Best hospital to volunteer at in Center City?

[usadele]

Studying towards premed and hoping to fulfill volunteer component, gain excellent exposure, and meet great people ... any suggestions?

[Braveheart]

Probably a hospital near you would be best.

The VA hospital on Woodland in W Philly is a good bet, and there's also UPenn and Childrens next door.

[Moonraker]

I never heard any complaints from volunteers at the Pennsylvania Hospital, and recall hearing kudos to their volunteer coordinator.

[Braveheart]

Is it volunteering if it's compulsory, or just unpaid?

[3rd&Brown]

I volunteered years ago in the ER and Trauma Center at UPenn. It was an incredible experience.

[GMonkey]

Well, the VA could definitely use your help! There is a serious lack of people to help transport people around to appointments. Many patients can hardly walk, yet they have to walk from the main entrance, to radiology, to the eye clinic, to dental, etc. They put on a brave face, but limping around the hospital is exhausting for them and they end up late to their appointments.

It is rewarding, but can be depressing. You might want to break it up with other hospitals.