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How do you discover the medical profession that most suited you the best?
As a college student I know I want to be in the medical field, I have kept my options open, but I haven't been able to truly explore all the careers available. I am hoping that someone who once stood in my shoes would lend me a few words of advice from their experiences. I also am curious to know what schools UC, CSU, or private schools are better suited for pre-med or medical school. Any extra information relevant to this topic would be helpful. Thank you for your time and effort, have a blessed day!
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Midwest’s Answer
Congratulations on arriving at this conclusion and at the exciting process ahead of you! I also came to decide upon my ultimate career as a college student, but I didn't know that's what was happening at the time. The first time is to gain wide, diverse exposure while you are figuring out what you want to do. As a college student, this is best achieve through short shadowing experiences during the academic year and most extensive internships or extended experiences during the summer months. This will not only allow for exposure but also the opportunity for meaningful achievement which will enhance your application.
One of the first decisions that trainees make is between medicine and surgery. In reality it is of course not this simple, as some of the daily procedures done by individuals from both can end up being the same. For example, cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists both do TAVR procedures together, but their training pathways are vastly different. Personally, the prospect of being in the operating room doing procedures while also rounding on and seeing patients each morning was the best of both worlds and extremely attractive to me. Typically one of the first steps to this decision making is to actually get into an operating room! Is it a place that you enjoy? Are you interested in the procedures being performed? Does this structure of rounding on patients during the morning and then proceeding to the operating room attractive to you? Do you like doing things with your hands? If you end up shadowing a surgery in the operating room and it lasts an extremely long time like 8-10 hours and you do not actually do anything during it and end up finding this long and boring, that does not mean surgery isn't for you! That sort of experience would be boring for anyone (even surgeons) so take everything with a grain of salt. Residency training can be a very long process which is both physically and emotionally draining and it is vital that you enter a pathway of training that you enjoy, or else it will be miserable.
Personally, I became interested in cardiothoracic surgery because I liked the physiology of the heart and the chest and because I perceived that type of surgery to be very challenging. I therefore contacted a few surgeons in my area and applied for a summer internship under their support, through which I began multiple clinical research projects which not only help boost my application but also gave me more exposure to the field. After that point of "getting hooked" the remainder of my process in choosing a field became a rule-out process - would anything else grasp my attention and pull me away? This is a key phase in the process, to allow yourself to be interested in other areas and pursue those. I was open to this but was never drawn away and ultimately continued until I completed training as a cardiac surgeon.
Regarding, UC, CSU, or private schools, I do not have direct experience or knowledge with those specific schools but will say that applicants to medical school can be highly successful from any pre-medical setting, with the important point that those specific places provide the resources for students to be academically excellent and successful, which is true of most undergraduate institutions! It is better for you to have a 4.0 GPA from an undergraduate institution with a decent reputation than to have a 3.3 GPA at Harvard. Regarding medical schools, there are fewer and fewer actual quantitative grades that are given out in medical school and so the reputation and opportunities available at any given medical school takes on more importance as compared to choosing colleges. Another considering if you do have an idea of what area you hope to train for is whether you will get that exposure at that medical school or at least have the opportunity for that exposure at a hospital or practice nearby.
Hope this is a little bit helpful!
Do you lean towards medicine or surgery?
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Secure an internship in a medical setting for next summer
One of the first decisions that trainees make is between medicine and surgery. In reality it is of course not this simple, as some of the daily procedures done by individuals from both can end up being the same. For example, cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists both do TAVR procedures together, but their training pathways are vastly different. Personally, the prospect of being in the operating room doing procedures while also rounding on and seeing patients each morning was the best of both worlds and extremely attractive to me. Typically one of the first steps to this decision making is to actually get into an operating room! Is it a place that you enjoy? Are you interested in the procedures being performed? Does this structure of rounding on patients during the morning and then proceeding to the operating room attractive to you? Do you like doing things with your hands? If you end up shadowing a surgery in the operating room and it lasts an extremely long time like 8-10 hours and you do not actually do anything during it and end up finding this long and boring, that does not mean surgery isn't for you! That sort of experience would be boring for anyone (even surgeons) so take everything with a grain of salt. Residency training can be a very long process which is both physically and emotionally draining and it is vital that you enter a pathway of training that you enjoy, or else it will be miserable.
Personally, I became interested in cardiothoracic surgery because I liked the physiology of the heart and the chest and because I perceived that type of surgery to be very challenging. I therefore contacted a few surgeons in my area and applied for a summer internship under their support, through which I began multiple clinical research projects which not only help boost my application but also gave me more exposure to the field. After that point of "getting hooked" the remainder of my process in choosing a field became a rule-out process - would anything else grasp my attention and pull me away? This is a key phase in the process, to allow yourself to be interested in other areas and pursue those. I was open to this but was never drawn away and ultimately continued until I completed training as a cardiac surgeon.
Regarding, UC, CSU, or private schools, I do not have direct experience or knowledge with those specific schools but will say that applicants to medical school can be highly successful from any pre-medical setting, with the important point that those specific places provide the resources for students to be academically excellent and successful, which is true of most undergraduate institutions! It is better for you to have a 4.0 GPA from an undergraduate institution with a decent reputation than to have a 3.3 GPA at Harvard. Regarding medical schools, there are fewer and fewer actual quantitative grades that are given out in medical school and so the reputation and opportunities available at any given medical school takes on more importance as compared to choosing colleges. Another considering if you do have an idea of what area you hope to train for is whether you will get that exposure at that medical school or at least have the opportunity for that exposure at a hospital or practice nearby.
Hope this is a little bit helpful!
Midwest recommends the following next steps:
Updated
bill’s Answer
Angie, it's important to know that the world of medicine is broad and diverse, with two major branches being traditional and alternative medicine. If you're leaning towards traditional medicine, I might not be the best person to guide you. The prerequisites for medical schools can be challenging and the journey is quite long, taking around 8 years, plus an additional 2 years to establish a practice.
However, I've been a practicing chiropractor for over 43 years and I can tell you that this field is relatively easier to break into. You can complete your studies and start practicing in about 7-8 years. There are plenty of opportunities for women and the field is expanding as more and more people are seeking alternatives to traditional medicine, which often prescribes a pill for every ailment.
So, if you're still exploring your options, don't overlook this growing industry that's gaining popularity day by day. If you have any other questions, I'm more than willing to help answer them.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Bill
However, I've been a practicing chiropractor for over 43 years and I can tell you that this field is relatively easier to break into. You can complete your studies and start practicing in about 7-8 years. There are plenty of opportunities for women and the field is expanding as more and more people are seeking alternatives to traditional medicine, which often prescribes a pill for every ailment.
So, if you're still exploring your options, don't overlook this growing industry that's gaining popularity day by day. If you have any other questions, I'm more than willing to help answer them.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Bill
Updated
Rita’s Answer
If you want to go into the medical field, I advise every person to be a medical scribe. I also wanted to go into the medical field but was completely clueless. They did not have scribes during my time but this is one of the best ways to get paid, see exactly what doctors do and if possibly speak with the doctors. During this time, you are learning about medicine. This will help you during medical school.
When I went to medical school, I wanted to be a pediatrician. During medical school, I changed to family medicine. The first two years of medical school, you are sitting in a classroom and learning. It's during the last 2 years of medical school that you do your rotations. Depending on your school, you would spend 4-6 weeks on each rotation: Surgery, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, Dermatology etc. This gives you a taste of each field. During the end of the 3rd year of medical school, you should start applying to your residency programs. For me, I would rather be prepared. Let's say you wanted to do something competitive. It would be best to get better grades etc.
If you work as a scribe, you can possible do different fields so you can know what field appeals to you. For example, let's say you decide you prefer to not deal with people. You can do pathology or radiology. Maybe you like procedures. Then you can concentrate on the surgery fields. These are very competitive so you need to do well and work very hard.
I had medical students rotate in my office and I've noticed the ones that worked as scribes were so much sharper. It's not necessarily that they were smarter but they had the experience in medicine. They knew how to present their patients. I went into medical school blindly. I had no family in medicine. I knew nothing. It was hard and it was like learning another language. If I had to the chance to scribe, I would already be introduced to the language. If I saw common patient problems, I would remember them when I went to medical school. The best thing is if you decide you don't like medicine. You just saved yourself a lot of time and money.
When I went to medical school, I wanted to be a pediatrician. During medical school, I changed to family medicine. The first two years of medical school, you are sitting in a classroom and learning. It's during the last 2 years of medical school that you do your rotations. Depending on your school, you would spend 4-6 weeks on each rotation: Surgery, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, Dermatology etc. This gives you a taste of each field. During the end of the 3rd year of medical school, you should start applying to your residency programs. For me, I would rather be prepared. Let's say you wanted to do something competitive. It would be best to get better grades etc.
If you work as a scribe, you can possible do different fields so you can know what field appeals to you. For example, let's say you decide you prefer to not deal with people. You can do pathology or radiology. Maybe you like procedures. Then you can concentrate on the surgery fields. These are very competitive so you need to do well and work very hard.
I had medical students rotate in my office and I've noticed the ones that worked as scribes were so much sharper. It's not necessarily that they were smarter but they had the experience in medicine. They knew how to present their patients. I went into medical school blindly. I had no family in medicine. I knew nothing. It was hard and it was like learning another language. If I had to the chance to scribe, I would already be introduced to the language. If I saw common patient problems, I would remember them when I went to medical school. The best thing is if you decide you don't like medicine. You just saved yourself a lot of time and money.
Angella chepchirchir
SEO, MARKETING, ANALYST , psychologist
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Angella’s Answer
Exploring the medical profession and finding the career path that suits you best can be an exciting but challenging journey. Here are some steps you can take to help discover the medical field that aligns with your interests and strengths:
Self-reflection: Start by reflecting on your own passions, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of healthcare interest you the most, whether it's working directly with patients, conducting research, teaching, or something else. Assess your skills, personality traits, and long-term goals to identify potential matches.
Research: Take the time to thoroughly research various medical professions. Look into the roles, responsibilities, educational requirements, working environments, and career paths associated with different healthcare careers. This can include professions like medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, biomedical research, public health, and more.
Informational interviews and shadowing: Reach out to professionals in different medical fields and request informational interviews or shadowing opportunities. This will provide you with firsthand insights into their daily work and help you determine if a particular career is a good fit for you. Networking with professionals and joining relevant student organizations can also expand your opportunities for exposure and guidance.
Volunteer or work experience: Consider volunteering or working in healthcare-related settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or research labs. These experiences will give you valuable exposure to the medical field and allow you to interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers. They can also help you understand the practical aspects of different medical careers.
Pre-med coursework: While keeping your options open, it is important to complete the pre-med coursework required for most medical schools. These typically include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Doing well in these courses will provide a solid foundation for further exploration and potential medical school applications.
Regarding your question about schools, here's some general information:
UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) schools: Both UC and CSU systems offer excellent pre-med programs. UCs generally have a stronger research focus and provide more resources for aspiring medical professionals. CSUs, on the other hand, may provide more opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and direct patient interaction. However, it's essential to research individual schools within these systems and compare their specific offerings, faculty, research opportunities, and support systems.
Private schools: Private universities can also provide excellent pre-med programs, often with smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. They may have strong connections to local hospitals, research institutions, and medical centers. Some private schools are renowned for their medical schools as well, which can offer advantages if you plan to continue your education at the same institution.
Ultimately, the choice of undergraduate institution should be based on factors such as curriculum, resources, research opportunities, location, cost, and fit with your personal preferences and goals.
Remember, the path to a medical career is a long one, and it's important to keep an open mind, explore various options, and seek guidance from advisors, mentors, and professionals along the way. Good luck o journey!
Exploring the medical profession and finding the career path that suits you best can be an exciting but challenging journey. Here are some steps you can take to help discover the medical field that aligns with your interests and strengths:
Self-reflection: Start by reflecting on your own passions, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of healthcare interest you the most, whether it's working directly with patients, conducting research, teaching, or something else. Assess your skills, personality traits, and long-term goals to identify potential matches.
Research: Take the time to thoroughly research various medical professions. Look into the roles, responsibilities, educational requirements, working environments, and career paths associated with different healthcare careers. This can include professions like medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, biomedical research, public health, and more.
Informational interviews and shadowing: Reach out to professionals in different medical fields and request informational interviews or shadowing opportunities. This will provide you with firsthand insights into their daily work and help you determine if a particular career is a good fit for you. Networking with professionals and joining relevant student organizations can also expand your opportunities for exposure and guidance.
Volunteer or work experience: Consider volunteering or working in healthcare-related settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or research labs. These experiences will give you valuable exposure to the medical field and allow you to interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers. They can also help you understand the practical aspects of different medical careers.
Pre-med coursework: While keeping your options open, it is important to complete the pre-med coursework required for most medical schools. These typically include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Doing well in these courses will provide a solid foundation for further exploration and potential medical school applications.
Regarding your question about schools, here's some general information:
UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) schools: Both UC and CSU systems offer excellent pre-med programs. UCs generally have a stronger research focus and provide more resources for aspiring medical professionals. CSUs, on the other hand, may provide more opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and direct patient interaction. However, it's essential to research individual schools within these systems and compare their specific offerings, faculty, research opportunities, and support systems.
Private schools: Private universities can also provide excellent pre-med programs, often with smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. They may have strong connections to local hospitals, research institutions, and medical centers. Some private schools are renowned for their medical schools as well, which can offer advantages if you plan to continue your education at the same institution.
Ultimately, the choice of undergraduate institution should be based on factors such as curriculum, resources, research opportunities, location, cost, and fit with your personal preferences and goals.
Remember, the path to a medical career is a long one, and it's important to keep an open mind, explore various options, and seek guidance from advisors, mentors, and professionals along the way. Good luck on your!
Thank you for choosing Career village as your career advisor
Regards
Angella Chepchirchir
career village advisor
Self-reflection: Start by reflecting on your own passions, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of healthcare interest you the most, whether it's working directly with patients, conducting research, teaching, or something else. Assess your skills, personality traits, and long-term goals to identify potential matches.
Research: Take the time to thoroughly research various medical professions. Look into the roles, responsibilities, educational requirements, working environments, and career paths associated with different healthcare careers. This can include professions like medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, biomedical research, public health, and more.
Informational interviews and shadowing: Reach out to professionals in different medical fields and request informational interviews or shadowing opportunities. This will provide you with firsthand insights into their daily work and help you determine if a particular career is a good fit for you. Networking with professionals and joining relevant student organizations can also expand your opportunities for exposure and guidance.
Volunteer or work experience: Consider volunteering or working in healthcare-related settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or research labs. These experiences will give you valuable exposure to the medical field and allow you to interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers. They can also help you understand the practical aspects of different medical careers.
Pre-med coursework: While keeping your options open, it is important to complete the pre-med coursework required for most medical schools. These typically include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Doing well in these courses will provide a solid foundation for further exploration and potential medical school applications.
Regarding your question about schools, here's some general information:
UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) schools: Both UC and CSU systems offer excellent pre-med programs. UCs generally have a stronger research focus and provide more resources for aspiring medical professionals. CSUs, on the other hand, may provide more opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and direct patient interaction. However, it's essential to research individual schools within these systems and compare their specific offerings, faculty, research opportunities, and support systems.
Private schools: Private universities can also provide excellent pre-med programs, often with smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. They may have strong connections to local hospitals, research institutions, and medical centers. Some private schools are renowned for their medical schools as well, which can offer advantages if you plan to continue your education at the same institution.
Ultimately, the choice of undergraduate institution should be based on factors such as curriculum, resources, research opportunities, location, cost, and fit with your personal preferences and goals.
Remember, the path to a medical career is a long one, and it's important to keep an open mind, explore various options, and seek guidance from advisors, mentors, and professionals along the way. Good luck o journey!
Exploring the medical profession and finding the career path that suits you best can be an exciting but challenging journey. Here are some steps you can take to help discover the medical field that aligns with your interests and strengths:
Self-reflection: Start by reflecting on your own passions, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of healthcare interest you the most, whether it's working directly with patients, conducting research, teaching, or something else. Assess your skills, personality traits, and long-term goals to identify potential matches.
Research: Take the time to thoroughly research various medical professions. Look into the roles, responsibilities, educational requirements, working environments, and career paths associated with different healthcare careers. This can include professions like medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, biomedical research, public health, and more.
Informational interviews and shadowing: Reach out to professionals in different medical fields and request informational interviews or shadowing opportunities. This will provide you with firsthand insights into their daily work and help you determine if a particular career is a good fit for you. Networking with professionals and joining relevant student organizations can also expand your opportunities for exposure and guidance.
Volunteer or work experience: Consider volunteering or working in healthcare-related settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or research labs. These experiences will give you valuable exposure to the medical field and allow you to interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers. They can also help you understand the practical aspects of different medical careers.
Pre-med coursework: While keeping your options open, it is important to complete the pre-med coursework required for most medical schools. These typically include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Doing well in these courses will provide a solid foundation for further exploration and potential medical school applications.
Regarding your question about schools, here's some general information:
UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) schools: Both UC and CSU systems offer excellent pre-med programs. UCs generally have a stronger research focus and provide more resources for aspiring medical professionals. CSUs, on the other hand, may provide more opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and direct patient interaction. However, it's essential to research individual schools within these systems and compare their specific offerings, faculty, research opportunities, and support systems.
Private schools: Private universities can also provide excellent pre-med programs, often with smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. They may have strong connections to local hospitals, research institutions, and medical centers. Some private schools are renowned for their medical schools as well, which can offer advantages if you plan to continue your education at the same institution.
Ultimately, the choice of undergraduate institution should be based on factors such as curriculum, resources, research opportunities, location, cost, and fit with your personal preferences and goals.
Remember, the path to a medical career is a long one, and it's important to keep an open mind, explore various options, and seek guidance from advisors, mentors, and professionals along the way. Good luck on your!
Thank you for choosing Career village as your career advisor
Regards
Angella Chepchirchir
career village advisor