December 26, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR SUZAN SONG IN IL
It's excellent to hear that you're thinking about medicine! There are TONS of
options in medicine: physician, public health, nursing, hospital
administration, health policy, community health research, etc. A lot of times
people want to be a doctor because their parents want them to, or because they
want money and prestige. I won't comment on if that's right or not, but I will
say that your parents will pass away someday, there are other jobs where money
is much better, and doctors are being sued more now than before. There are many
other jobs in the health field that need strong people. All that being said,
for me, the medical field is rewarding and stimulating -- I am so glad to have
made the choice to be a doctor.

So. On a non-practical level, the best thing you could to do prepare for a
medical career is to BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM. Yes, this may sound floofy, but I
really believe it's the best. Use high school and college to focus on yourself.
BE SELF-ABSORBED. Find out what you like and don't like. What you're passionate
about (from art history to whales). Make mistakes. As you move farther up the
ladder, I've realized that it's not about how smart you are or what grades
you've had. Your professional success depends more on how you relate with
others.

Now, probably more of what you're looking for: in order to find out if med
school is right for you, you should probably

1. volunteer at a hospital or get some kind of experience working with patients
in a nursing home, hospice, etc.

2. take all the pre-med courses in college and do well.

3. major in whatever interests you. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MAJOR IN A SCIENCE. Many of my classmates were art history, english, philosophy, etc. majors. I made up
my own major that was a humanities major also, and was in a French program.
You're going to spend the rest of your life in an extremely rigorous life in
medicine, so take the time in high school and college to build your hobbies and
interests -- these will keep you sane for the rest of your life.

4. In college, if you're serious about medicine -- probably get research
experience in a lab (goal to publish a paper which is extremely difficult).
Research gives a good exposure to the fundamentals of science. But if you hate
research, don't do it...no biggie.

5. Work in the community.

There are 3 main things a physician should have: committment, compassion, and
competence. Just have those in the back of your head as you progress. Good
luck,and please feel free to email me whenever you'd like :)