Anything I can do over the summer that can improve my knowledge in the medical department?
I'm an organized person, and I've already planned a lot of things for the coming year, like taking extra classes, joining clubs, and volunteering. But I still want to do more to get ready for college. I know summer programs are a good option, but I'm not sure where to find them. Plus, I’m getting a job and taking a family vacation during the summer. I'm looking for online options or programs that can give me college credit and give me time to work with my other commitments.
4 answers
Jeff’s Answer
It sounds like you're on the right track - volunteering and joining clubs offer invaluable experience when it comes to college admissions. You can find summer programs on various career boards, or by following/subscribing to email alerts from various programs. Here's a link to 3 in the WA area!
https://equity.uwmedicine.org/home/high-school-college/
As for college credit (depending on your age), you can look for dual enrollment at a local community college and taking intro-level classes. In Washington, Running Start is a popular program and Green River/Bellevue Community Colleges all have HS- Hybrid programs to enable this.
Michelle’s Answer
It seems as though you will be quite busy this summer with some wonderful plans. Your summer job and family vacation will take up a lot of your time. I don't know your age or grade you're in so I will give you some advice that I think would fit in with what you already have planned for your summer. You will have to be sure to get the time off from your summer job and a summer program if you'll be away part of the summer.
It's good that you'll be working in the summer. I believe that anything you do at work will prepare you for college, although you didn't mention what type of job you will have. My advice is to use high school to sharpen your written, verbal and presentational skills and do some reading about subjects that you want to know more about. Your high school routine will carry over to your college experience but college will directly challenge you and there's no need to "prepare" in high school for college or rush getting any college credits while in high school. Pace yourself and be in the moment, focusing on what skills you need to work on, which you didn't mention. Learn some new computer programs or software. Read about colleges and visit the campuses. There's no need to rush things.
Although receiving college credit while in high school seems to be popular, I would advise that you have planned a full enough schedule for yourself next year with taking extra classes, volunteer work and clubs. Perhaps on line courses, trainings and certifications such as First Aid, and in person CPR training during the summer might be good if you have time this summer. You seem to already be building a strong foundation to bring to college, so I would focus on things that you can do at your leisure instead of making an academic commitment for college credit during the summer when you'll already be busy. Something online remote would be good.
If you are anxious about bunching up classes to finish early, when you're in college, you can take courses during the summer. If you plan to go into the medical field, I would advise that pacing yourself is more important than rushing to do things the quick way. Everything you will need to know for a career in a medical field will be taught to you in college. My advice is based on the information that you have provided which indicates that you have commitments that should be focused on for the summer.
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best because you definitely sound like you have been and are creating a good foundation for your college years.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Boost Your Medical Knowledge with Online Summer Programs
To expand your medical knowledge this summer while balancing other obligations, a variety of online resources and programs are at your disposal. Here are some practical options for you to consider:
1. Online Medical Courses: A multitude of universities and educational platforms offer online medical courses spanning a variety of subjects, from anatomy and physiology to healthcare management. These courses can help you build a robust foundation in diverse aspects of medicine and healthcare, deepening your understanding of the field.
2. Virtual Internships or Research Opportunities: Engage in virtual internships or research programs provided by hospitals, research institutions, or healthcare organizations. These opportunities allow you to gain practical experience in the medical field, working on real-world projects and networking with industry professionals.
3. Healthcare MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): MOOC platforms such as Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn offer an extensive selection of healthcare-related courses led by professors from top global universities. You can choose MOOCs that focus on specific medical specialties or broader subjects like public health and epidemiology.
4. Medical Webinars and Conferences: Participate in virtual medical webinars and conferences to stay informed about the latest trends and advances in the healthcare industry. These events often feature expert speakers who share insights on groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and emerging medical technologies.
5. Virtual Volunteering Opportunities: Seek out virtual volunteering opportunities with healthcare organizations or non-profits that focus on medical outreach or community health initiatives. This allows you to contribute to significant projects remotely while gaining valuable insights into healthcare disparities and public health issues.
6. Online Medical Simulation Programs: Try out online medical simulation programs that let you practice clinical skills, patient assessments, and diagnostic procedures in a virtual setting. These simulations can help you hone critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, which are vital for a future career in medicine.
By participating in these online programs and activities over the summer, you can broaden your medical knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and show your dedication to a career in healthcare.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is a premier global health agency that offers authoritative information on public health issues, healthcare policies, and medical research. Their reports and publications provide valuable insights into the current trends and challenges in the medical field.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH is the leading agency for biomedical research in the United States, conducting advanced studies on various diseases and health conditions. Their website provides a plethora of resources on different aspects of healthcare and medical science.
3. American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA is a professional organization representing physicians and medical students in the United States. Their website offers educational resources, news updates, and guidelines on medical practice standards, making it a reliable source for information on the medical profession.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.