2 answers
Isabel
Student
Atwater, California
1
Question
Updated
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What are unique opportunities that can help me be confident that my future career is in medicine? #Spring26?
I have volunteered in the past and have experience as a BT, but I want to try something new that will give me different insights.
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2 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Since healthcare involves all aspects of human health and illness and injury, there is truly no experience that doesn't help guide one towards a suitable occupation. Since you are interested in medicine, you may benefit from speaking with all members of the healthcare team (physicians, nurses, MAs, PAs, NPs, RTs, PTs, OTs,...). You also should do your best to speak to, or better still shadow, both inpatient and outpatient caregivers.
It may be a good choice for you to get your EMT-1, MA, or ED Tech credentials in order to experience health care delivery and see first hand how the system and the people within that system work together to help patients. These also allow one to make some money while preparing for medical or nursing school.
Be prepared that local hospitals may make it a bit difficult for you to find shadowing opportunities - but I urge you to be persistent and to jump through the hoops they may put in your way.
It may be a good choice for you to get your EMT-1, MA, or ED Tech credentials in order to experience health care delivery and see first hand how the system and the people within that system work together to help patients. These also allow one to make some money while preparing for medical or nursing school.
Be prepared that local hospitals may make it a bit difficult for you to find shadowing opportunities - but I urge you to be persistent and to jump through the hoops they may put in your way.
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
38
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Isabel,
Just like you mentioned, “I want to try something new that will give me different insights,” gaining hands-on experience in diverse medical specialties can help you explore different sides of healthcare. It will allow you to observe patient care, decision-making, and teamwork in real clinical settings.
Volunteering in community health programs can expose you to the importance of service and the impact healthcare professionals have on individuals and communities.
These experiences can build these skills in you; compassion, empathy, adaptability, resilience, patience,etc they can give you deeper insight into the realities of healthcare and help confirm whether medicine is the right path for your future. You may also consider opportunities in elder care, pediatrics, orthopedics, maternity, family medicine,general surgery, etc.
I hope this helps. Thank you
Just like you mentioned, “I want to try something new that will give me different insights,” gaining hands-on experience in diverse medical specialties can help you explore different sides of healthcare. It will allow you to observe patient care, decision-making, and teamwork in real clinical settings.
Volunteering in community health programs can expose you to the importance of service and the impact healthcare professionals have on individuals and communities.
These experiences can build these skills in you; compassion, empathy, adaptability, resilience, patience,etc they can give you deeper insight into the realities of healthcare and help confirm whether medicine is the right path for your future. You may also consider opportunities in elder care, pediatrics, orthopedics, maternity, family medicine,general surgery, etc.
I hope this helps. Thank you