On the Path to a Medical Career

During this time of uncertaintly in health care it is important to identify if a medical career is a goal you or your children wish to pursue.

Early decision will make it somewhat easier to decide on the path.  When choosing, most individuals do not know what specialty to chose.

Choosing your career is always difficult – but with many medical careers overlapping in the types of patients they deal with or the locations they work in, budding health professionals really have their work cut out for them.

So what should you consider if you’re deciding between two roles?

Consider your college degree

One of the biggest and most crucial steps in your journey through the health industry is studying for your college degree. If you get a good feeling about a particular subject, chances are you’ll love the job it leads you to.   If you’re unsure whether to become a physician assistant or a doctor, for example, consider the fact that PA qualifications can be as short as two years while medical degrees are far longer. How long would you like to spend in education, and does the course content seem like a good fit for you?

Consider getting some work experience

Another very effective litmus test for your future medical career is to get some work experience. Not only do internships and shadowing placements give you something great to speak about in interviews or on your college application, it also gives you the chance to see the reality of your chosen role.
Want to speak to someone about the stresses of the job, the training and the night shifts? Speak to someone who’s in that position right now, and ask them about the key differences between the roles.

The world of healthcare is extremely varied and interesting. Depending on your qualifications, you could find yourself working on a cruise ship, at a school or abroad – the options for healthcare professionals are practically limitless! Focus on the huge possibilities of your future health career, and we’re sure you’ll find a role that makes you jump out of bed in the morning.

These are many ways to gain exposure to a future career in medicine. Volunteering at a local hospital or clinic, to shadow a physician or to engage in something more exotic, such as a medical internship abroad

Advice for girls and women interested in surgical careers.  In most cases surgical careers are much more demanding of time and commitment, during training and into practice..

Surgery is a demanding career. Do it if you can’t imagine doing anything else. But, if you have the passion, the tolerance for the hard work and the long hours, you will be rewarded by transforming lives.

There are still many challenges to overcome, such as improving work life balance and making childbearing easier for women surgeons. But as I think back on Elizabeth Blackwell, I am heartened that change will come so that the field is truly welcoming to any woman who wants to become a plastic surgeon, have children and maintain a happy marriage.

If you wish to pursue a career in health there are many options besides an M.D. Here is the shortlist;
Physician's Assistant, Laboratory technician, Nurse practitioner,  Nurse, Radiology technician, Pharmacy technician, or Pharmacist.  All of these occupations require less time and education.


It is a good time to enter the health professions. Despite what you hear it is an exciting area to work in.  Motivation as to why you chose a particular field is important.  Perhaps the most is your interest and curiosity about the subject.



Choosing between multiple medical careers