Becoming a doctor in the US

I'm a junior in high school and I've always been passionate about pursuing a career as a doctor. What steps should I take now to ensure I'm on the right path for medical school in the future?

It's great to hear that you're interested in pursuing a career as a doctor! Here are some steps you can take as a high school junior to prepare yourself for medical school:

1. Strong academic performance: Focus on maintaining a high GPA, especially in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. These are foundational courses for a future in medicine and will help you in your college-level coursework.

2. Advanced coursework: Take AP or IB courses in sciences, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics to challenge yourself academically and demonstrate your commitment to rigorous courses in your area of interest.

3. Extracurricular activities: Get involved in activities related to healthcare or medicine, such as volunteering at a hospital, participating in health-related clubs, or shadowing doctors. This will not only give you valuable experience but will also demonstrate your passion for the field.

4. Research opportunities: Look for research opportunities, internships, or summer programs in science or medicine that can help you gain hands-on experience and strengthen your application for college and eventually, medical school.

5. Start preparing for standardized tests: Study for the SAT or ACT and aim for competitive scores that will give you a strong application for selective colleges with strong pre-med or science programs. While the MCAT is a few years away, a strong foundation of knowledge from high school course subjects will help you in this exam too.

6. Choose a suitable undergraduate institution: When it's time to apply for colleges, research colleges and universities that have strong pre-med programs or connections to medical schools. An institution that has proven research opportunities, a high medical school placement rate, and strong academic resources will be important.

7. Plan a major/coursework: While many pre-med students opt for biology or chemistry majors, know that you can major in any subject as long as you complete the required pre-med courses, such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, etc. Choose a major that genuinely interests you and can act as a backup in case you reconsider your medical career.

8. Build relationships with faculty: Develop strong relationships with your teachers and professors throughout high school and, eventually, college. These connections will help you when it's time to ask for letters of recommendation for medical school applications. Good communication and relationship-building are also crucial skills for doctors.

By focusing on these steps, you will be well on your way to preparing for a future career in medicine. Also, remember to maintain a balanced lifestyle and seek guidance from mentors, teachers, and advisors along the way.