Written by Jasmine Max (AMWA Premedical Division Region 3 Director, senior at the Florida State University studying Exercise Physiology)
Leadership is one of the most valuable skills premedical students can build during their college years. It enriches your undergraduate experience, strengthens your medical school application, and prepares you for a career in healthcare. Sometimes, the best role models for leadership are found not in textbooks but on the movie screen.
According to The Credits (2016), determination, responsibility, unity, and precision are some of the most consistent traits across Marvel superheroes. These qualities are not only the hallmarks of fictional heroes but also key attributes of strong student leaders. By examining superheroes, we can uncover practical lessons that can guide us toward becoming stronger leaders in our own communities.
In this post, we will look at four leadership lessons inspired by Spider-Man, Iron Man, Deadpool and Wolverine, and Shuri. Together, they show how students can find their passions, grow their skills, build meaningful relationships, and embrace innovation.
Spider-Man: Seek Your Passion
In The Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker’s curiosity led him into Oscorp Laboratories, where his encounter with a genetically modified spider changed the course of his life (Webb, 2012). While none of us will be bitten by radioactive spiders, Parker’s story highlights the importance of exploring new environments and discovering passions.
For students, passion is the foundation of authentic leadership. Without it, leadership roles can feel like obligations rather than opportunities. To uncover what excites you:
● Join different student organizations to test out your interests.
● Attend public lectures, health fairs, or volunteer opportunities on campus.
● Reflect on what motivates you most and how it connects to your goals in medicine.
Gregg Thompson (n.d.), author of The Master Coach, reminds us that passion is what turns purpose into action.
Iron Man: Develop Your Skills
Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, is constantly upgrading his suit. Whether adding advanced AI like F.R.I.D.A.Y. or enhancing his armor’s resilience (Avengers: Age of Ultron, 2015), Stark demonstrates that leaders must continually grow and adapt.
For premedical students, developing skills means consistently pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. You might:
● Pursue certifications such as EMT, CPR, or medical assistant training.
● Take on research projects or join program-based experiences.
● Seek out mentors who can challenge and guide you.
As Arruda (2023) points out in Forbes, continuous learning improves decision-making and strengthens leadership capacity.
Deadpool and Wolverine: Build Connections
Deadpool and Wolverine could not be more different, yet their teamwork in Deadpool and Wolverine shows how collaboration can lead to success (Levy, 2024). Their story illustrates that leaders do not succeed alone.
For students, building relationships and connections is critical. You can:
● Attend networking events such as prehealth fairs or alumni panels.
● Form study groups with classmates to share knowledge and support.
● Collaborate with peers from different majors to gain new perspectives.
A study of more than 150 lawyers found that career success often depended on the ability to build and maintain professional networks (Casciaro, 2014).
Shuri: Innovate Responsibly
Shuri, Wakanda’s princess and scientist, is celebrated for her creativity and responsibility in innovation. She develops groundbreaking technology for her people, balancing confidence in her abilities with a commitment to community needs (Marvel, n.d.; Vox, 2018; Refinery29, 2018).
For premedical students, Shuri’s example highlights the importance of innovation in leadership. You can: ● Apply creative problem-solving in research or community initiatives.
● Ask whether your ideas and projects truly serve others.
● Approach new challenges with confidence while staying open to improvement.
Innovation in leadership is not only about new ideas but about responsible, people-centered solutions.
Conclusion
Superheroes may be fictional, but their stories reflect real lessons in leadership. From Spider-Man’s curiosity and Iron Man’s drive for growth, to Deadpool and Wolverine’s teamwork, and Shuri’s innovation, each character demonstrates qualities that aspiring leaders can practice today.
For premedical students, leadership development is not optional but essential. You can strengthen your leadership by:
1. Seeking your passions
2. Developing your skills
3. Building connections
4. Innovating responsibly
The next time you watch a superhero movie, pay attention to the traits you see on screen. You may discover that the same qualities that make a hero are the ones that will help you grow into a leader in medicine.
References
Arruda, W. (2023). Why learning is the key to leadership. Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2023/10/08/why-learning-is-the-key-to-leadership/
Casciaro, T. (2014). A study of lawyers’ networking and career success. Academy of Management Journal. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2012.0200
Levy, S. (Director). (2024). Deadpool and Wolverine [Film]. Marvel Studios. Marvel. (n.d.). Shuri. Marvel Characters. https://www.marvel.com/characters/shur
Refinery29. (2018). Black Panther’s Shuri is smart, funny, and unapologetically confident. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/02/191332/black-panther-shuri-women-in-tech
The Credits. (2016). Marvel’s 10 top superhero attributes. Motion Picture Association. https://www.motionpictures.org/2016/08/marvels-10-top-superhero-attributes/
Thompson, G. (n.d.). 5 reasons why passion and purpose matter. Bluepoint Leadership Development. https://bluepointleadership.com/resources/five-reasons-why-passion-and-purpose-matter/
Vox. (2018). Why Shuri is Marvel’s most important game changer.
https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/2/20/17030266/black-panther-shuri-letitia-wright-best Webb, M. (Director). (2012). The Amazing Spider-Man [Film]. Columbia Pictures. Whedon, J. (Director). (2015). Avengers: Age of Ultron [Film]. Marvel Studios.