4 answers
Aliyah
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
221 views
What pushes people in the medical field ?
I almost died so I wanna become part of the medical field
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4 answers
Russell Macdonald FRSA MBCS MICRS
Chief Technologist
3
Answers
England, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Russell’s Answer
It's quite common for people to choose a career in medicine because of an experience they, or someone they know, has had that needed medical treatment or urgent care. When you follow a career path that is motivated by purpose and passion, you are more likely to be happy and fulfilled in that career.
If you can combine a passion for learning with a drive to help people, then medicine is certainly a good career option. Having empathy and compassion for people is just as important as getting good grades.
There are also so many paths you can take in healthcare as a doctor, nurse, biological scientist, researcher or any number of associated professions like medical assistant, pharmacist, radiologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, music therapist and so on.
To go on to be a doctor, you'll need to be good at mathematics, chemistry and biology in particular, although you'll need top grades generally. You can start by taking a science degree or pre-med and then deciding if you want to go on to medical school after that. Or, with a science degree, you'll be able to pursue a number of related professionals. You should talk to teachers or tutors about your career options and study choices.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, I'd recommend you first find some opportunities in your local community where you can volunteer at your local hospital, a healthcare non-profit or a charity. Working with people and learning about different types of health issues is an important first step in understanding if medicine is the right career for you. Volunteer work also helps when it comes to applying for medical school and writing a personal statement, or answering questions at interview.
You can also get hold of some exam prep books or online resources about the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) which will give you an idea of the questions you'd be asked on the test and what you need to study to prepare for it.
If there is anyone in your family who works in medicine, then that it also a great place to start. Ask them about what they do, how they first got started and what they love (and don't love) about their job. They might also be able to introduce you to people at their workplace who can help you with open days, volunteering opportunities and career programs.
Find some volunteering opportunities related to healthcare in your local area
Talk to teachers, tutors and careers advisors about your options
Locate study resources for the MCAT test
Speak to people you know who already work in the field
If you can combine a passion for learning with a drive to help people, then medicine is certainly a good career option. Having empathy and compassion for people is just as important as getting good grades.
There are also so many paths you can take in healthcare as a doctor, nurse, biological scientist, researcher or any number of associated professions like medical assistant, pharmacist, radiologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, music therapist and so on.
To go on to be a doctor, you'll need to be good at mathematics, chemistry and biology in particular, although you'll need top grades generally. You can start by taking a science degree or pre-med and then deciding if you want to go on to medical school after that. Or, with a science degree, you'll be able to pursue a number of related professionals. You should talk to teachers or tutors about your career options and study choices.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, I'd recommend you first find some opportunities in your local community where you can volunteer at your local hospital, a healthcare non-profit or a charity. Working with people and learning about different types of health issues is an important first step in understanding if medicine is the right career for you. Volunteer work also helps when it comes to applying for medical school and writing a personal statement, or answering questions at interview.
You can also get hold of some exam prep books or online resources about the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) which will give you an idea of the questions you'd be asked on the test and what you need to study to prepare for it.
If there is anyone in your family who works in medicine, then that it also a great place to start. Ask them about what they do, how they first got started and what they love (and don't love) about their job. They might also be able to introduce you to people at their workplace who can help you with open days, volunteering opportunities and career programs.
Russell recommends the following next steps:
Scott Adler
Physician (recently retired)
32
Answers
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hi Aliyah. Having had a near-death experience, apparently being saved by some wonderful people in the healthcare professions seems like a great motivation to enter one of those fields. Regarding "something in the medical field," the "medical field" is a very broad term. There are clinical pursuits (hands-on care of patients), scientific, research-oriented careers and business aspects of medical care. It can mean anything from being a nurse or medical technician (someone who performs tests or draws blood in a doctor's office) to being a brain surgeon or running a hospital and many other fields as well (physical therapy, occupational therapy radiology technician, etc...). Talking to people you know such as your doctor and the employees in their office (possibly nurses, medical technicians) would be a convenient source of information. If you know anyone else in a health-related field, they could be helpful as well. Find out what things interest you by getting different experiences and taking varied classes. I do not know what grade you are in but perhaps you can speak to a guidance counselor to see if there are any vocational programs that can provide information. Good luck!
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Some people are drawn by personal experiences either themselves, a close relative, loved one, witnessed event. Or maybe inspired by another doctor/health care professional they’ve seen have a successful/impactful career. And in some cases truly helping those in needs is the most basic but true answer. The constant ability to learn and grow is also very motivating/enticing to many!
Elda Luera
BSN, RN
7
Answers
Port Lavaca, Texas
Updated
Elda’s Answer
Growing up I would babysit younger family members. One of my cousins has Type 1 diabetes, where she is insulin dependent. I saw her challenges; and as someone who loves her I wanted to help. That began my journey into the health field.
In high school I participated in our medical club. In college I went pre- med until I realized I didn’t want to learn botany, zoology, or calculus. My first few nursing courses and I knew that’s what I wanted to do; the courses made sense to me and I could see how they applied to human health.
The most common reason I hear from fellow nurses for joining the profession is because they want to care for people/make a difference, personal experience, ease of finding a job/ease of schedule, & pay.
In high school I participated in our medical club. In college I went pre- med until I realized I didn’t want to learn botany, zoology, or calculus. My first few nursing courses and I knew that’s what I wanted to do; the courses made sense to me and I could see how they applied to human health.
The most common reason I hear from fellow nurses for joining the profession is because they want to care for people/make a difference, personal experience, ease of finding a job/ease of schedule, & pay.