High school is not too early to begin preparing for a career in medicine. You can begin by:

Volunteer at a hospital or clinic

This experience will help you learn more about medicine and other health professions; find out if you enjoy working with people who are ill; and get an understanding of the “real world” of medicine. Volunteers also make valuable contacts with physicians and others who can give you good information on the profession. More information – (PDF).

Get involved outside of class

Students should use high school as a time to explore other interests in sports, the arts, performance, and service organizations. This is a time to develop good communication skills and learn to work with many different types of people.

Challenge yourself academically

High school is a time to take tough classes. AP coursework is the best preparation for college-level work. Students who challenge themselves academically now learn good study habits and aren’t shocked when confronted with college-level work.

Talk to your own physician

Your doctor can be a source of great information. Ask him or her what the work day is like? How did her or she decide to become a doctor? Sometimes your physician might agree to let you shadow for a day.

Take advantage of programs offered by UNSOM

The High School Medical Scholars is a residential, summer program funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which takes place on the Reno campus of the medical school.