What can you do to keep an open mind and encourage others to as well? How can you combine your other interests with medicine? It doesn't have to be one or the other, it can be both!

May 28

Written By Asha

1. Embrace Lifelong Learning:

Continuous Education: Enroll in courses outside your main field of study. For example, take classes in philosophy, art, computer science, or business. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and local community colleges offer a variety of subjects that can broaden your perspective.
Read Widely: Diversify your reading materials. Include books, articles, and journals from different fields and genres. This habit can introduce new ideas and ways of thinking.

2. Network with Diverse Groups:

Join Clubs and Organizations: Participate in clubs and organizations that focus on different interests. This can include clubs related to art, tech, business, or even outdoor activities.
Attend Conferences and Seminars: Go to events that cover a range of topics, not just those strictly related to health. Engaging with professionals from different fields can spark new ideas and collaborations.

3. Reflect and Adapt:

Journaling: Keep a journal to reflect on new experiences, ideas, and how they affect your perspective on your career in medicine.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from peers, mentors, and professionals from different backgrounds. Their insights can help you see things from various angles and stay open to new possibilities.

4. Practice Curiosity:

Ask Questions: Cultivate the habit of asking questions about everything you encounter. This can help you delve deeper into subjects and uncover connections between seemingly unrelated fields.
Stay Informed: Keep up with trends and advancements in other industries. Understanding how other fields evolve can inspire innovative approaches in your medical career.

1. Lead by Example:

Share Your Journey: Talk about your own experiences in exploring different interests and how they’ve enriched your perspective. This can motivate others to follow suit.
Celebrate Diversity: Highlight the achievements of peers who have successfully integrated multiple interests into their careers. This showcases the value of a multidisciplinary approach.

2. Create Inclusive Environments:

Facilitate Discussions: Organize forums, discussion groups, or workshops where students can share their interests and how they relate to their studies in medicine.
Promote Collaboration: Encourage group projects that require inputs from diverse fields. This helps students see the value in integrating different perspectives.

3. Provide Resources:

Offer Support: Help others find resources such as books, courses, or mentors that can help them explore new interests.
Mentorship Programs: Establish or participate in mentorship programs that pair students with professionals from varied backgrounds.

1. Health and Technology:

Biomedical Engineering: Use engineering principles to develop medical devices and technologies that improve patient care.
Health Informatics: Combine data science and healthcare to enhance patient outcomes through better data management and analysis.

2. Medicine and the Arts:

Medical Illustration: Create detailed visual representations of medical and biological subjects for educational and informational purposes.
Art Therapy: Use art as a therapeutic tool to help patients express themselves and cope with their conditions.

3. Business and Healthcare:

Healthcare Management: Utilize business skills to manage hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations efficiently.
Medical Entrepreneurship: Start a business that addresses unmet needs in healthcare, whether it’s a new device, service, or health-related product.

4. Communication and Medicine:

Health Journalism: Write articles, reports, and books that inform the public about health issues and medical advancements.
Patient Advocacy: Use strong communication skills to help patients navigate the healthcare system and ensure they receive the care they need.

5. Education and Medicine:

Health Educator: Teach communities about health and wellness, helping to prevent diseases and promote healthy lifestyles.
Medical School Instructor: Share your knowledge and experience with future healthcare professionals, shaping the next generation of doctors.

1. Dual Degrees or Minors:

Pursue a dual degree or minor in a field that interests you. For example, a minor in computer science can complement a pre-med track and open doors to health informatics.

2. Research Projects:

Engage in research that intersects multiple fields. For instance, you could study the psychological impacts of art therapy on patients with chronic illnesses.

3. Internships and Volunteering:

Seek internships or volunteer positions in areas that combine your interests. For example, intern at a tech startup focused on healthcare solutions or volunteer at a community center that offers wellness programs.

4. Extracurricular Activities:

Join or start clubs that align with your interests. For example, a club focused on medical innovations, art in medicine, or public health outreach.

What is one way that you can challenge your fear of daring to dream today?