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How do you know what kind of doctor you want to be when you’re drawn to everything ?
I am a graduating high school senior and salutatorian with a strong passion for science. I plan to pursue my undergraduate studies in biology with a pre-medical track, with the goal of becoming a physician.
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Judith’s Answer
Until you experience different clinical rotations first hand during medical school, you won’t know which field will ultimately be the one you choose for your career. Keep an open mind until you find what resonates with you most.
In the meantime, enjoy your college experience - try not to narrow your focus to science only. This is your opportunity to discover interests that help you grow and develop as a person. It’s a unique time in your life so take full advantage. Career decisions will come later. Establish the foundation of who you are as an individual first.
In the meantime, enjoy your college experience - try not to narrow your focus to science only. This is your opportunity to discover interests that help you grow and develop as a person. It’s a unique time in your life so take full advantage. Career decisions will come later. Establish the foundation of who you are as an individual first.
Thank you, I definitely will plan to volunteer in different focuses and try slow down a bit.
Olivia
Kelly Fry, MBA, PMP
Customer Success Executive - Post Sales Strategic Advisor for Technology Platform
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Kelly’s Answer
You are getting lots of good advice, so I will add in a couple thoughts to consider:
Not only what are you passionate about, but what type of life do you want to lead?
Do you want an expected routine?
Do you want excitement every day?
How do you feel about on call schedules?
How do you feel about night shifts?
Do you like the clinic or hospital environment?
Do you want to stand all day in an operating room?
Do you want to work "normal" hours?
What type of patient do you like spending time with? Do you want to see a lot of patients or fewer?
What level of stress feels manageable long term?
If you decide to have a family, do you feel like it will work with your long-term plans?
Sometimes I find people haven't thought about the nuts and bolts of life and how they want their life to look when they are thinking about a career. It may be helpful to think about what you want your life to look outside of work to make sure that what you choose will align.
Not only what are you passionate about, but what type of life do you want to lead?
Do you want an expected routine?
Do you want excitement every day?
How do you feel about on call schedules?
How do you feel about night shifts?
Do you like the clinic or hospital environment?
Do you want to stand all day in an operating room?
Do you want to work "normal" hours?
What type of patient do you like spending time with? Do you want to see a lot of patients or fewer?
What level of stress feels manageable long term?
If you decide to have a family, do you feel like it will work with your long-term plans?
Sometimes I find people haven't thought about the nuts and bolts of life and how they want their life to look when they are thinking about a career. It may be helpful to think about what you want your life to look outside of work to make sure that what you choose will align.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Congratulations! I also loved biology and all parts of medicine. Definitely keep an open mind to every opportunity, and try to volunteer in various clinics or by getting involved in research projects so you can have a broad exposure. I opted for Family Medicine, because we are trained in everything! As a Family Medicine doctor you can see patients through all ages and stages of life, and follow entire families which is really neat. With Family Medicine training, you can work in a variety of different settings--outpatient clinics, school clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, public health departments, hospice, obstetrics, sports medicine, telehealth, or even transition into non-clinical medicine. Good luck!
Thank you for your advice. I’l try to keep my options open, I’m also interested in Family Medicine so this was a nice overview for me.
Olivia