17, just graduated, and committed to medicine but I feel lost and need guidance.

Hey everyone,
I’m 17, just graduated high school this past June in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A couple months before graduation, something really clicked I realized that medicine is what I truly want to do with my life.

As a kid, I was always fascinated by hospitals and medical environments, but I never seriously looked into it. For the longest time I wanted to be a pilot, but due to some health issues that door is closed. The only other path I’ve ever felt drawn to is becoming a doctor. Thinking about it I honestly can’t picture myself doing anything else.

I want to live and work in a rural place where I can serve communities in need. I’ve been looking into volunteering at the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre here in Winnipeg because I really want to give back and support people who are underserved.

But I’ll be honest I didn’t take the typical science route in high school. I never took biology, chemistry, physics, or pre-calculus. That’s why I’m taking a gap year to go to adult education and complete those courses properly. I know this is what I want to do, and I’m willing to work hard to make up for lost time.

Right now, I have so many questions, and I’m feeling kind of lost:

• Since I have a year before university, what kind of books should I start reading now to build a strong foundation for medicine or the MCAT? I enjoy reading (mostly psychology books), but I’ve never read anything too scientific. I want to use this year wisely.
• When it comes to undergrad, I’m stuck between doing something like Psychology BSc, Biological Sciences, or even Psychology BA. I’ve heard a high GPA is the most important factor for med school (especially for Max Rady here in Winnipeg), but if I take something non-science, won’t I be underprepared for the MCAT?
• Is it smarter to take an “easier” major to maintain GPA? Or will that backfire when it comes to the MCAT or med school itself?
• I plan to apply to Max Rady College of Medicine since it’s close to home, and if I stay here I can keep volunteering and helping my community. That means a lot to me.

I’m fully committed to this path. I just need help figuring out how to walk it.

If you’ve been in a similar situation and starting “late,” doing adult ed, switching plans — I’d really appreciate hearing your story or advice. I know I’m young and I’ve got time, but I want to make the right moves now and not waste this year.

Thanks so much to anyone who reads this or replies.