What are good internships and research opportunities for a high school student who wants to pursue field of medicine
Hello, I am a rising junior in New York, NY. I'm a driven and hardworking high school student who is set on anesthesiology as my future profession. I realize this is a very advanced topic, and so I'm focusing on starting with the basics, and am looking for opportunities/internships to maybe shadow a doctor, or nurse, or even volunteer at hospitals, anything helps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
P.S. Looking for both summer and academic year for opportunities/internships/volunteering.
2 answers
Isabel’s Answer
I've got some exciting opportunities lined up for you:
Hospital Volunteering: NewYork-Presbyterian and NYU Langone both offer fantastic volunteer programs. Why not give them a look?
Shadowing Programs: Many hospitals and doctors' offices provide shadowing opportunities. A quick call can help you find the ones that do.
Summer Programs: The NYU High School Summer Program or Weill Cornell Medical College's Youth Scholars Program are worth considering. They could be your ticket to a fun and educational summer!
Research Internships: Institutions like Rockefeller University and Columbia University are great places to explore research internships.
Health-Related Nonprofits: Volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross or City Harvest can provide health-related experiences. These opportunities can not only broaden your knowledge but also boost your resume in the medical field.
So, go ahead and seize these chances to learn and grow!
Megan’s Answer
In the meantime, I strongly recommend getting trained and certified in Good Clinical Practice and Human Research Protections. Regardless of where you are in the United States, the type of research you're involved in, or your role in the research department, these certifications are a must-have. You can find these training programs on numerous websites.
Also, consider exploring opportunities at Cornell. They have a significant presence in research and might just have the perfect opportunity for you.
Once you've earned your Bachelor's degree, I'd suggest applying for a Research Assistant position right away, alongside your Medical School applications. Given the timeline of your MCATs, you'll likely have a solid year between earning your Bachelor's degree and starting medical school. Having 'Research Assistant' on your application can significantly boost your chances of getting into medical school.
Best of luck on your journey!