3 answers
Daniella
Student
Wellington, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What experiences in high school/college were most helpful on your path to medical school? Is there anything you wish you did to prepare you better for med school or your career? #fall25
I am in 12th grade and will be heading to college soon. I am trying to discover what career I want to pursue in the future and I have been interested in pediatrics for quite a while now. I am interested in learning more about the medical field in general to ensure it is something I can see myself pursuing in the future. Thank you!
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2 answers
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
31
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hi Daniella,
I love that you’re already thinking ahead and exploring your interests. It shows you are futuristic.
Here are some experiences from high school and college that I think will be truly helpful on the path to medical school (and what I wish I did earlier):
Note: Although I have my bachelor’s in Physiology from a Basic Medical Science college, I still intend to go further into medicine, which I am gradually making plans for… But these tips were helpful to me, and some I wish I had done earlier. So I’m guiding you ahead so you don’t repeat the same things I did.
1. Volunteering in Healthcare Settings (I volunteered well)
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and children’s centers are great places.
Volunteering helps you:
Build empathy
Learn patient communication
Understand how healthcare teams work
If you love working with children, look for opportunities related to childcare, tutoring, or pediatric clinics.
2. Shadowing Doctors (Especially Pediatricians)
Since you intend to become a pediatrician, kindly get involved in this practice. It will widen your experience.
Observe how doctors interact with patients
Understand the realities of clinical work
See whether the environment feels right for you
I never shadowed earlier; I’m glad I’m learning now—it helps you confirm your interest and strengthens your future med-school applications.
3. Joining Pre-Med or Health-Related Clubs Like:
Pre-Med Society
Red Cross
They expose you to workshops, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, and research. (I was a member of the Red Cross Society.)
4. Develop Good Study Habits Early
Medical school is intense and requires equal energy to pull through.
Forming serious study groups will help you a lot. Challenge yourself in courses you find difficult now, and ensure you get a very high grade by setting goals and targets. These habits will carry you through medical school.
5. Remember to Always Take Good Care of Yourself
Find time to pray, eat well, and rest.
One more thing: please don’t be shy to ask questions when you’re confused, and seek mentors early.
Also, keep records of meaningful experiences (very helpful for personal statements later).
I wish I did these earlier.
Good luck in your medical journey.
I love that you’re already thinking ahead and exploring your interests. It shows you are futuristic.
Here are some experiences from high school and college that I think will be truly helpful on the path to medical school (and what I wish I did earlier):
Note: Although I have my bachelor’s in Physiology from a Basic Medical Science college, I still intend to go further into medicine, which I am gradually making plans for… But these tips were helpful to me, and some I wish I had done earlier. So I’m guiding you ahead so you don’t repeat the same things I did.
1. Volunteering in Healthcare Settings (I volunteered well)
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and children’s centers are great places.
Volunteering helps you:
Build empathy
Learn patient communication
Understand how healthcare teams work
If you love working with children, look for opportunities related to childcare, tutoring, or pediatric clinics.
2. Shadowing Doctors (Especially Pediatricians)
Since you intend to become a pediatrician, kindly get involved in this practice. It will widen your experience.
Observe how doctors interact with patients
Understand the realities of clinical work
See whether the environment feels right for you
I never shadowed earlier; I’m glad I’m learning now—it helps you confirm your interest and strengthens your future med-school applications.
3. Joining Pre-Med or Health-Related Clubs Like:
Pre-Med Society
Red Cross
They expose you to workshops, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, and research. (I was a member of the Red Cross Society.)
4. Develop Good Study Habits Early
Medical school is intense and requires equal energy to pull through.
Forming serious study groups will help you a lot. Challenge yourself in courses you find difficult now, and ensure you get a very high grade by setting goals and targets. These habits will carry you through medical school.
5. Remember to Always Take Good Care of Yourself
Find time to pray, eat well, and rest.
One more thing: please don’t be shy to ask questions when you’re confused, and seek mentors early.
Also, keep records of meaningful experiences (very helpful for personal statements later).
I wish I did these earlier.
Good luck in your medical journey.
This is all amazing advice! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
Daniella
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
157
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I became a pediatrician by allowing myself to pursue studies and extracurricular activities that motivated me. I enjoyed life sciences, but I also enjoyed theater, music, anthropology, language, and literature. I played intramural sports and sang in singing groups. As I was nearing my senior year, I did engage the career counselors at the university, and they argued successfully that I apply to medical school. Fortunately, I have an older brother who was a practicing family doctor in a small town. He let me live with him and follow him around to learn more about what being a doctor was like. I was impressed by all he knew, and how he was so important in his community.
So, I don't think I would do anything differently if I were to do it all over again.
It can be a good idea to get trained as an EMT, MA, or ED Tech to both observe medicine and to make some money as you go. These certifications also may impress a medical school application group. It can also be good to find a way to work in a lab - some universities and academic medical centers have internships.
Good luck!
So, I don't think I would do anything differently if I were to do it all over again.
It can be a good idea to get trained as an EMT, MA, or ED Tech to both observe medicine and to make some money as you go. These certifications also may impress a medical school application group. It can also be good to find a way to work in a lab - some universities and academic medical centers have internships.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it!
Daniella