2 answers
Shandiin
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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What life as a Doctor?
I'm a student who interested become a Doctor. Doctor are like a superhero to me they take their time to save and help patient. It really amazing moment as a doctor. #doctor #medicine
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2 answers
Samantha Armando
Medical Student
10
Answers
Schaumburg, Illinois
Updated
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.
After medical school you will find a residency in which you are interested in and match. Depending on what you match into depends on how long the residency is. For example, Emergency Medicine is usually a 3 year residency.
After all of that, your lifestyle depends on the career you pick. Surgery tends to be a little more demanding in terms of time commitment compared to dermatology. It really is what you make it. Most doctors are pretty busy and do give up a lot of personal time for their patients.
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.
After medical school you will find a residency in which you are interested in and match. Depending on what you match into depends on how long the residency is. For example, Emergency Medicine is usually a 3 year residency.
After all of that, your lifestyle depends on the career you pick. Surgery tends to be a little more demanding in terms of time commitment compared to dermatology. It really is what you make it. Most doctors are pretty busy and do give up a lot of personal time for their patients.
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.
Usha Sk
Physician
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Usha’s Answer
Hi Shandiin,
Yes indeed being a doctor is a wonderful profession! It has so many specialties these days and the knowledge and skills you learn can be used in so many ways professionally as well as in your personal life.
The road to become a doctor and going through specialty training is hard and tiresome, but if your heart is really into it, you can overcome a lot of hurdles and challenges on that path.
Life after graduating medical school is VERY busy and you might need to take into consideration, which specialty you choose in particular with having the intention to have a family life. When it comes to children, it will take a village to raise them, if you consider not to interrupt your medical career. So good support is important. It's also crucial to have a lot of organizational and multitasking skills. But with one of the most important rules in life you grow with your challenges and discover strength, endurance and patience, you never thought you have..:) At the end becoming a medical doctor is a very rewarding career!
Yes indeed being a doctor is a wonderful profession! It has so many specialties these days and the knowledge and skills you learn can be used in so many ways professionally as well as in your personal life.
The road to become a doctor and going through specialty training is hard and tiresome, but if your heart is really into it, you can overcome a lot of hurdles and challenges on that path.
Life after graduating medical school is VERY busy and you might need to take into consideration, which specialty you choose in particular with having the intention to have a family life. When it comes to children, it will take a village to raise them, if you consider not to interrupt your medical career. So good support is important. It's also crucial to have a lot of organizational and multitasking skills. But with one of the most important rules in life you grow with your challenges and discover strength, endurance and patience, you never thought you have..:) At the end becoming a medical doctor is a very rewarding career!