2 answers
1
Question
2 answers
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Grace:
Thank you for your question. The journey to become a Pediatrician is a long one but, it is achievable. My son is currently a Resident Pediatrician. In observing my son's journey - from a Mom's perspective here are some key steps to consider on your path:
1) Make high scores on the SAT & ACT exams
2) Select a college/university that offers at least "Biological Science" (you don't have to major in Pre-Med, Math, etc.)
3) Score well on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) the "first time". Retake the exam if necessary
4) Apply to "all" the Medical Schools of your interest
5) Medical School = 4 years
5 a) Find an Internship Program (paid or volunteer) over a summer
5 b) DO NOT limit yourself to where you would like to get residency Matched (simply because you may get put on a "wait-list" and then you're competing all over again with the newest college graduates)
6) Residency = average is 3 to 4 years (this comes after Medical School)
6 a) Fellowship = average is 3 to 4 years (this is where you Specialize in, which is after Residency)
I hope this was helpful to you. Best of luck on your journey!
~ Sheila
Score high on SAT & ACT exams
Wisely select a college or university that at least offers Biological Science
Score well on the MCAT test
Find a summer Internship Program (paid or volunteer)
Apply to "all" medical schools of your interest. Rank them from top to lowest but, apply to all that you are interested in
Thank you for your question. The journey to become a Pediatrician is a long one but, it is achievable. My son is currently a Resident Pediatrician. In observing my son's journey - from a Mom's perspective here are some key steps to consider on your path:
1) Make high scores on the SAT & ACT exams
2) Select a college/university that offers at least "Biological Science" (you don't have to major in Pre-Med, Math, etc.)
3) Score well on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) the "first time". Retake the exam if necessary
4) Apply to "all" the Medical Schools of your interest
5) Medical School = 4 years
5 a) Find an Internship Program (paid or volunteer) over a summer
5 b) DO NOT limit yourself to where you would like to get residency Matched (simply because you may get put on a "wait-list" and then you're competing all over again with the newest college graduates)
6) Residency = average is 3 to 4 years (this comes after Medical School)
6 a) Fellowship = average is 3 to 4 years (this is where you Specialize in, which is after Residency)
I hope this was helpful to you. Best of luck on your journey!
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Britni’s Answer
Hi,
Pediatricians typically need a bachelor’s degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs. Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and in the laws governing medicine. They also gain practical skills; learning to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.
During their last 2 years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.
Pediatricians typically need a bachelor’s degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs. Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and in the laws governing medicine. They also gain practical skills; learning to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.
During their last 2 years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.