Medicine | Crimson Career Guide

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

MEDICINE

Pursuing medicine as a Harvard undergraduate is a rigorous process that begins early with core coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, often including labs and expository writing. Many students take advanced biology or related classes to demonstrate academic depth, while also ensuring they meet varying medical school requirements. Beyond academics, extracurricular involvement is critical. Admissions committees look for clinical experiences that expose students to patient care, as well as research that shows intellectual curiosity. Leadership in student organizations or community initiatives further highlights collaboration, initiative, and interpersonal skills. Summer programs and internships provide additional opportunities to explore healthcare. Options like the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program, global health NGOs, or policy internships deepen experience and clarify career interests. Applying to medical school is demanding, requiring thoughtful reflection and mentorship. Students who build a balanced portfolio of academic achievement, meaningful service, research, and leadership are well-prepared to compete for spots at top medical schools.

RECRUITING TIMELINE

STEP ONE

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE YEAR

Begin taking foundational courses in biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and math (including statistics), many with labs—these will fulfill most medical school prerequisites. Explore academic and extracurricular interests, and choose a concentration by the end of sophomore year. Your concentration does not need to be in the sciences, as long as core pre-med requirements are completed. Begin clinical and community service experiences, research, or other medically relevant activities. Toward the end of sophomore year, consider creating an MCAT study plan and identifying potential letter writers. Establish relationships with mentors, advisors, and professors who can support your application.

STEP TWO

JUNIOR YEAR

December – April: Notify your House Premedical Committee of your intent to apply. Begin compiling your activities list and drafting personal and secondary essays. Continue requesting letters of recommendation (most schools require 3–5).

January – April: Take the MCAT no later than April to ensure timely application. Some applicants choose to take it earlier, especially if they plan to study abroad or need time to focus on other application components.

May: AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) opens in early May. Complete all sections, including coursework, personal statement, activities, and letter requests.

Late May – June: Submit your AMCAS primary application as early as possible after submission opens (usually in late May or early June). Early submission improves your chances in rolling admissions.

01 CLINICAL PRACTICE

Pathway Overview

The most traditional path for those with a medical degree is direct patient care. Physicians in this route diagnose and treat illness, often specializing in fields like surgery, internal medicine, or pediatrics. It offers high financial reward and strong emotional fulfillment, especially for those who value human connection and hands-on problem-solving.

02 ACADEMIC RESEARCH

Pathway Overview

This path combines clinical care with teaching and scientific research. Physician-scientists often work in universities or teaching hospitals, advancing medical knowledge while training future doctors. Financial rewards are moderate, but intellectual engagement and long-term impact can be deeply satisfying.

03 HEALTH POLICY AND GLOBAL MEDICINE

Pathway Overview

For those drawn to systemic change, this route involves improving health outcomes at the population level. Physicians may work in government, NGOs, or international organizations. While compensation tends to be lower, the work can offer high emotional fulfillment through service and advocacy.

04 MEDICAL INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Pathway Overview

Some physicians choose careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare startups. Roles may involve product development, strategy, or investment. This path often provides high financial returns and appeals to those interested in innovation, though it may offer less direct patient impact.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

"Medicine as a sector is becoming increasingly specialized due these ever-changing factors. Thus, we are in need of individuals with various interests entering the field of medicine-adjacent fields including economics, computer science, data science and health administration."

Brinda Emu ‘94

What first pulled you toward healthcare/medicine, and what moments (at Harvard or after) clarified your niche—clinical care, biotech/pharma, devices, diagnostics, public health, or digital health?

I was first pulled into health care during travels abroad. The stark differences in health care in countries like the US and in rural areas in Asia and Africa made me choose medicine as a profession early on, with an eye towards public health. Except for an uncle who was a village doctor in India, there were no physicians in my family and I had very little knowledge or exposure to the breadth of possibilities for graduates of medical school. In addition, during my time at Harvard, the HIV epidemic was killing many young people around the world, and further fueled my interest in medicine.

I got exposure to the health care system, public health, and laboratory research during my undergraduate years at Harvard (1990-1994). I volunteered in the surgical suites of Massachusetts General Hospital during my junior and senior years, helping prep patients for their surgeries. I did my undergraduate thesis in the laboratory of Alfred Goldberg in Harvard Medical School, studying the role of ubiquitin in protein degradation in mice who were exposed to protein deficient diets. I also did a summer doing an HIV awareness project in Salem, India in 1993 where the HIV epidemic in India was raging.

Each of these experiences were critical in shaping how I thought about medicine, and I was already starting to see the many different directions where a medical degree could lead.

YOUR GUIDE TO MEDICAL SCHOOL

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