3 answers
Charlotte
Student
Bronxville, New York
1
Question
Updated
527 views
How can I stay focused while majoring in Biology for Dermatology ?
What are ways that I can stay motivated as a 12th Grader that wants to major in Biology? My dream is to become a dermatologist but the path is very delicate and I need major focus. What are ways that I can stay organized and determined while staying engaged in my medical path?
Login to comment
3 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
253
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
Dermatology is very challenging. You will be competing with several bright medical students.
I recommend everyone interested in medicine to work as a scribe. It's harder with AI but maybe even volunteer to scribe. You get to experience what doctors do, learn and language, and learn how to deal with patients. It will make medical school learning so much easier.
Next, I think one important skill not for medical school but to become a future doctor is to learn how to deal with people. People can be difficult and challenging so it's best to learn how to deal with them. If you are a people pleaser like me, it's easy to be liked by patients but as the years go on and you see more patients, it becomes more difficult and challenging. You are tired and have your own family to deal with after work. It's important to set up boundaries with patients.
I recommend everyone interested in medicine to work as a scribe. It's harder with AI but maybe even volunteer to scribe. You get to experience what doctors do, learn and language, and learn how to deal with patients. It will make medical school learning so much easier.
Next, I think one important skill not for medical school but to become a future doctor is to learn how to deal with people. People can be difficult and challenging so it's best to learn how to deal with them. If you are a people pleaser like me, it's easy to be liked by patients but as the years go on and you see more patients, it becomes more difficult and challenging. You are tired and have your own family to deal with after work. It's important to set up boundaries with patients.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
157
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Any challenging goal requires focus and commitment, but when a goal seems so difficult and so far away, it is easy to feel it's just too hard. So, break up the goal into small steps on your "expedition" towards becoming a dermatologist. It is hard to climb a mountain, but can you make it to that next bend in the path or crest?
It is also far easier to succeed if you find joy all along the way. Never give up those things that seem unrelated to your career goals that you enjoy. A doctor who has hobbies and who is healthy is a better doctor than one who hasn't taken care of themselves and is only good at identifying and treating skin conditions.
So, what are your core values? Ask yourself why you want to be a dermatologist enough times that you realize what motivates you. Then assure that all you do is aligned with your core values. That will ground you and give you the strength to continue.
One last note: it is common, and completely OK if you find as you work towards dermatology that something else you experience in your studies and your life pull you in a different direction. Although, as a physician, I am hoping you also become a physician, if your studies begin to yank you away from that, accept that change. In fact, I know people who changed course away from medicine (happily), but then went back into medical school years later. You never burn bridges by learning more or adding varied experiences.
It is also far easier to succeed if you find joy all along the way. Never give up those things that seem unrelated to your career goals that you enjoy. A doctor who has hobbies and who is healthy is a better doctor than one who hasn't taken care of themselves and is only good at identifying and treating skin conditions.
So, what are your core values? Ask yourself why you want to be a dermatologist enough times that you realize what motivates you. Then assure that all you do is aligned with your core values. That will ground you and give you the strength to continue.
One last note: it is common, and completely OK if you find as you work towards dermatology that something else you experience in your studies and your life pull you in a different direction. Although, as a physician, I am hoping you also become a physician, if your studies begin to yank you away from that, accept that change. In fact, I know people who changed course away from medicine (happily), but then went back into medical school years later. You never burn bridges by learning more or adding varied experiences.
Marisa Cinelli
HR Manager
8
Answers
Oldsmar, Florida
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Hi Charlotte, focusing on your Biology major with the dream of becoming a dermatologist can be tough, but you can do it with the right approach. Here are some encouraging tips to keep you on track:
Set Clear Goals: Always remember your dream of becoming a dermatologist. Break it down into smaller steps, like finishing courses, getting experience, and preparing for medical school.
Create a Study Schedule: Make a plan that balances your classes, labs, and activities. Sticking to a routine will help you develop good study habits.
Stay Engaged with the Subject: Connect your classes to dermatology by looking into topics like skin biology or pathology. This connection can keep you motivated.
Gain Relevant Experience: Try volunteering or interning at dermatology clinics or labs. Real-world experience can strengthen your passion and help you see your career path clearly.
Seek Support: Build a network of professors, advisors, and friends who can guide and encourage you along the way.
Practice Self-Care: Balance work and rest. Exercise, eat healthy, and take breaks to prevent burnout and stay refreshed.
Stay Curious: Attend seminars, join health science clubs, or read dermatology articles to expand your knowledge and keep your interest alive.
You've got this!
Set Clear Goals: Always remember your dream of becoming a dermatologist. Break it down into smaller steps, like finishing courses, getting experience, and preparing for medical school.
Create a Study Schedule: Make a plan that balances your classes, labs, and activities. Sticking to a routine will help you develop good study habits.
Stay Engaged with the Subject: Connect your classes to dermatology by looking into topics like skin biology or pathology. This connection can keep you motivated.
Gain Relevant Experience: Try volunteering or interning at dermatology clinics or labs. Real-world experience can strengthen your passion and help you see your career path clearly.
Seek Support: Build a network of professors, advisors, and friends who can guide and encourage you along the way.
Practice Self-Care: Balance work and rest. Exercise, eat healthy, and take breaks to prevent burnout and stay refreshed.
Stay Curious: Attend seminars, join health science clubs, or read dermatology articles to expand your knowledge and keep your interest alive.
You've got this!