Are you a college undergraduate considering a career in medicine? The Medical Career Exploration Program (MCEP) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), a prestigious Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital, offers an exceptional opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a real-world healthcare environment. This program is specifically designed for motivated undergraduate students like you to explore various facets of the medical field, make informed decisions about your future career path, and contribute meaningfully to the community.
The MCEP provides a structured and enriching experience through a rotational program. You’ll have the chance to engage in different roles within the hospital, building practical skills and gaining valuable insights into hospital operations and patient care. This immersive experience culminates in a personalized letter of recommendation and a unique opportunity to shadow a physician for a day, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the life of a doctor.
Is the MCEP Right for You? Eligibility Criteria
To ensure a successful and beneficial experience for all participants, the MCEP has specific eligibility requirements:
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or rising Senior until July between Junior and Senior year) or a full-time post-baccalaureate student at a local academic institution. Please note that exceptions to these enrollment parameters cannot be made.
- Time Commitment: A commitment of a minimum of 12 months is required to complete the program, which includes 140 hours of volunteer service at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This commitment is structured to provide a deep and meaningful experience. While the program requires a year-long commitment, we understand the demands of academic life. You can take breaks during school vacations, study abroad semesters, or periods when your coursework is particularly demanding. However, the program is designed for consistent engagement over time and cannot be completed solely during short school breaks.
- Weekday Availability: Participants must have the flexibility to volunteer during weekday daytime hours, specifically within the timeframes of 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, or 5:00 pm – 8:00pm. This ensures alignment with hospital operational needs and provides diverse learning opportunities.
If you meet these criteria and are eager to delve into the world of medicine, the MCEP could be the perfect program for you.
MCEP Program Structure: Phases to Medical Insight
The Brigham and Women’s Medical Career Exploration Program is thoughtfully structured into three distinct phases, each designed to build upon the previous one and offer a comprehensive understanding of the hospital environment and patient care. The program requires a total of 140 hours of volunteer service over 12 months, divided into ambassador service and departmental placement.
Phase One: Ambassador Service (60 Hours)
This initial phase provides a foundational understanding of hospital operations and patient interaction through three key ambassador roles:
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Central Transport Ambassador (15 hours): Gain insight into the logistical backbone of the hospital by assisting in the transport of patients, specimens, equipment, and packages across various departments, including ambulatory, lab, and inpatient units. This role offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on hospital functionality and the interconnectedness of different departments.
“I witnessed all types of (professional) relationships within the hospital and saw lots of things that I never really thought I would. I have always equated hospital life to what I had viewed on television shows. From my perspective, real life is so much better.” -BWH Central Transport Ambassador Volunteer
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Patient Access Ambassador (30 hours): Become the first point of contact for patients and visitors at the main information desk. Your responsibilities will include warmly greeting individuals, providing directions, answering basic inquiries, and escorting visitors to various locations throughout the hospital. This role is crucial in shaping the patient experience and developing your communication and interpersonal skills in a healthcare setting. Bilingual skills are highly valued in this role, allowing you to assist a broader range of patients and families.
“BWH truly is titanic in size. Today I saw 6-7 patients of varying backgrounds. The most memorable included a woman who was very happy to see me simply because I let her know her husband was waiting for her at the front desk; I helped a man heading towards ambulatory registration who asked me about my background and hope of becoming an MD; and a grandmother with her daughter telling me all about how she came in for an ultrasound of her partially occluded carotid artery and that she was never able to find the Vascular Lab.” -BWH Patient Access Ambassador Volunteer
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WayFinder Ambassador (15 hours): Similar to Patient Access, WayFinder Ambassadors focus on guiding patients and visitors, ensuring they navigate the hospital efficiently and with ease. This role emphasizes customer service and problem-solving skills within a complex environment.
Phase Two: Department Placement (80 Hours)
Building upon the ambassador experience, Phase Two offers a deeper dive into a specific clinical environment within the hospital. This department placement allows you to gain a more focused understanding of patient care and interact directly with patients, families, and clinical staff. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with nurses, technicians, patient care assistants, and potentially physicians, enhancing your understanding of interprofessional teamwork in healthcare. This phase is designed to cultivate your communication and empathy skills while providing a realistic preview of a clinical setting.
Phase Three: Physician Rounding and Letter of Recommendation
The culmination of the Medical Career Exploration Program is Phase Three. Upon successful completion of the 140-hour volunteer requirement, you will be granted the invaluable opportunity to round with a physician for one day. This unique shadowing experience provides a close-up view of a physician’s daily routine, patient interactions, and clinical decision-making. Furthermore, you will receive a letter of recommendation from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a strong credential to support your future medical school applications or other healthcare-related endeavors.
Take the Next Step in Your Medical Journey
The Brigham and Women’s Hospital Medical Career Exploration Program is a competitive and rewarding opportunity for undergraduate students serious about exploring a career in medicine. It offers a structured pathway to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and make meaningful connections within a leading healthcare institution.
To request further information about the MCEP program requirements or to inquire about the application process, please contact Volunteer Services at BWH. Reach out via email at [email protected] with “MCEP” in the subject line. Embark on your medical career exploration journey today!
