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What can I do to narrow down my options for a career in medicine?
I'm a high school student who is really interested in going in to the medical field after college. I'm currently taking three biology related courses at school (biology, neuroscience, and anatomy and physiology) and I want to narrow down my options to a specific field of medicine to specialize in after high school. There are a lot of areas of biology that I'm interested in and I'm struggling with deciding on something to focus on. How can I narrow down my options and what steps can I take to start focusing on those options in my studies?
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Michael Cadra, MD, DMD, FACS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
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Michael’s Answer
I suggest the algorithm found in The British Medical Journal. Sorry that I cannot copy and paste here. It can be found at https://www.bmj.com/content/331/7531/1529
In reality, there are over 160 medical specialities or subspecialties. It is impossible for a high school student to make intelligent choice(s) at this stage in the educational process. Medical students are limited in the number of specialties that they can explore in two years of clinical training. Surveys of medical students show that greater than 85% change their mind if they had a preconceived specialty in mind on entering dental school.
Dr. Simpson (above) gives great advice!
Good luck on your journey,
In reality, there are over 160 medical specialities or subspecialties. It is impossible for a high school student to make intelligent choice(s) at this stage in the educational process. Medical students are limited in the number of specialties that they can explore in two years of clinical training. Surveys of medical students show that greater than 85% change their mind if they had a preconceived specialty in mind on entering dental school.
Dr. Simpson (above) gives great advice!
Good luck on your journey,
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Hi there, one thing I think would help so much is if you make a list of pros and cons and compare different opportunities. Think about what it will take time wise (how many years of training/schooling until you reach those goals career wise). What are your life goals (do you want to start a family/move/travel/etc and where does that fit in in the timelines. What is the cost/financial implications/what is your plan for that cost/life costs and are you satisfied with that. Think about comparing these for each goal and then also what that will look like both for the short term and for the long term as well and most importantly how happy it will make you in both the short and long term. I think talking to others who have had this career or other careers you might be interested, hearing their experiences, get their advice, see how happy they are with their choice, will always be helpful. Remember it is ok to need more time to weight the pros/cons and choose. you can always take more time, take a gap year, try a different job in the meantime. See if you can volunteer/shadow/intern at other types of jobs and see if you like those.
Hope this helps!!
Madison
Hope this helps!!
Madison
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Avah !
What you are doing now in High School is preparing for your college path at college for your Bachelors Degree. You would not have to choose a medical specialty until about 9 or10 years from now in Medical School. This is way too early to decide on a "specialty". The subjects you are taking are great and knowledge you will need to know for college and medical school.
I'm not sure that you need to focus on a specific type of biology since it may be better to take a variety of biology classes for the overall foundational knowledge. When the time comes close to applying for colleges, you could Major in Biology and most likely, all the facets of biology will be separate courses. That would be the usual way to do it. The degree would be in Biology but you would have taken Introduction to Biology, Biological Principles with Lab, and Biodiversity with Lab, general chemistry and organic chemistry sequences, including laboratory components, Genetics, Cell Biology, Evolution, and Ecology, Principles of Plant Physiology, Comparative Animal Physiology, or Human Morphology and Function, etc. So it's not about a major specialty, you would just Major in Biology at college. You would learn how to use that knowledge once you are in Medical School.
You do not have to "narrow down your options" for biology classes in high school. It's not done that way. Most biology classes for high school are developed from a standard curriculum by your local school district (if you're in public school) and, unless your school is exceptional, the titles of the classes are not sub-groups of biology, rather like Biology 1 or Intermediate or Advanced Biology. Verify this with your guidance counselor before making any plans about what classes you should take.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
What you are doing now in High School is preparing for your college path at college for your Bachelors Degree. You would not have to choose a medical specialty until about 9 or10 years from now in Medical School. This is way too early to decide on a "specialty". The subjects you are taking are great and knowledge you will need to know for college and medical school.
I'm not sure that you need to focus on a specific type of biology since it may be better to take a variety of biology classes for the overall foundational knowledge. When the time comes close to applying for colleges, you could Major in Biology and most likely, all the facets of biology will be separate courses. That would be the usual way to do it. The degree would be in Biology but you would have taken Introduction to Biology, Biological Principles with Lab, and Biodiversity with Lab, general chemistry and organic chemistry sequences, including laboratory components, Genetics, Cell Biology, Evolution, and Ecology, Principles of Plant Physiology, Comparative Animal Physiology, or Human Morphology and Function, etc. So it's not about a major specialty, you would just Major in Biology at college. You would learn how to use that knowledge once you are in Medical School.
You do not have to "narrow down your options" for biology classes in high school. It's not done that way. Most biology classes for high school are developed from a standard curriculum by your local school district (if you're in public school) and, unless your school is exceptional, the titles of the classes are not sub-groups of biology, rather like Biology 1 or Intermediate or Advanced Biology. Verify this with your guidance counselor before making any plans about what classes you should take.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Great question! The presumption is that you mean as a physician, and you've gotten good advice already. But let me suggest that there are many more options in the medical field: nursing, laboratory, IT, biomedical engineering, just to name a few. In all cases, physician included, assess your interests and abilities. What do you love to do? Are you geared toward creating and fixing? Biomedical engineering, physical therapy or surgery might fit. Do you love discovering and solving puzzles? Infectious disease, research, or laboratory science would likely be fulfilling.
What kind of people do you like being around: the elderly?children ? babies ? those with special needs? Or are you more introverted and not inclined to be in the spotlight? Yes, you have time to make a decision. So, continue with your studies toward a Bachelor of Science in a medical related field, see about interviewing or shadowing some professionals in different areas of interest, and find your fit. Best to you!
What kind of people do you like being around: the elderly?children ? babies ? those with special needs? Or are you more introverted and not inclined to be in the spotlight? Yes, you have time to make a decision. So, continue with your studies toward a Bachelor of Science in a medical related field, see about interviewing or shadowing some professionals in different areas of interest, and find your fit. Best to you!
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Donald’s Answer
Hi Avah,
Right now, focus on getting into college and picking a major when you apply. During your first year, try some different classes. You might find you love subjects like Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or Psychology. Medical schools want unique applicants, so don't just pick a major because you think it will help you get in. My classmates come from all sorts of backgrounds, like Law, Business, Fine Arts, and Performing Arts. You can meet the admission requirements for medical school with any major by taking them as elective or creating a minor. Once you're in medical school, your interests might change over the first few years. Honestly, some people even switch specialties after starting residency. For now, follow what truly interests and excites you. Everything else will fall into place over time.
Take care!
Right now, focus on getting into college and picking a major when you apply. During your first year, try some different classes. You might find you love subjects like Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or Psychology. Medical schools want unique applicants, so don't just pick a major because you think it will help you get in. My classmates come from all sorts of backgrounds, like Law, Business, Fine Arts, and Performing Arts. You can meet the admission requirements for medical school with any major by taking them as elective or creating a minor. Once you're in medical school, your interests might change over the first few years. Honestly, some people even switch specialties after starting residency. For now, follow what truly interests and excites you. Everything else will fall into place over time.
Take care!
Updated
Magan’s Answer
It’s awesome that you’re already diving deep into biology-related courses—biology, neuroscience, and anatomy and physiology are a great foundation for a future in medicine!
To help narrow down your options, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Explore Different Medical Specialties
Start by researching various medical fields—like pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, dermatology, emergency medicine, etc. Look into what each specialty involves day-to-day, the kind of patients they work with, and the challenges they face. YouTube channels, medical blogs, and podcasts by doctors can give you real-world insights.
2. Reflect on Your Interests
Think about which topics in your current classes excite you the most. Do you love learning about the brain in neuroscience? Are you fascinated by how the body works in anatomy? Your favorite subjects can point toward specialties like neurology, internal medicine, or even pathology.
3. Get Hands-On Experience
Look for opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals, volunteer at hospitals or clinics, or join health-related clubs. These experiences can help you see what different roles are like and which ones feel right for you.
4. Talk to Mentors
Reach out to teachers, counselors, or professionals in the medical field. Ask them about their paths, what they love about their work, and what they wish they knew when they were in high school.
5. Stay Open-Minded
It’s totally okay not to have it all figured out right now. Many students enter college with a general interest in medicine and discover their passion later through coursework and experiences.
6. Plan Your Studies Strategically
As you move forward, choose electives and extracurriculars that align with your interests. If you’re leaning toward neuroscience, maybe take psychology or AP Bio. If you’re curious about surgery, look into clubs or summer programs that offer anatomy labs or surgical simulations.
To help narrow down your options, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Explore Different Medical Specialties
Start by researching various medical fields—like pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, dermatology, emergency medicine, etc. Look into what each specialty involves day-to-day, the kind of patients they work with, and the challenges they face. YouTube channels, medical blogs, and podcasts by doctors can give you real-world insights.
2. Reflect on Your Interests
Think about which topics in your current classes excite you the most. Do you love learning about the brain in neuroscience? Are you fascinated by how the body works in anatomy? Your favorite subjects can point toward specialties like neurology, internal medicine, or even pathology.
3. Get Hands-On Experience
Look for opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals, volunteer at hospitals or clinics, or join health-related clubs. These experiences can help you see what different roles are like and which ones feel right for you.
4. Talk to Mentors
Reach out to teachers, counselors, or professionals in the medical field. Ask them about their paths, what they love about their work, and what they wish they knew when they were in high school.
5. Stay Open-Minded
It’s totally okay not to have it all figured out right now. Many students enter college with a general interest in medicine and discover their passion later through coursework and experiences.
6. Plan Your Studies Strategically
As you move forward, choose electives and extracurriculars that align with your interests. If you’re leaning toward neuroscience, maybe take psychology or AP Bio. If you’re curious about surgery, look into clubs or summer programs that offer anatomy labs or surgical simulations.
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Avah,
If you are in high-school, you don't need to specialize just yet. If you are going to study in the US, you need to get a bachelors in any field, before you can even apply to medical school. That's 4 years before med school. If you get into med school, you then have 4 years of med school before you specialize in your residency.
So, at this point, focus on your math and science classes and start volunteering and interning to get some medical experience.
Focus on getting into a university you enjoy for your bachelors. Think about what you want to major in. Since you are enjoying your biology classes, something in the biology field would probably be a good choice.
Start preparing for the MCAT while you are in college. Continue getting experience in the medical field and throw in some research if you can to support your med school application.
In med school, the first 2 years are mostly course work. In year 3 and 4 you'll do clinical rotations. That's when you need to think about specializations for your residency.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you are in high-school, you don't need to specialize just yet. If you are going to study in the US, you need to get a bachelors in any field, before you can even apply to medical school. That's 4 years before med school. If you get into med school, you then have 4 years of med school before you specialize in your residency.
So, at this point, focus on your math and science classes and start volunteering and interning to get some medical experience.
Focus on getting into a university you enjoy for your bachelors. Think about what you want to major in. Since you are enjoying your biology classes, something in the biology field would probably be a good choice.
Start preparing for the MCAT while you are in college. Continue getting experience in the medical field and throw in some research if you can to support your med school application.
In med school, the first 2 years are mostly course work. In year 3 and 4 you'll do clinical rotations. That's when you need to think about specializations for your residency.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP