One of the main reasons why I chose to continue my education at the University of Iowa is because of the multitude of opportunities available to students interested in a health career.

In just my first semester of being here in Iowa City, I have learned about different clubs, jobs, volunteer opportunities, etc. and I am excited to share them with you!

Volunteering

Not only do volunteer hours look great on applications, but they are also a good way to get exposure to different environments, learn about your interests, and always make you feel good.

There are a variety of volunteering opportunities available on campus, and students will often get emails about these opportunities. Aside from these, there are a few opportunities Pre-med students might take a liking to.

The first of these is volunteering at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. I currently volunteer here in the Mother Baby Unit. Upon applying to be a volunteer, you get to select from over 30 different units in the hospital. If you have any interest in working in the health care field, or more specifically, a hospital, I highly recommend looking into volunteering at the hospital! You can find more information on the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics website.

Another great volunteer opportunity is through the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic. The Mobile Clinic is a student led organization that strives to provide free health care to underserved groups of people in the Iowa City community. Being a part of this organization is a great way for students to get exposure to a side of medicine most students don’t get. In addition, you can gain hands-on experience and get to meet people from a variety of backgrounds.

Student Organizations and Clubs

As many people know, the University of Iowa is home to over 500 student organizations. With this comes a variety of clubs directed towards Pre-med students.

Medicus

Medicus is a student organization that provides Pre-med undergraduates with opportunities to hear different speakers, including physicians and medical students, volunteer, work in small clinics, attend fun socials, and so much more! You can learn more about this organization on their social medias and website.

MAPS

Although I am not a part of it myself, Minority Association of Pre-medical Students is a great way to be involved at the university and learn more about being a Pre-med student.

Pre-PA Club

The Pre-Physician Assistant Club here at the university provides students who are interested in becoming a PA with tons of valuable information about applications, patient contact hours, volunteer experiences, etc. If you are interested in becoming a PA, I highly suggest you check out this student organization.

There are multiple other student orgs on campus that Pre-med students may be interested in including From Cover to Cover, Dance Marathon, Doctors without Borders, etc. Being in any student organization will help you make connections with other students and learn about other opportunities and experiences.

Research and Jobs

Although I took my first semester to adjust to life in college, I plan on getting a job my second semester. If you are interested in finding a job either on campus or near campus, I recommend downloading the Handshake app. Here, you can find so many job opportunities and apply to them with just a few clicks.

Another resource is the Pomerantz Career Center website. Under the “Jobs & Internships” tab, you can find a whole list of student employment opportunities. Many of these jobs are ones that involve medical- or science-related aspects, perfect for Pre-med students!

If you are interested in research or studies, you are in luck here! There are hundreds of studies of all sizes and topics for you to be involved in. On top of that, they are always looking for undergraduates to work on research projects. Sometimes, this includes being paid, volunteering, or receiving academic credit!

When you come to the University of Iowa you will have countless opportunities to be involved. As a Pre-medicine student, there are multiple options specific to you and your interests! You can find more information about any of the topics listed above through the university’s website.