6 answers
Natalia
Student
White Plains, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What do I have to go thru to be a doctor?
I don’t know how to do it and would like people to help me
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6 answers
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
115
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Natalia, being a doctor can be be a wonderful career choice. Good for you for reaching out for advice because it does require some long-term commitments, hard work and dedication, and knowing what your goals are. I assume you are still in high school, which is a great time to start planning for a career in medicine.
First, let your teachers and advisors know that your aspirations are (and don't let anyone discourage you from trying!).
It is important that you take courses designed for those going on to college. Try to take as much science and math as you can. Discuss with your counselors whether AP courses and/or early college classes are an option. (Some schools have arrangements with local community colleges to take classes and graduate with college credit and experience). You also will want to take English, a second language and other classes required by colleges for admission.
Once in college, you can major in anything which interests you as long as you are also taking and doing well in the "pre-med" classes which all medical schools require for admission. This typically inludes biology classes, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. As soon as you can, connect with the pre-med advisor and pre-med clubs in your college. They will be very helpful in guiding you through taking the admissions exam called the MCAT and getting the required shadowing and research experiences medical schools expect of their applicants.
Following college (either immediately or after working in health care for a year or so) you apply to and attend medical school which is typically another four years. Then you will be a doctor and able to do a residency in your desired specialty. I see that you list surgery as an interest. If you still are interested in surgery at this point you would start your surgery residency (5 years to be a general surgeon).
It sounds overwhelming but when you break in down into small time frames, it is manageable, if you stay focused and work hard. For now, in high school focus on your academics and also try to get some healthcare exposure, either as a volunteer or perhaps in an employed position. (Some places allow certified nurses assistants, CNA's to be trained as young as 16). I see that you live in White Plains. A google search shows me that the White Plains hospital has a semester-long program for local high school seniors to expose them to clinical experiences:
https://healthmatters.wphospital.org/news/white-plains-hospital-clinical-tutorial-program-connects-high-school-students-to-healthcare-careers/
Good luck with your exciting goal and please stay in touch as other questions arise. You can do this!
Make an appointment with your school's academic advisor to share your career goals and plan your courses.
Check out the volunteer opportunities at White Plains Hospital. https://www.wphospital.org/about-us/volunteer-opportunities/
First, let your teachers and advisors know that your aspirations are (and don't let anyone discourage you from trying!).
It is important that you take courses designed for those going on to college. Try to take as much science and math as you can. Discuss with your counselors whether AP courses and/or early college classes are an option. (Some schools have arrangements with local community colleges to take classes and graduate with college credit and experience). You also will want to take English, a second language and other classes required by colleges for admission.
Once in college, you can major in anything which interests you as long as you are also taking and doing well in the "pre-med" classes which all medical schools require for admission. This typically inludes biology classes, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. As soon as you can, connect with the pre-med advisor and pre-med clubs in your college. They will be very helpful in guiding you through taking the admissions exam called the MCAT and getting the required shadowing and research experiences medical schools expect of their applicants.
Following college (either immediately or after working in health care for a year or so) you apply to and attend medical school which is typically another four years. Then you will be a doctor and able to do a residency in your desired specialty. I see that you list surgery as an interest. If you still are interested in surgery at this point you would start your surgery residency (5 years to be a general surgeon).
It sounds overwhelming but when you break in down into small time frames, it is manageable, if you stay focused and work hard. For now, in high school focus on your academics and also try to get some healthcare exposure, either as a volunteer or perhaps in an employed position. (Some places allow certified nurses assistants, CNA's to be trained as young as 16). I see that you live in White Plains. A google search shows me that the White Plains hospital has a semester-long program for local high school seniors to expose them to clinical experiences:
https://healthmatters.wphospital.org/news/white-plains-hospital-clinical-tutorial-program-connects-high-school-students-to-healthcare-careers/
Good luck with your exciting goal and please stay in touch as other questions arise. You can do this!
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
94
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
Becoming a doctor is an exciting journey you might want to embark on, especially if you have a deep love for the sciences. Have you ever considered volunteering at a hospital? It's an excellent opportunity to experience first-hand what being a doctor involves and to discover what kind of doctor you might want to be.
Remember, choosing a career is a big deal, so it's important to pick something you're really enthusiastic about. Try to understand what drives you and make sure your career choice aligns with your personal interests. Don't just choose a career because others expect you to unless it's something that truly sparks your interest. After all, you're the one who will be investing your time and energy into gaining the necessary skills or qualifications. And let's be honest, the road to medical school isn't a walk in the park.
A smart move might be to choose a college that offers a biomedical sciences program. This major will expose you to most of the diverse subjects you'll need to tackle in medical school. You'll need to shine in your studies, take up leadership roles and clock in hours at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. My daughter, for example, worked as a medical scribe during her undergrad degree. You'll also need to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and aim to score 510 or higher. It's a good idea to apply to several medical schools. The application process involves writing a top-notch personal statement, securing letters of recommendation, completing both a primary and secondary application, and acing an interview. Hopefully, you'll get multiple interviews where you'll have the chance to impress and stand out from the crowd.
Once you're accepted into medical school, you'll spend two years learning everything there is to know about the human body and how to diagnose patients (actors). The first two years can be really stressful. Remember to balance attending classes, studying with a group, listening to online lectures, and learning how to pass the exams to move forward with down time for yourself. For example, instead of studying from 6 am to 10 pm or later, block some time to decompress to prevent burn out. Or give yourself the morning or evening off. My daughter found a great study group during her first year that help build the right study habits in medical school which is more intensive than college.
Then, you'll spend the next 2 years on clinical rotations. You'll need to pass Step 1 to start your third year and Step 2 for your fourth year. Passing the medical boards is crucial to kickstart your residency. Here's wishing you all the best on your journey!
Becoming a doctor is an exciting journey you might want to embark on, especially if you have a deep love for the sciences. Have you ever considered volunteering at a hospital? It's an excellent opportunity to experience first-hand what being a doctor involves and to discover what kind of doctor you might want to be.
Remember, choosing a career is a big deal, so it's important to pick something you're really enthusiastic about. Try to understand what drives you and make sure your career choice aligns with your personal interests. Don't just choose a career because others expect you to unless it's something that truly sparks your interest. After all, you're the one who will be investing your time and energy into gaining the necessary skills or qualifications. And let's be honest, the road to medical school isn't a walk in the park.
A smart move might be to choose a college that offers a biomedical sciences program. This major will expose you to most of the diverse subjects you'll need to tackle in medical school. You'll need to shine in your studies, take up leadership roles and clock in hours at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. My daughter, for example, worked as a medical scribe during her undergrad degree. You'll also need to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and aim to score 510 or higher. It's a good idea to apply to several medical schools. The application process involves writing a top-notch personal statement, securing letters of recommendation, completing both a primary and secondary application, and acing an interview. Hopefully, you'll get multiple interviews where you'll have the chance to impress and stand out from the crowd.
Once you're accepted into medical school, you'll spend two years learning everything there is to know about the human body and how to diagnose patients (actors). The first two years can be really stressful. Remember to balance attending classes, studying with a group, listening to online lectures, and learning how to pass the exams to move forward with down time for yourself. For example, instead of studying from 6 am to 10 pm or later, block some time to decompress to prevent burn out. Or give yourself the morning or evening off. My daughter found a great study group during her first year that help build the right study habits in medical school which is more intensive than college.
Then, you'll spend the next 2 years on clinical rotations. You'll need to pass Step 1 to start your third year and Step 2 for your fourth year. Passing the medical boards is crucial to kickstart your residency. Here's wishing you all the best on your journey!
Noopur Dubey
PhD research fellow
32
Answers
Graz, Styria, Austria
Updated
Noopur’s Answer
You will have to pass the medical entrance test. In this test they ask you physics chemistry and maths. You need to start preparation during high school. There are also different kind of doctors so you should also explore that.
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
For me, and probably many others, it’s truly the joy of helping those around me as cheesy as it sounds. Helping even 1 patient per day whether you receive direct positive feedback or not makes me feel like a productive societal member and that I’m constantly helping those in need and those less fortunate. Helping people in their most vulnerable states and knowing that people trust you with their or their loved ones lives and care when they need it most feels very special and is a constant way to remember that the long hours are worth it.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Natalia,
Embarking on the journey to become a doctor is certainly a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor. It requires a good deal of education, training, and a whole lot of dedication. To make things a bit easier, I've put together a friendly step-by-step guide for you to understand what it takes to wear that white coat.
Step 1: The Basics - To start your journey, you'll need to meet some fundamental requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old (or 18 for some medical schools)
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Take specific high school courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and math
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Step 2: Medical School - Next, you'll need to graduate from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). This four-year journey is a mix of classroom learning and hands-on clinical training.
Step 3: Clinical Rotations - In your final two years of medical school, you'll dive into clinical rotations. This is where you'll get to learn from experienced physicians and interact with patients across different medical specialties.
Step 4: Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - After medical school, you'll need to pass the USMLE to be officially licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
Step 5: Residency Training - Once you pass the USMLE, you'll enter a residency program. This is where you'll get hands-on training in a specific field like internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics.
Step 6: Additional Training (Optional) - If you're interested, you can choose to get additional training in a subspecialty like cardiology or oncology. This usually involves a fellowship program.
Step 7: Board Certification - To showcase your expertise, you can choose to get board certification from a professional organization.
Step 8: Keep Your Licensure and Certification - To keep your license and certification, you'll need to complete continuing education courses and follow professional standards and ethical guidelines.
To help you further, here are some authoritative reference titles you might find useful:
- “The Official Guide to Medical School Admissions” by the AAMC
- “The Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)” by the AAMC
- “The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step-by-Step Guide” by the FSMB
You can find these reference books on online bookstores like Amazon.
Take care and best of luck on your journey!
Warm regards,
James.
Embarking on the journey to become a doctor is certainly a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor. It requires a good deal of education, training, and a whole lot of dedication. To make things a bit easier, I've put together a friendly step-by-step guide for you to understand what it takes to wear that white coat.
Step 1: The Basics - To start your journey, you'll need to meet some fundamental requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old (or 18 for some medical schools)
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Take specific high school courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and math
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Step 2: Medical School - Next, you'll need to graduate from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). This four-year journey is a mix of classroom learning and hands-on clinical training.
Step 3: Clinical Rotations - In your final two years of medical school, you'll dive into clinical rotations. This is where you'll get to learn from experienced physicians and interact with patients across different medical specialties.
Step 4: Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - After medical school, you'll need to pass the USMLE to be officially licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
Step 5: Residency Training - Once you pass the USMLE, you'll enter a residency program. This is where you'll get hands-on training in a specific field like internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics.
Step 6: Additional Training (Optional) - If you're interested, you can choose to get additional training in a subspecialty like cardiology or oncology. This usually involves a fellowship program.
Step 7: Board Certification - To showcase your expertise, you can choose to get board certification from a professional organization.
Step 8: Keep Your Licensure and Certification - To keep your license and certification, you'll need to complete continuing education courses and follow professional standards and ethical guidelines.
To help you further, here are some authoritative reference titles you might find useful:
- “The Official Guide to Medical School Admissions” by the AAMC
- “The Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)” by the AAMC
- “The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step-by-Step Guide” by the FSMB
You can find these reference books on online bookstores like Amazon.
Take care and best of luck on your journey!
Warm regards,
James.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1915
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Natalia !
Wanting to be a medical doctor is a very altruistic and involved career choice. It comes to people who have a profound interest and need to help others find out what is happening with their body. Setting out on the education to be a medical doctor comes with a quick love for education and the ability to understand various connections through the study of various sciences.
The first step is to graduate high school with excellent grades. Than you would enroll in college for a Bachelors degree (many majors to choose from connected to medical school). During your senior year in college you would take the medical school entrance exam called the MCAT which is an admissions test for medical school. After acing the test, you would apply to medical schools of your choice.
So what should you get your undergraduate degree in ? Many opinions abound. Some say that it doesn't matter, but I lean towards advising that one should get a Bachelors Degree in a human science subject if they intend to go to medical school. That's what I would do. There are many people who do not major in a human science and do well in medical school, however. Most medical schools do want to see that you have had college courses in : Freshman Chemistry with lab work, Organic chemistry with lab work within the course, Biology and also Physics including labs, English, Calculus and some advanced math classes.
If you are very serious about becoming a doctor and want to see what it may be like, you can ask your parent to obtain for you The Future Doctor's Medical Kit, an online course that introduces you to becoming a doctor. It comes with some equipment, too ! I normally do not refer to things that cost money, but this looks like a perfect introductory tool that you can have without waiting around for in person opportunities while you are young. It costs $100.00 but looks like it's worth it. I have left the link for it below as well as a video link that explains it all. They also offer other simulation training kits, too.
I want to encourage you to follow through with this interest because it will be such a good opportunity for you to have such a wonderful career that is always needed by every community ! Have fun and I wish you all the best !
THE APPRENTICE DOCTOR KIT https://kits.theapprenticedoctor.com/product/future-doctors-apprentice-doctor-kit/
VIDEO FUTURE DOCTORS KIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS https://youtu.be/nYBCM_rv4p8?si=PW-UKNaYgsgKZ2kV
Wanting to be a medical doctor is a very altruistic and involved career choice. It comes to people who have a profound interest and need to help others find out what is happening with their body. Setting out on the education to be a medical doctor comes with a quick love for education and the ability to understand various connections through the study of various sciences.
The first step is to graduate high school with excellent grades. Than you would enroll in college for a Bachelors degree (many majors to choose from connected to medical school). During your senior year in college you would take the medical school entrance exam called the MCAT which is an admissions test for medical school. After acing the test, you would apply to medical schools of your choice.
So what should you get your undergraduate degree in ? Many opinions abound. Some say that it doesn't matter, but I lean towards advising that one should get a Bachelors Degree in a human science subject if they intend to go to medical school. That's what I would do. There are many people who do not major in a human science and do well in medical school, however. Most medical schools do want to see that you have had college courses in : Freshman Chemistry with lab work, Organic chemistry with lab work within the course, Biology and also Physics including labs, English, Calculus and some advanced math classes.
If you are very serious about becoming a doctor and want to see what it may be like, you can ask your parent to obtain for you The Future Doctor's Medical Kit, an online course that introduces you to becoming a doctor. It comes with some equipment, too ! I normally do not refer to things that cost money, but this looks like a perfect introductory tool that you can have without waiting around for in person opportunities while you are young. It costs $100.00 but looks like it's worth it. I have left the link for it below as well as a video link that explains it all. They also offer other simulation training kits, too.
I want to encourage you to follow through with this interest because it will be such a good opportunity for you to have such a wonderful career that is always needed by every community ! Have fun and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: