How Can An Acting Class Prepare You For Medical School? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How Can An Acting Class Prepare You For Medical School?

Acting is the secret to the "Art of Doctoring"!

2229
How Can An Acting Class Prepare You For Medical School?
news.uci.edu

When you enter college with the dreams of one day becoming a doctor, there are so many classes that you have to take. You're told to take Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and every other science class on earth. Then you're told to take your required Physics class, that one random English class, and a Psychology class to fill some schedule gaps. At the end of your college career, you may be prepared for medical school from an academic standpoint, but you've failed to learn the skills that will allow you to master what I like to call "the art of doctoring."

Is there any class that will help you learn the "art of doctoring"? Yes, there is!

Acting classes!

An extremely important aspect of being a doctor that several students tend to forget about is the art of connecting with your patients. Doctors have to be effective communicators in order to get the most out of their patients and make their patients understand what is happening to them. Doctors must be emotionally available for their patients. They must help their patients overcome the vulnerability or embarrassment they might feel exposing intimate parts of themselves and their lives to their doctors.

In my opinion, the best way to learn how to connect to people, how to understand other's perspectives, and how to properly access situations and react accordingly is by learning how to act. You may not be the best actor in the world; As a first-year medical student that minored in theatre, I can assure you that I was far from the label of "Best Actress". Yet, my experiences in acting class and on the stage truly helped me when we started having patient interactions. I was better able to understand others' emotions because I had learned how to, essentially, become other people and tell others' stories.

I believe that every student studying something science or mathematics based such as Biology, Computer Science, or Engineering will benefit from finding some time to take an acting class. You will improve your communication skills, relieve some stress, learn new skills, and make new friends.

I understand that the 3, 4, 5 or more years spent in college can actually go by very quickly making us feel like we don't have time. I know that there are so many other classes to take and requirements we must fill, but just one acting class can be such an amazing experience. If you still have the chance to, I suggest trying out an acting class or minoring in theatre, like I did. It's actually quite interesting to see how a set of skills seemingly unrelated to your "major" or "career plans" can make you a better student and professional in the future.

And if nothing like that happens for you, at least you experienced something new!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2412
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1448
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200695
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21214
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments