Summer programs and maybe a Doctor?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>Hi! It’s my first post so bare with be, if you’re an exhibitionist, or bear with be, if you’re a kindhearted, helpful soul. </p>

<p>Later this moth, I begin college as a freshman. I’ve always loved research, and hope to continue researching biophysics in college. But, as of late, I’ve found myself growing out of my childhood phobia of blood, while also wishing to take a more active role in the applications of my research. My college counselor has suggested I may be interested in pursuing a (an?) MD/PhD or MS(TP) program. </p>

<p>So, my first question is “How would I go about seeing if I would really enjoy being a ‘doctor-scientist’. Currently, I plan on working at a local hospital, and maybe shadowing there in later years. Also, I plan on earning CPR certification, followed by EMT certification. </p>

<p>My second –and last- question involves summer programs. I was wondering if programs like Notre Dame’s REU (NanoBio2008</a>) and Harvard/MIT’s summer program (HST</a> Summer Institute: Overview) are any good?
Both of them contain topics of great interest (particularly the nanotechnology research offered at Notre Dame) to me. Sadly, I fear that I am in no way competitive for either program. Further, it is my understanding that one applies for medical during his/her junior year; this means that I only have the 2009 and 2010 summers for medical programs. I fear I will be unable to do all of my desired programs, and become competitive enough for a MD/PhD\MS(TP) program. Help? Advice? </p>

<p>In Summary:
Good programs/ways to see if a medical scientist is right for you?
Ways of becoming competitive for summer research programs (provided one would actually benefit from going. I.e. I am not interested in fluff on my application, as fluff tends to be boring, and I hate wasting time) ?
Advice from people who have been to summer research programs ?
Other summer programs I might like (I am especially interested in a summer research program that offers optional clinical exposure.)? </p>

<p>Thanks very much to anyone who contributes.
:D
P.S. I am looking through the other posts on similar topics, and I apologize if this is a duplicate.</p>

2

<p>P.P.S
I'm a white male, so I don't think I qualify for any programs based on race and/or gender.</p>

3

<p>Wrong forum area :P sorry</p>