Are you devoted to the field of healthcare, and aiming to showcase your dedication and expertise through rigorous academics, compassionate human interactions, and immersive experiences?
Becoming a physician is one of the most popular career paths in healthcare, however there are other facets to this field that require specific skills – such as research, medical technology, computer science, AI, and molecular analysis. This article will focus on the steps that can be taken in high school to help you prepare for a career as a physician, as well as the importance of developing both technical and soft skills in order to be successful.
Louis Pasteur said that “chance favors only the prepared mind” – and it is this intense preparation that will enable you to pursue an enjoyable and fulfilling medical career, as well as increase your chances of being accepted into the best universities. In order to prepare for your future in medicine, it is essential to gain experiences such as shadowing, scribing, volunteering, medical missions, and research.
All of these activities will help you to gain a better understanding of the unique combination of patient interaction and science research that is required in order to be a successful physician.
THE BEST ACTIVITIES THAT PREPARE YOU FOR PRE-MEDICAL/HEALTHCARE COLLEGE APPLICATIONS:
- Shadow: Preparing for a pre-med or healthcare college application can be an exciting journey. Shadowing physicians is an effective way to gain insight into both the rewards and challenges of the medical profession. Ask questions about the topics that will likely be covered in your BS/MD essays, like how physicians deal with terminal patients, the technology required for medical practices, handling disgruntled patients, and the long hours that may keep them away from family. It’s important to keep a journal of your experiences, so that you can refer to and discuss cases, methods of diagnosis, and human-to-human interactions.
- Scribe: Another great way to gain insight into the healthcare field is to work as a medical scribe. Not only will you get to interact with patients, but you’ll also get to observe a wide range of medical treatments and learn the process of keeping detailed medical records and the various roles of a healthcare staff.
- Train as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Consider becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). EMTs provide emergency care to patients in need before they reach the hospital. Through a year of coursework and training, you can take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and gain valuable, hands-on experience that will be beneficial for your future pre-med aspirations.
- Get involved with elderly care by offering your unique skills and talents: Whether it’s through playing music, sharing stories, or simply listening, you can make a difference by providing seniors with an enjoyable distraction from the daily routine of living in a care home.
- Participate in summer programs and conferences that focus on students with similar aspirations: These could include the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, the NIH High School Summer Internship Program, BU Rise, and Penn Summer Academies.
YOU GET IN BY STANDING OUT!
Most advisors suggest getting involved with pre-med, science, and HOSA clubs to become more acquainted with healthcare topics, but going that route may not make your college application stand out.
To make a lasting impact, why not try starting a STEM Research Journal at your school, a Speaker Series with prominent physicians, or a volunteer clinic to help the underprivileged?
STRIVE FOR TOP GRADES, SCORES, AND RIGOROUS CHALLENGES
For those seeking to major in a healthcare related field and potentially pursue medical school, your grades and test scores are essential. Make sure to take the most challenging science courses offered, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and strive to get all A’s.
Additionally, having a high math and science GPA is also important. Educational institutions are looking for the best of the best, those with strong academic credentials and a willingness to learn and grow.
