I'm sorry if this is irrevalent for this site, however, I couldn't find an active advice site.
As I'm about to be graduating high school, I've been worried about my future. As long as I remember, I have wanted to be a doctor. But I'm wondering if I have what it takes to become one, or if I am suited for that career path. My marks do keep up, I do care about people, and I want to heal people, however, I am very clumsy and forgetful, and I'm not very good with people or working under pressure. Could you please tell me whether I'm going down a right path, or if I should pick another one?
the best advice I have is to give it a shot. Before I went into college I thought i wanted to be a physical therapist. Im now a senior and know more than ever that i want to do nothing in my life more than physical therapy. the reason i became so confident in it is because I volunteered at so many different clinics and saw every thing that PT's went through and dealt with on a daily basis. now im suffering through the classes so i can do what i know i love.
if you know what you love, go for it. go to college and begin your basics, then whether anyone 'requires' you to or not, try to volunteer or shadow different types of doctors or clinicians. that will give you the best view of your answer. and if you change your mind, so be it. Its not like anyone in college has never changed their major! lol, best of luck!
I think if thet is what you like now how ahead and persue it and may be ones studying it you might like it more or less. MAny college students go in a change their majors more that one. I say go ahead with your plans and time will tell.
I agree with the other answers. Enroll in a pre-med program in college. You'll have the opportunity to discover how well you like the classwork. Along the way, you may find you'd prefer a different career in the health care field. And -- by all means, follow Matt's advice and volunteer in clinics and a hospital to get first hand knowledge about the duties of various medical personnel.
It's great that you have a passion for becoming a doctor! Pursuing a career in medicine is a significant decision, and it's essential to carefully consider your interests, strengths, and weaknesses before committing to this path.
Here are some steps you can take to help you evaluate if becoming a doctor is the right choice for you:
1. Research the medical profession: Learn more about the responsibilities, challenges, and demands of being a doctor. This can include reading books, articles, and online resources, watching documentaries, or talking to professionals in the field.
2. Reflect on your skills and character traits: Consider your strengths and weaknesses, including your academics, ability to handle stress and pressure, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. While being clumsy and forgetful may be challenges, they don't necessarily disqualify you from becoming a doctor. However, it's important to assess if these traits might impact your ability to succeed in certain aspects of the medical field.
3. Gain practical experience: Volunteer or shadow doctors and other healthcare professionals to get a firsthand experience of the daily routines, challenges, and rewards of the profession. This will give you a better understanding of whether it aligns with your interests and abilities.
4. Seek advice from professionals: Reach out to doctors or healthcare professionals who can provide insights into their experiences and offer advice on your suitability for the field.
5. Consider alternative healthcare careers: If you're unsure about becoming a doctor but still want to work in the healthcare field, explore other careers such as nursing, physician assistant, physical therapist, pharmacist, or medical researcher. These professions also make valuable contributions to patient care and may align better with your skills and interests.
Ultimately, only you can determine if becoming a doctor is the right path for you. Taking the time to research, gain experience, and reflect on your goals and abilities will provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision.