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What should I know before pursuing an education in medicine?

Did you learn anything about yourself that deterred you from getting a career in the field? (e.g., patient interaction, fear of blood, etc.) And did you change your field because of that, or did you push through?

I'm a high school student looking to pursue a future in medicine, but I'm worried about future conflicts that will throw me off my path and ruin my chances of landing a career. I know that the education will be long and intensive, which I am prepared for, but it is other aspects of being in the field itself that worries me.

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James’s Answer

I know of many excellent, successful physicians who overcame remarkable fears and challenges during their education. One friend of mine passed out when he first saw significant bleeding in an operating room - and went on to become a cardiac surgery anesthesiologist.
One learns an incredible amount of things during education - both about one's self and about the world. The more you learn about science and humanities, the more you learn about yourself and your place in the world. I would argue that even if your life journey had you begin medical school only to abandon medicine later, that would be OK. You would have learned a lot and become prepared for many possible career paths.
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Vanessa’s Answer

Medicine is a calling and requires attunement to the suffering of others. I grew up in a third world country, daughter of parents who were teachers. Our life was rooted in spiritual principles of serving the greater good. Poverty was a part of our life and we had opportunity on a daily basis to help the less fortunate in our community. I found avenues to serve through the local churches and their outreach programs. My mother taught at a school where the children had physical disabilities. I would spend many after school and vacation hours shadowing and watching her care for this vulnerable population. I learned without knowing it concepts of cultural humility and cultural awareness. These are the building blocks of behaviors and competencies medical schools are looking for in future students. Avail yourself of opportunities that build awareness of yourself and awareness of others. People skills are the key to building a relationship of trust. People skills are critical to the doctor patient relationship.
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Suzanne’s Answer

I think the best advice I can offer, Anik, is to start exposing yourself to patient-care settings as soon as you can -- even while still in high school, if possible. This will help you get a feel for what patient care is like and whether you can see yourself following this career path. As a high school student you can contact the volunteer office of your local hospital, let them know you are thinking of becoming a doctor, and see what patient-contact positions they have available. (I have put their website with application below). If you are able to get a patient-care job at some point in the coming years, that is also helpful. Training as a CNA (certified nursing assistant), EMT, phlebotomist, EKG technician, medical assistant, etc. can be done during summer breaks and then will allow you to work part-time and further expose yourself to these work environments. If you or your family know any healthcare providers now you can ask to shadow them on the job.

Once you are in college as a pre-med student, connecting with pre-healthcare clubs/organizations will be helpful in finding shadowing and volunteer opportunities. I think you don't know until you actually experience it what healthcare work feels like to you and whether this is what calls to you as your future. Good luck and write back again if you'd like.

Suzanne recommends the following next steps:

Volunteer office website for Delray Beach hospital : https://www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com/about/volunteer-with-us/volunteer-with-us-at-delray-medical-center
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