How to prepare for a medical career in high school?

Hey guys! I've been thinking about my future lately, and I'm considering a career in the medical field. What are some things I can do in high school to set myself on the right path to become a doctor? Any advice on classes, extracurriculars, or experiences to pursue would be awesome.

It's excellent that you're thinking about your future and considering a career in the medical field! Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for a medical career while still in high school:

1. Take challenging science and math courses: Focus on building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics, and take advanced courses such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics if your school offers them. Honing your math skills is also essential, so consider taking classes like calculus, statistics, or AP Calculus.

2. Extracurricular activities related to medicine: Participate in school clubs that focus on healthcare, such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or similar organizations. If your school doesn't have a club like this, consider starting one. Volunteering at local hospitals or clinics can also provide valuable experience and insights into the healthcare profession.

3. Pursue summer opportunities: Apply to summer programs that focus on medicine, such as summer internships, research opportunities, or pre-college programs at universities that offer medical exposure. Some highly-regarded programs include the NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research or the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program.

4. Shadow healthcare professionals: Reach out to local doctors, nurses, or other healthcare workers and express your interest in shadowing them to learn more about their daily routines and the medical field in general. This hands-on experience can provide you with a better idea of different healthcare professions and help you narrow down your interests.

5. Build strong relationships with teachers: As you'll need letters of recommendation for college applications, working closely with your science and math teachers can help ensure that they'll be able to write you strong letters when the time comes. Engage in class, ask questions, and show your commitment to learning.

6. Research and stay informed: Stay informed about current developments and trends in medicine by reading scientific journals, news articles, and books. This will help you build your knowledge base and show your passion for the field when it comes time to write essays for college applications.

7. Prepare for college admissions: Aim for good grades, gather experience, and practice for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Keep in mind that most pre-med students pursue a major in a science-related field, so look into universities with strong pre-med or science programs when applying to colleges. Once in college, you'll need to maintain a competitive GPA and take prerequisite courses for medical school.

8. Cultivate soft skills: Being a good healthcare professional is not only about possessing knowledge and technical skills. It's also about empathy, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Work on developing these soft skills through group projects, volunteering, or customer service jobs.

By following these steps during your high school years, you'll be better prepared for a future medical career and increase your chances of getting into a good pre-med program or college. Best of luck on your journey!