4 answers
Brayden
Student
Conroe, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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Considering my interest in a medical science career, what should my plans for education and practical experience be? How should i intend to keep up with advancements in the field, develop necessary skills, and maintain a healthy work-life balance in this demanding profession?
I am a 12 year old who doesn't know how or when I should start my medical journey
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4 answers
Tanya Charan
Student/Intern
6
Answers
Heathrow, FL
Updated
Tanya’s Answer
Hi! You seem quite young and still have some time before high school, but it is great that you're thinking about your career!
Medicine is split into many different fields, with some having a more demanding work schedule than others.
Some fields of medicine also require more years of education than others.
Leverage the Internet to research what aspects of medicine interest you.
You'll spend most of your undergraduate years of college satisfying medical pre-reqs and volunteering/shadowing doctors.
Talk to doctors in your area or in your family/friend group and see why they chose medicine. Volunteer at a local hospital when you're the right age. Stay curious about the world and consider why you're interested in being a doctor.
Medicine is split into many different fields, with some having a more demanding work schedule than others.
Some fields of medicine also require more years of education than others.
Leverage the Internet to research what aspects of medicine interest you.
You'll spend most of your undergraduate years of college satisfying medical pre-reqs and volunteering/shadowing doctors.
Talk to doctors in your area or in your family/friend group and see why they chose medicine. Volunteer at a local hospital when you're the right age. Stay curious about the world and consider why you're interested in being a doctor.
Emma Verde
Physical Therapist
172
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Emma’s Answer
To pursue a medical science career, start by obtaining a strong educational foundation. Plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Following that, aim for a graduate degree, such as a master's or Ph.D., in your specific area of interest within medical science. Gain practical experience through internships, research opportunities, or lab work during your undergraduate and graduate years. Staying updated with advancements in the field is essential; attend conferences, subscribe to medical journals, and join professional associations. Developing necessary skills involves honing your research, data analysis, and critical thinking abilities. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance will be challenging, but it's crucial. Set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and seek support from mentors and peers in the medical science community to navigate the demanding nature of the profession effectively.
Marshall Main
Director, Manager, Videographer
75
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
It's so awesome that you are thinking this way and asking questions!! Keep that mind set going!
The short answer is to read journals in the specific area you have interest in. Medicine is a big field with lots of specialization areas. You won't be able to know everything about everything. Some of the basics will overlap (such as anatomy) but as to tech, pharmaceuticals and other advancements [theories] that will really be more about the area of expertise.
You will also need to go to school (MED SCHOOL) at some point and you will end up focusing on a specific type of role in the filed when you do this. That will help direct you what things to be up to date on and such as you progress through your career.
But as you have some time before college (which is several years to get your first Doctorate - that which makes you a Dr.) I would recommend just reading some of the medical journals and maybe watching some of the videos from medical conventions if they are available online. You may not really understand everything and that's ok, they are assuming that you have already been to school. If you have an idea of what area of medicine you want to go into it will help you narrow down the ones to focus on (i.e. Family, GP, Pedaritic, ER, Systems, Surgery etc.).
Best of luck!!!
The short answer is to read journals in the specific area you have interest in. Medicine is a big field with lots of specialization areas. You won't be able to know everything about everything. Some of the basics will overlap (such as anatomy) but as to tech, pharmaceuticals and other advancements [theories] that will really be more about the area of expertise.
You will also need to go to school (MED SCHOOL) at some point and you will end up focusing on a specific type of role in the filed when you do this. That will help direct you what things to be up to date on and such as you progress through your career.
But as you have some time before college (which is several years to get your first Doctorate - that which makes you a Dr.) I would recommend just reading some of the medical journals and maybe watching some of the videos from medical conventions if they are available online. You may not really understand everything and that's ok, they are assuming that you have already been to school. If you have an idea of what area of medicine you want to go into it will help you narrow down the ones to focus on (i.e. Family, GP, Pedaritic, ER, Systems, Surgery etc.).
Best of luck!!!
Andres Zepeda
Internal Audit Intern
21
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Andres’s Answer
Take clubs and any possible electives related to the medical sciences so you can solidify and find what it is you specifically like. You can read a lot on your own and watch plenty of youtube videos.
But noting your comment on "maintaining a healthy work-life balance", I would tell you from this moment to relax and enjoy time with your friends. You've got a long way to go and studying medicine is quite a long process. You'll learn what you need to in your formal studies, knowing more and reading on ahead will help you in terms of keeping all your information fresh and make school easier (since you already know the material!), it is simply a bonus, and avoiding burnout will help you a lot more than sleepless nights in a book.
It is quite a blessing to know what you wish to study from such a young age, remember these moments to motivate you throughout your life.
But noting your comment on "maintaining a healthy work-life balance", I would tell you from this moment to relax and enjoy time with your friends. You've got a long way to go and studying medicine is quite a long process. You'll learn what you need to in your formal studies, knowing more and reading on ahead will help you in terms of keeping all your information fresh and make school easier (since you already know the material!), it is simply a bonus, and avoiding burnout will help you a lot more than sleepless nights in a book.
It is quite a blessing to know what you wish to study from such a young age, remember these moments to motivate you throughout your life.