7 answers
maikel
Student
Victorville, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get medical experience as a highschool student?
Hi, I'm a highschool student and I'm trying to apply to the PLME for brown. I have a 1230 SAT and 25 ACT. I have a 4.7 gpa weighted and 3.84 nonweighted I am the ASB President and board member for the Interact Cub as well as the president for the Orthodox Club. I volunteer at the hospital and I Teach hymns at my church. The problem is, I know I don't stand out. I want to gain more experience in the medical field so I can appear as motivated as I am as well as, I would love any new experience. What do you think I can do? How can I apply for these experiences?in what ways can i make myself stand out as medically inclined highschool student?
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7 answers
Joseph Ford
175
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Looks all good BUT what I don't see is any volunteer work or other actual work areas in the medical environment which can make you stand and/or visible. Also CPR and other certifications which can be very helpful. Think about these things which I have mentioned and look into it. Participation and volunteer and certifications separate you from others.
Achegbani Achegbani
Medical doctor
4
Answers
Makurdi, Benue, Nigeria
Updated
Achegbani’s Answer
Hello
Getting hands-on medical experience while still in high school can have a huge impact on your future profession. Here are few methods that can be helpful:
1. Volunteer in hospitals or clinics as you have rightly done. In addition to helping patients and medical staffs, you can also help with non-medical activities within the hospital so you can gain experience in healthcare settings.
2. Observe medical professionals and medical procedures. Create time to speak with the medical professionals in your area or anyone you know to enlighten you about the profession and give you a general background about the profession.
3. Join health related clubs like First Aid club, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) or any of such that you have in your school. These clubs help to provide opportunities for learning about the medical field, resources and mentorship.
4. Watch medical related videos online and attend health webinars. These will help increase your knowledge of the field.
5. Prioritize your activities and pay more attention to the hospital activities where you are volunteering. If possible cut down your activities especially the ones that may interfere with your goals of becoming an outstanding medically inclined highschool student.
Combining the above methods, you can gain medical experience as a highschool student.
Getting hands-on medical experience while still in high school can have a huge impact on your future profession. Here are few methods that can be helpful:
1. Volunteer in hospitals or clinics as you have rightly done. In addition to helping patients and medical staffs, you can also help with non-medical activities within the hospital so you can gain experience in healthcare settings.
2. Observe medical professionals and medical procedures. Create time to speak with the medical professionals in your area or anyone you know to enlighten you about the profession and give you a general background about the profession.
3. Join health related clubs like First Aid club, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) or any of such that you have in your school. These clubs help to provide opportunities for learning about the medical field, resources and mentorship.
4. Watch medical related videos online and attend health webinars. These will help increase your knowledge of the field.
5. Prioritize your activities and pay more attention to the hospital activities where you are volunteering. If possible cut down your activities especially the ones that may interfere with your goals of becoming an outstanding medically inclined highschool student.
Combining the above methods, you can gain medical experience as a highschool student.
Perry Dobyns
family physician
2
Answers
Corydon, Indiana
Updated
Perry’s Answer
Here's my story, and it might just inspire you. (Even though it happened nearly four decades ago). Right after high school, I enrolled in the closest university. My grades and scores were similar to yours, not exactly stellar, but enough to catch the attention of my state University's admissions committee. I pursued a biology degree from their liberal arts college, and I graduated with impressive grades and MCAT scores. During my time there, I gained practical experience working as a hospital orderly, later an ER orderly (now known as patient care techs). I also spent time in a molecular botany lab, washing glassware while juggling my classes.
I aimed for the top medical schools, but my scores fell short. So, I applied to the state university's medical school, and I was accepted. It may not have the prestige of other institutions, but it holds its own in terms of respect and quality education.
You're on an incredible journey towards your goal. Remember, there's more than one way to reach your destination, and the path you're on may not be the perfect one for you. I recommend starting at a local university where you have the advantage of in-state tuition, put in your best effort, ace your MCATs, and then choose medical colleges that highlight your strengths. Don't overlook local medical schools in your pursuit of prestigious ones.
I aimed for the top medical schools, but my scores fell short. So, I applied to the state university's medical school, and I was accepted. It may not have the prestige of other institutions, but it holds its own in terms of respect and quality education.
You're on an incredible journey towards your goal. Remember, there's more than one way to reach your destination, and the path you're on may not be the perfect one for you. I recommend starting at a local university where you have the advantage of in-state tuition, put in your best effort, ace your MCATs, and then choose medical colleges that highlight your strengths. Don't overlook local medical schools in your pursuit of prestigious ones.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maikel !
As a very ambitious young man, you certainly do stand out. You are doing awesome things right now with volunteer work, leadership positions on a Board and Club and instructing music. All of these things should not be underestimated because they are giving you valuable skills and experiences working with a variety of people. That certainly is important when aiming for your career as a Medical Doctor. You have impressed me and I think you will shine to others as well.
So, you are planning on enrolling in Brown University - The Warren Alpert Medical School for their program in Liberal Medical Education which is a fast track study that cuts the path down to eight years. Regardless, they have an exciting, very contemporary program with a few paths and specialties to choose from so it is great that you will be attending there.
Since you are already achieving wonderfully, both academically as well as socially and developing a skill set, I am pretty certain that you do not need to expand your activities at this time. Enjoy the things you are doing now. Know that for admissions to Brown, your activities are great and you should focus on keeping up your grades and enjoying your activities for right now. You absolutely do not need Medical experience as a high school student. You're not a doctor yet, but you will be through a very smart process that is part of your long term goal.
If you feel like you'd want to add something, not working on patients just yet, I would suggest obtaining Certification in CPR as well as First Aid and keep your certifications renewed. Check with your local hospital to see when the certification classes are held. But after your CPR and First Aid training, if you are around someone who becomes ill or injured, you are perfectly capable and legal to work on them. If you do get this experience, write on your resume that you administered first aid or CPR on people. Otherwise, to "work" on a person would be overstepping things and may add liability for a company or clinic. So do what is doable now.
Think about Financial Aid and scholarships and grants right now for attending Brown. All of Browns' scholarships for students may not appear on their website, so you should e-mail them (they are in Providence, Rhode Island) and ask about scholarships to apply for once you are an enrolled student there. There are many other scholarships and grants that you can apply for beforehand. Look into and apply for these scholarships: AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship, MdNect Medical Student Scholarship, Norman C. Nelson IV Scholarship, Robert and Sharon Lee Scholarship and a couple of resources in links I have left below. The scholarship information for Brown University PLME program is at a link below. Scholarships will help especially if you have to pay out of state tuition, so this is really something to focus on right now.
I was one who moved cross country - from East Coast to West Coast - to attend college and I can tell you that you will need to plan this move. How I planned for it was that I worked for a year and did volunteer work and arranged where I'd stay once I got there. So figure out if you will stay in the dorms, get a studio apartment or an apartment with or without roommates or stay with a friend or relative. It is a different world from California in New England and I think you'll find it adventurous and exciting being in all new surroundings.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward. I have a feeling you will do wonderfully !
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL https://www.aafp.org/students-residents/medical-students/begin-your-medical-education/debt-management/funding-options/scholarships.html
MEDICAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/medical-school-scholarships/
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM BROWN UNIVERSITY FOR PLME STUDENTS https://finaid.med.brown.edu/funding/medical-school-scholarships
As a very ambitious young man, you certainly do stand out. You are doing awesome things right now with volunteer work, leadership positions on a Board and Club and instructing music. All of these things should not be underestimated because they are giving you valuable skills and experiences working with a variety of people. That certainly is important when aiming for your career as a Medical Doctor. You have impressed me and I think you will shine to others as well.
So, you are planning on enrolling in Brown University - The Warren Alpert Medical School for their program in Liberal Medical Education which is a fast track study that cuts the path down to eight years. Regardless, they have an exciting, very contemporary program with a few paths and specialties to choose from so it is great that you will be attending there.
Since you are already achieving wonderfully, both academically as well as socially and developing a skill set, I am pretty certain that you do not need to expand your activities at this time. Enjoy the things you are doing now. Know that for admissions to Brown, your activities are great and you should focus on keeping up your grades and enjoying your activities for right now. You absolutely do not need Medical experience as a high school student. You're not a doctor yet, but you will be through a very smart process that is part of your long term goal.
If you feel like you'd want to add something, not working on patients just yet, I would suggest obtaining Certification in CPR as well as First Aid and keep your certifications renewed. Check with your local hospital to see when the certification classes are held. But after your CPR and First Aid training, if you are around someone who becomes ill or injured, you are perfectly capable and legal to work on them. If you do get this experience, write on your resume that you administered first aid or CPR on people. Otherwise, to "work" on a person would be overstepping things and may add liability for a company or clinic. So do what is doable now.
Think about Financial Aid and scholarships and grants right now for attending Brown. All of Browns' scholarships for students may not appear on their website, so you should e-mail them (they are in Providence, Rhode Island) and ask about scholarships to apply for once you are an enrolled student there. There are many other scholarships and grants that you can apply for beforehand. Look into and apply for these scholarships: AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship, MdNect Medical Student Scholarship, Norman C. Nelson IV Scholarship, Robert and Sharon Lee Scholarship and a couple of resources in links I have left below. The scholarship information for Brown University PLME program is at a link below. Scholarships will help especially if you have to pay out of state tuition, so this is really something to focus on right now.
I was one who moved cross country - from East Coast to West Coast - to attend college and I can tell you that you will need to plan this move. How I planned for it was that I worked for a year and did volunteer work and arranged where I'd stay once I got there. So figure out if you will stay in the dorms, get a studio apartment or an apartment with or without roommates or stay with a friend or relative. It is a different world from California in New England and I think you'll find it adventurous and exciting being in all new surroundings.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward. I have a feeling you will do wonderfully !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
235
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Joe's advice, which I concur with, suggests aligning your actions with your future aspirations. Often, students are led to believe that volunteering and participating in diverse activities can pave their way into different programs or institutions. However, if these activities aren't relevant to your intended path, they might not be as beneficial as you think. For instance, I was an oboe player during my school years and was offered a scholarship to a certain university, but the condition was that I had to participate in their music groups. Unless I can demonstrate that playing an instrument equips me with multitasking skills, which are valuable in protective services, my musical background is usually overlooked.
Depending on your age, pursuing an EMR or EMT certification could be a wise move. Many fire departments are in need of volunteers and often cover the costs if you pass the necessary tests. In my state, volunteers can start as young as 13. This experience will expose you to handling accidents, dealing with loss, interacting with various disabilities and illnesses, and managing bystanders in stressful situations.
Another often-neglected opportunity is the community CERT team, usually managed by police, fire departments, and volunteers for different rescue operations. Like the fire department, they are always on the lookout for new members, active participants in meetings, and those who are keen on earning various certifications.
Starting at a local hospital can also be beneficial, provided you are comfortable with its location and reputation. In my experience, hospitals have become more stringent with minors compared to emergency response units.
As others have mentioned, when you reach the appropriate age and meet the necessary prerequisites, you can pursue courses such as CPR/AED, mental health first aid, and various instructor courses.
Depending on your age, pursuing an EMR or EMT certification could be a wise move. Many fire departments are in need of volunteers and often cover the costs if you pass the necessary tests. In my state, volunteers can start as young as 13. This experience will expose you to handling accidents, dealing with loss, interacting with various disabilities and illnesses, and managing bystanders in stressful situations.
Another often-neglected opportunity is the community CERT team, usually managed by police, fire departments, and volunteers for different rescue operations. Like the fire department, they are always on the lookout for new members, active participants in meetings, and those who are keen on earning various certifications.
Starting at a local hospital can also be beneficial, provided you are comfortable with its location and reputation. In my experience, hospitals have become more stringent with minors compared to emergency response units.
As others have mentioned, when you reach the appropriate age and meet the necessary prerequisites, you can pursue courses such as CPR/AED, mental health first aid, and various instructor courses.
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
94
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
You've been given some truly exceptional guidance so far. When examining the PLME program at Brown, it's clear that candidates are greatly urged to provide a video portfolio during the application phase. Brown does not include an interview in their PLME application procedure. This presents a unique opportunity for you to shine. By volunteering at a hospital, you have the chance to integrate your valuable experiences and the valuable insights from the hospital staff. You have the ability to craft an engaging narrative about your various roles and how these experiences position you as a standout candidate for their PLME program.
Wishing you all the success!
Wishing you all the success!
Annette Moreno
Clinical Laboratory Technologist
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Annette’s Answer
You can volunteer at local hospitals or clinics. You can also inquire about opportunities at urgent care centers, for example City MD. Some hospitals host internship during the summer months.