Medical School & Careers?

Question

Hi- I'm still in high school, but I have my heart set on being in the medical field. I'm pretty sure I want to be a family practitioner. I was wondering if any one had any suggestions as to how I should go about doing this- what courses to take, what extra curriculars, what jobs/volunteering I should do. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

You should volunteer in a hospital. A good part time job will be pharm tech or working in a doctor's office. For extracurriculars, do something you are just interested in. The AdComs love to see well rounded individuals.
You'll have to get great grades in college. You'll have to take full introductory sequences in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Since you're still in high school, you might want to look into guaranteed med programs.

Answer 2

congrats on knowing what you want to do, medicine is a very rewarding field!!

I would suggest getting plugged in as a volunteer at your local hospital, you can usually choose what department you want to volunteer at to get a feel for the work.

Also, make sure you have good grades in math and science but also do not forget to be well rounded. It has been said that a Bio major in college has just as much chance as a music major to get into med school so long as the pre-req's are taken!

Good luck!

Answer 3

It is important to get a lot of medical experience before applying to medical school. Joining a rescue squad is a good way to be exposed to many different kinds of medicine, since rescue squads deal with trauma, and medical issues all the time. Getting a job at a clinic is a great way as well, plus the income can help pay for school. Medical schools like to accept well rounded people, they don't necessarily want someone who is all science and no culture. They like to see that you can manage your time while doing some community service and getting some medical experience, while doing well in your academics. There are lots of things you can do to make yourself look good to a med. school, but if nothing else at least find a doctor that you can shadow for a few hours a week for a few months. When you get to school, try to become an RA in one of the residence halls or try to become an officer in a student organization, preferably one that has to do with health, such as a peer health education group.
As for what classes you should take, most med. schools will require 4 semesters of Chemistry with lab, 2 semesters of Bio with lab, 2 semesters of physics with lab and 2 semesters of math and english. Since those are usually the only pre-requisites for med schools, you can major in whatever you want. As long as you complete the pre-reqs for med school, they really won't care what major you have. Getting a bio or chem major will NOT increase your chances of getting in, all they look at are how you did in your pre-req classes, what experience you already have with medicine. and what you've done for community service.

Answer 4

start by taking a lot of sciences (biology, antatomy and physiology, chemistry). also it would help if you volunteer in your local hospital or red cross. also ask the guidance counselor for advice on what else you should do for your career.