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what is some good advice for an aspiring pediactric surgeon (orthopedic)?
I would like to know anything and everything that can help me further educate myself and also put me in the right direction. #doctor #medicine #pediatrics #surgery #orthopedics #surgeons #hospital-and-health-care
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3 answers
Updated
Donna’s Answer
It sounds like you are very interested in the medical field. When you are in medical school, you will have the ability to do many rotations in different areas of medicine in order to determine what you enjoy the most. If you have the opportunity to work in a health care profession such as medical assistant or nursing assistant as you go to school, this will also help you to determine what you like. Very often people will become nursing assistants and then go to the ER to be a technician where you are also exposed to many different illnesses as well as pediatrics, adult medicine, elderly care, radiology which also prepares you for a variety of options. Wishing you the best in your career aspirations.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Sophia
Updated
Richard’s Answer
You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Sophia
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Orthopedic surgery is a great field requiring a medical doctorate. This means that you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements. GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once accepted to medical school, you will need to be at the top of your class and perform very well on the STEP I test to secure an orthopedic residency. Following your 5 year orthopedic residency, you will apply for a peds ortho fellowship. This = 15 years of school after high school. This is a long road but can lead to a very satisfying career.
Thanks for the advice.
Sophia