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Here are some of the many opportunities out there...

As part of the American Medical Student Association, it is your duty to be a leader in your community.  In order to facilitate the type of community activism that is necessary to truly make a difference, we have compiled a list of opportunities which we hope you will find helpful.  So, see what's out there and get involved!
(If you know of an organization that needs to be listed, please contact us.)


Research:

1)  UW Undergraduate Research:  URP is the gateway to all research opportunities. The University of Washington is unique in the amount of research that is offered to its undergraduates. We strongly encourage interested members to explore and prepare themselves for whatever health career they have in the future.

a.  http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/

2)  UW Health Sciences Research Studies:  If you are not interested in conducting your own research, you can always aid medical research by participating in research studies who are seeking volunteers.  To see a list of research studies seeking volunteers go to:

a.  http://www.washington.edu/healthresearch/

3)  Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center:  Fred Hutch is an independent, nonprofit biomedical-research institution and is one of 39 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers nationwide.  The goal of the Hutchinson Center is to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

a.  http://www.fhcrc.org/

 

UW Medicine:  http://www.uwmedicine.org/

1)  Harborview Medical Center:  Harborview is one of the region's most comprehensive health-care facilities, providing high quality, state-of-the-art, advanced health care for people from all walks of life.  Harborview is also the only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center and regional burn center serving Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.  Harborview offers numerous volunteer opportunities that will give you a good sense of the hospital scene.

a.  General Website:  http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/
b.  Volunteer Website:  http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/CommunityAndNews/Volunteer/
         i. Volunteer Coordinator (Janet Green) hmcvol@u.washington.edu.

2)  University of Washington Medical Center:  The UW Medical Center is a nationally recognized academic medical center for the UW School of Medicine offering world-class specialty and primary care.  Ranked within the top ten hospitals in the nation, UWMC has something to offer everyone.

a.  General Website:  http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/UWMedicalCenter/
b.  Volunteer Website:  http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/UWMedicalCenter/CommunityAndNews/Volunteer/
         i.  Volunteer Services (206-598-4218.)

 

Free Clinics: 

1)  Haller Lake Christian Health Clinic:  This free clinic specializes in providing high quality, compassionate health care to medically underserved individuals with a mission of demonstrating and teaching Christ's message.  Haller Lake is actively looking for volunteers to aid in this endeavor so check them out. 

a.  More Info.  

2)    Country Doctor Community Clinic:  A non-profit organization whose primary goal to provide the highest quality comprehensive health care by combining outpatient and in-patient family practice primary care with community health care and preventive health education. 

a.       http://www.cdchc.org/index.php

 

UW Student Organizations:

1)  Alpha Epsilon Delta:  As a National Premedical Honors Society, AED, is an organization focused on undergraduate enrichment, promoting cooperation among the medical community and to use their knowledge for the benefit of health care. The University of Washington chapter is active in finding interested undergraduates who are motivated to make change in the medical community.

a.  http://students.washington.edu/aed/

2)  Tri-Beta:  Tri-Beta is the National Biological Honors Society and is devoted to increasing undergraduate interest in the disciplines of biology. It is open to all students who meet a course work and GPA requirement and is involved in many community events, local gatherings, and professional connections.

a.  http://students.washington.edu/tribeta/

3)  Student Health Consortium (SHC):  This organization is funded and run through the ASUW and is meant to act as liaison between UW health leaders and the student government with a mission to improve UW campus health.

a.  Website is coming (we'll keep you posted)

4)  Latino Medical Student Association:  This group is integral in both the undergraduate community and the medical school in order to help address health disparities that exist in our communities through outreach and community service. 

a.  http://www.lmsa.net/UW.htm

5)  Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS):  MAPS at the University of Washington is dedicated to helping underrepresented individuals realize their potential in health fields. Through our community service, we are committed to promoting and enhancing health among minorities, which enables us to educate ourselves so we can better address health concerns.

a.  Website:  http://students.washington.edu/mapsuw
b.  Email:  mapsuw@u.washington.edu

6)  Students for Equal Health:  Students for Equal Health is a coalition of passionate, dedicated undergraduates devoted to increasing awareness and sensitivity to a wide range of issues impacting healthcare today, both locally and globally.

a.  Website:  http://students.washington.edu/seh1
b.  Email:  seh1@u.washington.edu

7)  Student AIDS Action Network:  The Students AIDS Action Network is a national network of students committed to fighting HIV/AIDS by:  raising awareness of the medical, social, political, and economic ramifications of the disease nationally and globally, opening forums of communication, educating ourselves and others about HIV/AIDS, and collaborating with community organizations and students in order to bring about change. 

a.  http://students.washington.edu/saanuw

8)  Americans for Informed Democracy:  Americans for Informed Democracy is a non-partisan national organization committed to raising awareness about global issues to inspire the next generation of world leaders.

a.  www.essentialmedicine.org.

 

Hospitals:

1)  Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center:  Children's provides excellent patient care with compassion and respect, and conducts cutting-edge pediatric research. We also serve as a respected educational resource for parents and healthcare professionals alike.

a.  http://www.seattlechildrens.org/home/

2)  Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System:  VA Puget Sound Health Care System's mission is to proudly serve the veterans of the Pacific Northwest by delivering the highest quality health care and services supported by our education and research programs.

a.  http://www.puget-sound.med.va.gov/

Politics:

1)  Healthcare for All Washington:  This is a political organization that advocates for secure, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage for all Washington residents implemented through a unified financing system.

a.  www.healthcareforallwa.org

2) Physicians for a National Health Program:  This is an organization composed of physicians and other interested parties who are actively promoting medical reform towards a nationalized healthcare system.

a.  http://www.pnhpwesternwashington.org/

3) Washington State Medical Association:  This is the official organization of Washington Physicians and is awesome.  Unfortunately, there are no premed membership, but premeds can participate in their events.  Look into this group, because they are the policy setters for the state and join up with them as soon as you get into medical school.

a. http://www.wsma.org/

 

Other Opportunities:

1)  Teach for America:  If teaching is in your future and you enjoy volunteering with the community see what Teach for America has to offer. It is an organization for outstanding college graduates who wish to donate two years to teaching in an urban area. It is an amazing opportunity and is very helpful in creating a well-rounded individual.

a.  http://www.teachforamerica.org/

 

UW Programs:

1)  Health Care Alternative Spring Break (HCASB):  This program offers UW students an opportunity to learn about and experience healthcare in rural or underserved clinics in Washington during Spring Break.  Prior to departure, UW students chosen to participate in the project learn about their particular site and the health issues relevant to the community.  At the site, the team spends time volunteering in clinics, shadowing health-care professionals, and participating in scheduled talks pertaining to healthcare. The team will also volunteer in a local classroom to give presentations about college preparation. 

a.  http://students.washington.edu/hcasb/