2 answers
Sofia
Student
Oak Park, Illinois
1
Question
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What internships are in the Chicago area or does anybody know other ways to get involved?
I am a high school sophomore in the Chicago land area and I would like to be a trauma or cardiothoracic surgeon.
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2 answers
Shannon MacLaughlan David
gynecologic oncologist, OB/GYN
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Hello, Sofia! How exciting you're considering medicine, and some really action-packed fields, at that! I would recommend volunteer activities that serve two purposes: 1) they get you exposure to the specialty, and 2) they build up your resume and demonstrate your commitment.
Here are some thoughts:
1) check in with every medical school in Chicagoland. The student interest groups often organize activities for highschool and college students.
2) go where the action is. Check with Cook County Hospital and other level 1 trauma centers in the city for volunteer opportunities, or even after-school jobs.
3) consider the fire department for volunteer opportunities or ambulance rides. Get trained in CPR (which is a wonderful skill to have anyway), which will open more opportunities for you.
4) check with your school about relationships they may have with hospitals and/or schools in the city.
And finally, keep an open mind. Many of us in medicine thought we were going to be one kind of doctor, only to fall in love with a different specialty when we found it.
Best of luck!
Here are some thoughts:
1) check in with every medical school in Chicagoland. The student interest groups often organize activities for highschool and college students.
2) go where the action is. Check with Cook County Hospital and other level 1 trauma centers in the city for volunteer opportunities, or even after-school jobs.
3) consider the fire department for volunteer opportunities or ambulance rides. Get trained in CPR (which is a wonderful skill to have anyway), which will open more opportunities for you.
4) check with your school about relationships they may have with hospitals and/or schools in the city.
And finally, keep an open mind. Many of us in medicine thought we were going to be one kind of doctor, only to fall in love with a different specialty when we found it.
Best of luck!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Sofia!
If you're aiming to be a trauma or cardiothoracic surgeon, starting early is really impressive and great. Here are a few things and some cool ways to dive into the medical world around Chicago. Hope it helps you clear somethings out. I just want you to know that Volunteering will open up many paths and possibilities for you it will also really give you a great scoop into the field you had like to take. Anyways 😎!
1. Internships:
Northwestern Medicine's NM Scholars Program: A four-week summer gig where you get hands-on with docs and researchers.
Rush University's MedSTEM Pathways: A six-week paid summer internship for high school juniors, seniors, and recent grads.
2. Volunteering:
Northwest Community Healthcare: If you're 16 or older, you can volunteer a minimum of four hours a week.
Lurie Children's Hospital: They've got summer spots for high schoolers aged 16 and up.
Some extra Tips I would say:
School Clubs: Join or start a health or science club at your school.
Local Hospitals: Reach out to see if they offer shadowing programs.
Online Courses: Check out free medical courses to get a head start.
Remember, deadlines sneak up fast, so keep an eye on application dates. Getting involved now not only boosts your skills but also looks awesome on college apps. Go get 'em! All the best Sofia!
If you're aiming to be a trauma or cardiothoracic surgeon, starting early is really impressive and great. Here are a few things and some cool ways to dive into the medical world around Chicago. Hope it helps you clear somethings out. I just want you to know that Volunteering will open up many paths and possibilities for you it will also really give you a great scoop into the field you had like to take. Anyways 😎!
1. Internships:
Northwestern Medicine's NM Scholars Program: A four-week summer gig where you get hands-on with docs and researchers.
Rush University's MedSTEM Pathways: A six-week paid summer internship for high school juniors, seniors, and recent grads.
2. Volunteering:
Northwest Community Healthcare: If you're 16 or older, you can volunteer a minimum of four hours a week.
Lurie Children's Hospital: They've got summer spots for high schoolers aged 16 and up.
Some extra Tips I would say:
School Clubs: Join or start a health or science club at your school.
Local Hospitals: Reach out to see if they offer shadowing programs.
Online Courses: Check out free medical courses to get a head start.
Remember, deadlines sneak up fast, so keep an eye on application dates. Getting involved now not only boosts your skills but also looks awesome on college apps. Go get 'em! All the best Sofia!