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While in high school, how do you know if medical school is the right decision / path?

I'm currently a junior in high school, and just wondering how I can know whether or not I really want to go into medicine. I've heard that shadowing is a good way to find out, but I don't know any doctors and its really hard to find opportunities for people under 18. Suggestions?
#medicine #physician #medical-school #highschool #healthcare

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Thank you comment icon Hello Ava, I am actually in the same position as you. Does your high school happen to have any shadowing programs? Mine does, and that's what I was planning on doing. Either way, you might just have to reach out and put yourself out there. You could ask your regular doctor for a shadowing opportunity. The worst they could say is no. Kaitlin
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Juliana’s Answer

As life changes, so will your goals and aspirations. You have to be okay with that possibility and follow your heart as best as you can at this moment in time. Life is a journey and your passions are what will guide you through the experience. On the other hand, medical school is a big commitment and is not a decision to make lightly. Talk to people who are in the field you wish to be in and who are in school for what you plan to go to school for. Understand what they're life looks like getting their degree under their belt and then decide if the sacrifice is A) worth it and B) if you are willing to commit to it. You will make the right choice. Best wishes - you have your whole life ahead of you!

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Rita’s Answer

You should definitely check with your school guidance counselors to see what programs you have available to you through school. You can ask your current primary care physician if you could spend the day at his/her office to observe since you are interested in a career in medicine. You could do the same with your parent(s) doctors too. You might also be able to talk with some local colleges to see what they have available to high schools students.
Thank you comment icon There are ways to do this: 1. Approach universities which have medical research programs affiliated with clinical departments. There are usually summer programs for high school students. 2. Check with the colleges about the programs offered to high school students. 3. There are volunteer opportunities in hospitals. e.g., one of my high school students worked as a volunteer in a children's garden in the hospital. There is some official paperwork you have to do to get approved to serve as a volunteer in the hospital. Start early so that you can start to work early during the summer. 3. Email the physician directly. My summer student emailed a dermatologist and got a summer intern job. Education is a big part of medicine and I encourage you to go and try. Yuan Lu
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Rachel’s Answer

I would shadow physicians in different specialties as much as possible while you are still in school to help make the decision for yourself about what role you would like to play in the healthcare field.
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Estelle’s Answer

I agree with Richard and Rachel. Shadow and volunteer, but if shadowing is not available, then can you work in a clinic? My daughter was the receptionist in my office for a year between college and graduate school. She learned so much about my job as a gynecologist just by being in the office. It was a great learning experience for her.
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Hwal’s Answer

Ava,


How about starting with asking yourself "why"? Take some time aside to think of all the reasons you want to go to medical school, as compared to other career choices you may have considered in the past or you think you might be interested in. And remember that you will have plenty of time and opportunities to plan and prepare for any career choice you make, so take a step back and take your time. If you're absolutely convinced that medical school is what you want, seeing a careers counselor or getting a referral through your school counselor could be an option for resources.


Good luck!


Hwal

Hwal recommends the following next steps:

Think about why you want to go to medical school, and make a list if you can
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Richard’s Answer

Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
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