Cosmetic Surgeons

At the high school and undergraduate levels, you can begin to learn about the field of medicine by volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. By working in these settings you will not only have the opportunity to gauge how much you enjoy this type of work, but you will also have the chance to be around professionals in the field.

Another way you can explore is by talking to medical professionals, for example, interviewing one for a term paper or other school project. Or you may simply tell a doctor you know that you are interested in his or her profession and request an information interview. Come to the interview prepared to ask questions. Ask the doctor how he or she got started in the field. What does he or she like most about the job, and what least? What were the years of school like? People are often happy to talk about their jobs if you show a sincere interest, and you may even discover a mentor in this way.

One national for-profit organization, Envision, offers National Youth Leadership Forums for high school students who are interested in a variety of academic areas. Its multi-day NYLF Medicine & Health Care forum, which is available in eight U.S. cities during the summer, gives students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in medicine by visiting medical schools, research facilities, and hospitals and talking to people in various stages of the medical career path, from first-year medical students to practicing physicians. The curriculum in its medical forum covers a broad range of topics in medicine, including educational requirements, career options, clinical practice, and current issues facing the profession. Forums are open to 9th through 12th graders with a B+ or above grade point average. Most are nominated by educators or selected through academic partnerships. Students may ask about the program at their school or contact the organization themselves. Tuition fees and travel expenses apply, but many students are able to find sponsors in their community.