8 answers
Mina
Student
Dobbs Ferry, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How can a student looking to go into the medical field start exploring options in high school?
I'm a junior in high school that's looking to get an advantage before going to undergrad. I want to get an internship or something along those lines so I can 1. begin exploring possible career paths in this field and 2. get some experience that could give me an advantage to get into med school.
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8 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
I believe shadowing, volunteering or internships would be good at this point. Schools are very interested in your volunteering and experience in the medical field. Volunteering can help in both of these categories and that is why a lot of people choose to volunteer in hospitals. Most doctors you ask to shadow are super happy to let you because they love the opportunity to teach the next generation. If you want the advantage i believe the highest yield at your point and time would be volunteering and positioning yourself with great grades and get ready for college level classes. College is different from high school the classes move at a different speed and there is no guidance. Professors won’t let you know you didn’t turn something in. Being as prepared as you are is great, but remember this is a marathon and not a sprint which is why it is awesome that you are already as prepared as you are. If you have any more questions let me know. Currently in my third year of schooling.
Thank you so much! I really want to add some more volunteer hours so I think that I will begin looking for more opportunities in labs.
Mina
Olayinka Durojaye
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Hello Mina,
Thank you for your wonderful question. The medical field is a beautiful place for a career. I'll give you some suggestions that has helped me so far.
1. Association is key in achieving your goals. Try to build relationship with your current school teachers who are committed to helping you achieve your dreams especially those in the science field. Talk to them about getting opportunities to volunteer in science projects or internships.
2. Use the internet to work for you. Search online for the requirements to get into med school and develop a plan on how you are going to build yourself in every way to have the requirements by the time you intend to apply to med school.
3. Connect with students already in the med school you hope to get into and ask questions about their experiences and if they could provide you some tips to getting into med school.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for your wonderful question. The medical field is a beautiful place for a career. I'll give you some suggestions that has helped me so far.
1. Association is key in achieving your goals. Try to build relationship with your current school teachers who are committed to helping you achieve your dreams especially those in the science field. Talk to them about getting opportunities to volunteer in science projects or internships.
2. Use the internet to work for you. Search online for the requirements to get into med school and develop a plan on how you are going to build yourself in every way to have the requirements by the time you intend to apply to med school.
3. Connect with students already in the med school you hope to get into and ask questions about their experiences and if they could provide you some tips to getting into med school.
Hope this helps!
Marquita Brown
Human Resource Management
4
Answers
Monroe, Michigan
Updated
Marquita’s Answer
I recommend initiating conversations with adults or family members who are currently employed in the medical sector. Inquire about their journey and the steps they took to successfully establish themselves in this field. If you haven't done so already, create a LinkedIn account. Use this platform to connect with professionals in the medical field. Foster these relationships and see if anyone is open to guiding you as a mentor. Consider visiting local doctors' offices and hospitals to inquire about volunteering opportunities. Every effort you make counts and will propel you towards your goal of entering this field. Additionally, don't hesitate to consult your school counselor, as they may have valuable information or resources to assist you.
Thank you! I haven't thought about making a Linkedin yet, and I'll reach out to relatives who are already working in the medical field to learn more.
Mina
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
92
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Why are you interested in the medical field? Are you fascinated by the human body? Do you really like all the different science subjects? Focus on how you would answer these questions. There are all kinds of medical specialties that you can major in. Do your research on the different areas? Do you want to be a doctor or a nurse or a physical therapist or a radiology technician?
You can check out Medical Internships for High School Students at this link - https://mycollegeguide.org/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/
You also could volunteer at a local hospital to get a better understanding of how hospital care for their patients.
If you do decide to go to medical school, I recommend working part-time as a medical scribe at a hospital starting in your junior year of college. You will develop strong relationships with doctors who will write you a recommendation for medical school.
Best of luck!
You can check out Medical Internships for High School Students at this link - https://mycollegeguide.org/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/
You also could volunteer at a local hospital to get a better understanding of how hospital care for their patients.
If you do decide to go to medical school, I recommend working part-time as a medical scribe at a hospital starting in your junior year of college. You will develop strong relationships with doctors who will write you a recommendation for medical school.
Best of luck!
Debra Zender
Retired elementary school teacher
4
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Debra’s Answer
I would start by taking as many science classes as you can. Psychology, math, English... basically the core courses help in all areas.
Adit Bhiday
Software Engineer
11
Answers
Gibson City, Illinois
Updated
Adit’s Answer
Dive into the medical field during your high school years to gain practical experience, identify your passions, and make smart choices about your future profession. Here's a guide to help you kick-start your journey:
1. Enroll in Science Classes: Opt for science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics to establish a solid base in the sciences. If your school offers advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, consider taking them.
2. Join Health-Centric Clubs: Become a member of clubs or groups that focus on health and medicine, such as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) or Medical Explorers. These clubs often provide hands-on experiences and exposure to various medical fields.
3. Volunteer at Healthcare Facilities: Seek out volunteering roles at local hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. This will give you direct experience in a healthcare environment, interaction with patients and healthcare professionals, and understanding of the daily duties in different medical positions.
4. Shadow Medical Professionals: Connect with healthcare professionals in your community, such as doctors, nurses, physician assistants, or pharmacists, and request to shadow them. This will give you valuable insights into different medical specialties and the daily challenges healthcare providers face.
5. Engage in Research Projects: If your high school offers research opportunities in collaboration with universities or research institutions, participate in them. This will give you a glimpse of the scientific side of the medical field.
6. Attend Medical Events: Keep an eye out for local workshops, seminars, or lectures related to healthcare and medicine. These events can introduce you to new medical advancements and provide networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
7. Earn CPR and First Aid Certifications: Obtain certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. These skills are useful in any medical setting and may be necessary for certain healthcare programs in the future.
8. Join Summer Medical Programs: Some universities and medical schools offer summer programs for high school students interested in the medical field. These programs offer practical experience, lectures, and workshops related to medicine.
9. Use Online Resources: Utilize online resources, such as medical forums, webinars, and educational platforms, to learn more about various medical specialties, research topics, and healthcare issues.
10. Consult Guidance Counselors and Mentors: Reach out to your high school guidance counselor or teachers for advice and help in finding relevant opportunities in the medical field.
Remember, the path to a medical career is a lengthy one, so start early and explore various options to make well-informed decisions about your future in the medical field. Use every opportunity high school offers to lay a strong foundation for your future career.
1. Enroll in Science Classes: Opt for science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics to establish a solid base in the sciences. If your school offers advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, consider taking them.
2. Join Health-Centric Clubs: Become a member of clubs or groups that focus on health and medicine, such as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) or Medical Explorers. These clubs often provide hands-on experiences and exposure to various medical fields.
3. Volunteer at Healthcare Facilities: Seek out volunteering roles at local hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. This will give you direct experience in a healthcare environment, interaction with patients and healthcare professionals, and understanding of the daily duties in different medical positions.
4. Shadow Medical Professionals: Connect with healthcare professionals in your community, such as doctors, nurses, physician assistants, or pharmacists, and request to shadow them. This will give you valuable insights into different medical specialties and the daily challenges healthcare providers face.
5. Engage in Research Projects: If your high school offers research opportunities in collaboration with universities or research institutions, participate in them. This will give you a glimpse of the scientific side of the medical field.
6. Attend Medical Events: Keep an eye out for local workshops, seminars, or lectures related to healthcare and medicine. These events can introduce you to new medical advancements and provide networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
7. Earn CPR and First Aid Certifications: Obtain certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. These skills are useful in any medical setting and may be necessary for certain healthcare programs in the future.
8. Join Summer Medical Programs: Some universities and medical schools offer summer programs for high school students interested in the medical field. These programs offer practical experience, lectures, and workshops related to medicine.
9. Use Online Resources: Utilize online resources, such as medical forums, webinars, and educational platforms, to learn more about various medical specialties, research topics, and healthcare issues.
10. Consult Guidance Counselors and Mentors: Reach out to your high school guidance counselor or teachers for advice and help in finding relevant opportunities in the medical field.
Remember, the path to a medical career is a lengthy one, so start early and explore various options to make well-informed decisions about your future in the medical field. Use every opportunity high school offers to lay a strong foundation for your future career.
Thank you! I will bring all of this up with my academic advisor as well as my out-of-school mentor. I'm going to see if I can take an extra science class in my senior year as well.
Mina
Anabel Rubin
Laboratory Intern
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Anabel’s Answer
Hi Mina! I am going into my senior year next month and have a similar situation to yours. I applied to several summer internships in the spring of junior year of different kinds: medical research, lab work, computational biology, and medical field experiences. I was rejected from many, but I got into my top choice which was the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program. So far this program has been a wonderful experience and I have learned about all possible medical career paths. I would suggest you apply to internships in a similar way, since exposure to any science field is valuable. In addition to internships, there are lots of free medical courses and online shadowing hours you can complete, and I have been doing so throughout high school. It's always good to talk to doctors about their journey too, and they are always willing to help ambitious high school students. Hope this helps and best of luck to you!
Great, thank you so much! I'll definitely keep an open mind and apply to a bunch of internships and the like.
Mina
Midwest Heart Surgeon
Cardiac surgeon
57
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Midwest’s Answer
Mina, these are excellent questions and the correct ones to ask in your position as you prepare for the next steps! The most important step you can take at this stage is to actively pursue and obtain EXPOSURE either in some particular area of the medical field that you are interested in and/or in multiple areas to help you decide which to ultimately pursue. This can be done through informal shadowing or a more formal internship, which may be more difficult during the academic year. For the formal options, you can search in your nearby area for summer programs and opportunities. Typically the bigger the hospital/institution, the more likely you will find some opportunity there. Getting linked with the best mentor can be done through word of mouth or even cold communication whether through an e-mail, phone call, or other form of introduction.
In the meantime, informal exposure can be invaluable not only in your decision making process but in your experience which you can cite on a CV and speak about in future interviews. This could be in an office setting or in the operative room if you have an interest in surgery. Most academic and also some private practice settings are used to interested students of all levels coming to shadow and get exposure to those careers and there are almost always systems in place to facilitate your experience.
When considering how to get some experience that could give you an advantage, the most advantageous activities will 1) add to your resume and/or 2) enhance your experience in a way that you will be able to intelligently discuss and share your experiences in that particular area. While this may be done through a formal internship or informal shadowing, another avenue to pursue is a research opportunity. Scientific manuscripts can be a long and arduous process because the final product is published in a journal, but for your purposes the more important experience will be exposure to that process and networking with the other individuals involved, whether medical students, residents, physicians, statisticians, research staff, etc. In doing so, you will also have this experience to cite and be able to discuss your role during future application processes.
Pursue diverse exposure through shadowing
Apply to internships
Prioritize experiences with depth and of particular interest for the future
Focus on high achievement in everything, even if it seems unrelated to medicine
In the meantime, informal exposure can be invaluable not only in your decision making process but in your experience which you can cite on a CV and speak about in future interviews. This could be in an office setting or in the operative room if you have an interest in surgery. Most academic and also some private practice settings are used to interested students of all levels coming to shadow and get exposure to those careers and there are almost always systems in place to facilitate your experience.
When considering how to get some experience that could give you an advantage, the most advantageous activities will 1) add to your resume and/or 2) enhance your experience in a way that you will be able to intelligently discuss and share your experiences in that particular area. While this may be done through a formal internship or informal shadowing, another avenue to pursue is a research opportunity. Scientific manuscripts can be a long and arduous process because the final product is published in a journal, but for your purposes the more important experience will be exposure to that process and networking with the other individuals involved, whether medical students, residents, physicians, statisticians, research staff, etc. In doing so, you will also have this experience to cite and be able to discuss your role during future application processes.
Midwest recommends the following next steps: