Help me out

[Cheisu]

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I'm a 16 year old in high school in Indiana. I am 100% sure I want to be a surgeon (I've had the "oh, you're too young to know" debate, and that's not really what I'm here for"). I just want some advice. I'm taking Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Health, and Principles of Biomedical Science next year. I currently volunteer at Hendricks Regional Health, in the emergency department.

I want some advice on how I can get ahead early on. I enjoy reading about medicine and surgery, and I just want to know what programs I could maybe participate in that would help, things I should read, etc. etc.

So, does anyone have any advice for me?

Edit: I float around the surgery forums most of the time, If you want to check out some of my posts there as well.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I know there are summer programs for high schoolers regarding future doctors or some nonsense. Just do a google search. Other than that, I think you are alreay well on your way.

Make good grades and get into a good college, thats about the only thing else that can help your cause at this point.

 

[Cheisu]

I've tried getting a medical club at our high school. The teacher who I asked about it asked me to talk to her in the middle of year, which it almost is. I'm not too sure she'll sponsor it though, and I may have to find a different teacher.

But oh, guess what? And I'm completely serious about this. They accepted a Guitar Hero club... Yes, the video game. There is a club based on a video game, but oh no, no medical club yet. It's disappointing.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I've tried getting a medical club at our high school. The teacher who I asked about it asked me to talk to her in the middle of year, which it almost is. I'm not too sure she'll sponsor it though, and I may have to find a different teacher.

But oh, guess what? And I'm completely serious about this. They accepted a Guitar Hero club... Yes, the video game. There is a club based on a video game, but oh no, no medical club yet. It's disappointing.

thats because Guitar hero is awesome.


Are you a troll, or are you legit? For real. Cause I remember reading a similar thread, way back. Same thing about a medical club not getting started and them accepting a guitar hero club.

 

[Dr Stu]

thats because Guitar hero is awesome.

 

[taponthecloud]

I want some advice on how I can get ahead early on. I enjoy reading about medicine and surgery, and I just want to know what programs I could maybe participate in that would help, things I should read, etc. etc.

So, does anyone have any advice for me?

What do you want to get ahead on? This is really vague.

 

[135892]

thats because Guitar hero is awesome.


Are you a troll, or are you legit? For real. Cause I remember reading a similar thread, way back. Same thing about a medical club not getting started and them accepting a guitar hero club.

, For some odd reason though, I never liked Guitar Hero. Everyone seems to love it but I never could get into it

 

[175961]

thats because Guitar hero is awesome.

Are you a troll, or are you legit? For real. Cause I remember reading a similar thread, way back. Same thing about a medical club not getting started and them accepting a guitar hero club.​

point well taken amwatts....i'd hate to say it but i'd join the guitar hero club before anything else haha, you can always find good pre-med info somewhere other than a club...thats why god invented SDN👍​

 

[ChubbyChaser]

point well taken amwatts....i'd hate to say it but i'd join the guitar hero club before anything else haha, you can always find good pre-med info somewhere other than a club haha...thats why god invented SDN👍​

with that said.


Honestly I dont think there is anything else you can really get into to improve your chances. Maybe get a CNA cert or EMT cert, if some programs by you dont require a diploma.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

, For some odd reason though, I never liked Guitar Hero. Everyone seems to love it but I never could get into it

blaspheme!!

 

[Cheisu]

thats because Guitar hero is awesome.


Are you a troll, or are you legit? For real. Cause I remember reading a similar thread, way back. Same thing about a medical club not getting started and them accepting a guitar hero club.

Why would I ask for help in a trolling message? If I was going to troll on a forum, I wouldn't do it on this one.

 

[armybound]

to get ahead, learn some study habits and get into a good college.

to be successful in med school applications, work on your personality. I think you might benefit from the best piece of advice given to me as a pre-med, which came from my EMT instructor when he asked how I thought I was doing in the class and I showed him my arrogance. "The world doesn't need another prick doctor," he told me. He wasn't talking about urologists.

 

[taponthecloud]

to get ahead, learn some study habits and get into a good college.

to be successful in med school applications, work on your personality. I think you might benefit from the best piece of advice given to me as a pre-med, which came from my EMT instructor when he asked how I thought I was doing in the class and I showed him my arrogance. "The world doesn't need another prick doctor," he told me. He wasn't talking about urologists.

I understand what you're getting at, but that just came off really funny.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I understand what you're getting at, but that just came off really funny.

ditto

 

[beachblonde]

the best advice for you at this point in your life would be to do everything you can to get into the best college possible. what you do in high school is usually not something you include on you med school applications, so while your exposure to medicine is great, it's really only to satisfy your own personal interest at this point.

take as many AP classes as you can (I took A&P in high school, and while it's interesting, these classes are rarely rigorous and can't compete with AP Bio or Chem) and work on getting some really solid ECs. Volunteering is great, founding a club would be awesome too. You could found a health interest club that could have people from health fields come and talk and you guys could do health-related volunteering and fundraising.

as for reading, at this point I would say stick to things like Complications and Better (Atul Gawande), because they're written for people without an extensive science background but are very insightful into the life of a physician.

there are some summer science and medicine programs out there that you might be interested in; there are even college courses available to take if you're up for the challenge. I'm not from your state so I don't know what's local for you, but there are some great things you could do if you look around for them.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Kind of adding onto what beach blonde said. Instead of the future doctors club why not try starting a "students against AIDS club" or students against cancer or raise money for Darfur and stuff. Its bound to get more interest from the students then the doctors club.

 

[armybound]

I understand what you're getting at, but that just came off really funny.

Not sure why. The main problem I see with a lot of these high school gunners is their attitude and personality. A lot of them think they're God's gift to medicine and they're already in med school, just have to get through a few years of meaningless schooling.

just a recommendation for him to consider.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Not sure why. The main problem I see with a lot of these high school gunners is their attitude and personality. A lot of them think they're God's gift to medicine and they're already in med school, just have to get through a few years of meaningless schooling.

just a recommendation for him to consider.

everyones smart in high school😉

 

[GoldShadow]

Are you a troll, or are you legit? For real. Cause I remember reading a similar thread, way back. Same thing about a medical club not getting started and them accepting a guitar hero club.

Likewise, I definitely remember a thread almost exactly like this one.


I can't really add anything new that the other posters haven't said; do well in school, get into a good college, work on your personality. Well I do have one thing to add.


Go ahead and join that Guitar Hero club instead of making fun of it; I guarantee you it's a lot cooler than any medical-related club!

 

[Vvandenn]

Dylon : I rip and I rhyme, I rhyme and I rip. This is the way that Dylon Spits! You wanna get some of this hot fire?

 

[Crazy4F1]

Okay, my name is Dylan. I'm a 16 year old sophomore in high school in Avon, Indiana. I am 100% sure I want to be a surgeon (I've had the "oh, you're too young to know" debate, and that's not really what I'm here for"). I just want some advice. I'm taking Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Health, and Principles of Biomedical Science next year. I currently volunteer at Hendricks Regional Health, in the emergency department.

I want some advice on how I can get ahead early on. I enjoy reading about medicine and surgery, and I just want to know what programs I could maybe participate in that would help, things I should read, etc. etc.

So, does anyone have any advice for me?

Edit: I float around the surgery forums most of the time, If you want to check out some of my posts there as well.

if you're looking for a summer program you might check out the NYLF-MED program. it's a bit on the pricey side but at least you might get a chance to find out if you're really as into medicine as you say/think you are right now. at any rate, everyone always has fun. good luck to you.

 

[135892]

as for reading, at this point I would say stick to things like Complications and Better (Atul Gawande), because they're written for people without an extensive science background but are very insightful into the life of a physician.

I second this, I enjoyed both of these books

 

[Maxprime]

Work your hardest to take the easiest path and enjoy life as much as possible before med school. Philosophy major in college w/ a 4.0 and not a grey hair in sight.

 

[Bacchus]

But oh, guess what? And I'm completely serious about this. They accepted a Guitar Hero club... Yes, the video game. There is a club based on a video game, but oh no, no medical club yet. It's disappointing.

High school is a time to have fun. Thus, the "Guitar Hero Club" was accepted. It is a social networking tool. I understand that so would the pre-pre-med club but I doubt many high schools around the country have the resources (read as advisors) that are knowledgable about this information. If you're looking to do volunteer work get involved in NHS. It will help you get into college. Take an officer role and get some volunteer trips to the hospitals, clinics, etc.

Looking at my high school faculty, although I adored most of them, I would not trust any of them to advise me about medicine or medical school. Simply, they are not trained for these types of situations.

 

[HumidBeing]

You said you are 16. Please learn not to post your name and location on open forums. You should edit your post to delete that info.

 

[MattD]

You said you are 16. Please learn not to post your name and location on open forums. You should edit your post to delete that info.

Beat me to it. You've given pedophiles with teenage boy fetishes info to find you. Bad deal.

As far as your actual question, do well in your classwork, get into a good college, have a good social life. those are the three keys to highschool. Once in college, major in anything you're interested in, do well in your classwork, get some EC's down, have a good social life. These are the keys to college.

 

[Quadratic]

Okay, my name is Dylan. I'm a 16 year old sophomore in high school in Avon, Indiana. I am 100% sure I want to be a surgeon (I've had the "oh, you're too young to know" debate, and that's not really what I'm here for"). I just want some advice. I'm taking Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Health, and Principles of Biomedical Science next year. I currently volunteer at Hendricks Regional Health, in the emergency department.

Turns out people who are 100% end up being 30-40%.

I want some advice on how I can get ahead early on. I enjoy reading about medicine and surgery, and I just want to know what programs I could maybe participate in that would help, things I should read, etc. etc.

Well I don't suggest you subscribe to any journals of surgery. Most medical journals are very much based on technical details and are usually WAY over the head of the average premed (and definitely wouldn't be suitable for a sophomore in high school).

So, does anyone have any advice for me?

If you want to start reading, I'd suggest vising American Academy of Family Practitioners website. It won't be as "hardcore" as surgery but in general it is very good for knowledge building. They're free, and updates are every two weeks. Plus, why stress yourself over surgery mags? There will plenty enough time for that.

Also, get laid.

 

[cleothecat]

I admire your dedication.

I recommend that you do not take any ASP clurses in high school that qualify as college credit.

AMCAS will count them towards your GPA, regardless of your grade!

And only believe half of what you watch on ER, Grey's Anatomy or Scrubs!!!

 

[CalicoCat]

There might be combined BS/MD programs you may want to look into. If you're this serious about medicine, then go for it.

I do caution you to keep an open mind however. At sixteen I was certain I wanted to be a physician. Ten years later, I'm still working on that goal because life doesn't always let you do exactly what you want, when you want to do it. Besides, you might find that law or literature makes you happy once you get to college - just keep yourself open to new and different stimuli.

Good luck!

 

[beachblonde]

I recommend that you do not take any ASP clurses in high school that qualify as college credit.

AMCAS will count them towards your GPA, regardless of your grade!

Although I'm not entirely sure what an ASP clurse is, I'm betting it's a typo for AP courses. In that case, your advice is terrible. Nowadays it is simply impossible to get into a good college if you have not taken advantage of having AP courses available to you.

And AMCAS doesn't count them towards your GPA, you only get credit for them. That's what they did with my AP credit hours. They're counted as transfer credits, and most colleges don't grant grades for them (rather, just 4 hours of history credit or whatever). But OP, that is not something you need to be concerned with. That's a loooooooong way away.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Kind of adding onto what beach blonde said. Instead of the future doctors club why not try starting a "students against AIDS club" or students against cancer or raise money for Darfur and stuff. Its bound to get more interest from the students then the doctors club.

This is a seriously good call and I couldn't agree more. OP, please don't take this personally; I'm going to be blunt: a pre-med club in high school brands its members as narrow-minded, selfish and aloof. We had one at my high school years ago and, wouldn't you know it, every sanctimonious, self-serving insufferable little prick was a member. But a club devoted to a cause (sure, medically related is great) sends a whole different message. While there might be an element of perceived personal superiority inherent in starting such a club, its aim is to serve and educate others and that's (most of the time) very admirable. More importantly to you, though (I'm guessing), is that AdComs will view you as a progressive risk-taker with some initiative, instead of just another sniveling, bottom-feeding gunner.

Oh I also agree that you should get laid -- 16 is a good starting age, if you haven't already. And trust me -- saving Darfur sounds better when on the prowl than "Wanna know difference between a 10 blade and an 11 blade?"

 

[russellfx]

Take some non-science APs. I can't speak for every pre-med but I've had some trouble getting myself around to reading a history textbook or a short story from an anthology in english which = lower grades. Not anything to cry about, but if I took AP english and some other APs along those lines I would have had a lot of these general ed. classes finished with before I entered college.. and no they don't count toward your GPA. In my school its under non-GPA hours attempted.

 

[Crazy4F1]

This is a seriously good call and I couldn't agree more. OP, please don't take this personally; I'm going to be blunt: a pre-med club in high school brands its members as narrow-minded, selfish and aloof. We had one at my high school years ago and, wouldn't you know it, every sanctimonious, self-serving insufferable little prick was a member. But a club devoted to a cause (sure, medically related is great) sends a whole different message. While there might be an element of perceived personal superiority inherent in starting such a club, its aim is to serve and educate others and that's (most of the time) very admirable. More importantly to you, though (I'm guessing), is that AdComs will view you as a progressive risk-taker with some initiative, instead of just another sniveling, bottom-feeding gunner.

this is definetly a very good point - the things i did in high school that have served me well now that i finally have made it to med school were not honor societies or any sort of professional clubs, but proper volunteering experiences like going to soup kitchens, foodbanks, or homeless shelters for example. these are the people that you will find in your ER because they dont have insurance and its their only way to get care. to truly understand and empathize with their situation, i find it really helped me to actually go to them in their own neighborhoods, and see what their lives are really like.

oh and cultivate some hobbies you like, and enjoy them while you can. med school does its best to take you away from them.

 

[MattD]

In that case, your advice is terrible. Nowadays it is simply impossible to get into a good college if you have not taken advantage of having AP courses available to you.

No it's not. At least, not unless the environment has changed radically in the 8 years since I was applying to school... (that statement makes me feel olllllddddd :-( )

Besides, there are lots of high schools out there that don't even offer AP courses. Are kids at those schools just locked out of the good colleges?

 

[beachblonde]

No it's not. At least, not unless the environment has changed radically in the 8 years since I was applying to school... (that statement makes me feel olllllddddd :-( )

Besides, there are lots of high schools out there that don't even offer AP courses. Are kids at those schools just locked out of the good colleges?

If a high school doesn't offer AP courses, then a student won't be penalized for not taking them. But if your high school offers AP bio/chem/history/english/etc and you don't take them, then colleges view that as a student not challenging themselves enough. You certainly don't have to take all of them, but top tier colleges expect that students will have challenged and proven themselves prior to matriculation.

I worked for the admissions at my extremely competitive undergrad, and whenever we got the question "is it better to get an A in a regular class or a B in an advanced class?" our answer was "get the A in the advanced class." I think that sums it up pretty well.

 

[Depakote]

Indiana State University offers a pre-medical program over the summer:

http://www.indstate.edu/experience/seminars.html

you'll get 2 hours of college credit and it will give you some exposure medical school coursework (very introductory) and will give you something to talk about.

 

[DeadCactus]

Everyone wants to be a physician.

Everyone wants to be a Navy SEAL too...

 

[armybound]

Everyone wants to be a physician.

Everyone wants to be a Navy SEAL too...

I want to be a navy SEAL medic.. I'm guessing I'm not unique?

 

[beachblonde]

Everyone wants to be a physician.

Everyone wants to be a Navy SEAL too...

I'd say the former is a lot easier to achieve than the latter.

It's insanely difficult to become a SEAL. The MCAT/USMLE/etc is a joke compared to what they have to do.

 

[GoldShadow]

Then again, you're comparing two different beasts... one physical, the other mental.`

 

[Tired]

I want to be a navy SEAL medic.. I'm guessing I'm not unique?

The SeALs are doing away with their corpsmen (ie - medics for the uninitiated). Turns out 10 guys with guns all trained in first aid are more effective than nine guys with guns and one who knows how to do an emergent cric.

Cheisu is very much legit. The thread y'all were thinking of occurred in the Surgery forum. He's getting better advice here than he did on our side.

One other thing I might add: the EMT or CNA certification might be a nice thing to have. Would open some doors in college. And lord knows you have a lot more time to pursue those kinds of things in high school than college, assuming they take the too-young-to-smoke set.

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

Hey, can I come talk at your school's club?

Not the medical one, the Guitar Hero one.

 

[Julietcf14]

This is a seriously good call and I couldn't agree more. OP, please don't take this personally; I'm going to be blunt: a pre-med club in high school brands its members as narrow-minded, selfish and aloof. We had one at my high school years ago and, wouldn't you know it, every sanctimonious, self-serving insufferable little prick was a member. But a club devoted to a cause (sure, medically related is great) sends a whole different message. While there might be an element of perceived personal superiority inherent in starting such a club, its aim is to serve and educate others and that's (most of the time) very admirable. More importantly to you, though (I'm guessing), is that AdComs will view you as a progressive risk-taker with some initiative, instead of just another sniveling, bottom-feeding gunner.

I agree, and I want to repeat something that is not said often enough on SDN. OP, you have a great deal of time before you apply to medical school and you should enjoy it! Join clubs you find interesting and participate in volunteer stuff you love. One of my friends is kicking butt in admissions, not because of his scores, but because he has a passion for repairing bikes that makes him stand out to committees. He does what he loves and you need to take this time to find the things you have a passion for aside from medicine. Obviously you want to take some time in college and get some clinical experience, but for now (and through college) be involved in things that will set you apart from the robotic pre-meds. Not only will that make you a better doctor, but it will make you someone that ANY of us would want to go to school with (and ADCOMS will notice that).

Oh I also agree that you should get laid -- 16 is a good starting age, if you haven't already. And trust me -- saving Darfur sounds better when on the prowl than "Wanna know difference between a 10 blade and an 11 blade?"

Also very true, and I am positive that this will make you a better doctor (or at least better at playing doctor 😀)

 

[MattD]

If a high school doesn't offer AP courses, then a student won't be penalized for not taking them. But if your high school offers AP bio/chem/history/english/etc and you don't take them, then colleges view that as a student not challenging themselves enough. You certainly don't have to take all of them, but top tier colleges expect that students will have challenged and proven themselves prior to matriculation.

I worked for the admissions at my extremely competitive undergrad, and whenever we got the question "is it better to get an A in a regular class or a B in an advanced class?" our answer was "get the A in the advanced class." I think that sums it up pretty well.

that's lovely. So since you worked in admissions, answer this question. Do you call the office of every high school of every applicant and ASK them if they offer AP courses? Is there a list in your office of the 10's of thousands of high schools in this country updated every year as to whether they offer AP courses? If not, HOW WOULD YOU KNOW?

 

[TexanGirl]

that's lovely. So since you worked in admissions, answer this question. Do you call the office of every high school of every applicant and ASK them if they offer AP courses? Is there a list in your office of the 10's of thousands of high schools in this country updated every year as to whether they offer AP courses? If not, HOW WOULD YOU KNOW?

Chillax, dude. Many colleges require applicants to have a secondary school report filled out by the guidance counselor, which has information about the grading scale at the high school, how class rank is determined, whether AP's are offered, what % of students go on to 2-year institutions/4-year institutions, etc.

 

[MattD]

Chillax, dude. Many colleges require applicants to have a secondary school report filled out by the guidance counselor, which has information about the grading scale at the high school, how class rank is determined, whether AP's are offered, what % of students go on to 2-year institutions/4-year institutions, etc.

Interesting

 

[beachblonde]

Chillax, dude. Many colleges require applicants to have a secondary school report filled out by the guidance counselor, which has information about the grading scale at the high school, how class rank is determined, whether AP's are offered, what % of students go on to 2-year institutions/4-year institutions, etc.

Thank you.

And that's how we know. We have profiles on the schools that our applicants are coming from. Many schools have regional "experts" that spend all their time knowing as much as possible about a certain area of high schools. Of course, an admissions office is going to be far more familiar with certain schools known for producing top applicants, but they aren't afriad to request information regarding a high school they've never seen before.

Even high schools are ranked nowadays (largely based on AP courses taken, which I think is bull but I digress). We've got that list, too.