2 answers
adrian
Student
Glendale, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How to become an Anesthesiologist? I need help on how. Why, because they make good money and my anesthesiologist helped calm me down when I went into surgery.?
Anesthesiologist. I need help on how. Why, because they make good money and my anesthesiologist helped calm me down when I went into surgery.
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2 answers
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
You will need a Bachelors degree in anything but a degree in Biology, Chemistry or Physics preferably. Take the MCAT exam. Go to medical school for 4 years. Then do an on the job training called a Residency for 4 years. You should try to take as many AP classes in high school that you can so you can get your bachelor degree in 3 years instead of 4. Also, AP classes will prepare you to take difficult college classes.
Michael Cadra
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
30
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Adrian, It is great that you have looked at a profession early in your academic career. However, if income is your sole motivator you might reassess your goals. There are great financial burdens that come with three to four years of college, then three to four years of medical school followed by years of residency that are poorly paid. Interest on any student loans accumulate over this time and many students end up with a half million in debt.
If you want to become a physician because you want to help people, like your anesthesiologist helped you, and you are willing to put in the years to get there, that is great!!! You should be aware that there are minimum course requirements that are published by the American Association of Medical Schools. There is no preferred major as long as you meet the minimum requirements, any school specific requirements and have your knowledge validated by the MCAT. I would say that the "smartest" person in my medical school class was a business major. Why? He had great communication skills and analytic skills. After 30 or so years of practice, he now works as a consultant to medical groups and hospitals. All the science that you need to know will be taught in medical school, you just need the basics to build on. Looking at anesthesia as a career, I would say that the practice is applied anatomy, physiology, pharmacology with a little applied physics.
There are a number of combined Bachelors/MD programs available that admit students directly from high school. Several medical schools are now testing a three year curriculum leading to the MD. Your journey could be shortened to 6 or 7 years to residency if you qualify.
Many of the medical schools are now requiring a second test in addition to the MCAT to evaluate "Professional Readiness". These include the AAMS PREView and CASPER. These tests evaluate the candidate for professional issue such as ethics, empathy, compassion, cultural awareness, team work, ability to collaborate and service orientation.
Minimal academic standards include: General Biology, 3 semesters with lab; General Chemistry, 2 semesters with lab; General Physics with lab (usually a full year course required); Organic Chemistry with lab, 2 semesters; English 6 semester hours; Social Sciences/Behavioral Science, 1 semester. Many schools have their own additional requirements. To tell the truth, I never used calculus once I left undergrad, I would have been better off with a course in Biostatistics. Some schools are recommending a second language, particularly Spanish. I recommend Ethics and Public Speaking.
Writing is required for admissions essay. You might look for "Writing About Me" by Barbara Huntington and Linda Masse, and start journaling now. The book is a "step by step guide to developing a powerful personal statement for your application to" schools of Medicine, Dentistry etc.
I recommend that you use your spare time to read and practice communication skills. Toastmasters is a great way to have fun while learning public speaking and active listening(yes, during clinical rounds you will be presenting patients and their problems). Debate if available is also good. To learn a bit more about medical practice I would recommend reading at least a few of the following books:
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
Complications by Atul Gawande
How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman
Second Opinions by Jerome Groopman
Advice to the Healer, On the Art of Caring by Richard Colgan
Less Medicine, More Health by H. Gilbert Welch
Overdiagnosed by H. Gilbert Welch
And a must read:
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
(Required reading for the entire class when my son started medical school, a lesson in communication and cultural issues)
Participate in Pre-Health Professions Clubs, take on a leadership position if possible. Other extracurricular activities are great, just don't let them get in the way of your academics.
Don't be surprised if once you enter medical school your interests change. I saw many classmates that wanted to be like (mom or dad, uncle, doctor next door), but found that with over 135 Medical Specialties their interests turned elsewhere. You will need to become a physician first, then specialize.
Become aware of all resources available, I admit I do not know all of them, most were not available when I was in the application process. Some that I do know about is the Khan Academy has help for most science and math courses as well as MCAT practice. There are a number of free Anki Decks for MCAT practice. Your health professions advisor should know about the latest and greatest resources. Speaking of Health Professions Advisors, your advisor should become your best friend, visit them often and let them know of your progress. They will be helping with a committee letter when it come time to apply.
Good luck on your Journey!!
If you want to become a physician because you want to help people, like your anesthesiologist helped you, and you are willing to put in the years to get there, that is great!!! You should be aware that there are minimum course requirements that are published by the American Association of Medical Schools. There is no preferred major as long as you meet the minimum requirements, any school specific requirements and have your knowledge validated by the MCAT. I would say that the "smartest" person in my medical school class was a business major. Why? He had great communication skills and analytic skills. After 30 or so years of practice, he now works as a consultant to medical groups and hospitals. All the science that you need to know will be taught in medical school, you just need the basics to build on. Looking at anesthesia as a career, I would say that the practice is applied anatomy, physiology, pharmacology with a little applied physics.
There are a number of combined Bachelors/MD programs available that admit students directly from high school. Several medical schools are now testing a three year curriculum leading to the MD. Your journey could be shortened to 6 or 7 years to residency if you qualify.
Many of the medical schools are now requiring a second test in addition to the MCAT to evaluate "Professional Readiness". These include the AAMS PREView and CASPER. These tests evaluate the candidate for professional issue such as ethics, empathy, compassion, cultural awareness, team work, ability to collaborate and service orientation.
Minimal academic standards include: General Biology, 3 semesters with lab; General Chemistry, 2 semesters with lab; General Physics with lab (usually a full year course required); Organic Chemistry with lab, 2 semesters; English 6 semester hours; Social Sciences/Behavioral Science, 1 semester. Many schools have their own additional requirements. To tell the truth, I never used calculus once I left undergrad, I would have been better off with a course in Biostatistics. Some schools are recommending a second language, particularly Spanish. I recommend Ethics and Public Speaking.
Writing is required for admissions essay. You might look for "Writing About Me" by Barbara Huntington and Linda Masse, and start journaling now. The book is a "step by step guide to developing a powerful personal statement for your application to" schools of Medicine, Dentistry etc.
I recommend that you use your spare time to read and practice communication skills. Toastmasters is a great way to have fun while learning public speaking and active listening(yes, during clinical rounds you will be presenting patients and their problems). Debate if available is also good. To learn a bit more about medical practice I would recommend reading at least a few of the following books:
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
Complications by Atul Gawande
How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman
Second Opinions by Jerome Groopman
Advice to the Healer, On the Art of Caring by Richard Colgan
Less Medicine, More Health by H. Gilbert Welch
Overdiagnosed by H. Gilbert Welch
And a must read:
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
(Required reading for the entire class when my son started medical school, a lesson in communication and cultural issues)
Participate in Pre-Health Professions Clubs, take on a leadership position if possible. Other extracurricular activities are great, just don't let them get in the way of your academics.
Don't be surprised if once you enter medical school your interests change. I saw many classmates that wanted to be like (mom or dad, uncle, doctor next door), but found that with over 135 Medical Specialties their interests turned elsewhere. You will need to become a physician first, then specialize.
Become aware of all resources available, I admit I do not know all of them, most were not available when I was in the application process. Some that I do know about is the Khan Academy has help for most science and math courses as well as MCAT practice. There are a number of free Anki Decks for MCAT practice. Your health professions advisor should know about the latest and greatest resources. Speaking of Health Professions Advisors, your advisor should become your best friend, visit them often and let them know of your progress. They will be helping with a committee letter when it come time to apply.
Good luck on your Journey!!