opportunities for involvement and engagement in health care delivery. The University of Pennsylvania Health System and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, both within walking distance from our classrooms and labs, provide ideal settings for gaining hands-on experience with patients and for observing the contributions of each member of a health care team.

Volunteer placements are offered in many different areas of the University hospital: labor and delivery, the operating room, the emergency room, the nursing floors, and the Cancer Center. At Children's Hospital students can choose among volunteer options in the child life department, radiology, pathology, the day surgery unit, the nursing floors, the admissions office, and the emergency room. Our students also volunteer at other Philadelphia hospitals and in special interest areas of clinical care, notably in women's health and HIV disease and prevention work.

Our courses in Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine I and II require students to spend regular time in the emergency departments at the University and the Children's Hospitals, working on clinical research studies. On-site supervision by an emergency department physician complements the classroom learning components of the course and builds students' confidence and ability to interact with patients.

Research Opportunities

As a world-class research institution, the University of Pennsylvania provides a multitude of opportunities for students who would like to engage in the biomedical research process. While research experience is not a required component of applications to all health professions schools, many students are eager to gain new, first-hand experience or build on their undergraduate research involvements. Volunteer and paid positions are available and the interested, energetic student can find ways to contribute to the University's research mission.

Veterinary Volunteer Opportunities: The Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine offers opportunities for pre-veterinary students to gain experience working with animals and veterinary professionals. The large animal hospital at the New Bolton Center provides yet another kind of volunteer experience.

Pre-Clinical Psychology Volunteer Opportunities

Students may spend a semester or more in clinical settings, including both in-patient and out-patient services in the Philadelphia area. Research internships are also available.
If you have additional questions, or if you require clarification concerning one of these answers, please contact us at 215.898.7326.