Skip to main content
6 answers
6
Asked 777 views

what do we need to do to be prepare for a doctor?

i don't have any experience in any medical related #doctor

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

6

6 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ira’s Answer

I agree with Sarah on the majority of her answer. To clarify one point: you do not need to complete a residency to practice independently. A residency is an area of specialization such as family practice, pediatrics, surgery, radiology...... it is typically 3-5 years after an internship which you DO need to complete after medical school. The internship is one year spent in a hospital. It too can be in one of many specialties are a flex internship that introduces you to multiple specialties. It is during or shortly after the internship that you take a federal licensing exam such as the third part of the National Board of Medical Examiners exam or the Flex Exam. Passing one of these examines allows you to apply for state licenses in order to practice independently typically as a doctor called a GP or General Practitioner. The residency is optional and relevant if you wish to gain more VERY VALUABLE training in a specialty. I hope this clarifies Sarah’s answer.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sarah’s Answer

To become a physician you need to attend undergraduate college and obtain a degree. The degree can be in just about anything, but you do need to complete the medical school pre requisites which include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and statistics.

You will need to take the MCAT, or medical college admissions test.

Then you need to apply to medical schools. Once accepted, medical school is 4 years, which includes 2 years of basic science classes and two years of clinicals.

During your 4th year if medical school you will apply for residency Programs and match into your specialty.

After you graduate from medical school you are a medical doctor but until you complete your residency you are unable to practice independently.

Sarah recommends the following next steps:

View my blog www.sarahreckmd.com where I discuss my path in medical training.
Thank you comment icon Hi Sarah. I had to remove the next step inviting students to contact you. For safety and security reasons we don't permit contact information on the site or invitations to students to connect off platform. Jared Chung, Admin
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Richard’s Answer

Medical school requires a bachelors degree from a 4 year university. During college, any major is acceptable as long as students complete the medical school prerequisite.

Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters

Some medical schools require humanities and social/behavioral science courses. The MCAT also has a Psychology/Sociology section.

It is also a good idea to pursue extracurricular activities such as research, volunteering, direct patient care, and shadowing a physician.

Good luck in your pursuits!
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Wiley’s Answer

Noni,

I agree with Sarah and Ira. They are spot on. In addition:

Study hard. You will need good grades to get into med school.

Study what you are really interested in in college and do well in it. You do not necessarily need to be a biology major to go to med school. Almost any major will do.

Get involved in volunteer work in high school and college. There are lots of medical volunteer opportunities for high school kids near you (Castle Med Center, University of Hawaii for example).

The sooner you know what you want to do the easier. Talk to people. Tell everyone what you want to do. Be curious and ask questions. Try new things.

Best of luck
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Estelle’s Answer

It might be a good idea to shadow some physicians just to get an idea of what the job entails. This will not only show you what to expect but also encourage you to work hard during the path to medical school and beyond.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rachel’s Answer

Major in whatever field interests you and will allow you to maintain an excellent GPA. I majored in Spanish literature and had no trouble with my med school applications. You do need to complete the pre-med requirements, preferably with A’s. These include at least a year of biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry. Your junior year, you will need to take an MCAT study course prior to taking the MCAT. With a solid GPA and MCAT score, you should be a competitive applicant.
0