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If you could go back and talk to yourself on your first day of medical school, what is the one piece of advice that would’ve changed the way you approached your training?

I’m an upcoming college freshman, and I’m still figuring things out, but I know I’m interested in the medical field and want to start off on the right path. I’d love some real advice from someone who’s already been through it. #fall25

college medicine college-advice fall25 doctor advice college-majors
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James’s Answer

If I had a do-over, I would tell myself to take as many electives as possible. Spending time in multiple specialties gives one a breadth of knowledge and experience that can help a lot. I chose to take the bare minimum so I could graduate a few months early. Not the smartest choice, in retrospect...
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Mark’s Answer

I wish that I had better reading consumption and not just read enough to get a good grade or pass the test. I don't think it would have altered my eventual path because I became what I always wanted to be , an orthopaedic surgeon. But being a physician no matter what area of medicine , is still a great calling and there are always huge demands that will always surprise you when on the trail of becoming a real doctor. You have to be a doctor first and an orthopaedic surgeon second.
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Ahmad’s Answer

Hi Alisha,

To get a real feel for medical school and residency, try volunteering or working as a medical scribe. Although AI is reducing some scribe roles, look for opportunities at local clinics or hospitals and seize them. Also, consider gaining experience by reading extensively and working with an EMT, rescue squad, or fire department. This hands-on approach will be invaluable. Hope this helps!

Ahmad recommends the following next steps:

work as a Medical scribe
volunteer at a local hospital
work as an EMT
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Rita’s Answer

If I had to do it again now, I would work as a medical scribe. Unfortunately, there were no medical scribes when I was in school. This introduces you to the language of medicine. You interact with doctors and patients. You see what a doctor does and how s/he interacts with patients. I challenge everyone to start work when the doctor starts working and leave when the doctor leaves. If you do like the work you see as a scribe, at least you saved yourself a lot of time and money and not go into medical school.
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Payal’s Answer

If I had a do-over, I would prioritize my health and wellness and consider taking some amount of time “off” before or during medical training. The 10+ years in training will be challenging at times and knowing how to take care of yourself is key to taking the best care of patients.

I would also shadow multiple medical careers you are interested in. Enjoying biology and science is great, but it’s more important to see the day to day of what Doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, etc. do. Overall, it’s a fulfilling and meaningful career path.
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