Tips for Teens Considering Medical School
April 14, 2022Guest post by Heidi Rosenberg
Medicine is one of the most coveted courses, especially for high school students. Right from childhood, when children visit a doctor’s office or any other medical professional, they are usually amazed by everything about the profession. As they grow up, they begin to imagine themselves as medical practitioners when they grow up. If your child desires to study medicine, they need all the support they can get from you. As a parent or guardian, here are a few ways to support your child’s medical dreams.
Restrict Internet Activities
The internet is an entire world on its own. There are many contents readily available to anyone who cares enough to consume them. Parents and guardians need to monitor their children’s internet activities. Teach them how to use the internet properly, filter distractions, and concentrate on what’s important. The coronavirus lockdown was an apt example of a period when people had so much time on their hands. Some people resolved to social media, internet surfing, and video gaming during the pandemic. However, some people took advantage of this period to read, volunteer, and research topics that interest them. The tools for failure and success are all present on the internet. So, it would be best if you teach your teen how to find online resources like guides by Osmosis. These guides can help your child steer clear of distractions and concentrate.
Engage in Activities Related to Medical School
The success of your teenager during medical school and residency will depend on their dedication. Medical school admission boards always try to look out for people who have exhibited any form of dedication to medicine before they consider you worthy of admission. Increase the number of medical-related activities that your teenager will participate in. Volunteer participation, collaboration with lab physicians, research on controversial topics, etc. – all of these will send a message to the admission board that your child is committed and give the child an edge over other applicants.
Engage People in the Field of Medicine
If you are embarking on a journey to a place for the first time, one of the fastest ways
to get to your destination is to ask for directions. And the right direction can only be given to people who have been to your destination. In the context of your teenager and their medical dream, discussing with science-inclined professionals will help them find their way quickly. Ask your teenager to discuss their dreams and plans with science teachers at school. These teachers have been through college, and they will have helpful tips for your teenager on what college to choose and how to increase their chances of getting admission.
Shun Procrastination
Time is unarguably the most significant asset that all humans have. How you use your time will determine how you live your life. Sadly, there is one thing that steals this asset from us: procrastination. The urge to put certain things off for a while and come back to it later. Many people suffer from procrastination, and you must teach your child how to deal with it. The first step to doing this is to figure out what your teenager does they procrastinate. If they need someone to inspire them, you need to teach them that inspiration comes from within. You can also teach them to reward themselves whenever they beat procrastination and get a task done. Shunning procrastination will help them embrace responsibilities and become not just a great medical practitioner but also an outstanding person. It’s a good idea to also teach them financial independence while they’re a teen so they’ll be more responsible with their money when they go to college.
Teach Patience
Great things take time which is probably why medical students spend the most years in school. Medical school will not be as easy as high school. It will even be more challenging than other college courses. Your teen needs to understand that when things get tough, the tough don’t quit. Delayed gratification is more rewarding than an instant award. A lot of patience will be needed to get through medical school, and you need to help them cultivate that habit before they get into school.
Medical school is one of the biggest dreams of students in high school. Pursuing and achieving this is not an easy task and it requires a great deal of hard work. In the words of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that keeps you from sleeping.”
This post was contributed by Heidi Rosenberg.
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