“Why Do You Aspire to Become a Doctor?”

Pose that query to any pre-med student, and you’re likely to receive a similar response: “I simply want to assist others.” I’ve expressed this sentiment myself countless times. Recently, however, I’ve begun to reflect on what that phrase truly signifies. Not due to any diminishing faith in medicine, but because I’ve come to understand that helping is far more intricate, nuanced, and humbling than I ever imagined.

As the host of a podcast centered on innovation and mental health care, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the most visionary figures in medicine—individuals who are literally reshaping the future. A few months back, I had a discussion with a medical leader focused on artificial intelligence in the field. Shortly thereafter, I spoke with the founding dean of a new medical school in Tennessee. Both dialogues profoundly impacted me in the most positive way. They not only broadened my perception of what health care could entail—they compelled me to confront my previous misconceptions about “helping others.”

Helping isn’t exclusively about healing.

One of the initial realizations I had is that aiding someone doesn’t necessarily equate to curing them. I previously linked being a good prospective doctor with troubleshooting problems, completing checklists, and making repairs. However, during my conversation with the dean, they highlighted that some of the most influential actions in medicine are not technical—they are relational. It’s about being present with patients during uncertain times. It’s about validating feelings of pain even when we can’t articulate an explanation. It’s understanding that sometimes, simply being there holds more significance than handing out a prescription.

You don’t require an MD to effect change.

I’ve discovered that “helping others” doesn’t commence after medical school. It begins now. Through discussions with physicians, mental health advocates, and policy makers, I’ve learned that your capacity to care isn’t determined by a white coat. It’s characterized by how you engage with your community. I’ve led donation drives for youth in foster care, spearheaded mental health initiatives, and utilized storytelling to elevate underrepresented voices. I once believed I needed formal qualifications to be impactful. Now, I realize that compassion is a qualification in itself.

So what does “helping” genuinely entail?

It involves maintaining curiosity. Posing better questions. Being open to unlearning and reconstructing. It means examining systems, not merely symptoms—and grasping that impact resides at the crossroads of empathy, equity, and action.

As pre-meds, we need to move beyond the vague notion of “helping people” and substitute it with something more powerful.

– Let’s engage in deep listening.
– Design with ethics in mind.
– Advocate with courage.
– Approach healing in a holistic manner.

Let’s cease waiting for the MD to initiate the work. Because the future of medicine isn’t solely about those who wish to assist others. It’s about those who comprehend how.

Vaishali Jha is a premedical student.