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Medical career starting point?

How should I start my medical career? What can I do in high school to prepare me to be a doctor, nurse, or just about anyone in the medical field? Any advice is appreciated.

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Doc’s Answer

Vin your high school years are the perfect time to begin exploring your interests and preparing a medical background. Take advantage of the resources available at your high school and in your local community to begin your preparation for a medical career.

Why is it important to start early if you want to become a doctor? First, you'll need to attend a college that will prepare you for medical school. This means a competitive college or university that offers the science classes you will need for acceptance into medical school. You will need to take the appropriate classes in high school to increase your chances of being accepted at the undergraduate institution of your choice.

In addition to your coursework, undergraduate admissions and medical school admissions will consider your extracurricular activities. The more relevant experience you have, the stronger a candidate you will be. That experience will also help you figure out if you are sure that you are interested in a medical career because you will be exposed to what it's really like to be a doctor.

Doc recommends the following next steps:

Develop a strong background in science and prove that you can handle rigorous courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Take AP and advanced courses as often as possible and maintain high grades. Meet with your guidance counselor to plot the appropriate high school courses.
Meet with medical practitioners in your area and through family and friends for informational interviews. Ask them what it takes to be a doctor and inquire about the challenges and satisfactions involved with their work.
Consider volunteering at a local hospital, nursing home, or other health-care establishment. Medical schools look for proof of your exposure to medical settings and commitment to serving others.
Once you are 16 (age varies by state), you may want to complete training during the summer to be a certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Training takes anywhere from three weeks to three months. Once you have your certificate, you can earn good money and gain valuable experience prior to medical school.
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Sharon’s Answer

While in High school you would benefit from doing volunteer work at a hospital. I am a nurse practitioner and I was a volunteer in our local hospital. It can also help to volunteer at summer camps and if there are any therapeutic riding groups in your area, they are great. Therapeutic riding is for kids that have disabilities such as cerebral palsy and they ride horses which helps them with their mobility. It is also very important to have good grades in high school.
Good luck on your path! Healthcare is very rewarding
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Jennifer’s Answer

If you're considering a career in medicine, nursing, or another healthcare role, volunteering is an excellent way to gain valuable clinical experience while still in high school and expand your knowledge of the medical field. Many hospitals offer specialized volunteer programs for students, and some smaller or independent medical clinics also welcome volunteers. The time commitment can be flexible, like the hospital I volunteered at in high school, which required a minimum number of monthly volunteer hours. This is a low-pressure opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the lives of healthcare professionals and determine if this is the right field for you.

Additionally, I suggest exploring pre-health programs provided by local colleges and universities through online searches. These programs can greatly assist you in networking and gaining a deeper understanding of the pre-health coursework you may need to complete in the future. Plus, participating in such programs can enhance your resume if you decide to apply to their institution for your undergraduate studies!
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Alyssa’s Answer

Hi there! From a recent college graduate with a major in cellular and molecular biology:

Focus on academics: Take challenging courses in high school, particularly in science and math. This includes subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced math courses. Developing a strong academic foundation will be crucial for your future studies in medicine.

Volunteer or shadow in healthcare settings: Seek opportunities to volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. This can give you firsthand exposure to the medical field, allow you to observe healthcare professionals in action, and provide valuable insights into the daily work of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

Participate in extracurricular activities: Engage in activities that demonstrate your commitment to the medical field and showcase your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Join science clubs, participate in science fairs, play sports, or get involved in community service projects related to health and wellness.

These steps will allow you to gain further insight into the work and dedication it takes to be a well-rounded and personable future health care professional and ready you for any career in medicine!
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Midwest’s Answer

Vin, the most important step you can take while in high school is to gain EXPOSURE. Given your breadth of interests which is expected in high school, you should set up shadowing experiences for each of those careers in your area. You could do so by asking others you know or even cold calling or contacting individuals at a local hospital. You will likely be pleasantly surprised at how receptive most people are to give you a glimpse into their careers!

While exposure is easily the #1 most important step to take, another important consideration is the next step in your career, which will be an undergraduate degree. Selection of an institution is a highly individual decision and it is important to know that you need to select a place that you can afford, will be happy and comfortable, and best sets you up to do well! This often does not mean the most prestigious institution you can be granted admission to or the biggest "name," but rather the place that fits you best. If you attend the most prestigious place you can find and have a mediocre academic record from that place, this will not set you up for your next step as well as a place with a smaller name but at which you have an excellent academic record and most importantly are comfortably and happy to the extent that you will then perform at your best.

These two pathways are an ongoing, synergistic effort from now forward: gauging your true interests in determining what you want to do while also building your brand and your experiences to make yourself the best applicant for the eventual career that you choose.

Next steps:

Midwest recommends the following next steps:

Volunteer / shadow in each potential career role
Make a list of priorities in selecting an undergraduate institution
Make a list of individuals who could provide insight into these potential careers
Articulate why you're interested in a medical career
Create a 1 and 3 minute summary about yourself and your career goals (i.e., elevator pitch)
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