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Medicine is the beginning of an essential voyage, a profession not to enter into lightly and with anything less than absolute commitment. Dr. Anosh Ahmed, a highly respected doctor and former Chief Operating Officer of Loretto Hospital in Chicago, came up with this seven-step blueprint for those who want to be part of the healthcare profession. In this post, Dr. Anosh Ahmed lends his knowledge and experience on what is practical advice for anyone dreaming about gaining access to working within the Healthcare / Medical Field.
Step 1: Discover Your Motivation
Dr. Anosh emphasizes the importance of self-reflection at this stage.
He recommends that you answer these questions:
- How does your life broach this side of medicine?
- How will you bring value to people’s lives?
- Will you be able to navigate the demands and sacrifices of a laborious medical training pathway that generally includes long working hours or years poring over textbooks?
Dr. Anosh shares his own experiences: “My family is from a community where health quality wasn’t always available. I saw the impact of this shortage firsthand hand, which became my motivation to want to make a real difference in people’s lives by going into the medical field.
Step 2: Explore Career Paths
The medical field is vast and diverse, offering numerous career options beyond becoming a traditional physician. Dr. Anosh recommends thoroughly researching various roles to find the best fit for your interests and skills.
Consider exploring careers such as:
- Physicians (with various specialties like pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, etc.)
- Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Allied Health Professionals (e.g., physical therapists, radiologic technologists, occupational therapists)
- Medical researchers
- Public health professionals
“At first, I wanted to be a surgeon,” says Dr. Anosh, BUT, after shadowing in various departments – I realized Internal was where my heart lays! Keep an open mind during this exploration phase – you might surprise yourself with what you find most appealing.”
Step 3: Plan Your Education
Once you’ve identified your target career, it’s time to map out your educational journey. Dr. Anosh breaks this down into several key stages:
High School:
- Master science and math courses (med school prerequisites)
- Build on advanced placement (AP)/International Baccalaureate degrees if available
- Join health-related clubs or volunteer groups to get a start in the field
Undergraduate:
- Choose a major that aligns with medical school prerequisites (often biology or chemistry, but not always necessary)
- Maintain a high GPA, as medical schools and healthcare programs are highly competitive.
- Be involved in any type of opportunities to engage with scholarly or healthcare-related curricular activities, and community service that enhances the experience.
- Consider summer programs or internships at health facilities.
For all the future doctor folks: Medical School
- We will take your documents and modify them for each school to generate a new CV and Persona Statement.
- Research Accredited Programs
Applying to Medical Schools:
- Identify important factors such as school location; curriculum style, and specialties.
As Dr. Anosh explains, “Also invest in other non-traditional avenues such as career-changer post-baccalaureate programs Aside from that, I had a classmate who used to be a teacher — it’s never too late… chase your DO dreams.”
Step 4: Get Some Hands-On Experience
Dr. Anosh reiterates, “The first and foremost thing that we understand is the practical exposure in health care arena has no alternative.” He recommends:
- Participating in hospital/clinic/community health events
- Looking for healthcare internships
- Medical research participation
- Following a pro in your area of sound
- Becoming More Active in Pre-Med/Healthcare -Specific Student Organization
Step 5: Request a Compelling Application
If you are a pre-med or live somewhere else in the medical realm of healthcare professionals, your application must stand out amidst thousands. Here are these important tips from Dr. Anosh:
- Compose a strong personal statement that highlights your road to medicine and the exposure you have received, which fuels your passion for being excellent at another human-related job.
- Letters of recommendation from committed faculty, mentors, or health professionals who know you well.
- Emphasize roles you have had as a facilitator and extracurricular activities that show dedication to medicine but also demonstrate being someone who is reliable.
- Practice for and in the MCAT.
Step 6: GET READY FOR INTERVIEWS
Dr. Anosh advises:
- Practice with Friends, Family, or Mentors using common interview questions
- Learn about the mission, values, and unique opportunities of where you are interviewing
- Discuss asking your interviewers thoughtful questions that demonstrate a true curiosity towards the program.
- Look Presentable In Your Manner And Appearance
- Know how to relate them back to healthcare and your career goals
Dr. Anosh explains: “An interview is not a one-sided evaluation of you but rather an opportunity for both sides to get to know the other better.” Now, that may sound a little bit controversial, but this is the process of them measuring you, AND your chance to measure how they are stacking up should be getting if the program delivers what it promises. “
Step 7: Perseverance
Your way into medicine, not around it Dr. Anosh talks about sisterhood to teach determination so they will remain with you as a star throughout their education, and career:
- Start to think with a growth mindset that promotes your challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Get people who will be there for you, family, friends, or mentors who understand what you are up to and going around.
- Basic self-care is important to avoid getting burned out: exercise, but not too much; eat well without going overboard; and have some relaxing activity that should recharge you.
- Remember the reason you got started in the first place, and keep reminding yourself why you chose this route.
- Do not shy away from asking for help (academic, mental health resources, and career).
Dr. Anosh shares, “There were times during residency when I felt absolutely drowning in this sense that as a physician and human being, we are just limited beings.” Frankly speaking, it was the patients I wanted to help, and the communities that I hoped to serve that drove me along. Figure out what keeps you grounded and lean on it in tough times.
Find out more about the work of Dr. Anosh Ahmed and the Anosh Inc Foundation, or get involved.
