By Ryan Brownlee, 3rd Year Medical Student, Medical College of Georgia & Founder of AspiringMD.com
When a teen first says, “I think I want to be a doctor,” parents often feel a mix of pride, excitement, and… a little panic. Is this a serious interest or just a phase? Are they ready for something so demanding? And what should you say—or not say—when the idea first comes up?
As a medical student who mentors premeds and runs AspiringMD.com, I’ve seen both sides of this moment. Teens are often excited but overwhelmed. Parents want to encourage them—without turning high school into a pressure cooker. This guide serves as a calm, practical roadmap for parents who want to support their teen’s interest in medicine with clarity and balance.
Stage 1: Is This a Real Interest or Just a Phase?
Start with curiosity—not pressure
Instead of “Are you sure?” try:
“What interests you most about medicine?”
Teens often focus on:
-
Status (“Doctors are respected.”)
-
Science (“I love biology and anatomy.”)
-
Stability (“It’s a reliable career.”)
-
Service (“I want to help people.”)
All are valid. The goal is helping them reflect, not committing to a decision.
Normalize exploring and evolving
Interests can change. Framing medicine as an exploration keeps things healthy.
Stage 2: What Healthy Exploration Looks Like in High School
High school shouldn’t feel like residency. The goal is exposure, not exhaustion.
Prioritize solid academics—not burnout
Encourage strong performance, not overloaded AP schedules. Sleep and mental health matter too.
Encourage real-world experiences
Good options include:
-
Hospital or clinic volunteering
-
Community service
-
Shadowing (when appropriate)
-
Conversations with healthcare professionals
Let them stay multidimensional
Music, sports, art, and non-STEM interests help students grow—and admissions committees value balance.
Stage 3: College: A Test Drive, Not a Trap
Freshman and sophomore year help teens confirm whether medicine is right for them.
Healthy course load
A balanced schedule often includes:
-
1–2 foundational sciences
-
Major and general classes
-
Space for extracurriculars
If they struggle academically
Struggling is normal. Encourage:
-
Tutoring
-
Study groups
-
Office hours
-
Better study strategies
Sometimes struggle means adjusting the path—and that’s okay too.
Support their wellbeing
Mental health, sleep, and balance often matter more than major choice.
How Parents Can Support (Without Overstepping)
Do:
-
Help them find reliable information
-
Encourage mentorship
-
Support balanced schedules
-
Celebrate effort over perfection
Avoid:
-
Micromanaging
-
Monitoring every grade
-
Pushing prestige
-
Handling their logistics
Your role is supportive coach—not manager.
Talking Honestly About Money and Time
Training timeline
Medical training typically includes:
-
4 years undergraduate
-
4 years medical school
-
3–7 years residency
-
Optional fellowship
Use a calm, factual tone:
“Let’s learn what the path involves and plan realistically.”
Finances
Discuss:
-
Tuition differences
-
Scholarships
-
Loans
-
Living expenses
Not to scare—just to prepare.
Final Thoughts
Parents don’t need to be premed experts. Teens need:
-
Solid information
-
Space to explore
-
Encouragement without pressure
-
Permission to evolve
Supporting big dreams—like becoming a doctor—is absolutely possible while still protecting your teen’s wellbeing and leaving room for alternate plans.
