4-Year Journey to Success Pre-Health Programs

A growing and aging population will contribute to the overall increase in the number of physicians needed, especially in underserved areas, such as inner city and rural areas. Outstanding career opportunities can be found in these locations. Because of efforts nationally to control health care costs and limitations on use of specialty services, a lower number of specialists will be in demand. Therefore, prospects are best for those choosing general or internal medicine, as well as geriatric and pediatric medicine. However, unlike the situation several decades ago, physicians face radically different choices of where and how to practice as new patterns of practice are becoming the norm. Physicians may choose from a variety of settings such as working in a managed care system (HMO, PPO), a clinic, hospital, laboratory, industrial, or military venues, or in a combination of these. Physicians are currently becoming more attuned to health promotion and prevention of disease by providing education and information to help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles.

The occupational therapist works with persons who find it difficult to cope with physical or psychological dysfunction. They help patients improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, and compensate for permanent loss of function. Common disabilities seen include stroke, paralysis, brain damage, accidents of hands and arms, arthritis, birth and developmental disabilities, and emotional and mental illness. Occupational therapists assist patients in performing activities of many kinds, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs, such as dressing, cooking and eating. Professional practice may be in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, geriatric homes, out-patient or home-care community programs, and private practice.

Optometrists provide most of the vision care needed by those who wear glasses or contact lenses. They examine people’s eyes to detect vision problems and eye diseases, and test for such things as proper depth, color perception, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Most optometrists work in general practice, but some special in the elderly or children. Others work with partially-sighted persons who use microscopic or telescopic lenses. Still others concern themselves with the visual safety of individual workers or concentrate on contact lenses or vision therapy. Optometrists teach, do research, consult, and serve on health advisory committees of various kinds.

Pharmacists may be employed in hospitals, clinics, or community pharmacies. Other employment opportunities might include being sales representatives for drug manufacturers and wholesalers, teaching pharmacy colleges, developing new medicines, editing & writing articles for pharmaceutical journals, and administrative work.

Physical therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries and disease. Treatment often includes exercise to improve strength, balance, coordination and endurance for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility. Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot and/or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain, improve the condition of muscles and related tissues, and to reduce swelling. They teach patients to use crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs to perform day-to-day activities. Most importantly, a physical therapist educates patients and their family members about home care and how to use exercise to speed healing and regain normal function of the body.

A physical therapist can specialize in different areas of the field such as fitness, wellness and sports medicine. They are qualified to work in clinics, rehabilitation centers, acute-care and general hospitals, private and governmental agencies, the school systems with handicapped children, or be self employed.

Physician Assistants (PAs) have become a valuable and essential part of the health care team. While working under the supervision of a physician, PAs provide diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative and health maintenance services. They work primarily as primary care providers but are not limited to this area. They can work in any specialty and are trained to handle medical emergencies. They can also serve as first or second assistants in surgery, and provide both pre- and post-operative care. Physician assistants can relieve physicians of several general duties including taking medical histories, ordering and analyzing lab tests, while maintaining the same quality of care for all the patients.

Veterinarians have a love for animals and work to maintain and improve the health of all animals including pets, livestock and animals in zoos or wildlife preserves. Veterinarians work in a variety of environments such as private clinical practice, animal shelters, farms or zoos. Care of animals is inclusive and ranges from medical, surgical, dental and physical therapy services to sick or injured animals.

Veterinarians diagnose disease, prescribe medication, vaccinate animals and educate pet owners on such topics as weight management and care of aging pets. They may also conduct research on topics important to animal welfare and advocacy and publish their findings in veterinary journals. Some veterinarians play an important role in public health and safety by understanding diseases that affect both animals and humans or by serving as food and safety inspectors.