u/WillingnessNo4397

How normal is it to feel absolutely petrified about applying to and attending medical school? I wonder if my fear and self doubt is reason for me to not even pursue a career as a doctor at all. I have diagnosed OCD so I'm wondering how much of this is a thought spiral, but I see all of these crazy smart and dedicated people and wonder how they balance such an intense and rigorous work load. I don't understand how people do it and I'm seriously wondering if medical school will crush my soul. I know everyone has to learn and no one goes into medical school knowing exactly how to be a doctor (you're there to learn) but I'm scared I'd fall behind due to being overwhelmed and not as intelligent as my peers. I also have a really hard time focusing and that includes forcing myself to study. Maybe this just is not the right path for me? I wonder if my level of anxiety is far beyond typical.

I have seen a large amount of hate for mid-levels lately and can say that I completely understand many concerns people have. That being said, I see an NP and a PA for 2 of my healthcare providers and actually like them very much, they have both been helpful and give me hope for other mid-levels. My question for all of the anti-noctor people out there: Do you guys see any value in mid-levels and do you think that there can be ethical and competent mid-levels who have a positive impact on the healthcare system? I am very curious about this and respect all opinions!

Hi everyone!!! This coming school year, I will be a senior in high school (18 in October). I know that my high school stats don't matter for medical school, BUT, I am a CCP student who will be graduating with an associate degree in science.... so, for me, my highschool stats school stats do actually matter because technically I am an undergraduate student as well.
My grades are non necessarily an issue, as on my college transcript, I have a 3.8 and am on the dean's list (retaking college statistics in the fall to replace my B with an A to get that overall and science GPA up).
I have realized that despite being ahead, this does put me at somewhat of a disadvantage. Instead of having all 4 years of college to get clinical and research hours, I will only be spending 2 years at my university of choice. This makes me very nervous about meeting the requirements for hours because I fear I simply won't have the time!
I know it seems overkill to be worrying about this when I still have a year of high school left, but I feel like if I don't start getting hours the second I turn 18, I'll be too far behind my peers.
This school year, I will be volunteering at a local hospital to familiarize myself with the environment and earn NHS hours, is there a way to hone this in to be more focused on building a good application?
Speaking of, I really would like to be an OB-GYN (I understand how matching works and that I go where they tell me when I get to that point lol), but don't know where to look for volunteer and clinical opportunities. My OB-GYN is a nurse practitioner, and I don't know how comfortable I would feel shadowing someone who isn't a MD, when that is my goal. Do you have to volunteer, shadow, and get clinical hours in the specialty that you're aiming for or can you work with any specialty?
Ultimately, I do not know anyone in my personal life who is a physician. I have no clue where to go for information, help, or guidance, so I was hoping to get some advice from you all!