Best medical jobs for high school students?

I'm really interested in medicine and want to get some experience before deciding on a college major. Are there any medical-related jobs or internships for high school students that I should look into?

Absolutely, there are several medical-related jobs and internships that high school students can pursue to gain experience in the field of medicine. Below are a few positions that sometimes are available to high school students:

1. Volunteer work at a local hospital or clinic: Many hospitals welcome high school student volunteers. Tasks could range from administrative duties (which is helpful in understanding how medical facilities function) to assisting with patient care.

2. Healthcare internships: Some organizations offer high school internship programs. These could give you more direct experience and interaction with medical professionals. Many of these positions have shadowing opportunities, so you can observe healthcare professionals in action.

3. Medical research internships: If there's a university with a robust medical research program near you, there may be opportunities for high school students to get involved in research projects over the summer. This could provide exposure to how clinical trials are conducted and how theoretical studies inform practical medical application.

4. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteer: While it might require a bit of training, some places offer the opportunity for teens to serve on a junior rescue squad, which provides practical emergency medical experience on the front lines.

5. Camp counselor at a health-related camp: Many camps focus on children with specific medical conditions. As a counselor or support staff member, you'd not only gain experience in recreation therapy but also deepen your understanding of the particular medical condition.

6. Nursing home or assisted living volunteer: Similar to hospital volunteering, this exposes you to patient care but in a different setting that may focus more on chronic conditions and geriatric care.

Remember that it's important to remain sensitive to privacy laws (such as HIPAA in the United States), and duties involving direct patient care often require specific training. Additionally, due to the nature of medical work, positions may have age restrictions or require guardian consent for underage students.

It's also worth mentioning that these experiences while in high school can assist in deciding what areas of medicine you may want to pursue in the future, whether it be as a doctor, nurse, researcher, technician, or therapist, among many other roles in the medical field.

Lastly, be sure to balance any work or volunteer activities with your school work, other extracurricular commitments, and personal time, as maintaining a healthy balance is crucial in mitigating stress and burnout.