6 answers
ginna
Student
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
3
Questions
Asked
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What are some good extracurriculars that can improve my chances of getting into a medical school as a high school student?
As the topic states, I have been trying to find a good bunch of extracurriculars that relate to the medical field. I currently do some volunteering as well as basketball on a local team (I heard group sports are always a bonus) and I was also planning on starting a NPO (Non-profit organization) revolving around mental health with some peers. As of now, nothing fits with the field I am aiming for. Are there any good extracurriculars that revolve around medical? I know extracurriculars aren't all that matters, but I still think it is a good idea to have organized extracurriculars that match the field you are planning to go into. Thank you!!
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6 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Extracurriculars are most important for the application when they mean something to you. People pile up hours a lot of the time, but when they dont mean anything they dont do much for the application. Make sure that you are doing things like that organization you are creating that is a great use of your time. Make sure you are maintaining your grades. Try to get a little bit of leadership time in, and enjoy your time once you are in college you can start fine tuning some of these things, but it seems like you are already doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much, Michel!
ginna
Divya Shivakumar
doctor
14
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Divya’s Answer
Hello Ginna! First off, congratulations! Your ideas are impressive and I encourage you to develop them further. The concept of NPO seems closely linked to the medical field, particularly since you mentioned its connection to mental health. You might also consider contributing to hospice care, as this can demonstrate and enhance your empathetic nature - a trait highly valued in physicians.
You can also seek out volunteer work in hospitals or clinics to showcase your passion for the field. Even a role as a receptionist in a doctor's office can be beneficial for your application. It's important to convey to colleges your unwavering commitment and dedication to medicine, and also to understand what being a doctor entails.
You could also explore teaching or organizational opportunities, which are often seen as valuable extracurricular activities. The path to medical school and becoming a physician is lengthy and can be stressful, sometimes impacting mental, physical, and emotional health. Such opportunities not only add valuable experience to your resume, but also provide a glimpse into your potential future. I hope you find this advice helpful.
You can also seek out volunteer work in hospitals or clinics to showcase your passion for the field. Even a role as a receptionist in a doctor's office can be beneficial for your application. It's important to convey to colleges your unwavering commitment and dedication to medicine, and also to understand what being a doctor entails.
You could also explore teaching or organizational opportunities, which are often seen as valuable extracurricular activities. The path to medical school and becoming a physician is lengthy and can be stressful, sometimes impacting mental, physical, and emotional health. Such opportunities not only add valuable experience to your resume, but also provide a glimpse into your potential future. I hope you find this advice helpful.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
ginna
Richeal Makinde
Medical Student
3
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Richeal’s Answer
Ginna, you're doing an excellent job seeking out medical-related extracurricular activities. However, I would encourage you to widen your horizons and delve into fields beyond medicine. This suggestion comes from the fact that in today's fast-paced world, a diverse skill set is crucial for success. Therefore, consider this period as an opportunity to experiment with various activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, music, entrepreneurship, or any other non-medical interests. Personally, I use writing as a creative outlet, sharing my experiences and lessons learned from medical school. This practice not only provides a refreshing break from academic work, but also offers a platform for self-reflection (Feel free to read my articles here: https://medium.com/@MedSchTimes). Poetry has also become a powerful tool for expressing my thoughts and emotions. Additionally, I utilize my TikTok account to discuss the nutritional value of different fruits and the health benefits they offer (You can view my content here: https://www.tiktok.com/@sholicks?lang=en). These activities have enriched my life with skills that I wouldn't have gained in a traditional classroom setting.
Richeal, thank you!
ginna
Rian Alam
Student
136
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Ginna,
It's so great that you want to pursue medicine! As a high schooler, it is a little difficult to participate in extracurriculars revolving around medicine due to your age, but once you're in college, a lot of doors can open up. There are many opportunities available such as being a scribe, phlebotomy, medical assistant, a lab technician, clinical care coordinator, and more. For high school now, volunteering at a local hospital is a great way to show your passion and get some experience in the health care industry.
Best of luck to you!
Rian
It's so great that you want to pursue medicine! As a high schooler, it is a little difficult to participate in extracurriculars revolving around medicine due to your age, but once you're in college, a lot of doors can open up. There are many opportunities available such as being a scribe, phlebotomy, medical assistant, a lab technician, clinical care coordinator, and more. For high school now, volunteering at a local hospital is a great way to show your passion and get some experience in the health care industry.
Best of luck to you!
Rian
Thank you so much!
ginna
Kamal Nayan
Project Management
1
Answer
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Kamal’s Answer
Hello Ginna,
You're on the right track with your approach. It's important to remember that your extra-curricular activities don't necessarily need to be medically oriented. The goal is to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded individual, not solely focused on academics, but also engaged in diverse activities. This includes taking on leadership roles.
Participating in any volunteer work is beneficial. Activities such as playing a musical instrument, engaging in sports, or coordinating community events are all valuable experiences. I'm sharing this advice based on my personal experience as a parent of two successful doctors. My daughter, an ENT surgeon, completed her MD and residency at McMaster and her fellowship at UdeM. My son, a Urologist, earned his MD from McGill, did his residency at UofT and his fellowship at Harvard.
If you're specifically interested in gaining experience in a medical environment, consider volunteering at a local hospital.
However, I must warn you that the journey to becoming a doctor is a challenging and lengthy process. It demands a high level of dedication and commitment, particularly during residency when the hours can be long and the immediate rewards may not be apparent.
You're on the right track with your approach. It's important to remember that your extra-curricular activities don't necessarily need to be medically oriented. The goal is to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded individual, not solely focused on academics, but also engaged in diverse activities. This includes taking on leadership roles.
Participating in any volunteer work is beneficial. Activities such as playing a musical instrument, engaging in sports, or coordinating community events are all valuable experiences. I'm sharing this advice based on my personal experience as a parent of two successful doctors. My daughter, an ENT surgeon, completed her MD and residency at McMaster and her fellowship at UdeM. My son, a Urologist, earned his MD from McGill, did his residency at UofT and his fellowship at Harvard.
If you're specifically interested in gaining experience in a medical environment, consider volunteering at a local hospital.
However, I must warn you that the journey to becoming a doctor is a challenging and lengthy process. It demands a high level of dedication and commitment, particularly during residency when the hours can be long and the immediate rewards may not be apparent.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
ginna
Dr. Sishir Banjara
General practitioner
5
Answers
Banepa, Central Development Region, Nepal
Updated
Dr. Sishir’s Answer
Glad to know that you are preparing yourself for getting fitted in perfect journey of medical life in future! You can go and visit your relatives and your friends when they get sick and help them for their physical, emotional support too. I think I will grow your inner doctorhood more!
And stay passionate for the journey you have desired!
Good luck 🤞
And stay passionate for the journey you have desired!
Good luck 🤞
Thank you!
ginna