how to save a life?

Question

Most people knew what they wanted to do when they got older by time they were in 6th grade, but I still had no idea. But about a month ago, as I turned 15, it hit me. I want to be a surgeon, because I love the human anatomy and helping people. I am one of the top in my class with all Level 1 classes and straight A's, but it feels impossible to become a surgeon. You need to be the BEST in EVERYTHING. What else I could possibly do to help me reach my goal. Volunteer work? Any ideas?


By the way, "How to Save a Life" is a song by The Fray, which I listen to all the time (including now). In case you were wondering ^_^

Answer 1

volunteer at the hospital--even if it's just as a "candy striper" or errand person. You'll meet people and get to know the hospital. Check out internships or opportunities to shadow local physicians--this will be easier once you get into college. You should make sure you take classes required for medical school--this does not necessarily mean you have to major in "pre-med"--you can do Bio, Chem, Psych, even English if you have enough science and math credits.
Get involved in a variety of things- it helps build your resume and med schools like well rounded people.

Finally, just have some fun and do the best you can. You have a very long way to go before you are officially a surgeon. I truly believe you can get there if you apply yourself. But you should also be open to other options and realize you may change your mind once you get to med school or college. My husband went to medical school (and college for that matter) thinking he wanted to be a pediatrician or a pediatric oncologist. He is no longer following that path.

My husband is in his first year of surgical residency. So far his path after high school has been:
4 years undergrad pre-med
4 years medical school
-he's officially a Dr. now though he only has a temp license.
Surgical residency is 5 years long. Then you are eligible to sit for the surgical boards and be a licensed surgeon (general surgeon this is)
If you want to pursue a surgical subspecialty such as cardiothoracic, pediatric, transplant, vascular, trauma, plastic etc...you will need to do a fellowship after residency. These are 2-4 years long. Sometimes you need to do 2 years of research during residency to be competitive for these fellowships...so it can really become a lengthy training period. (my husband's on a 9 yr plan to become a pediatric surgeon)

Answer 2

Of course it can. Look at it this way, you're making a rational argument that works in a rational situation, but if you're thinking about committing suicide you've obviously stopped using logic and reason a long time ago. At that point you're all emotions and all kinds of unstable, and in that state the smallest things can have the most profound effect on you, even things much less conspicuous than music. It might not even be a happy song, but maybe something that takes you out of your own little world where everything sucks long enough to see you were being silly, or then again maybe it is a happy song that sways you strongly in your irrational mindset, or then a third time maybe it's just a song that speaks about your situation perfectly and it helps to know other people have been through the same and made it out okay. So yes, music can save your life, and yes it will sound silly to everyone but you if it happens. I can't say music has "saved my life" by any means, but it has definitely had enough of an effect on me at certain times for me to respect the idea. Edit: Because of the strong opposition to that view I guess I should mention that I'm not saying every 13 year old that blbbers on about their favorite band saving their life has a legitimate case, that is NOT what I mean. Just that people who are genuinely willing to kill themselves, to consciously bring about their own death, are not thinking on the same wave length as most other people. And it isn't impossible that in a few select cases, one of these high strung individuals' decisions was effected by music. Some people's whole lives revolve around music and so it will deeply move them coupled with extreme emotional stress. I mean, the last thing Ian Curtis of Joy Division did before he killed himself was put and Iggy Pop album on, that was his last action on Earth. Maybe if he had put on "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley and not a post-punk album called The Idiot it would have been different. Maybe not, but the point is, people are weird and can have emotions very deeply linked to music, the idea is not completely out of the question.

Answer 3

I whole-heartedly agree with the suggestions about shadowing, and visiting or volunteering at clinics. Take every opportunity to check it out, and see if it is truly your passion.

I would also add that being a surgeon isn't the only way you can save lives. My sister-in-law just became a paramedic, and she loves it. She started as an EMT which does basic life support, and then got a Bachelor's degree to become a paramedic. It was still very challenging, but not as long as it would be to become a surgeon.

Whatever you choose, best wishes to you! And if you change your mind later, don't feel bad. There are many, many people out there in the world still trying to figure out what they really want to do with their life.

Answer 4

I think it is great that you want to be a surgeon. Check out some of the shows on the discovery network. Prepare to live a life of short time with family. Some doctors work over 100 hours a week. It also takes quite a few years to become a doctor. Good luck in whaever you do.

Answer 5

Talk to a school counselor. Call a medical school and ask for information or hit their web-sites. Try to get an actual appointment with an actual surgeon at your local hospital to discuss your career interests.

When you need the best answers, go to the people that have them.

Answer 6

Volunteering, job shadowing, community service. Work as close to the field as possible. Network - talk to counselors at school, get into study groups in math, biology and science. Run for student council. Get into the Honors society. Reach for the stars!

Answer 7

What ever the mind can conceive and BELIEVE, it can achieve.

If you truly believe you will be a surgeon and you write your goal down on paper and read if before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning, you will achieve your goal.

"It's called the "Law of Attraction" and mankind has been using it for centuries.

Answer 8

IF YOUR GOOD AT SPORTS-TRY OUT THEN WHEN TALENT SCOUTS COME THROUGH YOU MAY BE PICKED FOR A SCHOLARSHIP. IN ORDER TO BE A SURGEON, I KNOW YOU HAVE TO GO TO COLLEGE FOR AT LEAST 6-7 YRS. AND THAT WOULD BE 'EXPENSIVE'. KEEP UP WITH THE GREAT GRADES THAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT. REACH FOR THE STARS.

Answer 9

Just keep your goal in mind all the time and work for it very hard. One day you will be a surgeon.

There is a saying:
Obsticals are the frightning things you see when you loose sight of your goal.

so dont loose sight of you goal, you wont see any obsticals.
I wish you good luck.

Answer 10

It sounds like your on the right path,as long as the sight of blood and other squeemish sights don't bother you,keep up those As and you got it made in the shade.In other words your future is so bright you'll have to wear shades