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What do I have to do to be a doctor
#doctorate-degree #doctor #anesthesiologist
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Samantha’s Answer
Hi! First off, yay for thinking medicine! The medical field is very worth it. Second, here are some general steps: you will need to attend any 4 year university for a bachelors degree. Although, any school should work, schools that are known to be good pre-med schools or science related schools are a plus. During your 4 years make sure to focus on your core science classes (general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics and biology), however, think about taking classes like anatomy, physiology, genetics, cell biology, psychology, microbiology and molecular biology. You by no means have to take all of these but they are useful classes for your future. Also during your 4 years try to get out and volunteer as much as possible because volunteering and work experience is a main section for medical school applications. Something I felt helped me get to medical school was my research project I did my last 2 years of school. Generally, most schools will have capstone projects that are required for science majors and this will be great for medical school applications. Do your best to obtain a GPA of a 3.6 or higher as medical school is very competitive and this will make your life easier. Do not panic if you are not a 4.0 GPA however, as other aspects of your application are important such as experience (shadowing, scribing, work experience like a ER tech), letters of recommendations and personal statements. Most schools require that you have an MD or DO letter of recommendation which is why if you can get a shadowing position, scribing position or healthcare experience this will help you get that letter. Finally the big thing is the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), this test is huge in terms of your score. Study hard for your MCAT and do not wait until last minute to start studying in order to achieve a good score to make your application process easier.
When you actually apply to medical school do your research on what medical schools are looking for. Applying can be pricey and if you apply to schools that have minimum requirements you do not meet, then it will be a waste of money. After you submit your medical school applications you will start to get letters to invite you to an interview. Practice for that interview before going and look into the schools details, mission statements and other facts not only to help you in the interview but also see if that medical school is a good fit for you. Medical school is generally 4 years, 2 "book years" and 2 clinical years.
The process can seem long, tiring and a lot but keep your head up, work hard and it will all be worth it in the end.
When you actually apply to medical school do your research on what medical schools are looking for. Applying can be pricey and if you apply to schools that have minimum requirements you do not meet, then it will be a waste of money. After you submit your medical school applications you will start to get letters to invite you to an interview. Practice for that interview before going and look into the schools details, mission statements and other facts not only to help you in the interview but also see if that medical school is a good fit for you. Medical school is generally 4 years, 2 "book years" and 2 clinical years.
The process can seem long, tiring and a lot but keep your head up, work hard and it will all be worth it in the end.
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Steven, the previous responses do a great layout of the steps needed. I would also recommend to get shadowing, clinical volunteer and nonclinical volunteering experience as well. Medical schools weigh this pretty heavily as well and it can be a reason for not getting accepted. Usually 100 hours is the mark for volunteering , for shadowing I believe it can change such as shadowing different physicians and getting a sense of what their speciality entails. It also matters about quality and not quantity, so starting early in volunteering, shadowing and research can help show commitment and dedication for this field. In college there are premed advisers so I would definitely meet up with them regularly and make sure you are taking the required courses and building a strong application. Keep a strong relationship with your professors too, possibly participate in their research and definitely attend office hours. This will allow them to get to know you better which can help when you need a recommendation letter. Most medical schools if not all, will require 3 letters of recommendation as minimum, and 5 as maximum; two of the letters have to come from science professors who have taught you and the other is non science (for example a psychology, sociology, history professor to name a few), the additional ones can be from a physician you shadowed or a supervisor who you volunteered at their organization for example. As a last note begin to check out AAMC.org, this is the website where you will apply to medical school and has resources to help premed students.
Best of luck!
Check out AAMC.org
Get to know your professors better
Best of luck!
Yasemin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. 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. Your major is not as important as your undergraduate grades, your MCAT score, your letters of reference, and your personal statements on your medical school application. For now, just focus on finding a college that fits you and your budget and a major that really interests you in college so that you will make great grades and get strong letters of recommendation from professors that recognize your potential.Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
You then take the MCAT (medical college admissions test) and apply to medical school.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school, you will complete a residency which typically lasts 3-6 yrs. It is 3 years for anesthesiology. You will receive a salary during your residency as a doctor in training.
Good luck!
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. 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. Your major is not as important as your undergraduate grades, your MCAT score, your letters of reference, and your personal statements on your medical school application. For now, just focus on finding a college that fits you and your budget and a major that really interests you in college so that you will make great grades and get strong letters of recommendation from professors that recognize your potential.Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
You then take the MCAT (medical college admissions test) and apply to medical school.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school, you will complete a residency which typically lasts 3-6 yrs. It is 3 years for anesthesiology. You will receive a salary during your residency as a doctor in training.
Good luck!
Updated
treasa’s Answer
Obtain a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in one of the primary scientific fields such as chemistry or biology. Anyone that plans on going to medical school should take courses in biology and chemistry no matter which major they choose.Go to medical school. Medical school is attended after the student obtains their undergraduate degree. Medical school typically takes four years to complete. The first two years consist of studying anatomy, physiology, microbiology, medical law, and pharmacology in both the classroom and the laboratory. The second two years consist of performing clinical rotations, or clerkships, in different medical departments, to help the student determine which area they would like to specialize in.