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What can I do to become a doctor?

I'm a college freshman currently majoring in Clinical Lab Science, which is a program under Biology. I know there are jobs out there for my major, but I plan to go to Medical School. I'm hoping to be a psychiatrist. #college #doctor #medical-school

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Ken’s Answer

Hi Marwa!


Congratulations on exploring a very important helpful career area.


Here is a site that will help you understand what it takes to be a Psychiatrist and also has information about other related helping career areas.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-hansen-shaevitz/post_9154_b_6865002.html


Also, here are a few videos that will also help you to understand how to become a psychiatrist and what a psychiatrist does:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPPVqmf8iCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW_4GDrAgZ4


Best of luck! Please keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! The videos were inspiring. Speaking to alumni is a great idea. Thanks again! Marwa
Thank you comment icon You are welcome. The more people that you talk to the more you will be aware of the direction you should follow. Finding a career is like buying a pair of shoes. They may look nice, but you need to try them on and walk in them for a while to determine the proper level of comfort and ft. Please keep me posted. Ken Simmons
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Estelle’s Answer

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 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.
Good luck!
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Abigail’s Answer

There are certain classes that you have to take for the Pre-Med route (said in previous answers), but I suggest also looking into volunteering at hospitals or practices, and shadowing doctors. I would say the application for medical school is pretty extensive, so getting involved and getting as much exposure to the medical field is important. Also, the prepping for the MCAT, a test that needs to be taken to apply for medical school during junior or senior year, is important - there are many books and resources that you can use to study for the test, and I would also take advantage of practice tests that are out there. Good luck!
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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.

Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.

Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters

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
Kaplan Test Prep
Sold by: Amazon.com Services, Inc
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.



Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.

Medical school takes 4 years to complete.

After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years and are sometimes followed by an additional year or two of fellowship subspecialty training.
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Rachel’s Answer

You will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). GPA should probably be 3.5 or better (preferably >3.8). You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Take a prep course and all of the MCAT practice exams you can find. GPA and MCAT are by far the most important factors in gaining admission to med school.
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