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What experiences (volunteering, internships, courses) can you suggest to help people to pursue a career in medicine?
I’m a high school student interested in pursuing a career in medicine. I want to learn more about different medical roles, the skills I need, and how to prepare for this career.
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Suzanne’s Answer
Ngoc, medicine can be such a fulfilling career for those who go into it for the right reasons: wanting to help people and being interested in science.
You have had good advice offered to you here and with your prior similar question.
I would suggest that you read the website below from the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) which addresses what high school students should be focused on. It covers academics, extracurricular activities, summer programs and internships for high school students, how to get that all-important hands-on patient care experience, etc. The general AAMC website (aamc.org) has lots of good, practical information and many videos from medical students and others explaining their pathways, motivations, etc. It's a great place to spend some time and see how others are doing what you aspire to do, too.
Best of luck to you. Please write back with more questions or concerns. Let us know how it is going.
https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/5776/download
You have had good advice offered to you here and with your prior similar question.
I would suggest that you read the website below from the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) which addresses what high school students should be focused on. It covers academics, extracurricular activities, summer programs and internships for high school students, how to get that all-important hands-on patient care experience, etc. The general AAMC website (aamc.org) has lots of good, practical information and many videos from medical students and others explaining their pathways, motivations, etc. It's a great place to spend some time and see how others are doing what you aspire to do, too.
Best of luck to you. Please write back with more questions or concerns. Let us know how it is going.
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ngoc
Updated
James’s Answer
I am delighted that you are interested in a healthcare career. San Francisco has some of the most highly ranked hospitals and care systems in the world, so you should be able to find opportunities to speak with, and hopefully shadow, physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, technologists... For most any of these professions you start off the same way - with getting into college and doing well. The core science classes would be similar for all. It is wise to try to have a broad education. Healthcare is about connecting to others, so the more well-rounded one is, the more likely they can connect with others from different cultures and backgrounds. You may also want to consider doing research - I believe there are still summer internships in some local laboratories. That experience may prove helpful to a future career (all sub-specialist physicians must do research during their fellowships).
I have also found that a good beginning to a healthcare career is to become an EMT or MA. Emergency medical technicians learn to manage all sorts of acute medical and surgical (trauma) issues, and see how emergency departments work. Medical assistants learn how outpatient clinics run as they also learn the basics of vital signs, electronic medical records, and patient needs.
Best of luck to you!
I have also found that a good beginning to a healthcare career is to become an EMT or MA. Emergency medical technicians learn to manage all sorts of acute medical and surgical (trauma) issues, and see how emergency departments work. Medical assistants learn how outpatient clinics run as they also learn the basics of vital signs, electronic medical records, and patient needs.
Best of luck to you!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Ngoc
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're in high school and interested in medicine, start by getting involved in healthcare and helping your community. Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or senior centers can show you what patient care is like. Job shadowing is also valuable if you can find someone to let you observe for a few hours. This helps you understand the job and learn about different roles in healthcare.
Focus on science classes such as biology and chemistry, as these are important for any medical career. If your school offers anatomy, health, or psychology, consider taking those too. Look for summer programs or internships at local universities or hospitals that introduce you to research or healthcare careers.
Remember, medicine is a broad field with many different roles. You might start thinking about becoming a doctor and later find interest in nursing, being a physician assistant, public health, or another healthcare area. The goal is not to have everything figured out now. Stay curious, gain experience helping others, and notice what parts of healthcare interest you.
Focus on science classes such as biology and chemistry, as these are important for any medical career. If your school offers anatomy, health, or psychology, consider taking those too. Look for summer programs or internships at local universities or hospitals that introduce you to research or healthcare careers.
Remember, medicine is a broad field with many different roles. You might start thinking about becoming a doctor and later find interest in nursing, being a physician assistant, public health, or another healthcare area. The goal is not to have everything figured out now. Stay curious, gain experience helping others, and notice what parts of healthcare interest you.
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Ngoc, you have a great goal! There are so many areas of medicine and healthcare to consider, you should first of all assess your main interests, skills, and abilities. Consider what you love to do, solving puzzles, creating art, writing, cooking, inventing, fixing things, helping others... that may sound odd, but we all have talents gifts that tie into different career opportunities. What age groups of people do you enjoy? Do you prefer to work in a team or individually?
There are volunteer opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, rehab facilities, clinics...check out those in your local area and get a variety of experience. Something will speak to you! Best to you.
There are volunteer opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, rehab facilities, clinics...check out those in your local area and get a variety of experience. Something will speak to you! Best to you.
Thank you so much!
Ngoc