3 answers
Cindy
Student
West Lafayette, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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What are somethings you did in high school to help you go into the medical field?
Hi,
My name is Cindy and I go by she/her pronouns. I have always wanted to work in the medical field. It wasn't to long ago that I found my passion in working in the ER. There are a few personal reasons that push me to hope to become an MD in the ER. That also brings me to ask a questions on how to become one and how to get accepted into my dream college of IU.
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3 answers
Jennifer Lygren-Snyder
Medical Laboratory Scientist
30
Answers
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Firstly, pinpoint the specific requirements needed for admission into the school of your interest. Do you have a connection with someone who is currently studying there or has recently graduated? Utilize such relationships to gain a mentor, which can be a valuable asset. Use their college application as a blueprint for your own. Furthermore, don't hesitate to contact the university's admissions counselors and arrange a visit if possible. While these steps won't guarantee admission, they can significantly boost your chances. Don't shy away from pushing your academic boundaries, but remember that many institutions value a well-rounded student profile - one that balances academics, personal interests, sports, and work (either as an employee or volunteer).
Divya Shivakumar
doctor
14
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Divya’s Answer
Hey Cindy!
I would suggest you talk to someone in the field by reaching out to ER doctors or nurses to get an idea about how it’s going to be. As someone who went through a rotation in ER during my final year of medical school, it’s a hectic place which is mentally and physically challenging but at the same time also gives you the adrenaline rush of diagnosing and treating critical cases and saving lives.
I would suggest shadowing doctors and getting a personal experience of ER and volunteer in order to complete your application.
Having a good mentor goes a long way, try to find someone who can guide you through the journey. Other than these if you’re looking for the steps needed, it would be your Pre med, med school, USMLE exams and then apply for residency in ER. It’s a long journey but it’s worth it when your dream comes true.
Good luck Cindy and hope you find this useful.
Reach out
Shadowing
Good Mentor
I would suggest you talk to someone in the field by reaching out to ER doctors or nurses to get an idea about how it’s going to be. As someone who went through a rotation in ER during my final year of medical school, it’s a hectic place which is mentally and physically challenging but at the same time also gives you the adrenaline rush of diagnosing and treating critical cases and saving lives.
I would suggest shadowing doctors and getting a personal experience of ER and volunteer in order to complete your application.
Having a good mentor goes a long way, try to find someone who can guide you through the journey. Other than these if you’re looking for the steps needed, it would be your Pre med, med school, USMLE exams and then apply for residency in ER. It’s a long journey but it’s worth it when your dream comes true.
Good luck Cindy and hope you find this useful.
Divya recommends the following next steps:
Jonathan Wilson
8
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Eliminate pronouns on your professional documents. Listing your pronouns anywhere (resumes, social media. etc.) is at the very least an impediment to success - if not the fast track to failure. From a professional perspective, defining pronouns creates a negative impression - specifically that the employment candidate is not balanced, not grounded and not reliable. Yes, even your social media posts will be subject to scrutiny, so mind what you post.
Businesses exist to make money. They do this by selling products, services or ideas. The goal is to build a professional resume in order to present you (to sell your abilities) in the best light. Volunteer in medical facilities. Find part time work in medically related facilities. Become certified as a phlebotomist. Consider training/working as a paramedic. Build your resume. Talk to ER physicians, nurses, patient technicians. Talk to guidance counselors.
The path to become a physician requires a 4 year undergraduate degree in a field that you love or at least enjoy plus the prerequisites for medical school (typically 1 year general chemistry with labs, 1 year of organic chemistry with labs, 1 year of physics with labs, 1 year of biological sciences with labs plus classes in math/calculus, biochem, English, humanities), 4 year medical degree ( 2 years of classroom work and 2 years of clinical rotations) and 3, 4 or 5 years of residency. Traumatology may be a 5 year program. Some institutions will piggyback fellowships onto the residency.
If your dream is IU for medical school, then consider IU for undergrad. Ask the medical school at IU if they give preferential treatment for IU undergrads. Some schools do.
Businesses exist to make money. They do this by selling products, services or ideas. The goal is to build a professional resume in order to present you (to sell your abilities) in the best light. Volunteer in medical facilities. Find part time work in medically related facilities. Become certified as a phlebotomist. Consider training/working as a paramedic. Build your resume. Talk to ER physicians, nurses, patient technicians. Talk to guidance counselors.
The path to become a physician requires a 4 year undergraduate degree in a field that you love or at least enjoy plus the prerequisites for medical school (typically 1 year general chemistry with labs, 1 year of organic chemistry with labs, 1 year of physics with labs, 1 year of biological sciences with labs plus classes in math/calculus, biochem, English, humanities), 4 year medical degree ( 2 years of classroom work and 2 years of clinical rotations) and 3, 4 or 5 years of residency. Traumatology may be a 5 year program. Some institutions will piggyback fellowships onto the residency.
If your dream is IU for medical school, then consider IU for undergrad. Ask the medical school at IU if they give preferential treatment for IU undergrads. Some schools do.