Exploring Medicine

Introduction

Some of you who arrive at Duke thinking that you will become physicians will change your minds and become poets, philosophers, historians, scientists, engineers, attorneys, political scientists, or artists. Some who arrive at Duke with thoughts of becoming artists, political scientists, attorneys, engineers, scientists, historians, philosophers, or poets will change your minds and become physicians, dentists, veterinarians, nurses, or physical therapists.

  • The decision to pursue a career in the health professions should be made only after careful reflection of your personal motivation based on your experiences, together with a realistic assessment of the demands of medical training and practice.
  • Consult with advisors, health professionals, professors, family and others who care about you.

If you find yourself drawn to the health professions, take time to evaluate your options. You will need to take a series of courses. To help you plan, refer to this web site often. While much of the advice you will see is geared toward medical, dental, and veterinary schools, don’t forget there are many other opportunities in the health professions.

  • Health professions include:
    • physician assistants
    • nursing
    • physical therapy
    • pharmacy
    • public health
    • optometry
    • podiatry
    • occupational therapy.

You may find one of these better suited to your professional and personal goals.

  • While referring to this web site often to help you plan and decide, keep in touch with your prehealth professions advisor.

College is the time to confront yourself and your beliefs. Don’t be afraid to embrace new ideas and to challenge old ones. Take advantage of the wealth of academic and experience venues available to you at Duke. Rigorously engage yourself in the classroom and take that enthusiasm for learning into your dorms and personal lives. Develop meaningful relationships with your professors. But above all, don’t spend your four years at Duke focused solely on what comes next, whether that be medical school, graduate school, or whatever you plan to do. Enjoy today and experience it fully.