Raising a Doctor

Aside from dreaming of making other people well, kids are probably fascinated by the tools that doctors use when examining their patients. As parents, the one thing we can do to make our children succeed in becoming doctors and medical professionals is to give our support by providing them the guidance and resources they will need to hone their skills and talents.

If your daughter still shows signs of interest in the field of medicine when she reaches eight or ten, buy educational toys that will help her become familiar with the parts of the body and the functions of the different organs of the body. You may also want to buy your child some books and videos not only about the profession, but also about kid doctors/medical workers such as fictional character Doogie Howser MD, who became a doctor at age 16.

These things are important in keeping your kids interested in the profession, as well as showing them the responsibilities of people who work in the medical field. Talk with your child's doctor - it never hurts to ask him or her if they wouldn't mind having your child spend a few hours with them to observe their work and environment. Visit KidPrentice.com to find out more.

Balamurali Ambati became the world's youngest doctor at age 17 in 1995. He completed an ophthalmology residency at Harvard University, and developed strategies to reverse corneal angiogenesis. He was the winner at the Westinghouse Science Talent Search and the International Science & Engineering Fair and becoming a National Merit Scholar. He received the Raja-Lakshmi Award in 1995 from Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation, Chennai. After completing a fellowship in cornea & refractive surgery at Duke University in 2002, he joined the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia, where he practices clinical ophthalmology and conducts research in such areas as corneal angiogenesis and outcomes of corneal and refractive surgery. He also volunteers with the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, traveling to under-privileged countries to practice and teach ophthalmic surgery. Dr. Ambati is currently Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences & Director of Corneal Research - University of Utah School of Medicine, 2008

Suzann Pershing graduated from Sonoma State University in 2002 when she was 14 and from Medical School of South Carolina when she was 18. She is currently a resident of ophthalmology at Stanford University.

More recently, July 2008, Heenal Raichura from Britain became one of the youngest doctors in the world at the age of 22. She entered St. George's Medical School at the age of 16.

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Physicians and Surgeons:
Physicians and surgeons diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.

Dentists:
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth, along with giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They remove tooth decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic sealants on children's teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Optometrists:
Optometrists, also known as doctors of optometry, or ODs, are the main providers of vision care. They examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, and they test patients' depth and color perception and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometrists may prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, or they may prescribe or provide other treatments, such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation.

Physical Therapists:
Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, especially those affecting the reproductive system and the process of childbirth.

Pediatricians:
Pediatricians diagnose, treat, and help prevent children's diseases and injuries.

View more Medical professions at The Burea of Labor Statistics

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1. Call your doctor or another local doctor.

2. Let them know that your child shows an interest in becoming a doctor.

3. Ask if they would be willing to have your child observe them in their work environment. Usually 1-3 hours is enough time.

4. If the doctor says yes, make sure that you know their rules and establish them with your child.

5. Stay in the building with your child, though you may not want to join them in the office.

6. If the doctor is interested, he or she can set up another time with you for observation.

Another tip - ask your local doctors about how they got started, or what they would recommend for your child to jumpstart their career interest. Some may recommend a First Aid class and Jr. Lifesaving course. Call or search through your Yellow Pages to find kids and teens courses. Most of all, have fun while you learn with your kids!

Contact us at KidPrentice.com for assistance in apprenticeship programs in your area.