Medical schools want evidence that you understand the profession and have cared for people. They do not expect you to have shadowed a surgeon. Many schools say outright that volunteering in a care setting is as valuable as a hospital placement.
Good sources of experience
- Care homes, hospices and dementia cafes.
- Charities that support people with disabilities, mental health problems or homelessness.
- Befriending and listening services.
- A GP practice or hospital placement, where you can arrange one.
- Paid work in a customer-facing or caring role.
Reflect, don’t list
Admissions teams read hundreds of applications that say “I shadowed a doctor and it confirmed my passion”. What stands out is a specific moment, what you saw about communication, teamwork or dignity, and what it changed in your thinking.
- Describe one or two experiences in detail rather than listing ten.
- Link them to the qualities in Good Medical Practice: respect, honesty, teamwork, resilience and learning from mistakes.
- Be accurate: interviewers will ask about anything you write.
A reflective example
A weaker sentence: “I volunteered in a care home and learnt the importance of communication.” A stronger one: “When a resident with dementia became distressed at lunch, a carer knelt to her eye level and spoke slowly; she settled within minutes. It showed me that communication is a clinical skill that can be observed and practised.” The second is specific, shows observation and links to the profession.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.