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how do i begin a journey in medicine after high school?
how do i begin a journey in medicine after high school?
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Samantha’s Answer
Embarking on a medical career can be an exhilarating journey, and there are a few proactive steps you can take to kickstart your path: shadow a doctor to gain firsthand insights, volunteer to build your experience, and get some hands-on patient care exposure.
Seek out a reputable four-year university that provides a bachelor's degree in science or premed. Aim for programs that offer comprehensive coursework in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics. While some medical schools may require additional prerequisite courses, a bachelor's degree in a science or premed field usually covers the majority of these subjects.
There's a wealth of resources available to guide you on when and how to apply to medical schools. Letters of recommendation are crucial, and medical schools appreciate those from premed advising committees and science professors.
The MCAT is a challenging test that demands dedicated study time to prepare for, but don't be daunted. Your hard work will pay off.
The journey towards becoming a practicing doctor typically spans over several years: four years for your bachelor's degree, possibly a gap year, another four years of medical school, and then a residency period of 3-6 years.
Embarking on a medical career is indeed challenging, but the rewards are immense. You're capable of achieving this, and I wish you the best of luck on your exciting journey!
Seek out a reputable four-year university that provides a bachelor's degree in science or premed. Aim for programs that offer comprehensive coursework in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics. While some medical schools may require additional prerequisite courses, a bachelor's degree in a science or premed field usually covers the majority of these subjects.
There's a wealth of resources available to guide you on when and how to apply to medical schools. Letters of recommendation are crucial, and medical schools appreciate those from premed advising committees and science professors.
The MCAT is a challenging test that demands dedicated study time to prepare for, but don't be daunted. Your hard work will pay off.
The journey towards becoming a practicing doctor typically spans over several years: four years for your bachelor's degree, possibly a gap year, another four years of medical school, and then a residency period of 3-6 years.
Embarking on a medical career is indeed challenging, but the rewards are immense. You're capable of achieving this, and I wish you the best of luck on your exciting journey!
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hi David,
The field of medicine covers many different careers in dozens of different specialties. Healthcare relies upon technologists, nurses, and physicians. How is one to choose? The education path, time to complete training, salary, and expected work hours/schedule will vary greatly.
One can read online about these different fields and careers, but that is no substitute for real life experience. So my advice to you is to volunteer at your local hospital and see as much as you can. Ask people if you can shadow them - you will most likely get a lot of rejections, but it just takes one yes to provide you with what can be an invaluable experience. I know when I see a young person interested in my field and wanting to learn more, I bend over backwards to show them what I do.
As far as your education goes, if you are in high school, take the most challenging science and math courses that your school offers. Speak with a guidance counselor to help guide you on your journey.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
The field of medicine covers many different careers in dozens of different specialties. Healthcare relies upon technologists, nurses, and physicians. How is one to choose? The education path, time to complete training, salary, and expected work hours/schedule will vary greatly.
One can read online about these different fields and careers, but that is no substitute for real life experience. So my advice to you is to volunteer at your local hospital and see as much as you can. Ask people if you can shadow them - you will most likely get a lot of rejections, but it just takes one yes to provide you with what can be an invaluable experience. I know when I see a young person interested in my field and wanting to learn more, I bend over backwards to show them what I do.
As far as your education goes, if you are in high school, take the most challenging science and math courses that your school offers. Speak with a guidance counselor to help guide you on your journey.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
Updated
Rita’s Answer
4 years of college
4 years of medical school
minimum of 3 years internship and residency
If you are in science, I would try to do research, try to volunteer but I think the most helpful advice is to work as a medical scribe. The medical students who worked as scribes were sharper when they rotated with me. I don't think they were smarter but because they had the experience, it helped them. You get to interact with doctors and can see if medicine is what you imagined. I also challenge you to do the following: You will have shifts to work 8-5 for example. I challenge you to go into the office when the doctor starts work and stay until s/he leaves. This is going to be your life. So, when you have a dinner plan at 5:30 pm with someone and the doctor is still there, you will cancel your plans because this is what your life will be.
4 years of medical school
minimum of 3 years internship and residency
If you are in science, I would try to do research, try to volunteer but I think the most helpful advice is to work as a medical scribe. The medical students who worked as scribes were sharper when they rotated with me. I don't think they were smarter but because they had the experience, it helped them. You get to interact with doctors and can see if medicine is what you imagined. I also challenge you to do the following: You will have shifts to work 8-5 for example. I challenge you to go into the office when the doctor starts work and stay until s/he leaves. This is going to be your life. So, when you have a dinner plan at 5:30 pm with someone and the doctor is still there, you will cancel your plans because this is what your life will be.