"Why do you want to attend medical school? "

This is the question that directs medical school personal statements and is asked during medical school interviews. The answer is important, but it's perfectly acceptable not to have one. My interest in medicine developed out of personal curiosity about the sciences and biology. However, when it came time to apply, I amended my answer to match the goals I developed after completing college and working for two years. Although you may not have a fully formed response, you should have an idea of why medicine interests you. This is a long career path and determining if Medicine is not for you will spare you time, resources, and frustration. 

Alternatively, healthcare may be exactly what you want, but not medical school. In the eyes of the public, physicians play the greatest role in the care of patients, but that is inaccurate. Medicine is comprised of providers with a wide range of training, and they are all equally essential to the well-being of patients. 

Below are some of the other roles you may wish to explore before committing to medical school. The best advice is to have early exposure and to learn more about medicine. Do online research, speak to doctors or students, shadow, volunteer at a nursing home or hospital, find a job, etc. If you're set on medicine and can answer the question above, feel free to move on to "Getting Started."