Student Awards
Internships/Volunteer Work
Medical Schools
Links for post-graduate resources
Internships/Volunteer Work
There is assistance available for you through the Office of Service Learning. First and foremost, Canisius interns and volunteers provide a helping hand in Western New York for those understaffed human service agencies that are overburdened in meeting the needs of their clients. Secondly, the services will provide an educational experience by allowing you to do some "hands on" work in the area.
You may pick up an application form at the Office of Service-Learning which is located in Old Main 004 from Sister Patricia Brady, SSMN. Sr. Pat will be able to answer any questions you may have, and provide direction throughout your volunteer service experience. She can assist you in helping you make the initial phone call if you choose.
The hospital placement office will then work out a schedule with you, and provide training if necessary. The Canisius College Career Center (OM-016) may also provide assistance with phone calls.
Click on the field that you are interested in to see internship opportunities available:
Health Science Internship List
Buffalo General Hospital
100 High Street, Buffalo, NY -- 859-2603
Volunteer internships fill support positions in the following departments: administration, admissions, ambulatory surgery & procedure unit, angelology, blood bank/grouping, c.a.p.d., cytology, dialysis, emergency room, employee relations, hematology, inhalation therapy, immunopathology, intensive care, medical library, medical records, nuclear medicine, nursing units, nutritional services, ob-gyn, occupational therapy, patient info, desk, patient representative, pharmacy, physical therapy (rehab. medicine), public relations, radiation oncology, social work, surgery, surgery support, tissue pathology, urology and visitor information/access.
Responsibilities range from administrative clerical support to running errands to assisting with research. Hours vary depending on the department.
Deaconess Division, Buffalo General Hospital
1001 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY -- 887-8010
This long-term care facility needs intern volunteers to help with activities, patient transport and clerical work. Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Episcopal Residential Health Care Facility, Inc.
24 Rhode Island Street, Buffalo, NY -- 884-6500
This facility provides a variety of health care programs, including outpatient services, for senior citizens. Volunteer interns are needed for a variety of positions, including the medical day treatment and therapy clinics departments.
E.C.M.C.
462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY -- 898-5337
The Skilled Nursing Facility, Emergency Room, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Psychiatry-Adolescent Unit, and Social Work Department need volunteer interns to perform a variety of duties, including: Occupational therapy aide, physical therapy aide, assisting staff with non-medical ER duties, offering one-on-one companionship to adolescent inpatients, speech therapist assistant. Hours vary.
Hamlin Terrace Health Care Center
1014 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY -- 885-8084
This long-term nursing home needs help with transporting and visiting residents and assisting with activities. Hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday; weekends and after-hours also available.
Kenmore Mercy Hospital
2950 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY -- 447-6189
A volunteer intern will have opportunities to work as an aide to occupational and physical therapists and the athletic care team. Volunteers are also needed to transport patients and help with clerical work. Hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Mercy Hospital
565 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY -- 828-2044
Volunteer intern positions are available in the emergency room (24 hours) and the outpatient surgery unit (ambulatory surgery; 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM). The latter entails handling discharges and answering patient's lights.
Millard Fillmore Hospitals
3 Gates Circle, Buffalo, NY -- 887-4900
Volunteer intern positions are in admissions, occupational therapy, physical therapy, emergency room, library, nursing station, rehab services, skilled nursing facility, and the surgery waiting room. Volunteers are also needed to act as mastectomy visitors and patient representatives.
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
1540 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY -- 568-3820
Volunteer interns help in admissions, emergency room nursing station, rehab services, surgery, surgery transport and emergency department liaison.
Note: To ensure stability in the overall day-to-day operations of the hospital, day shift volunteers are expected to work 3.5 to 4 hours per session, and evening shift volunteers are expected to work for 3-hour sessions. A volunteer period of not less than six months is requested. These rules apply to both facilities.
Our Lady of Victory
55 Melroy at Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY -- 825-8000
Volunteer interns are placed in the emergency room. Responsibilities depend on assigned surgeon, errands and transport. A minimum of a 50-hour commitment, 3 hours in a day. A physical is required (provided by the hospital), and meal included.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY -- 845-5708
Volunteer intern placements are based on matching the needs and interests of the individual with the needs of the Institute. Positions range from babysitters to research assistants, admissions aides to marketing interns. Hours vary.
Sheehan Memorial Hospital
425 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo, NY -- 848-2117
Generally, volunteer interns are placed in non-clinical settings, e.g. helping transport, feed and visit patients. Assistance is also needed in the family center.
Sisters Hospital
2157 Main Street, Buffalo, NY -- 862-1827
Volunteer intern opportunities are in all departments except labs, including emergency room, surgery, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The hospital especially needs students to work in the outpatient department at present. Hours are 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Women & Children's Health Hospital
219 Bryant Street, Buffalo, NY -- 878-7241
Volunteer internships are primarily in the Child Life Department. Responsibilities include assisting with bedside activities, comforting patients and assisting with transportation. Other positions available are clerical, ICU waiting room, patient library, pharmacy, admissions, blood labs, community/public relations, pre-surgery holding area and the doctors' library. Days and times vary depending on position. NOTE: Volunteers are scheduled on a semester-based calendar, e.g., starting in January, May and September, and must work for the entire semester.
Hospice
225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY -- 686-1900
This facility provides treatment of the terminally ill patient. Call the Volunteer Office at extension 2424 for more information.
Pre-Dental
Buffalo General Hospital - Dental Clinic
100 High Street, Buffalo, NY -- 859-2603
Responsibilities include observation and clerical work. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
E.C.M.C. - Dental Clinic
462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY -- 898-5337
Indicate you are a Canisius student in Pre-Dental looking for experience in the field before applying to dental school; what year you are in and the days and hours you can volunteer.
Pre-Vet
The Buffalo Zoo
Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY -- 837-3900
If accepted by the curator, volunteers will work in the animal department assisting the keepers with feeding, cleaning and general care. Hours will vary.
S.P.C.A.
205 Ensminger Road, Buffalo, NY -- 875-7360
Responsible volunteers willing to make a serious commitment are needed to act as dog walkers and to work in the pet therapy program (taking animals to nursing homes for one hour visits). The agency also needs help with seasonal special events and clerical work. Hours are 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
For information on other Nursing Homes or facilities, contact Sister Pat at Old Main 210C, telephone extension: 2424.
Medical Schools
The following timeline presents the sequence of events required to formally apply to one of the health professions schools. While you may not follow all the steps on it, the timeline suggests the timing and nature of the tasks necessary to do so. The timeline is designed to follow the people, events and timing specific to Canisius College.
In general, if you need more information on how to make your decision, the steps to follow in applying to professional health programs, or how to make the strongest possible case for your acceptance, the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center is the place to start.
Click here to download this document as a word file.
What are the steps it takes to become a doctor, veterinarian, dentist or other health professional?
The following timeline presents the sequence of events required to formally apply to one of the health professions schools. While you may not follow all the steps on it, the timeline suggests the timing and nature of the tasks necessary to do so. The timeline is designed to follow the people, events and timing specific to Canisius College.
In general, if you need more information on how to make your decision, the steps to follow in applying to professional health programs, or how to make the strongest possible case for your acceptance, the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center is the place to start.
Click here to download this document as a word file.
|
Time Table for Applying to Medical School | |
| FRESHMAN YEAR | |
| Meet with the Pre-Med Advisor, Dr. Marguerite Kermis, 888-2539, as well as with your faculty advisor to plan a 4 year program to be sure all requirements (major, premedical / dental / veterinary) will be met within your undergraduate years at Canisius College. | |
| Many Pre-Med students are biology majors but choose a major you are interested in and can excel in. Medical schools do not recommend one major over another. However, individual medical colleges may have certain required courses that you will need to take during your stay at Canisius College | |
| If you are undecided as to what major to choose, the Career Center in the basement of Old Main (OM-013) can help. Call for an appointment at 888-2475. Any of the counselors in the Career Center will be able to help. | |
| Pre-Medical students should register in the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center, (HS 3068), or call 888-3208 to register by phone. This will help to ensure that you receive all information and announcements as they become available during your stay at Canisius College | |
| Get to know your teachers and advisors. Lay the groundwork for the letters of recommendation needed in your Junior year | |
| September of each year | Attend the Graduate and Professional School Fair. Representatives from Medical, Dental, and other schools can be seen and questions asked |
| April of each year | Attend the George E. Schreiner Distinguished Speaker Series presentation. |
| Consider joining Tri-beta. Many of the announcements for Pre-Med are distributed through this club, and you will meet others working toward the same goals as yourself. | |
| Look for opportunities to volunteer or work in a health care setting. Check with the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center for ideas. | |
| SOPHOMORE YEAR | |
| Plan your pre-requisite course sequence in order to complete the needed requirements before taking your national tests (MCAT, OAT, GRE, OAT, etc.). Try to have your Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses completed before the testing. Aim for taking the MCA T in the Spring semester of your Junior year. | |
| If applying for Early Assurance to UB, Syracuse, or other, the process starts with a meeting in the second week in October of your sophomore year. Only sophomores can apply. Contact the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center at (888-3208) for more details and deadlines. | |
| Check out opportunities and requirements for being a teaching or research assistant (see department heads), Hughes program or CEEP (see Dr. Neuner in Academic Affairs, BA205) in your Junior or Senior year. | |
| Hughes awards are due into Dr. Neuner's office in February for the next year. CEEP applications are due in March to the same office. Announcements will be made by April. These awards are given once a year and are year long assignments. | |
Stay in contact with the Pre-Med Office to see what is available and requirements for professional &/or Medical schools.
| |
| Look for leadership opportunities in your extracurricular activities. Get involved in a significant way while working with a few clubs or groups. Check out the Biology Honors group and Tri-Beta. | |
| Start to take your electives. Plan ahead start to get to know faculty members in subject areas outside of your major. Most medical schools require at least one letter of recommendation from a professor in a non-science course. Continue to look for opportunities to volunteer or work in a health care setting. | |
| JUNIOR YEAR | |
| September | Develop a study plan and start preparing for the MCAT exam. Starting in 2007 the MCAT is a completely computerized exam and is given 22 times a year. However, it is strongly recommended by the pre-medical advisor that the MCAT be taken in April. You want to take the MCAT after you have completed the pertinent math and science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Princeton Review, Kaplan, etc. all have classes to help. |
| Plan to "Shadow a Doctor." Call the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center for more information. | |
| October | If applying to Medical School (Fall of the next year), attend the Pre-Med Information meeting in the Health Science Building |
| After the Pre-Med Information meeting: Begin to approach the people from whom you would like to request a letter of recommendation. Give them a "Letter of Recommendation Request and Waiver" form. Be sure you ask each one, and give them the pertinent information about yourself so they can write the best, informed letter possible. You will need a minimum of (3) three letters of recommendation. Preferably two from science and one from a non-science professor. | |
| Start thinking about writing your personal autobiography and list of activities, this will be due in December. | |
| December | Your personal autobiography and list of activities you did in high school and college are due. Gather this information for the HSARC (Health Science And Recommendation Committee) review. You are not required to use the HSARC review, but most schools of medicine require a letter of evaluation, such as that written by the HSARC committee. Turn in all materials requested by HSARC for review. |
| January | You should plan on registering on-line for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Starting in 2007 the MCAT is a completely computerized exam and is given 22 times a year. However, at this time it is recommended that you take the MCAT no later than April. MCAT information is located at: http://www.aamc.oro/students/mcatlcbt.htm. |
| February | Be at Canisius' "So You Want to be a Doctor/Dentist" night. Canisius Alumni who are presently in medical school will be on hand to give you a perspective of each year in professional school and how to prepare for residency. They will also share their experiences in applying, interviewing techniques and standardized exam preparation. Representatives from Princeton Review and Kaplan MCA T Review programs will be available. |
| March | Begin to think about which Medical/DentalNeterinary ect. schools interest you. Go to school websites, read catalogs, talk with seniors who have visited schools, talk with your advisor, consult information and advisors at the (George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center). If applying to Dental Schools go to: American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Associated American Dental School Application Service (ADDSAS) ADDSAS: https://aadsas.adea.org/ |
| April | Go to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for Medical School and/or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service AACOMAS will be available. Begin to read the instructions to prepare for submitting it in mid-June. Information and applications can be downloaded from their web site at: AMCAS: http://www.aamc.oro/audienceamcas.htm AACOMAS: http://www.aacomas.aacom.org: |
| May | Start your AMCAS (allopathic medicine) application &/or AACOMAS (osteopathic medicine) process. A. Stop in the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center if you need information on how to complete the AMCAS and/or AACOMAS application. B. May (or earlier) - Begin working on your personal statement for the AMCAS application. Prepare a draft of the essay and have another individual review the statement. You do not want spelling or grammar errors. C. May - Request applications from non-AMCAS schools to which you will apply. |
| SENIOR YEAR | |
| May-June-between Junior and Senior Year | You should be in the process of filling out your AMCAS (allopathic medicine) application &/or AACOMAS (osteopathic medicine) process. |
| June-July | Complete and mail applications to non-AM CAS schools. You also will begin to receive supplementary materials and recommendation requests from AMCAS/AACOMAS schools. Applicant interviews with Dr. M. Kermis (for reviewing the HSARC letter) should be completed |
| July | Get everything ready for Early Decision due August 15 at UB and other schools. Have Early Decision application into the school by August 1. NO EXTENSIONS are allowed. Postmarked by August 1 is not good enough. |
| August 15 | AMCAS/AACOMAS applications should be completed no later than this date regardless of when you take the MCAT. |
| August - February | MOCK interviews (practice interviews) are available. You should try to have one before your first interview. It helps you feel calmer and better prepared for the actual interview. |
| Research the medical schools where you are interviewing before you leave. Give them the courtesy of having prepared. | |
| Interviews. Before you leave for an interview, stop by the George E. Schreiner PreMedical Center for names of any Canisius graduates currently attending the medical school you will be visiting. You may want to contact them, either for suggestions for where to stay, or to hear what they think of the school. | |
| March | Explore Scholarship opportunities. Attend the "Paying for Medical School" evening planned by the Pre-Med Advisor. |
| Respond quickly to secondary applications. Once you start to receive secondary applications. Go to the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center and fill out the "release form" you will only need one (1) of these. This form will be placed in your file. The release form allows the Pre-Medical Center to mail your HSARC letter to the school(s) that you are applying to. The "statement of wavier" form needs to be filled out and signed. This form must go with every letter mailed. | |
| Make an appointment with the Pre-Med Advisor if you are unsure how to handle multiple acceptances. Inform the Pre-Med Advisor as to any acceptances or rejections you have received. | |
| Download the FAFSA information from their web site. This has a parental component. The due date is usually March 1. | |
| Check out the financial aid policies for the medical schools you are applying to. | |
| Formulate a "Plan B" Meet with the Pre-Med Advisor to determine what your strategy should be if you are not accepted this year. | |
These are links that you will find very useful in your search for a post-graduate school.
AAMC: Association of American Medical Colleges
http://www.aamc.org
AMCAS: American Medical College Application Service
http://aamc.org/audienceamcas.htm
E-mail: amcas@aamc.org
Association of American Medical Colleges
Section for Student Services
2450 N. Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037-1126
Phone: (202)828-0400 or Fax: 202-828-1125
AACOM: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
http://www.aacom.org
AACOMAS: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service Application
http://www.aacomas.aacom.org
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Blvd.
Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231
Phone: (301) 968-4190 (application service) Fax: (301) 968-4101
MCAT: Medical College Admission Test
Information on AMCAS web site:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm
Email: amcas@aamc.org
MCAT Essentials: this document is required reading for MCAT Examination Candidates http://www.aame.org/students/mcat/registration.htm
http://www.aamc.org/mcat
For questions about registration and test administration
It is preferred by the MCAT Program Office that you contact them via email.
Email: mcat@aamc.org
MCAT Care Team
Association American Medical Colleges
Section for Applicant Assessment Services
2450 N. St NW
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 828-0690
ADEA: American Dental Education Association
http://www.adea.org
AADSAS: Associated American Dental Schools Application Service:
www.adea.org/AADSAS/default.htm apply on-line
Related Organizations
http://www.adea.org/related-organizations/default.htm
American Dental Education Association
1400 K Street, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 289-7201
Fax: (202) 289-7204
American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Avenue
Suite 1846
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
Phone: (312) 440-2500
DAT: Dental Admission Test
http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp
Dental Admissions Testing Program
211 East Chicago Ave.,
Suite 1846
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2689
AACPM: American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
http://www.aacpm.org
Email: info@aacpm.org
AACPMAS: American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service
http://www.aacpm.org/applv/applv.asp
Email: aacpmas@aacpm.org
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
15850 Crabbs Branch Way,
Suite 320
Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: (800)922-9266 Fax: (301)948-1928
APMA: American Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.APMA.org/sapma/index.asp
American Podiatric Medical Association
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-1621 Phone: (800)FOOTCARE, 1/800-366-8223 301/571-9200 or 800/ASK-APMA Fax: 301/530-2752
Email: askapma@apma.org
ASCO: Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
http://www.opted.org
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
6110 Executive Blvd.
Suite 510
Rockville, MD 20852 Phone: 301/231-5944 Fax: 301/770-1828
AOA: American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org
American Optometric Association
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: (314)991-4100 Fax: (314)991-4101
OAT: Optometry Admission Test
www.opted.org click on: Online Registration for OAT
Optometry Admission Testing Program General Information
211 East Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611-2678 Phone: (312) 440-2693 Fax: (312) 587-4105
ACA: American Chiropractic Association
http://www.amerchiro.org
memberinfo@acatoday.org
ACA
1701 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 703/276-8800 Fax: 703/243-2593
Physician Assistants
American Academy of Physician Assistants
http://www.aapa.org
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants
https://portal.caspaonline.org/caspa2007
AAVMC: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
http://www.aavmc.org
Veterinary Medical Colleges Application Service
http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas.htm
Email: vmcas@aavmc.org VMCAS Customer Service
Assoc. of American Veterinary Med. Colleges
1101 Vermont Ave., NW,
Suite 301
Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202)371-9195 or Fax: (202) 842-0773
Veterinary Medical College Application Service
Phone: 877-862-2740 Toll free student and advisor hot line Fax: (202) 682-1122
Students interested in attending veterinary school should check with their prospective institutions for test requirements.
MCAT: Medical College Admission Test
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat
Some schools PREFER the GRE (general) or (general and biology)
GRE: General Record Examination or MCAT
http://www.gre.org
VCAT: Veterinary College Admission Test
The VCAT was discontinued in April 2003
Veterinary College Admission Test
1101 Vermont Ave. NW
Level 1C
Washington, DC 20005
877/862-2740 or 202/682-0750
GRE: Graduate Record Examination
http://www.gre.org
GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test
GRE/ETS
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
(866)473-4373 Fax: 910/290-8975
The PreMed Zone
Internships
Health Science Internship Opportunities in the Buffalo area
Student Associations
Undergraduate:
Post Graduate:
PreMed Alumni Who Took Time Off:
From Cornell University Cornell Careers Services
Their reasons vary from needing time for a break, for clarifying career goals, for pursuing an activity of interest, or for improving credentials. In all cases they report positive results from the decision to take time off.