I am really interested in studying medicine. What can I do in High school that can help me down the road?

Question

I am currently in 11th grade and I am positively sure I want to prusue a carrear in medicine.

Answer 1

Oracle has given you good advice

The biggest hurdle in medicine is "Biochemistry". It is one b... of a course, one in which many of us tore our hair out trying to excel or even pass. So you can study this subject even before it is on your present curriculum.

Biology and in the older form Zoology are great courses for background. Neither are taught much in High School but you can buiy a seond hand textbook or two and study them on your own.

One of the best assists I got was to ask around my town and fin students who were presently enrolled in medicine, possibly in their second or third years. Fourth year students are so involved in clinical studies that they won't want you pestering them, but lower year students will be glad to show you their notes, even their textbooks and tell you where you can but old text books cheap.

If you are really keen you could buy a second hand medical bible. the most important book in that field, e.g. "Gray's AnatomY". I bought one for $15 instead of $125 at the university book store.
It was old and rat-eared but I spent a few hundred hours on it while I was still in pre-med.

In Anatomy (seond and third years) you will have to know the origin and insertion of every muscle in the body, the identification of every artery and vein and a minute description of every bone in the body so that any pre-knowledge you bring with to medical school is a real time-saving bonus.

Other than that you must have one more pre-requisite, e.g. you must want to be a doctor more than anything else in the world, including money, sex or a an original Springsteen album.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If you are serious about pursuing medicine, you are going to be working hard for the rest of your life. My personal advice (and the path I took to medicine) is enjoy having little responsibility for as long as possible. Do enough to get into a good college (as that has sway for getting you into medical school, but even if you don't, it's far from impossible), but don't break your back focusing on classes related to medicine; that will come later. Throw in a little volunteering if it truly interests you, but don't do it just to pad your resume. Then go to college, rock your classes, and then work on your activities outside of class. Not much from your high school record will be included in your med school application. So enjoy your freedom while you can!!

Answer 3

High school is for fun. Let it be that. Whatever you do, do it because you WANT to not because you want to go into medicine. Join the dance team/band/soccer team, just pursue what makes you happy. If you have a chance, and really think you might like research, then I'd find a summer position working with someone in your area.

If you want to volunteer at a hospital or shadow a doctor, then do it, BUT do it because you want to. Be aware that some hospital volunteer programs may have you filing papers. Be clear on what you want to do and you won't be stuck behind a desk. If you're looking for something that you might enjoy and can apply to your future goals, you might consider working at a camp for special needs kids during the summer. You'll get real life exposure to medical needs, but more importantly make a ton of friends, and gain life experience. Working at a camp is not for the faint of heart or those with motives other than the priority working with kids though, but it is another option. (There is a link to a list of camps below.)

Medical schools won't look at what you did in high school, but the experience in learning how you study and working hard enough to do well will be valuable in college. Take challenging courses just to learn about them. They'll also give you a coursework background to build on in college, but that's not necessary. If you can take a few AP/IB classes it might be helpful so that you can take classes that you want to take (art, drama, foreign language) in college versus pre-requisites.

And when it comes time to select your major, it doesn't have to be in science. Experience life, and life isn't going to be found in a book.

You don't have to get straight A's.

Medical schools are looking for people who have a passion for what they want to do. They are looking for people who want to make a difference. Yes, you need to prove that you can handle the course load, but other than that you need to be a person. All A's and a high MCAT score won't get you in alone.

Do well, and do what makes you happy. It's possible to get into medical school (or at least get a fair number of interviews) without being the typical "pre-med."

Answer 4

chem and bio, if you have an allied health option take it, and if your grades are good enough try to dual enroll at your local college.

A good resume builder would be volunteering at a convalescent center, or helping the red cross.

If you can take a swimming elective that certifies you with CPR, that would be great too, because even if you are just a tech, you HAVE to be certified, and classes are not cheap.

Answer 5

Take lots of science and math.
Get all A's.
Get into a good college.

It is dangerous and foolish to be 100% sure about life choices in 11th grade. You wouldn't choose a marriage partner...why a career?

Answer 6

As much science as you can, bio, advanced bio, chem, physics, mircobio. Do advanced placement courses if you can- 8 years is a long time to be in college. If you can shorten it by a year or two great.

I assumed you meant med school- there are many avenues in health care other than med school. I followed another path to a health care career.

Answer 7

Sounds like you are on the right track already. You will defintaly need Chemistry and biology. Just keep up good grades and get into a good college and then take your med courses there.

Answer 8

If your school offers an Allied Health course, take that too.

Answer 9

take chemistry and cellular biology