<p>All right, I've been meaning to get this off my chest for some time, so bear with me, please. I've wanted to be a doctor for quite some time now, but I can't help but feel intimidated and, oftentimes, confused about a possible career in medicine. The first thing that worries me is if I'm smart enough to be in medicine. I'm a 4.0 sophomore student, but Physics is at times a struggle, and so is Math. I do, however, enjoy Biology, as well as Anatomy and Physiology.
The second thing that worries me are the amazing people that will, if I choose to continue with medicine, will be my competition. I've tried to get research but have had no luck whatsoever with my local university. I don't know if my extracurriculars will compare with the research and other intimidating activities students in my position will have. I'm sorry if I'm dragging on, but can anyone give me some advice about whether or not I should continue with my hopes of being a doctor?</p>
<p>Dude I know you're only a soph...volunteer at your local hospital..and shadow a few docs...that'll help.</p>
<p>I'm a junior and I have the exact same fears as you...I'm also scared about tests like the MCAT and USMLE..but I'm praying it will work out..</p>
<p>Expose yourself to the hospital environment, and you'll know if you like it.</p>
<p>How would I go about shadowing a doctor?</p>
<p>SHS: No need to worry about USMLE. Everybody passes. :)</p>
<p>That's quite the relief, thanks BDM.</p>
<p>Olive_Tree: Call hospitals and ask...I did it once and I got rejected like none other...however Seattle Children's let me shadow a doctor.</p>
<p>Bump...</p>
<p>(10 char.)</p>
<p>just keeeeeep trying, i can pretty much relate EXACTLY towards how yer feeling right now...i've struggled alot with physics and math, but i love bio. Don't get intimidated by the people you're with. As long as you've got the passion and focus, they're yer equals, regardless of how they compare with you on standardized exams, gpa, and all that other stuff. Stick true to what you believe in, as monotonous and corny as that sounds, and it'll pay off. I know it did for me, because i'm nothing spectacular and pretty much don't statistically compare to many other of my fellow colleagues, but i just got into penn state's 6-year medical program....proving that the real challenge in being a doctor is not just being smart enough to do it, but also having the heart and doing it for the right reasons. If you've got the heart to do it, i'm sure you'll succeed.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, PipingHotTofu! You definitely lifted my spirits.</p>