3 answers
Willow
Student
Colonial Beach, Virginia
4
Questions
Asked
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How do I find medical related opportunities for High School?
I know I need to have a lot of different things on my application in order to stand out in the application process. I know that there is also a requirement for research to apply to most schools as well as a requirement for having leadership opportunities. Where and how can I achieve all of these while trying to maintain good grades in both high school and in the future college?
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3 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
51
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
You have asked the right question! Almost nobody achieves all the recommended things that go into an application for colleges and medical schools. There is good news, however. You are still in high school, so do well enough to get into a good college or university. It does not have to be the top 10% of schools. Many physicians and other healthcare professionals begin in lesser-known schools. When in college, it is important to get a strong GPA with great letters of recommendation. This comes from taking advantage of office hours, trying to work in the lab of a professor you enjoy, and being visible without being annoying.
Most medical schools like to see well-rounded candidates, so being involved in sports, music, speech, volunteer organizations, and the like is a plus. Find what you are passionate about and focus mostly on that. Is it working in a lab? Ask local hospitals, colleges, and such if they offer opportunities like summer internships. Is it public health? Find an organization in your community that helps people with difficulty meeting basic health needs like housing, nutrition, paying medical bills...
As for leadership, try to be a team captain, a student councilperson, or other similar opportunity.
Consider how to use social media constructively to help patients (everyone is a patient). There is so much bad information being circulated that hurts people trying to be healthy. Perhaps you can join a group who provides true scientific information.
Best of luck.
Most medical schools like to see well-rounded candidates, so being involved in sports, music, speech, volunteer organizations, and the like is a plus. Find what you are passionate about and focus mostly on that. Is it working in a lab? Ask local hospitals, colleges, and such if they offer opportunities like summer internships. Is it public health? Find an organization in your community that helps people with difficulty meeting basic health needs like housing, nutrition, paying medical bills...
As for leadership, try to be a team captain, a student councilperson, or other similar opportunity.
Consider how to use social media constructively to help patients (everyone is a patient). There is so much bad information being circulated that hurts people trying to be healthy. Perhaps you can join a group who provides true scientific information.
Best of luck.
Thank you so much!
Willow
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
158
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
So what are you saying that you don't know? Yet you're saying that you do know? Let's take a look at your question:
"How do I find medical related opportunities for High School?" (There Are Non) but You Can Volunteer at a hospital or local VA hospital.
"I know I need to have a lot of different things on my application in order to stand out in the application process". No, at your level, just focus on customer service, security observation, accurate data entry, etc. Any fast-food job or office assistant job will give you that. Be the best at it as it will be used as a talking point when you go to college or enter the medical arena (depending on your specialty)
"I know that there is also a requirement for research to apply to most schools as well as a requirement for having leadership opportunities". Again, what research have you performed up to now? You have not mentioned what direction you have chosen, so a direction must first be chosen. Start researching because we can only advise you, but you need to do the footwork.
Everybody knows what must be done but few actually do it. Be the doer not the do for me'er.
As a leader you must first learn to follow to one day lead. There are good leaders and wannabe good leaders so, while in school join a club/team and become a leader, which will require positive involvement and action.
"Where and how can I achieve all of these while trying to maintain good grades in both high school and in the future college?" In School is where you will do this. Get involved and invest your time and energy.
Primarily, "Trying Is Lying" You must do well in school, because atop all the medical knowledge that is out there, industry is also a business. All your ducks must march in a row. Because others want what you want so competition is tough. The one who wins is the one who thinks "Bring it On"
"How do I find medical related opportunities for High School?" (There Are Non) but You Can Volunteer at a hospital or local VA hospital.
"I know I need to have a lot of different things on my application in order to stand out in the application process". No, at your level, just focus on customer service, security observation, accurate data entry, etc. Any fast-food job or office assistant job will give you that. Be the best at it as it will be used as a talking point when you go to college or enter the medical arena (depending on your specialty)
"I know that there is also a requirement for research to apply to most schools as well as a requirement for having leadership opportunities". Again, what research have you performed up to now? You have not mentioned what direction you have chosen, so a direction must first be chosen. Start researching because we can only advise you, but you need to do the footwork.
Everybody knows what must be done but few actually do it. Be the doer not the do for me'er.
As a leader you must first learn to follow to one day lead. There are good leaders and wannabe good leaders so, while in school join a club/team and become a leader, which will require positive involvement and action.
"Where and how can I achieve all of these while trying to maintain good grades in both high school and in the future college?" In School is where you will do this. Get involved and invest your time and energy.
Primarily, "Trying Is Lying" You must do well in school, because atop all the medical knowledge that is out there, industry is also a business. All your ducks must march in a row. Because others want what you want so competition is tough. The one who wins is the one who thinks "Bring it On"
Thank you for the advice.
Willow
Taylor Buckley
Delivery Operations Manager
2
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
My passion for the medical field began in high school, where I eagerly applied to a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program as soon as I was eligible at 16. With my qualifications, I worked part-time at a nursing home during evenings, weekends, and holidays, all while staying focused on school. At 18, I enrolled in an EMT Basic course, which not only contributed to my school credits but also suppored my hands-on experience in the medical field.
I’ve always been a strong advocate for diversifying your skill set. During college, I ventured into the restaurant industry to earn money, where I honed valuable soft skills like organization, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Though I shifted away from my dream of becoming a physician, the foundation built through my medical experience proved invaluable throughout my decades-long restaurant career and now, in my leadership role within the technical training field.
Life is full of unexpected paths, so don't limit yourself to one box or put all your eggs in one basket. Explore the possibilities and you might discover exciting opportunities you never considered. Above all, keep learning and growing... you’ll never regret it!
I’ve always been a strong advocate for diversifying your skill set. During college, I ventured into the restaurant industry to earn money, where I honed valuable soft skills like organization, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Though I shifted away from my dream of becoming a physician, the foundation built through my medical experience proved invaluable throughout my decades-long restaurant career and now, in my leadership role within the technical training field.
Life is full of unexpected paths, so don't limit yourself to one box or put all your eggs in one basket. Explore the possibilities and you might discover exciting opportunities you never considered. Above all, keep learning and growing... you’ll never regret it!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Willow