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Many options in the medical field
By Adam He |
September 28, 2011, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
FEW careers offer the same level of social prestige and reputation as those in the medical fields. Physicians are often held as among the greatest classes in modern society; highly paid and educated, they also have the satisfaction of knowing that their work directly helps the unfortunate.
As the keystone between scientists and the common people, they also play an important role in the dispersion of scientific knowledge and discoveries to the public. Many doctors also conduct research in their respective specialties.
Becoming a physician, however, is a long and arduous process: eight years of post-secondary education (four years for a bachelor's degree and another four for medical school) are the bare minimum for a general practitioner. With internships, residencies and fellowships, most doctors don't begin "actually working" until their late 20s or early 30s.
Furthermore, medical schools and (good) premedical programs are notoriously selective: less than half of all prospective medical students will be accepted. Thus, it is important for prospective medical students to build a strong academic background (particularly in the natural sciences). Clinical experience is also highly valuable in both college and medical school applications, be it a research internship or volunteer work at a local hospital or medical center.
As a child, I was fascinated by stories of dinosaurs. From an early age, I was set on becoming a biologist; I just could never settle on a specific career. During a summer course in paleontology, I became aware of the rising numbers of drug-resistant pathogens (disease causing agents), or superbugs. I have since decided to pursue a career in internal medicine, specifically in infectious disease and epidemiology.
(Adam He, below, is Grade 11 student at SCIS)
As the keystone between scientists and the common people, they also play an important role in the dispersion of scientific knowledge and discoveries to the public. Many doctors also conduct research in their respective specialties.
Becoming a physician, however, is a long and arduous process: eight years of post-secondary education (four years for a bachelor's degree and another four for medical school) are the bare minimum for a general practitioner. With internships, residencies and fellowships, most doctors don't begin "actually working" until their late 20s or early 30s.
Furthermore, medical schools and (good) premedical programs are notoriously selective: less than half of all prospective medical students will be accepted. Thus, it is important for prospective medical students to build a strong academic background (particularly in the natural sciences). Clinical experience is also highly valuable in both college and medical school applications, be it a research internship or volunteer work at a local hospital or medical center.
As a child, I was fascinated by stories of dinosaurs. From an early age, I was set on becoming a biologist; I just could never settle on a specific career. During a summer course in paleontology, I became aware of the rising numbers of drug-resistant pathogens (disease causing agents), or superbugs. I have since decided to pursue a career in internal medicine, specifically in infectious disease and epidemiology.
(Adam He, below, is Grade 11 student at SCIS)
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