What are some programs or activities I can participate in during college that will prepare me for medical school?
I am a senior in high school that plans on following a career path in the medical field. I plan to pursue a bachelors in biology and then following with med school with a concentration in either radiology or focus in on becoming an ER doctor in the Cleveland, Ohio area. I have a passion for biological and health sciences and look forward to this future path. #radiology #ER #ERdoctor #physician #Healthscience #medicalfield #Cleveland #Ohio #college #university #schooling #school #medical-school #career-paths #doctor
4 answers
Meighan Middleton
Meighan’s Answer
1. Professional Societies: does your school have a Pre-Med Club or Health Care Students Fraternity? Consider joining one of these (or starting your own branch on campus if your school does not already have one) to network with other pre-med students.
2. Research/Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Connect with a professor or TA from a class you enjoyed and ask if they have any research or teaching asssitant positions available. Many professors take undergraduates to staff their labs or assist the graduate Teaching Assistants with introductory lab courses in Biology or Chemistry. If your school offers Anatomy courses, you may also apply to work in preparing prosections Working in lab or on another research project will help you build practical skills that complement your coursework and help you refine your professional interests.
3. Peer Tutor: Volunteer as Peer Tutor for STEM courses. Many schools have drop in tutoring centers for core STEM classes staffed by other students under the supervision of a graduate student, TA, or other staff member. You keep your academic skills current (which will help for the MCAT) while helping others and building your resume.
4. Internships/Jobs: Consider an internship at your student health center as a front desk staffer, as an ER Scribe or escort in the local Emergency room, or as a peer education in the mental health or sexual wellness programs on your campus. Many colleges also grant you transcript credit for internships, which medical schools you are applying to will see.
5. Emergency Medical Technician Certification: Take an EMT class either on campus or through a local organization. Take the certification exam following your class, and consider working as an EMT. *CPR Certification is a good first step as it is a prerequisite for most EMT Programs.
Meighan recommends the following next steps: