Preparing for a career in medicine is an exciting yet complex journey. For pre-med and pre-health students, knowing which steps truly matter can make all the difference. The good news: the path becomes clearer when guided by those who are already walking it.
At Little Medical School® of the Treasure Coast, our instructors are university students preparing for careers in healthcare while simultaneously educating and mentoring elementary students across Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade counties. Through hands-on teaching experiences and close involvement with school communities, they have gained valuable insights into what it takes to build a successful medical career foundation.
This article compiles those insights to help future applicants thrive, academically, professionally, and personally.
Engage Early in Hands-On Healthcare Experiences
Medical schools value real exposure to clinical environments. Gaining experience through volunteering, shadowing, or working in patient-centered roles helps students understand the realities of healthcare while developing empathy and communication skills.
Instructor Perspective:
“Gaining experience 10% of the time, is luck, that one person who decides to give you a chance. But the other 90% is perseverance. As the saying goes, ‘closed mouths don’t get fed.’
In university, gaining experience is all about putting yourself out there — sending that email, going to your professor’s office hours, or asking about opportunities. That’s how you get into the loop where experiences happen. You’ll hear a lot of “no’s,” but it only takes one “yes” to now have access to a plethora of individuals who can help.
My advice: never give up. Keep reaching out, keep asking questions, and keep putting yourself forward until you land the opportunity you’ve been looking for.” Darn Robert Faveur, West Palm Beach instructor.
Develop Leadership Through Teaching and Mentorship
Strong communication skills are essential to patient-centered care. Teaching in after-school healthcare programs — such as those offered by Little Medical School® — builds leadership, adaptability, and confidence when explaining complex topics.
Instructor Perspective:
“Start small: tutor peers, lead study groups, or volunteer with programs like Little Medical School. Teaching builds confidence, leadership, and a genuine passion for helping others.”-Berke Tuncer, South Miami instructor.
Explore the Many Healthcare Opportunities Available in South Florida
Our local region offers rich opportunities for professional growth and exploration. Universities, hospitals, and community organizations across:
- Indian River County
- St. Lucie County
- Martin County
- Palm Beach County
- Broward County
- Miami-Dade County
provide pathways including:
- Clinical volunteering
- Undergraduate research
- Public health education
- Veterinary and specialized medicine experiences
Instructor Tip:
“If I could turn back time and tell my teenage self the secret to a successful premedical journey, it would be to start collecting experiences as soon as I set foot on my college campus. Despite the challenges one’s first year of university brings as a premed student, your clock will run a bit faster, and soon you’ll be graduated, facing medical school applications that implore you to reflect on how you have grown beyond a student in the classroom, but an adult ready to tackle the demanding landscape of healthcare.
Join your college’s premedical clubs. Attend their meetings and learn about volunteering and work experiences you can engage in during your studies. Voice to your professors your desire to become involved in their research labs with a willingness to start in even the smallest of roles in the lab to cultivate the opportunity for more in the future. Contact your local hospitals and clinics about volunteer programs or internship opportunities. Squeeze in an EMT or medical assistant certification into your curriculum to immerse yourself in the clinical atmosphere as an acting member of a medical team and demonstrate to the admissions committee your established capacity to navigate such.
Overall, my biggest advice to my future little doctors is to never sit back on their dreams and to be their greatest advocate. Never silent and always emboldened to seek and speak to mentors, peers, and advisors to ensure they seize every opportunity they can.”-Alexis Rodriguez, South Miami volunteer.
Maintain Academic Excellence with Wellbeing in Mind
Academic performance is a key part of medical school preparation. Yet balance is equally crucial. Students who prioritize healthy habits and sustainable study practices are more resilient throughout the rigorous pre-medical process.
Instructor Perspective:
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that academic excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of wellbeing. I perform best when I treat exercise, sleep, and time with friends as non-negotiable parts of my schedule, not luxuries. It’s easy to burn out if you only chase grades. Balance is what makes the long journey to medicine sustainable.”-Jake Goldstein, South Miami instructor.
Seek Guidance from Mentors and Healthcare Professionals
Mentorship is a cornerstone of career development in healthcare. Insight from physicians, faculty advisors, and program leaders can help students:
- Navigate application requirements
- Explore specialties early
- Build professional confidence
Instructor Perspective:
“I had a really great undergraduate research experience at the USDA-ARS and my post-doc was very helpful. He helped me develop important research skills and was genuinely interested in seeing me grow in my professional skillset. I tried to show my best that I cared not only about my immediate responsibilities, but about helping out in other areas. I cared about my team members and made it a priority to be extremely friendly, reliable, and helpful.
In turn, I did not have to ask my post-doc to become my mentor, he naturally offered his guidance and mentorship and said if I ever thought about transitioning to a career in entomology research, he would be happy to help! I think it helps to strive for excellence in your relationships with potential mentors. They will naturally see you’re a great emerging professional and offer their guidance.” Melanie Ortega, Program Director.
Make An Impact Today, Not Someday
One of the most powerful lessons our instructors express is that you do not need to wait for medical school to make a difference. Supporting a child’s discovery of science, guiding their curiosity, and helping them see themselves in a healthcare role is a profound contribution to the future of medicine.
Join Little Medical School® of the Treasure Coast
We offer pre-med and pre-health students:
- Leadership and teaching experience in STEM education
- Meaningful mentorship roles that strengthen medical school applications
- Paid and volunteer instructor positions
- Connections with school districts and youth programs across South Florida
Now accepting applications from university and qualified high school students passionate about healthcare and community impact.
Contact our Program Director:
mortega@littlemedicalschool.com
www.littlemedicalschool.com/treasurecoast
Get Involved with Little Medical School® of the Treasure Coast
Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of healthcare heroes? We’re expanding our impact across South Florida to bring hands-on health and STEM education to life.
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School Partnerships: Interested in bringing our after-school clubs or enrichment programs to your campus? Let’s chat to create engaging, standards-aligned experiences for your students. Get in touch.
- Sponsorship & Collaboration: Do you an idea for collaboration or want to support our work? Since 2023, Little Medical School® of the Treasure Coast has empowered over 3,200 students across South Florida through hands-on healthcare education. Get in touch.
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Instructor Positions: We’re seeking pre-med, pre-health, and pre-education university students who want real leadership experience teaching future doctors through play. Apply here.
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Volunteer Opportunities: Join our volunteer team and gain valuable experience in healthcare outreach, youth mentorship, and community health education. Apply here.
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Share Your Moments: We love seeing our students in action! Tag us in your photos or posts from our programs on social media.