2 answers
Jenny
Student
Texas, QLD
1
Question
Asked
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What can I do to become a good medical practitioner?
I desire to be a good medical practitioner so as to save the life if many
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2 answers
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
203
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Jenny,
I think the specific steps to become a medical practitioner (PA, allopathic physician, or osteopathic physician) are well known and defined. Becoming a "good" medical practitioner, as you said, may be less well-defined. I'm a PA and here's my take: first, before you start the journey, know that it will be a long but fun adventure (it has been so for me). Personally, it took me over 7 years and well over 200 credit hours of education and training, and for me, the hard work was worth it.
I would encourage you to think seriously about why you want to practice medicine, and take good care of your mental and physical health now and always, so you can take care of others the best you can.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with. Good luck!
Hwal
I think the specific steps to become a medical practitioner (PA, allopathic physician, or osteopathic physician) are well known and defined. Becoming a "good" medical practitioner, as you said, may be less well-defined. I'm a PA and here's my take: first, before you start the journey, know that it will be a long but fun adventure (it has been so for me). Personally, it took me over 7 years and well over 200 credit hours of education and training, and for me, the hard work was worth it.
I would encourage you to think seriously about why you want to practice medicine, and take good care of your mental and physical health now and always, so you can take care of others the best you can.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with. Good luck!
Hwal
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1290
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jenny !
I like your positive outlook and enthusiasm which I think will carry you through to a career in medicine as a doctor !
You know, there's really not one thing that a lay person can tell you about being the best doctor. In your undergraduate preparation for medical school, you will get a range of necessary foundational courses that will give you the knowledge to bring to medical school. You will learn how to be the best doctor and I can give you advice, but your experience in medical school is going to show you and teach you how to be the best. The journey to becoming a doctor is rigorous, contains a lot of information and understanding and the ability to analyze, determine and perform the duties that are necessary in a variety of circumstances.
By the time you graduate high school, you will have explored the best undergraduate program and learn what subjects to take in college that would be best for the medical schools that you apply to. For now, you can explore Summer Medical Programs which would be an awesome experience for you and count for a lot on your resume. These are not free and cost a fairly large amount to take, but if you want a head start, it may be worth it. I left the link for you below. You can also search these for your area where you live if none are close by.
So obtaining an internship, volunteer work or part time job in a non-medical hospital position such as data entry or food service may give you a base to observe and be around a medical setting. I do not recommend shadowing because it infringes on the patients' privacy and also can be a tad bit invasive for the doctor, plus you already know you want to be a doctor and shadowing is for people who are not sure and trying to determine if it's right for them. Another option is to do an online Virtual Medical School this summer or while you are in undergraduate college. You can search for more, but I have left a link below for the website Teach Me Medicine which offers programs in Introductory Pre-Medicine, Basic Science and another program in Clinical Science. So there's always something you can start out with now that will be a big benefit to you as you proceed.
Once you are in college, join any clubs, groups or extracurriculars that are connected to human science. This will help you with experience but also be wonderful for your medical school application. Attend any conferences, training or workshops or any events in the field that are offered on campus. You'll have a great opportunity to network and meet like-minded people at these events.
These are just a few things that you could do that will leave you with a well-rounded experience leading to a fine career as a doctor. Keep up your high-spirited motivation and confidence and I believe you will have a very satisfying career touching the lives of many people in many different ways. Best wishes to you always !
SUMMER MEDICAL INTERNSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS https://scholarships360.org/college-admissions/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/
ONLINE MEDICAL PROGRAMS AS AN INTRODUCTION https://teachmemedicine.org/
I like your positive outlook and enthusiasm which I think will carry you through to a career in medicine as a doctor !
You know, there's really not one thing that a lay person can tell you about being the best doctor. In your undergraduate preparation for medical school, you will get a range of necessary foundational courses that will give you the knowledge to bring to medical school. You will learn how to be the best doctor and I can give you advice, but your experience in medical school is going to show you and teach you how to be the best. The journey to becoming a doctor is rigorous, contains a lot of information and understanding and the ability to analyze, determine and perform the duties that are necessary in a variety of circumstances.
By the time you graduate high school, you will have explored the best undergraduate program and learn what subjects to take in college that would be best for the medical schools that you apply to. For now, you can explore Summer Medical Programs which would be an awesome experience for you and count for a lot on your resume. These are not free and cost a fairly large amount to take, but if you want a head start, it may be worth it. I left the link for you below. You can also search these for your area where you live if none are close by.
So obtaining an internship, volunteer work or part time job in a non-medical hospital position such as data entry or food service may give you a base to observe and be around a medical setting. I do not recommend shadowing because it infringes on the patients' privacy and also can be a tad bit invasive for the doctor, plus you already know you want to be a doctor and shadowing is for people who are not sure and trying to determine if it's right for them. Another option is to do an online Virtual Medical School this summer or while you are in undergraduate college. You can search for more, but I have left a link below for the website Teach Me Medicine which offers programs in Introductory Pre-Medicine, Basic Science and another program in Clinical Science. So there's always something you can start out with now that will be a big benefit to you as you proceed.
Once you are in college, join any clubs, groups or extracurriculars that are connected to human science. This will help you with experience but also be wonderful for your medical school application. Attend any conferences, training or workshops or any events in the field that are offered on campus. You'll have a great opportunity to network and meet like-minded people at these events.
These are just a few things that you could do that will leave you with a well-rounded experience leading to a fine career as a doctor. Keep up your high-spirited motivation and confidence and I believe you will have a very satisfying career touching the lives of many people in many different ways. Best wishes to you always !
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