The world of medicine is very big and there are so many different fields to choose from. If you want to be at the forefront of making a difference in the world, then being part of a team that helps find the keys to beating serious diseases, then medical scientist needs to be at the top of the list.
Medical scientists are in high demand, so if you are looking to get into a career in medicine, then start here. Imagine being part of a research team that is able to find a cure for a disease that has been nagging researchers for years.
Research is the foundation for healthcare for people all over the world and the implications are felt everywhere.
If this sounds interesting to you then read on to see what it takes to become a medical scientist.
The right education
It goes without saying that you will need to be very focused on your education. You’ll need to have a roadmap while you are still in high school to make this a reality.
Start with a degree in biology or chemistry at a good university. You’ll need to have a broad range of interests from life sciences, physical sciences, to math. Writing is also very important as you will be drafting applications for grants and also publishing your findings.
After you’ve gotten your undergraduate degree, the next step is to get a Phd. Focus on universities with a strong research faculty. Schools like Stanford should be top of the list. While difficult to get into, you can get some tips from Going Ivy to find a way in.
Job outlook and salary
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow between 8 and 13% in the next ten years. That is much faster than in other areas of medicine. It is faster than many other occupations as well.
Diseases travel fast now due to the global nature of interdependent economies. With a rise in contagious disease, more research will always be necessary making it a great career choice that shows no signs of ever slowing down.
The average salary is $84,000 with possibilities of over $150,000 depending on eht area of research that you decide to focus on.
Of course, the money may not be a deciding factor as many people are becoming medical scientists for the ability to help humanity. Though, paying student loans will be a priority so a high salary certainly helps.
Other related careers
If you feel that the job is too intense or the education requirements are too high, then try other areas where there is a need for good researchers.
Food scientists are also in demand as food safety is a growing concern, also due to globalization.
Community health workers also play a huge role in keeping people healthy and is quite rewarding. The focus is on strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities especially in areas with a disadvantaged population.
