2 answers
Gabrielle
Student
Holmdel, New Jersey
2
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What is the journey to medicine?
#medicine
#pediatrics
#surgeon
#biologist
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2 answers
Ashley Garcia, MPH
MPH Epidemiology/Medical Student
23
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Ashley’s Answer
Hello Gabrielle,
With the Pre-Med track, you complete a Bachelor's degree in anything, usually students major in a science field, as long as you complete the pre-requisites for medical school. After a bachelors degree (usually 4 years), you take the MCAT exam (Subjects: Biology, Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, & CARS) which is the entrance exam to enter medical school. In medical school you will take your boards exams (Step 1 and Step 2). After medical school, you will complete residency and that varies between specialty. During your undergraduate experience, it is recommended that you work on extracurricular activities and show consistency.
Stay safe and Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Best,
Ashley Garcia
With the Pre-Med track, you complete a Bachelor's degree in anything, usually students major in a science field, as long as you complete the pre-requisites for medical school. After a bachelors degree (usually 4 years), you take the MCAT exam (Subjects: Biology, Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, & CARS) which is the entrance exam to enter medical school. In medical school you will take your boards exams (Step 1 and Step 2). After medical school, you will complete residency and that varies between specialty. During your undergraduate experience, it is recommended that you work on extracurricular activities and show consistency.
Stay safe and Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Best,
Ashley Garcia
Thank you so much
Gabrielle
Ashley is correct. Some further detail -- you will have 2-3 more board exams after you've graduated medical school. Step 3 is the last and most would say easiest general board exam that you will need for your general medical license. After that you'll take a specialty specific board exam either your last or upper year of residency or after residency (depending on specialty) which may include an oral section as well.
During residency you will make a little bit of cash, just enough to live on and maybe enough to save a tiny bit in retirement.
Dan Nguyen, DO
Rachel T.
Attorney/International Tax Associate
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Medical Doctor (MD) Requirements:
(1) Earn a bachelors degree (FUN FACT: many students pick a pre-med major such as: biology, organic chemistry, physics, and general chemistry . However, my sister was an English major and is now attending an MD program at one of the University of California state schools. So it is not a requirement).
(2) Take the MCAT (standardized test)
- NOTE: A high GPA and a high MCAT score are necessary to apply to medical school. It is one of the most competitive processes. Many post-undergraduate students take up to 2-3 cycles to finally get accepted. Do not feel discouraged if you don't get in on your first try!
(3) Attend a four-year medical school
(4) Take boards exam
(5) Attend a Residency program (3-7 years)
-NOTE: Following medical school, a residency program is a requirement to practice medicine. The residency program will shape what type of doctor you will become. Some residency programs are notoriously difficult to get into (i.e. dermatology, plastic surgery)
(6) License/ Certificate: can be obtained in a chosen medical field.
Pay:
Anesthesiologists: ≥$208,000
Obstetricians and gynecologists: ≥$208,000
Psychiatrists: ≥$208,000
Surgeons: $199,920
Family and general practitioners: $201,100
Physicians and surgeons, all other: $200,890
Internists, general: $194,500
Pediatricians, general: $175,310
I hope this was helpful for you!
check out https://www.aamc.org/system/files/2020-11/aamc-road-to-becoming-doctor-2020.pdf for a brief overview!
(1) Earn a bachelors degree (FUN FACT: many students pick a pre-med major such as: biology, organic chemistry, physics, and general chemistry . However, my sister was an English major and is now attending an MD program at one of the University of California state schools. So it is not a requirement).
(2) Take the MCAT (standardized test)
- NOTE: A high GPA and a high MCAT score are necessary to apply to medical school. It is one of the most competitive processes. Many post-undergraduate students take up to 2-3 cycles to finally get accepted. Do not feel discouraged if you don't get in on your first try!
(3) Attend a four-year medical school
(4) Take boards exam
(5) Attend a Residency program (3-7 years)
-NOTE: Following medical school, a residency program is a requirement to practice medicine. The residency program will shape what type of doctor you will become. Some residency programs are notoriously difficult to get into (i.e. dermatology, plastic surgery)
(6) License/ Certificate: can be obtained in a chosen medical field.
Pay:
Anesthesiologists: ≥$208,000
Obstetricians and gynecologists: ≥$208,000
Psychiatrists: ≥$208,000
Surgeons: $199,920
Family and general practitioners: $201,100
Physicians and surgeons, all other: $200,890
Internists, general: $194,500
Pediatricians, general: $175,310
I hope this was helpful for you!
Rachel recommends the following next steps: