You do NOT have to be "smart" in middle school/high school to become a doctor or anything else for that matter. Anyone can become a doctor if they want it enough to succeed. My brother is a neurosurgeon and he did horrible in all of his school years and even in college, until he decided he wanted to changed even though he hated school. He told me he wanted to become a doctor and I knew that he was and is one of the best recognized doctors. All theses things that she is saying is half ass true. Yes, of course you have to be interested in science but you do NOT need to be "genius" to be a doctor. You have to have the ability to want it.
+Angela Benitez that could be because your brother just wasn't trying in junior high/highshool. Until he realized what he wanted to do and put his head into it. That's different. There are people who genuinely TRY, but school comes really really difficult to them. And for those people, I agree with Andrea, med school would be way too difficult.
Reasons why I really want to go to medical school. 1. I love getting busy everyday, I just don't feel comfortable sitting in a corner, without doing anything. 2. My heart beats for it. It's like a calling, sometimes I rethink about going to medical school because of my fear of failure and my lack of confidence with myself but whenever I see doctors, hospitals, whitecoats or even hear about it I would just feel so hyped and excited. 3. I promised someone. (He's a homeless man) when I was still in 3rd grade that I would become a doctor and help him with his condition. 4. I told my teacher in 9th Grade that I wanted to become a doctor. A cardiologist and he told me that "Next time when we see each other again, you should give me a free check up. 5. Med school is challenging. 6. I want to treat people (most especially those people facing accidents on the road, I want to do something for them than just waiting for help to arrive. I want to give them first aid and help them on the road.) 7. Because they say I can't. 8. I'm tired seeing my father going to a doctor everyday. I want to treat my father. 9. I just love talking to people and giving smile to their faces and I feel so satisfied and happy when they say "Thank you." 10. I don't wanna save the world but i wanna save people.
I was pretty bad at school in middle school and high school but I made a big mental change before college and now I would consider myself a great student. So you can certainly overcome precollege woes.
+Josh Oliver Thank you for this..I've really been doubting myself if I can do medicine because now I'm an A/B student in high school so maybe if I just believe in myself more I can do it? :)
+97skinnylove This wasn't my comment, but I really wanted to tell you that you could definitely do it! B's aren't bad grades to start out with! It's actually a lot better than you think! I think if you just set a side more time, and try to take more challenging courses, you can build better study habits, and become smarter in general, and it'll definitely show in your transcript. You just be more confident in yourself, and reward yourself from time to time, because at least you're taking action, and trying to figure out what you want to do now. [sorry this was so long]
hello Josh. My dad is a medical oncologist and he is a consultant. He spoke to me about school and told me that he used to get bad grades but then he decided that he'll make a change. He studied hard everyday and he would take tests. He noticed that he became much smarter than he was before. Now he is an erudite doctor but he still never stops learning.
Hey Andrea! Just wanted to say that watching your videos and reading your blog really helped (re)inspire me to chase med school. I got married at 20 and followed my husband instead of my dream of being a doctor. Once I got divorced, I felt lost but I'm slowly getting back on track and wanted to say thank you for your contribution. :)
I'm in 10th grade and ever since elementary, I've always wanted to be a doctor. I'm still looking for more inspirations to move forward into it. Hope you can come to the Philippines Doc ☺️ You've been such a huge influence
Well I hope you read my comment and know that when I saw you, my hesitation no longer existed. I have my chance of getting into medical school and about to make decision. I am pretty sure that I have already made up my mind. My sincere gratitude ☺
Andrea, even though I am not in the US and lots of the things you say about med school differ where I'm from, you're still quite helpful and you give a great insight!
I'm in my final year of highschool (well Ireland's equivalent) and I never been told I'm a 'people person', I'm introverted and I don't consider myself chatty but I get along with everyone. My friends in school rang from the geniuses, sporty people and those who get suspended often. I'm not considered talkative but when there is something to say I will say it. We did career tests throughout the year and all my results point towards a career in medicine or in particular a career as a surgeon, possible neuro. This has just confirmed my desire to pursue a career in medicine, it made me question my suitability but I can definitely see myself as a doctor. Thank you
I'm finishing school this year. I wanna be a doctor and I've known that for a really long time. However, sometimes I wonder if I'm making the right choice. Your video made me remember why I wanted this in first place, where I started from and who I want to be. Thank you so much for that. You're amazing and I wish you the best.
This is so true. I knew I wanted to be a doctor at a very early age, and I love people! Also, I agree about the shadowing experience. If people are unsure if medicine is the right path for them, then shadowing a doctor is great way to really know and see what it's like first hand. :)
Andrea Tooley haha I'm still in college and I don't plan on getting married any time soon! My boyfriend and I haven't been together that long but I was just wondering if relationships were hard in med school!
Thank you so much for your amazing videos! I graduated last year from my undergrad. The MCAT is my last step in my application process. The MCAT is terrifying for me. But with your videos I am motivated to keep working! I really enjoyed the video you made about the MCAT. It gave me so many tips! Then in watching this video it reminded me why be a doctor has been my dream for so long. It is the people! So thank you so much!! Take care Autumn
Hmm well being introverted doesnt mean you dont love people lol. It just means you're a bit shy, not the life of the party type. But you certainly dont need to be extroverted to a be a good doctor and many extroverts dont necessarily make good doctors. Some of the best doctors I know are introverted. You just have to be compassionate and passionate about medicine.
Thank you for posting this video! Ever since I was 10 I wanted to be a neurologist. I wasn't sure if that's what I want to commit to, but after watching this I am 100% sure that I want to become a doctor. :)
Loving all of your videos recently! Thank you. Today was the last day of my first semester of college. One semester closer to being a cardiothoracic surgeon ;)
I'm a sophomore in high school and I love my science classes! Last year I took 1 Honors class and the rest reg classes. I passed with a 3.87 GPA. I didn't do any clubs. This year I'm in all reg classes but I'm also in more clubs. So far in doing really well but am trying to bring my GPA up since I don't have that honors class to compensate. But I know I wanted to be a doctor since I was 13. Just have to work hard. Seeing some comments below you just have to know if you push yourself you can do anything you want to! ❤️❣🙌🏽
THIS IS SO ME !! ... Everything you said is almost part of me & my thoughts ... Being good at math despite the fact that I hate it & I really love since specially biology & I'm so interested in neurosurgery 😍😍😍 & I was so sure about my path in the future since I was in the 6th grade
When you said "I think surgeries are the coolest thing ever", I can relate. I think I watched just about every surgery video on RUclips,. In 99% of them, my reaction that of a child getting. a present. The procedures really are masterful and so is the human body. These were my favorites: Tummy Tuck, Craniotomies, Orthopedic Surgeries, Gastrectomy and Cornea Transplant. I enjoy watching autopsy videos a ton as well. I tried becoming becoming a doctor. But it didn't work out because in 2010 was as diagnosed with Huntington. Back then I wouldn't have made a good doctor,, but like I said I'm way more mature now. If they find a cure, then becoming a surgeon is what I would do. Watching surgeries made me seek out information related to health issues (for instance, I had no clue that there over 100 types of cancers out there) . I'm also interested in doing research Watching surgeries makes me want to learn about the human body works. I do not smoke, do not do do drugs and do not drink alcohol, When i see a person smoking, I have a look that says "Seriously?" I also will meet a nutritionist to eat a healthier diet. I would greatly enjoy becoming a Coroner or a Pathologist Assstant as well.
I’m the type of person that is easy to adapt to any environment. When I do math I’m good at it, when I write I’m good at it, when I draw I’m good at it 😂 it’s kind of hard for me to pick a career because I’m interested in none
I hate math but love science and helping people. I thought I wouldn't stand a chance because of the math part but this gave me a lot of hope, thank you!!
Hi Andrea! I'm in high school right now and am interested in studying medicine. I'd like to get some knowledge on the different careers(physicians, PAs, pharmacists) through shadowing... do you have any advice on contacting professionals and the whole process of shadowing? A video would be really really helpful as well!
thanks for the video! can you talk about different fields in med school? cardio, ortho, pedi, obgyn? which are the hardest in your opinion and in rotation in med school
I never understood the physician-patient bond until I started volunteering and working with people. It was an amazing experience talking with so many people from such diverse backgrounds. Hearing their life experience and stories were so inspirational. I totally agree with Andrea! Everyone should start by volunteering at a local hospital. The experience is totally worth it :)
Here in Canada (Ontario) I am doing a compressed time frame nursing program. Typically an undergrad degree in nursing takes 4 years, but this one is 2 years. Since its a 4 year program put into 2 years, medical schools will accept it as an undergrad, therefore shedding off 2 years. So basically you only go to school for a total of 6 years, or 5 in some cases, since the school I'm looking into is 3 years of medical school. Although to get into the compressed time frame nursing, you have to have at least 10.0 university courses (which I'm doing online.) My main goal is to be a doctor, but I figured nursing would help a lot with the MCAT and all. I kind of made the decision not long ago, because I was just going to stick with nursing, but my husband was the one who convinced me to become a doctor. I have a hard time taking orders from people and all that stuff that the nurses do. So yeah 😊
Thanks to helping me through out this question ,i have been stuck with this for many year .. Now for you info. I can realize what medical might be right for me or not . Thanks again
Andrea Tooley A question I have is during med school and after that, since there's apparently a huge tsunami of work and all that, will I ever have time to do other things that I like, in my case I really enjoy reading and i like to play videogames, I'm a huge gamer xD Will I actually have time to do these things when there's so much work??
i am about to go into high school (8th grade) and i feel so overwhelmed already, especially choosing my 4-year course plan for my high school. I want to do anesthesiology and i know i really want to do that but i completely suck at math, I'm ok at science but i can do better and i know i can. I think this is a great video! really helped and it made me think about how i need to work harder to achieve my goal because i know this is something i want to pursue. great video this helped me a lot :)
My mother is a Cardiologist and she has been my only role model in life, i'm in love with biology, I'm good at math but i wouldn't choose a career involving math. I'm fairly good in school, i keep my GPA above 3.78 i have 2 more years of high school left to graduate and at my school I'm doing A-G i believe its a requirement to get into UCI i'm hoping to become a neurologist one day. your video was very helpful.
I went to Medical High School and I know anatomy very well especially human musculoskeletal system and I love medicine. And we had practical classes at hospitals and I had conctact with patients and they liked me and I liked them too. And after High school I wanted to go to University and study medicine. But you need to do biology test and chemistry test. And that was the problem because I don't like biology at all. You have theory questions and you have computational tasks of human genetics and I am not good at it at all .So I knew that I was not going to pass that test and I didn't take the test. I couldn't get to the Medicine Faculty only because I am not good at biology at all and because I don't like bilogy. But I like anatomy, patology, basics of clinical medicine, farmacology, special rehabilitation and other subjects. So I went to Law Faculty and I passed the tests there because it took me less time to learn than biology and chemistry. And I didn't have time because my High school was very hard and I studied so much and didn't have time to prepare myself for that test
How interesting that you uploaded this video today, because I just came to the realization that I don't really want to go down this route anymore after investing so much time and money, even though school comes easy to me, but I hate studying. FML.
Thank you so much! This definitely helped me continue to move forward. I guess the only issue I have is "MATH" I definitely hate equations and memorizing them. Math is the only subject that I struggle in and it hurts my GPA so much, especially in physics... but thanks for clearing this up for me. I have a chance to become a doctor! I just need to overcome this next obstacle in the upcoming spring of 2017, the MCAT, haha (If I get into medical school I will likely focus on Orthopedic surgery, general surgery, or family practice).
Great video Dr. Tooley. Freshman in college right now, and this video was awesome especially as someone who isn’t a math person😂. Working at an ophthalmology clinic this summer too
i am 15 i been interested in being a doctor for a long time i am so into the human body i love watching surgerys they interest me so much i am scared to really go into this job for many reasons . How long did you go through school. how difficult was it , was it worth it , how old were u when you became a doctor ? i think its amazing that you got through it and became a doctor .
im only in middle school, but this is so interesting to me!!! my grandfather was a cardiovascular surgeon and i cant wait to follow in his footsteps. i love these videos!!!
I do fit in all of these things you mentioned, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to commit for something like this, what if it turns out not to be for me after all? Ah, this is so hard since there are so many possible things out there for me and I don't know what I should go for.
Andrea, i have a question for you, you mentioned you do not really like math so i was wondering if you have any tips for chemistry, it is a science class but it also has math. I am able to get A's in most courses however for chem it is really difficult for me to understand, how did you do it?
+Massie Block Chemistry is so hard! I used a lot of repetition when studying chemistry. I would do practice problems over and over, write things out on the white board over and over, and teach my friends until I got it all! Good luck!
+Diana Hope، its not you don't understand but it phobias reason. just you need to challenge ur self to make it easier. I use to with maths but now I am better I maths and physic than chemistry
Hi Andrea, I am 38 years old, decided to go to Medical School soon. I found your videos very inspiring, helpful, and informative. Would you please talk a little bit about Med School Students age? I often think that I would be the oldest student in my class . I would love to hear from you , your experience with older students. I love your shows.
Hello Mandy, thanks for writing. I have been searching on this topic and found valuable information, I guess age wouldn't be an issue, and low GPA(?) not sure about US Med Schools, but I guess Carib can be a good choice.
I have a question for any doctor or med student out there. I'm in high school and thinking about going to med school and i'm interested in all these things but do you have time to be social and go out and travel, i'm not saying constantly but once in a while, and maintain friendships?
This really depends on the specialty you get matched into/you choose. For example, someone like a Family Medicine or a Emergency medicine doctor(s) have much more of a “better” life style than a Neurosurgeon. However, Neurosurgeons are also trained 4 years more, and make a lot more money. Generally the tougher the specialty/residency, the more money you’ll make. But because it’s a lot tougher, some of them have a “worse” life style. Now I have worse and better in quotations because that’s very subjective. A life style is how you want to live, and it’s very hard to say what a good or bad life style would be for you.
Glad I found you! Your videos are helpful. & this video in particular is leading to truly believe that I can become a Physician and enjoy being one. I have a long way to go but i am definitely looking to go this path. Thank you for sharing your experiences. :)
Thank you so much for this awesome video. I'm in high school and I've been thinking about pursuing some type of surgical career for some time now. It's great to kind of see where I stand with your list 😊
Thank you so much for posting this!! This helps me so much.. I've been trying to figure out whether to go into Pharmacy or Medicine and your advice, as always, is so helpful!
Thank you for this video. I know without a doubt a healthcare profession is for me, but I'm currently debating between becoming a nurse or a doctor. What are the major differences? Do you have any suggestions that might help me make the decision?
Thank you so much!!! I really want to go to the medical field, I've always wanted to. But, the thing is, I struggle a lot in science and math. I always struggled in Biology, Chemistry and math courses. You said it would be a challenging path for me, if I am not good at school. I am trying to get interested in science, although I will never be interested in math. I am interested in simple science, and I do question stuff, but I still struggle. Do you have any advice for me though?
I used to be what'd you'd call a socially awkward. Now, I am far more mature and have great timing with people. I would make a good doctor . But can't work anymore due health issues.
I too have ADD. I use Modafinil. Concentraion is improved It also makes excel on physical, mental, creative, and social levels. Self-esteem is also improved. More than ever, I think becoming a doctor is my calling. But, due to circumstances out of my control, it can't happen If I could and with Modafinil, I'd a top tier surgeon.
I'm a clinical psychotherapist considering a PhD/MD in clinical psychology with a neurological speciality along with medicine... I assume the doctor - patient relationship is somewhat similar. One thing that truly puts me off in my current work is the amount of paperwork I am required to do, especially working in community metal health. I would love to know how the paperwork compares between the field of psychology and Medicine. It's not a deal-breaker for me but it certainly made my job harder when people come in to talk about intense emotions and I have to focus on paperwork.
if i was sick, just seeing ur angel face would cure me. as for medical school, i love to study medicine but i dont think i would ever be able to so. anyways, thanks for making it sound so interesting
based on your experience even though your specialty is the eye, do you think cardiology is really competitive? also did you experience any favoritism going on on male vs female?
Massie Block Cardiology is fairly competitive. Luckily, I haven't experienced any sexual bias during my medical career from other physicians. From patients however- I experience it all the time. I'm always asked if I'm a nurse and I know it's because I'm a woman.
OMG!! I like u you are the best!! Im such a social person eho loves to talk to others and listen to their problems and yea,I love Bio and Chimestry but I don't like math.Im not bad at it at all but I just don't like it Thanks alot we love u
I absolutely love your videos!! I am a sophomore in high school and I have wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon since I was 6. I love learning and I am really good at math and science. I am 8th in my class out of 756 students. I am just concerned that I will want to change my mind about my major. I heard that there is a high chance that someone changes their mind once they get to college but how will you know?? The bones and the body have always been interesting to me and ever since I was little I always made myself casts and wrapped myself in ace bandages. Thanks for all your videos though I love them!!!
I'm in medical school and I've finished my first year,but what bothers me is that sometimes studying becomes boring although I like studying medicine and I don't know how to solve this problem
I love to study how the human body works, and I definitely want to help people, but I feel like my sense of compassion isn't as strong as other people... How much compassion is enough for one to pursue medicine?
I would love to go to medical school but I realized you said that you have to love science and right now I don't find it interesting but just because of my teacher's teaching method. She just teaches about cells and I know that of course it's important but I want her to teach more about the anatomy and other things. So my question would be if I absolutely have to love science because do remember that it's the teaching that she does.
Hey Andrea, I love your videos I just started watching them couple of days ago and they are very informative I just wanted to know since there is so much emphasis on gpa and mcat scores that people talk about I wanted to know what you did and what advice you would give to pre med students to make our resume distinctive from others for eg volunteering, leadership etc
Ive always wanted to be a surgeon, its too bad my hands shake to much, im 16, i dont know why lol. Anxiety maybe? I mean I LOVE to draw so i tend to draw digitally to reduce the amount of shaky lines hahah. I might look into it with my gp to see if anything could help it. But in all seriousness i would love to be a doctor of nurse, i want the feeling of doing good in the world, because right now i dont feel like im contributing to society, it really kills me because i feel like ive failed. Im lucky i still have time to think of what i want to do in a few years, im glad i have the opertunity to find a stable career. But to be honest even if i cant be a surgeon id love to learn how to deal with medical situations if they arise, like if someone stops breathing, knowing how to resuscitate them is important, that sort of knowlage is very valuble to have wherever you go!
I saw a 4 hour open heart surgery it was amazing. But idk, I'm pretty much an introvert until you get to know me, I keep to myself most of the time so idk if the social aspect of a career in medicine is right for me.
Yazan Ibrahim I'll just try to get used to interacting with people I don't know when I'm in college and hopefully that will carry off to med school and beyond.
I just struggle getting over a 4.1 how is that? I've never gotten below a 4.0 in high school does that mean I could achieve in getting in? Should I get a job while I'm in medical school? How many hours per day do I learn? During my residency do I get paid?
just found your channel and have watched a few of your videos, they're amazing. Thank you so much for posting all this information in such a straightforward way. New sub. :)
Hiii,i want to ask u andrea!! whyy i heard from some people that poor med students didn't enjoy their lives they spend the whole day readin' books,passin' exams ..... i don't know i'm really confused bc of that ,to be a doctor is my dream sinse i was a kid because i enjoy learning Science i get high degrees and i'mnt bad at relationships and making friends but is that medical school sucks??
Hi! I have a random and kinda silly question.. I am a high school student that has wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember but, I have naturally really shaky hands. Even though I don't want to become a surgeon I'm assuming you still have to do surgery rotations and like common procedures based on your specialty. Basically my question is: will having really shaky hands affect my chances of becoming a doctor or are there things you can do to help not have such shaky hands? Thanks :)
Off course not! It's all about practice, about relaxing and not getting frustrated for it. You say you don't want to become a surgeon, so you don't have to worry about anything. Go ahead, you won't regret it
I really want to become a Neurosurgeon but I don't know if I would be able to handle it. Should I pursue that dream??? I really need help on this BIG decision! It's really important to me. Also my anxiety seems to be scaring me about killing a person by making the wrong move while performing that kind of procedure. I need advice from a professional like you! THANK YOU!!!
Bebo Martinez I see a future Dr. Derek Shepherd or Dr. Amelia Shepherd lol. You should always follow your dreams and never let anyone hold you back and know that you can do it you're just like everyone else you can pursue that dream that you want to you have just a fair chance of anybody else you'll go out of anxiety and being shy I promise you everything happens for a reason so don't ever be scared but being scared is OK it means you still have something to lose
If you really fear death, do you think it's wise to go into a profession where you're surrounded by it all the time? I know this sounds silly as everyone fears it but I'm worried it will get much worse for me :/ I'm at the stage where I've already applied but now and then I get anxious and doubt myself all over again. I would really appreciate any advice people have!!
My biggest fear is death, and I'm on the path to become a dcotor. I think finding the root cause of your fear will really help in determining what treatment is right for you. For example, I'm terrified about what happens after death or suffering in eternal hell. Recently, I lost my faith in Christianity, which also made things worse. So, I asked myself where was I a couple hundred years ago? Non-existent and not in pain. Once a person's brain dies, there is no thought, pain, sensation, etc. so we wouldn't be able to think of anything after death. This fact has helped me, as well as realizing every living thing dies, and there is peace among those who were suffering. If your religious, you can find a way to connect to your god to provide comfort. Even more, I have watched videos of patients pass away on youtube to overcome this fear. I urge you to watch a video of one dieing and realize that death is a beautiful thing that binds every species on the planet. I wouldn't want to live if I had a deadly form of cancer, and death is there to comfort me just as a God would for a religuous person.
+God Osiris search in youtube "THE MEANING OF LIFE | MUSLIM SPOKEN WORD | HD" I firmly believe that there is more to the cycle of life, I know you may disagree but I thought I'd leave this here to give you some food for thought.
You do NOT have to be "smart" in middle school/high school to become a doctor or anything else for that matter. Anyone can become a doctor if they want it enough to succeed. My brother is a neurosurgeon and he did horrible in all of his school years and even in college, until he decided he wanted to changed even though he hated school. He told me he wanted to become a doctor and I knew that he was and is one of the best recognized doctors. All theses things that she is saying is half ass true. Yes, of course you have to be interested in science but you do NOT need to be "genius" to be a doctor. You have to have the ability to want it.
+Angela Benitez that could be because your brother just wasn't trying in junior high/highshool. Until he realized what he wanted to do and put his head into it. That's different. There are people who genuinely TRY, but school comes really really difficult to them. And for those people, I agree with Andrea, med school would be way too difficult.
Angela Benitez totally agree 100%
I got C's and D's Freshman year.. Now I'm a first year in a prestigious MD program. YOU CAN DEW EET
Paul D Did you do a post bacc or SMP though? Just curious
That’s a relief!!! I have a C in chem and a B in bio 😞
Reasons why I really want to go to medical school.
1. I love getting busy everyday, I just don't feel comfortable sitting in a corner, without doing anything.
2. My heart beats for it. It's like a calling, sometimes I rethink about going to medical school because of my fear of failure and my lack of confidence with myself but whenever I see doctors, hospitals, whitecoats or even hear about it I would just feel so hyped and excited.
3. I promised someone. (He's a homeless man) when I was still in 3rd grade that I would become a doctor and help him with his condition.
4. I told my teacher in 9th Grade that I wanted to become a doctor. A cardiologist and he told me that "Next time when we see each other again, you should give me a free check up.
5. Med school is challenging.
6. I want to treat people (most especially those people facing accidents on the road, I want to do something for them than just waiting for help to arrive. I want to give them first aid and help them on the road.)
7. Because they say I can't.
8. I'm tired seeing my father going to a doctor everyday. I want to treat my father.
9. I just love talking to people and giving smile to their faces and I feel so satisfied and happy when they say "Thank you."
10. I don't wanna save the world but i wanna save people.
update🥺
update pleasee
I was pretty bad at school in middle school and high school but I made a big mental change before college and now I would consider myself a great student. So you can certainly overcome precollege woes.
+Josh Oliver Thank you for this..I've really been doubting myself if I can do medicine because now I'm an A/B student in high school so maybe if I just believe in myself more I can do it? :)
+97skinnylove This wasn't my comment, but I really wanted to tell you that you could definitely do it! B's aren't bad grades to start out with! It's actually a lot better than you think! I think if you just set a side more time, and try to take more challenging courses, you can build better study habits, and become smarter in general, and it'll definitely show in your transcript. You just be more confident in yourself, and reward yourself from time to time, because at least you're taking action, and trying to figure out what you want to do now. [sorry this was so long]
Perfect advice I couldn't have said it better!Xena Makky 97skinnylove
hello Josh. My dad is a medical oncologist and he is a consultant. He spoke to me about school and told me that he used to get bad grades but then he decided that he'll make a change. He studied hard everyday and he would take tests. He noticed that he became much smarter than he was before. Now he is an erudite doctor but he still never stops learning.
Loom Jam Hey! When you say he "took tests" you mean just regular class tests?
Hey Andrea! Just wanted to say that watching your videos and reading your blog really helped (re)inspire me to chase med school. I got married at 20 and followed my husband instead of my dream of being a doctor. Once I got divorced, I felt lost but I'm slowly getting back on track and wanted to say thank you for your contribution. :)
What she said about math was the most encouraging thing I have heard in a while
You inspired me. I am in med school now
Kerry Lee what did u end up majoring in?
crziq Biology is crucial in my opinion
So how now?
I'm in 10th grade and ever since elementary, I've always wanted to be a doctor. I'm still looking for more inspirations to move forward into it. Hope you can come to the Philippines Doc ☺️ You've been such a huge influence
Well I hope you read my comment and know that when I saw you, my hesitation no longer existed. I have my chance of getting into medical school and about to make decision. I am pretty sure that I have already made up my mind. My sincere gratitude ☺
Andrea, even though I am not in the US and lots of the things you say about med school differ where I'm from, you're still quite helpful and you give a great insight!
I'm in my final year of highschool (well Ireland's equivalent) and I never been told I'm a 'people person', I'm introverted and I don't consider myself chatty but I get along with everyone.
My friends in school rang from the geniuses, sporty people and those who get suspended often.
I'm not considered talkative but when there is something to say I will say it.
We did career tests throughout the year and all my results point towards a career in medicine or in particular a career as a surgeon, possible neuro.
This has just confirmed my desire to pursue a career in medicine, it made me question my suitability but I can definitely see myself as a doctor.
Thank you
Become a surgeon then
Go for it and don't let anyone tell you you're too shy. Extraverts people can be a pain ,IMO.
I'm finishing school this year. I wanna be a doctor and I've known that for a really long time. However, sometimes I wonder if I'm making the right choice. Your video made me remember why I wanted this in first place, where I started from and who I want to be. Thank you so much for that. You're amazing and I wish you the best.
This is so true. I knew I wanted to be a doctor at a very early age, and I love people! Also, I agree about the shadowing experience. If people are unsure if medicine is the right path for them, then shadowing a doctor is great way to really know and see what it's like first hand. :)
Can you do a video on relationships through college and medical school? I know your'e married now so you have some experience! haha
***** Sure!! I might have to ask a few friends to help me out on that one since I've only been married for 7 months lol!
Andrea Tooley haha I'm still in college and I don't plan on getting married any time soon! My boyfriend and I haven't been together that long but I was just wondering if relationships were hard in med school!
Thank you so much for your amazing videos! I graduated last year from my undergrad. The MCAT is my last step in my application process. The MCAT is terrifying for me. But with your videos I am motivated to keep working! I really enjoyed the video you made about the MCAT. It gave me so many tips! Then in watching this video it reminded me why be a doctor has been my dream for so long. It is the people! So thank you so much!!
Take care
Autumn
It was all good until she said you have to love people. I'm a huge introvert but I heard radiologists get to be alone in a dark room
Keep in mind that the demand for jobs in radiology is decreasing
Alone in a dark room.. hahaha
My teacher who has worked all over the field actually said radiologists are mostly alone.
Hmm well being introverted doesnt mean you dont love people lol. It just means you're a bit shy, not the life of the party type. But you certainly dont need to be extroverted to a be a good doctor and many extroverts dont necessarily make good doctors. Some of the best doctors I know are introverted. You just have to be compassionate and passionate about medicine.
my family physician is extremely awkward and he's a great, successful doctor
Thank you for posting this video! Ever since I was 10 I wanted to be a neurologist. I wasn't sure if that's what I want to commit to, but after watching this I am 100% sure that I want to become a doctor. :)
Jessica M YAY!
Loving all of your videos recently! Thank you. Today was the last day of my first semester of college. One semester closer to being a cardiothoracic surgeon ;)
Hannah Hudson Go you!
I'm a sophomore in high school and I love my science classes! Last year I took 1 Honors class and the rest reg classes. I passed with a 3.87 GPA. I didn't do any clubs. This year I'm in all reg classes but I'm also in more clubs. So far in doing really well but am trying to bring my GPA up since I don't have that honors class to compensate. But I know I wanted to be a doctor since I was 13. Just have to work hard. Seeing some comments below you just have to know if you push yourself you can do anything you want to! ❤️❣🙌🏽
You need to take all AP classes to have a chance
You're the cutest human being I ever seen. I'm certain that you're even better doctor. Best of luck beautiful
Back off. She's mine ;)
THIS IS SO ME !! ... Everything you said is almost part of me & my thoughts ... Being good at math despite the fact that I hate it
& I really love since specially biology & I'm so interested in neurosurgery 😍😍😍 & I was so sure about my path in the future since I was in the 6th grade
thank you for making this video. love your personality. i bet you're an awesome doctor
Thank you!
lucky same
Honestly, do not know what led me here on this particular night, but I just wanted to thank you for breaking it down how you did.
When you said "I think surgeries are the coolest thing ever", I can relate.
I think I watched just about every surgery video on RUclips,. In 99% of them, my reaction that of a child getting. a present. The procedures really are masterful and so is the human body.
These were my favorites: Tummy Tuck, Craniotomies, Orthopedic Surgeries, Gastrectomy and Cornea Transplant.
I enjoy watching autopsy videos a ton as well.
I tried becoming becoming a doctor. But it didn't work out because in 2010 was as diagnosed with Huntington.
Back then I wouldn't have made a good doctor,, but like I said I'm way more mature now. If they find a cure, then becoming a surgeon is what I would do.
Watching surgeries made me seek out information related to health issues (for instance, I had no clue that there over 100 types of cancers out there) . I'm also interested in doing research
Watching surgeries makes me want to learn about the human body works.
I do not smoke, do not do do drugs and do not drink alcohol, When i see a person smoking, I have a look that says "Seriously?" I also will meet a nutritionist to eat a healthier diet.
I would greatly enjoy becoming a Coroner or a Pathologist Assstant as well.
Thank you Andrea for keeping in touch with your viewers! :D
You're excitement while talking about this, makes me even more excited for this journey. Thank you Andrea for your videos!
I’m the type of person that is easy to adapt to any environment. When I do math I’m good at it, when I write I’m good at it, when I draw I’m good at it 😂 it’s kind of hard for me to pick a career because I’m interested in none
what did you choose updates pls;)
really loved the way you explained it; am physician ( general practitioner) from Ethiopia studying for USMLE
I hate math but love science and helping people. I thought I wouldn't stand a chance because of the math part but this gave me a lot of hope, thank you!!
Hi Andrea! I'm in high school right now and am interested in studying medicine. I'd like to get some knowledge on the different careers(physicians, PAs, pharmacists) through shadowing... do you have any advice on contacting professionals and the whole process of shadowing? A video would be really really helpful as well!
thanks for the video! can you talk about different fields in med school? cardio, ortho, pedi, obgyn? which are the hardest in your opinion and in rotation in med school
I never understood the physician-patient bond until I started volunteering and working with people. It was an amazing experience talking with so many people from such diverse backgrounds. Hearing their life experience and stories were so inspirational. I totally agree with Andrea! Everyone should start by volunteering at a local hospital. The experience is totally worth it :)
Here in Canada (Ontario) I am doing a compressed time frame nursing program. Typically an undergrad degree in nursing takes 4 years, but this one is 2 years. Since its a 4 year program put into 2 years, medical schools will accept it as an undergrad, therefore shedding off 2 years. So basically you only go to school for a total of 6 years, or 5 in some cases, since the school I'm looking into is 3 years of medical school. Although to get into the compressed time frame nursing, you have to have at least 10.0 university courses (which I'm doing online.) My main goal is to be a doctor, but I figured nursing would help a lot with the MCAT and all. I kind of made the decision not long ago, because I was just going to stick with nursing, but my husband was the one who convinced me to become a doctor. I have a hard time taking orders from people and all that stuff that the nurses do. So yeah 😊
Thanks to helping me through out this question ,i have been stuck with this for many year ..
Now for you info. I can realize what medical might be right for me or not .
Thanks again
She is so soft spoken and really pretty!! Im jealous :)
Before Watching This Video: I don't know if I'm good enough to be a doctor
After Watching This: Well, Med School here i come___
Yay!!!
Andrea Tooley Lets just hope i survive xD
Andrea Tooley A question I have is during med school and after that, since there's apparently a huge tsunami of work and all that, will I ever have time to do other things that I like, in my case I really enjoy reading and i like to play videogames, I'm a huge gamer xD
Will I actually have time to do these things when there's so much work??
Red_Queen_of_Shadow-Hunters And_Crows if student athletes could do there sports u could play ur games
BPL HUT xD well, great
i am about to go into high school (8th grade) and i feel so overwhelmed already, especially choosing my 4-year course plan for my high school. I want to do anesthesiology and i know i really want to do that but i completely suck at math, I'm ok at science but i can do better and i know i can. I think this is a great video! really helped and it made me think about how i need to work harder to achieve my goal because i know this is something i want to pursue. great video this helped me a lot :)
Tiana Nicole how are you doing now?
Thank you Andrea for being so encouraging and a such a positive role model. Your videos are always so insightful
My mother is a Cardiologist and she has been my only role model in life, i'm in love with biology, I'm good at math but i wouldn't choose a career involving math. I'm fairly good in school, i keep my GPA above 3.78 i have 2 more years of high school left to graduate and at my school I'm doing A-G i believe its a requirement to get into UCI i'm hoping to become a neurologist one day. your video was very helpful.
I went to Medical High School and I know anatomy very well especially human musculoskeletal system and I love medicine. And we had practical classes at hospitals and I had conctact with patients and they liked me and I liked them too. And after High school I wanted to go to University and study medicine. But you need to do biology test and chemistry test. And that was the problem because I don't like biology at all. You have theory questions and you have computational tasks of human genetics and I am not good at it at all .So I knew that I was not going to pass that test and I didn't take the test. I couldn't get to the Medicine Faculty only because I am not good at biology at all and because I don't like bilogy. But I like anatomy, patology, basics of clinical medicine, farmacology, special rehabilitation and other subjects. So I went to Law Faculty and I passed the tests there because it took me less time to learn than biology and chemistry. And I didn't have time because my High school was very hard and I studied so much and didn't have time to prepare myself for that test
This video is great. I feel better with starting to go down the medical path.
thanks so much for this video! Ive been questioning my academic path and this brought to light some great things to consider
Best of luck to you Ms. Tooley. I also hope that your residency goes very well.
very helpful video ,its really kind of you to offer your advice for med school students ..
.... thank you :D
How interesting that you uploaded this video today, because I just came to the realization that I don't really want to go down this route anymore after investing so much time and money, even though school comes easy to me, but I hate studying. FML.
Thank you so much! This definitely helped me continue to move forward. I guess the only issue I have is "MATH" I definitely hate equations and memorizing them. Math is the only subject that I struggle in and it hurts my GPA so much, especially in physics... but thanks for clearing this up for me. I have a chance to become a doctor! I just need to overcome this next obstacle in the upcoming spring of 2017, the MCAT, haha (If I get into medical school I will likely focus on Orthopedic surgery, general surgery, or family practice).
Great video Dr. Tooley. Freshman in college right now, and this video was awesome especially as someone who isn’t a math person😂. Working at an ophthalmology clinic this summer too
Love these videos. Although I'm going into PT, this is still helpful in terms of other health-related fields.
i am 15 i been interested in being a doctor for a long time i am so into the human body i love watching surgerys they interest me so much i am scared to really go into this job for many reasons . How long did you go through school. how difficult was it , was it worth it , how old were u when you became a doctor ? i think its amazing that you got through it and became a doctor .
im only in middle school, but this is so interesting to me!!! my grandfather was a cardiovascular surgeon and i cant wait to follow in his footsteps. i love these videos!!!
I'm in middle school too, I want to be a neurologist: )
I do fit in all of these things you mentioned, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to commit for something like this, what if it turns out not to be for me after all? Ah, this is so hard since there are so many possible things out there for me and I don't know what I should go for.
You are truly inspiring Andrea, youre so humble and speaks so kindly God bless you always ❤️
Andrea, i have a question for you, you mentioned you do not really like math so i was wondering if you have any tips for chemistry, it is a science class but it also has math. I am able to get A's in most courses however for chem it is really difficult for me to understand, how did you do it?
+Massie Block Chemistry is so hard! I used a lot of repetition when studying chemistry. I would do practice problems over and over, write things out on the white board over and over, and teach my friends until I got it all! Good luck!
ok thank you so much, thats what i have done so far...im gonna practice them again and again.! thanks :)
+Andrea Tooley
i'm just like you! i love science unless it involves math!
+Diana Hope، its not you don't understand but it phobias reason. just you need to challenge ur self to make it easier. I use to with maths but now I am better I maths and physic than chemistry
Hi Andrea could you do a video on how you balanced your social life and academic life?
I lovee your enthusiasm that you get when you talk about what you love. its contagious:)
Hi Andrea, I am 38 years old, decided to go to Medical School soon. I found your videos very inspiring, helpful, and informative. Would you please talk a little bit about Med School Students age?
I often think that I would be the oldest student in my class . I would love to hear from you , your experience with older students. I love your shows.
Hello Mandy, thanks for writing. I have been searching on this topic and found valuable information, I guess age wouldn't be an issue, and low GPA(?) not sure about US Med Schools, but I guess Carib can be a good choice.
I have a question for any doctor or med student out there. I'm in high school and thinking about going to med school and i'm interested in all these things but do you have time to be social and go out and travel, i'm not saying constantly but once in a while, and maintain friendships?
This really depends on the specialty you get matched into/you choose. For example, someone like a Family Medicine or a Emergency medicine doctor(s) have much more of a “better” life style than a Neurosurgeon. However, Neurosurgeons are also trained 4 years more, and make a lot more money.
Generally the tougher the specialty/residency, the more money you’ll make. But because it’s a lot tougher, some of them have a “worse” life style.
Now I have worse and better in quotations because that’s very subjective. A life style is how you want to live, and it’s very hard to say what a good or bad life style would be for you.
Glad I found you! Your videos are helpful. & this video in particular is leading to truly believe that I can become a Physician and enjoy being one. I have a long way to go but i am definitely looking to go this path. Thank you for sharing your experiences. :)
What is the best way to pay for Med School, the military or taking out loans ?
I can really feel your passion and mine through watching this video!! Thank you very much it motivates me a lot! :)
Can you do a video interviewing a doctor that has done Doctors Without Borders to help those interested?
Thank you so much for this awesome video. I'm in high school and I've been thinking about pursuing some type of surgical career for some time now. It's great to kind of see where I stand with your list 😊
thank you so much for posting this video it really helped on my decision if i wanted to medical school one day.
Your videos are so insightful and have done nothing but motivated me since i discovered your page. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for posting this!! This helps me so much.. I've been trying to figure out whether to go into Pharmacy or Medicine and your advice, as always, is so helpful!
Thank you so much for your videos! They are incredibly helpful for indecisive and uncertain students like myself
Thank you for this video. I know without a doubt a healthcare profession is for me, but I'm currently debating between becoming a nurse or a doctor. What are the major differences? Do you have any suggestions that might help me make the decision?
really really liked this video. Now i have confidence in becoming a doctor. Was a bit nervous though but thanks to you, am no more. #fighting!!!!
im into surgery too, mostly cardio ! great video thank u
u'll know it when youre in medschool. i entered medschool determined and full of motivation now that i'm in med, i feel nothing anymore. Lol
Thank you so much!!!
I really want to go to the medical field, I've always wanted to. But, the thing is, I struggle a lot in science and math. I always struggled in Biology, Chemistry and math courses. You said it would be a challenging path for me, if I am not good at school. I am trying to get interested in science, although I will never be interested in math. I am interested in simple science, and I do question stuff, but I still struggle. Do you have any advice for me though?
I used to be what'd you'd call a socially awkward. Now, I am far more mature and have great timing with people. I would make a good doctor . But can't work anymore due health issues.
If you were bad at school, but then in 4th grade you found out you had ADD then you did better in school, would you still be a good medical student?
There are many doctor with ADHD
I too have ADD. I use Modafinil.
Concentraion is improved It also makes excel on physical, mental, creative, and social levels. Self-esteem is also improved.
More than ever, I think becoming a doctor is my calling. But, due to circumstances out of my control, it can't happen
If I could and with Modafinil, I'd a top tier surgeon.
I'm a clinical psychotherapist considering a PhD/MD in clinical psychology with a neurological speciality along with medicine... I assume the doctor - patient relationship is somewhat similar. One thing that truly puts me off in my current work is the amount of paperwork I am required to do, especially working in community metal health. I would love to know how the paperwork compares between the field of psychology and Medicine. It's not a deal-breaker for me but it certainly made my job harder when people come in to talk about intense emotions and I have to focus on paperwork.
if i was sick, just seeing ur angel face would cure me.
as for medical school, i love to study medicine but i dont think i would ever be able to so.
anyways, thanks for making it sound so interesting
based on your experience even though your specialty is the eye, do you think cardiology is really competitive? also did you experience any favoritism going on on male vs female?
Massie Block Cardiology is fairly competitive. Luckily, I haven't experienced any sexual bias during my medical career from other physicians. From patients however- I experience it all the time. I'm always asked if I'm a nurse and I know it's because I'm a woman.
Andrea Tooley that kinda sucks lol but hopefully this changes !! :) thnks for the reply
OMG!! I like u you are the best!!
Im such a social person eho loves to talk to others and listen to their problems and yea,I love Bio and Chimestry but I don't like math.Im not bad at it at all but I just don't like it
Thanks alot we love u
I absolutely love your videos!! I am a sophomore in high school and I have wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon since I was 6. I love learning and I am really good at math and science. I am 8th in my class out of 756 students. I am just concerned that I will want to change my mind about my major. I heard that there is a high chance that someone changes their mind once they get to college but how will you know?? The bones and the body have always been interesting to me and ever since I was little I always made myself casts and wrapped myself in ace bandages. Thanks for all your videos though I love them!!!
I'm in medical school and I've finished my first year,but what bothers me is that sometimes studying becomes boring although I like studying medicine and I don't know how to solve this problem
I love to study how the human body works, and I definitely want to help people, but I feel like my sense of compassion isn't as strong as other people... How much compassion is enough for one to pursue medicine?
Very helpful video omg ❤️ loved it
I would love to go to medical school but I realized you said that you have to love science and right now I don't find it interesting but just because of my teacher's teaching method. She just teaches about cells and I know that of course it's important but I want her to teach more about the anatomy and other things. So my question would be if I absolutely have to love science because do remember that it's the teaching that she does.
Hey Andrea, I love your videos I just started watching them couple of days ago and they are very informative I just wanted to know since there is so much emphasis on gpa and mcat scores that people talk about I wanted to know what you did and what advice you would give to pre med students to make our resume distinctive from others for eg volunteering, leadership etc
Ive always wanted to be a surgeon, its too bad my hands shake to much, im 16, i dont know why lol. Anxiety maybe? I mean I LOVE to draw so i tend to draw digitally to reduce the amount of shaky lines hahah. I might look into it with my gp to see if anything could help it. But in all seriousness i would love to be a doctor of nurse, i want the feeling of doing good in the world, because right now i dont feel like im contributing to society, it really kills me because i feel like ive failed. Im lucky i still have time to think of what i want to do in a few years, im glad i have the opertunity to find a stable career. But to be honest even if i cant be a surgeon id love to learn how to deal with medical situations if they arise, like if someone stops breathing, knowing how to resuscitate them is important, that sort of knowlage is very valuble to have wherever you go!
I saw a 4 hour open heart surgery it was amazing. But idk, I'm pretty much an introvert until you get to know me, I keep to myself most of the time so idk if the social aspect of a career in medicine is right for me.
Well you can be a behind the scene doctor like a radiologist
Yazan Ibrahim That's true.
Yazan Ibrahim I'll just try to get used to interacting with people I don't know when I'm in college and hopefully that will carry off to med school and beyond.
I just struggle getting over a 4.1 how is that? I've never gotten below a 4.0 in high school does that mean I could achieve in getting in? Should I get a job while I'm in medical school? How many hours per day do I learn? During my residency do I get paid?
just found your channel and have watched a few of your videos, they're amazing. Thank you so much for posting all this information in such a straightforward way. New sub. :)
This video was the best because I HATE math but I love SCIENCE and I was unsure if I couldn't get into medical school because I was not good at math
Hiii,i want to ask u andrea!! whyy i heard from some people that poor med students didn't enjoy their lives they spend the whole day readin' books,passin' exams ..... i don't know i'm really confused bc of that ,to be a doctor is my dream sinse i was a kid because i enjoy learning Science i get high degrees and i'mnt bad at relationships and making friends but is that medical school sucks??
I really want to be a doctor but ive been failing my science classes since middle school :/
These videos are great! Thanks so much Andrea!
I love science and hate math too. HAHAHA! One of the reasons why I wanted to go in a medicine school. XD
please do a video about preparation for MCAT!!!
Hi! I have a random and kinda silly question.. I am a high school student that has wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember but, I have naturally really shaky hands. Even though I don't want to become a surgeon I'm assuming you still have to do surgery rotations and like common procedures based on your specialty. Basically my question is: will having really shaky hands affect my chances of becoming a doctor or are there things you can do to help not have such shaky hands? Thanks :)
You might wanna see a doctor about...well, about both of those things XD
Off course not! It's all about practice, about relaxing and not getting frustrated for it. You say you don't want to become a surgeon, so you don't have to worry about anything. Go ahead, you won't regret it
I'm so happy I found you! You're videos are so helpful and insightful. I know they will really help me and I thank you so so so much! :)
I love your videos they are very helpful this is just my third time watching it and I really appreciate
I really want to become a Neurosurgeon but I don't know if I would be able to handle it. Should I pursue that dream??? I really need help on this BIG decision! It's really important to me. Also my anxiety seems to be scaring me about killing a person by making the wrong move while performing that kind of procedure. I need advice from a professional like you! THANK YOU!!!
Bebo Martinez I see a future Dr. Derek Shepherd or Dr. Amelia Shepherd lol. You should always follow your dreams and never let anyone hold you back and know that you can do it you're just like everyone else you can pursue that dream that you want to you have just a fair chance of anybody else you'll go out of anxiety and being shy I promise you everything happens for a reason so don't ever be scared but being scared is OK it means you still have something to lose
I was told that surgeries are very easy to do. Even orthopedics and neurosurgeries.
Your videos are so helpful thanks so much. :)
Sooo want to go out sometime?
If you really fear death, do you think it's wise to go into a profession where you're surrounded by it all the time? I know this sounds silly as everyone fears it but I'm worried it will get much worse for me :/ I'm at the stage where I've already applied but now and then I get anxious and doubt myself all over again. I would really appreciate any advice people have!!
My biggest fear is death, and I'm on the path to become a dcotor. I think finding the root cause of your fear will really help in determining what treatment is right for you.
For example, I'm terrified about what happens after death or suffering in eternal hell. Recently, I lost my faith in Christianity, which also made things worse. So, I asked myself where was I a couple hundred years ago? Non-existent and not in pain.
Once a person's brain dies, there is no thought, pain, sensation, etc. so we wouldn't be able to think of anything after death.
This fact has helped me, as well as realizing every living thing dies, and there is peace among those who were suffering.
If your religious, you can find a way to connect to your god to provide comfort. Even more, I have watched videos of patients pass away on youtube to overcome this fear. I urge you to watch a video of one dieing and realize that death is a beautiful thing that binds every species on the planet. I wouldn't want to live if I had a deadly form of cancer, and death is there to comfort me just as a God would for a religuous person.
+God Osiris search in youtube "THE MEANING OF LIFE | MUSLIM SPOKEN WORD | HD"
I firmly believe that there is more to the cycle of life, I know you may disagree but I thought I'd leave this here to give you some food for thought.
maybe it will help you with your fear..