March 28, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN RI
You probably have a pediatrician as a doctor - why not ask him or her
about what it's like to be a pediatrician? I did try to find a
resource for you on the web, but turned up only very issue-specific
sites: how to talk to your teenage child about sex, or drugs, or
emotional problems. Children's health involves preventive measures,
but also serious interventions for serious diseases like cancer or
diabetes. A GP would most like see mostly well patients; more
seriously ill patients would probably be referred to specialists.

You may be able to volunteer at your local hospital or children's
hospital, and that way you would see medicine in action and brighten
the days of hospitalized patients. You could ask at the local
hospital, and ask your own doctor about opportunities.

As far as educational preparation goes, in high school you should
take math and science to be ready for pre-med college courses