What tips do you have for a student pursuing a medical career? (Do's/Don'ts?)
I am a high school student and I want to know more about people and their experiences with a health/medical job. What are some challenges you have overcome as a doctor/nurse/physician? What tips do you have while studying in college to working in the workplace? Thank you! #college #doctor #medicine #nurse #physician #high-school #advice #experiences
2 answers
Stephani Hunt
Stephani’s Answer
My tips for you are to really try to get as much experience as possible when you are in school. You will have clinical rotations, residencies, fellowships, etc. along the way depending on what you plan to do, but soak in as much as you can. All of the careers you are considering require a lot of studying, and in addition to classroom time, you will be spending long hours in hospitals and care areas as part of your education. If you want to party at college, these majors definitely make you less able to live the crazy college life (don't get me wrong, I had A LOT of fun and was very socially active, but there were saturdays that required studying, clinical rotations, and work, which many other types of degrees don't really understand.) I would recommend a volunteer job, nursing assistant job, or something that brings you into the setting so you have a better idea of what it is like. Don't be afraid to ask questions! You will have to do A LOT of studying. Find friends to help you and have study groups so you can hear everyone else's idea as well, which helps for understanding different concepts that yo might not have totally understood. Use whatever media you have to to make sure you understand. If you read about a procedure or concept and you don't quite get it, youtube almost always has a video you can watch to teach you visually. When you are in your clinical/residency rotations, do AS MUCH as possible, and even thought the first time doing anything on a person is terrifying, it's better to work out the kinks before you have a case load on your own. I am biased towards nursing, because I love it, but another thing you should do is to try to go through volunteer services and see if they will let you shadow different types of disciplines (MD, PA, NP, PT, OT, RT, etc..) The team approach is SO important and makes you more comfortable, and creates a safer environment for your patient. It is hard to use the team approach when you have no idea what the other disciplines work is actually like. I hope I answered some questions, but feel free to ask me more and I will answer whatever else you want!
Thank you for the information
Briana
Do you think it is a good idea to volunteer at a hospital while in high school to get a feel for it?
MiKayla
Thanks, this was really helpful.
Irma
I absolutely think you should voluteer or work at a hospital, because just getting used to dealing with sick people and their families can be tough when you first start, so even if you don't have one on one direct contact all the time you can learn a lot and become much for comfortable!
Stephani Hunt
Lirio’s Answer
It's also important to take your time exploring different specialties; it's perfectly okay to change your mind as you gain experience. Avoid burnout by prioritizing your mental and physical health and make sure to maintain breaks and downtime, especially during intense study periods. Don't underestimate the importance of soft skills; while technical knowledge is essential, communication and empathy are crucial in patient care. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether in your studies or personal life.
Healthcare professionals often face long hours, which can be physically and mentally draining. Learning to manage your time and energy is key. The emotional strain of dealing with patient illness and loss can be tough, so developing coping strategies and seeking support from peers is important. Staying updated with changes in the medical field through continuous education is necessary to remain current with best practices and technologies.
In college, joining study groups can enhance your learning, and gaining practical experience through internships or research opportunities will be invaluable. Finally, following medical journals and news helps you understand current trends and breakthroughs, making you a better candidate in the field. Embarking on a medical career requires dedication and resilience, but the rewards of helping others and making a difference in their lives are immense. Good luck on your journey!