Are you a student passionate about healthcare and eager to explore different medical career paths? Navigating the complex world of medicine can be challenging, but the right experience can provide invaluable clarity and direction. The Medical Career Exploration Volunteer Program (MCEP) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), a prestigious teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students like you to gain firsthand experience in a real-world hospital environment. This structured Career Exploration Program is designed to help you make informed decisions about your future in healthcare while making a meaningful contribution to the community.
What is the Medical Career Exploration Volunteer Program (MCEP)?
The Brigham and Women’s Hospital Medical Career Exploration Volunteer Program (MCEP) is specifically crafted to provide undergraduate college and post-baccalaureate students with a comprehensive introduction to the healthcare setting. This program goes beyond typical volunteer work; it’s a carefully designed rotation that allows you to experience various aspects of hospital operations and patient care. By participating in MCEP, you will not only gain practical experience in a renowned Harvard-affiliated institution but also have the chance to give back to the community. The program culminates in significant benefits for participants, including a letter of recommendation to support future applications and the exclusive opportunity to shadow a physician for a day, providing a glimpse into the daily life of a medical professional.
Is MCEP Right for You? Eligibility and Commitment
Before applying to this impactful career exploration program, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria and commitment required. MCEP is designed for students who are serious about exploring healthcare careers and are ready to dedicate significant time to the program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Brigham and Women’s Hospital MCEP, you must meet the following essential requirements:
- Student Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited local academic institution. This includes Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and rising Seniors (until July following the Junior year). The program is also open to students currently enrolled full-time in post-baccalaureate programs at local academic institutions. It’s important to note that these enrollment parameters are strictly adhered to, and no exceptions are made.
- Time Commitment: Participation in MCEP requires a substantial commitment of time. Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of 12 months to complete the program’s required 140 hours of volunteer service at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). This long-term commitment ensures a meaningful and in-depth experience within the program.
- Flexibility for Breaks: Recognizing the demands of academic life, the program allows for breaks during school vacations, study abroad semesters, or periods of heavy academic workload. You can request a leave of absence and rejoin the program at a more suitable time, such as during the fall semester after a summer break. However, it’s crucial to understand that the program cannot be completed solely during short school breaks.
- Weekday Availability: Volunteers must have the flexibility to work during weekday daytime hours. The program offers various shifts to accommodate different schedules, including options like 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and 5:00 pm – 8:00pm. This weekday requirement is essential for integrating with the hospital’s operational needs.
Program Commitment Details
Enrolling in the BWH MCEP means committing to a minimum of 12 months and dedicating at least 140 hours to volunteer service. This time is divided into two key components: 60 hours dedicated to ambassador service roles, which provide foundational patient interaction and hospital operations knowledge, and 80 hours in a department role, offering a more focused experience within a specific clinical or operational area of the hospital. This structured approach ensures a well-rounded and beneficial career exploration experience.
MCEP Program Phases: A Journey of Exploration
The Medical Career Exploration Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is structured into three distinct phases, each designed to build upon the previous one and offer a progressive learning experience.
Phase One: Ambassador Roles – Foundations in Patient Experience
The initial phase of the MCEP focuses on developing foundational skills through ambassador roles within the Patient Access Services department. This phase requires a total of 60 hours and is broken down into three key ambassador positions:
- Central Transport Ambassador (15 hours): In this role, volunteers become integral to the behind-the-scenes operations of the hospital. Central Transport Ambassadors assist in the crucial task of transporting patients, specimens, equipment, and packages across various departments, including ambulatory, lab, and inpatient units. This experience provides a valuable understanding of hospital logistics and the interconnectedness of different departments. As one former volunteer noted, “I witnessed all types of (professional) relationships within the hospital and saw lots of things that I never really thought I would… real life is so much better [than TV portrayals].”
- Patient Access Ambassador (30 hours): Serving as a Patient Access Ambassador places volunteers at the front lines of patient interaction. Stationed at main information desks, these ambassadors are responsible for greeting patients and visitors, providing directions, answering basic inquiries, and escorting individuals to various locations within the hospital. This role is crucial for enhancing the patient and visitor experience and offers significant exposure to diverse patient populations. Bilingual skills are particularly valuable in this role, allowing for effective communication with a broader range of individuals. A volunteer shared their experience: “BWH truly is titanic in size. Today I saw 6-7 patients of varying backgrounds… I helped a man heading towards ambulatory registration who asked me about my background and hope of becoming an MD.”
- WayFinder Ambassador (15 hours): WayFinder Ambassadors play a vital role in helping patients and visitors navigate the often complex hospital environment. By providing clear directions and assistance, they reduce confusion and stress for those unfamiliar with the hospital layout. This role emphasizes customer service and communication skills, essential for any healthcare professional.
Through these ambassador roles, Phase One provides a strong foundation in patient interaction, customer service, and understanding the operational flow of a large hospital.
Phase Two: Department Placement – Deeper Clinical Immersion
Phase Two of the MCEP shifts focus towards a more in-depth experience within a specific hospital department. This phase requires 80 hours of service and aims to provide volunteers with a better understanding of a particular clinical environment. Department placements offer opportunities to interact more closely with patients, families, and clinical staff, including nurses, technicians, patient care assistants, and potentially physicians. This immersion is designed to build confidence in communication and caring skills while providing a realistic view of different healthcare settings. Volunteers may be placed in departments aligning with their interests, where they can observe and contribute to the daily routines of healthcare professionals, further solidifying their career aspirations.
Phase Three: Physician Rounding and Recognition
The final phase of the MCEP is a significant highlight, offering the unique opportunity to round with a physician for one day. This shadowing experience provides an invaluable firsthand look into the life of a doctor, allowing volunteers to observe patient interactions, medical decision-making processes, and the overall dynamics of a clinical team. Furthermore, upon successful completion of the 140-hour program commitment, volunteers receive a letter of recommendation from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This letter serves as a strong endorsement for future academic and professional pursuits in the medical field, making the MCEP a highly valuable addition to any pre-medical student’s resume.
Take the Next Step in Your Healthcare Career Exploration
The Brigham and Women’s Hospital Medical Career Exploration Program is a transformative experience for students serious about exploring careers in healthcare. It offers structured volunteer opportunities, real-world hospital experience, and valuable mentorship and recognition. If you are ready to embark on this journey of career discovery, contact Volunteer Services at BWH to request more information or inquire about program requirements. Simply send an email to [email protected] with “MCEP” in the subject line to begin your path towards a fulfilling healthcare career.
