The Congress of Future Medical Leaders Offers Guidance for High-Achieving Students Entering the World of Medicine The world has changed rapidly over the past few centuries.

Science is a significant reason for many of the advances that we

have experienced during this time; these changes have improved

our health, our homes, our food, and how we communicate with

each other. To continue these advances, we need to continue to

train scientists, doctors, and medical researchers. Encouraging

young people to pursue scientific careers can be challenging in the

current environment; organizations like the National Academy of

Future Physicians and Medical Scientists help guide high-

achieving students into medical and other scientific careers.

Scientists of the Past

One way to emphasize the importance of scientific research and

the changes that these discoveries have made in our lives is to

look at scientists of the past. Andreas Vesalius is considered the

father of human anatomy; his findings opened the door to much

of what we know about the anatomy of the human body. Benjamin

Franklin conducted research on electricity and meteorology and

invented bifocal glasses. Michael Faraday contributed findings

about electricity, light, and gravitational systems. Joseph John “J.

J.” Thomson discovered electrons and won the Nobel Prize.

George Washington Carver’s research changed the way that

farmers grew their crops. All of these discoveries still impact our

lives today.

Researchers of the Present

Many people may know something about research and scientists

from the past but it is important to recognize that today’s

scientists are making huge strides as well. Dr. Martin Chalfie won

a Nobel Prize in 2008 for the discovery of green fluorescent

protein which allows scientists to study how cells function. Dr.

Craig Mello won a Nobel Prize in 2006 for the discovery of how

RNA affects gene regulation. Lynn Margulis discovered

information about the origin of cells which impacted the study of

evolution. Steven Hawking has written about his studies on the

characteristics of black holes. These are all scientists who have

done some research over the last few decades; they may not be as

well-known as some of the older scientists.

Becoming a Scientist

Scientists of all types play an important role in our lives and it is

important for high-achieving students to enter into these

professions. Exposure to science courses and internships and

externships allow these students to explore the opportunities that

might be available. Understanding some of the types of research

that has gone on in the past and that is ongoing right now may

also encourage young people to think about the possibilities.

Summits like the Congress of Future Medical Leaders offer

information, aid, and encouragement to future medical scientists

and physicians. To learn more about the great

scholarship opportunities for medical students, visit us

at www.FutureDocs.com or check out our Facebook

page www.facebook.com/futuredocs.