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What do I need in order to pursue a career in medicine?
any tips on how to be a doctor
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Hadi’s Answer
I started med school in 2012 so hopefully none of this is too outdated. For the MCAT, I had to take a year of intro physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology, all with a year of labs I think. Some schools may require other specific classes like biochemistry, so look at each individual schools college course requirements to make sure you meet their prerequisites. That said, you don’t have to major in a science. Your overall GPA and your sciences GPA are likely evaluated by the medical school.
Usually you take the MCAT (medical college admissions test) the summer that you plan to apply for medical school. At that time, it was scored out of 45, and a score of 30 was about average for getting admitted. In 2008, it included a reading comprehension section in addition to the sciences.
Medical schools often also look at extracurricular activities, especially things like being involved in research, especially medical research. EMS/EMT training and volunteering are valuable extracurricular. Working as a scribe is common. Volunteering in a medical or clinical setting is common, or going abroad on a mission trip. They also appreciate work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Shadowing a doctor or different types of doctors may be helpful to see if you like the work/lifestyle
You then apply to the medical schools you’ve chosen. The application will likely involve answering some essay questions as well as an application fee. You then are hopefully invited to interview. Virtual interviews have become more common since COVID, but you may have to travel to the school for an interview. Interviews may be one-on-one or in front of a panel. There may be multiple interviews. Sometimes there are multiple short interviews where each interviewer asks one questions, or you may have longer interviews, like thirty minutes. They may ask you to reflect on previous experiences and share what you learned from those experiences, especially if those experiences involve the clinical setting
Joining your college premedical student association may be helpful, or making an appointment with the career services office to get more advice. They can also sometimes review your application/essays or maybe do a mock interview with you
Usually you take the MCAT (medical college admissions test) the summer that you plan to apply for medical school. At that time, it was scored out of 45, and a score of 30 was about average for getting admitted. In 2008, it included a reading comprehension section in addition to the sciences.
Medical schools often also look at extracurricular activities, especially things like being involved in research, especially medical research. EMS/EMT training and volunteering are valuable extracurricular. Working as a scribe is common. Volunteering in a medical or clinical setting is common, or going abroad on a mission trip. They also appreciate work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Shadowing a doctor or different types of doctors may be helpful to see if you like the work/lifestyle
You then apply to the medical schools you’ve chosen. The application will likely involve answering some essay questions as well as an application fee. You then are hopefully invited to interview. Virtual interviews have become more common since COVID, but you may have to travel to the school for an interview. Interviews may be one-on-one or in front of a panel. There may be multiple interviews. Sometimes there are multiple short interviews where each interviewer asks one questions, or you may have longer interviews, like thirty minutes. They may ask you to reflect on previous experiences and share what you learned from those experiences, especially if those experiences involve the clinical setting
Joining your college premedical student association may be helpful, or making an appointment with the career services office to get more advice. They can also sometimes review your application/essays or maybe do a mock interview with you
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Brianna!
Back in 1982, I was engaged in educating future doctors at a university. My teaching responsibilities included conducting tutorials for second-year biochemistry students and overseeing laboratory work.
To make this experience actionable for you:
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a bachelor's degree, ideally in a science-related field like biology or chemistry. This is your first step towards a medical career.
2. Attend Medical School: After your undergraduate studies, enroll in a medical school to secure a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. It usually takes around four years to complete this.
3. Get Admitted to Medical School: To enter medical school, you'll need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), submit recommendation letters, transcripts, and a personal statement. Additionally, gaining experience through volunteering or internships in healthcare settings is crucial.
4. Complete Residency Training: Post-medical school, you'll need to finish residency training in your chosen specialty. This can last between three to seven years, depending on your specialty.
5. Obtain a Medical License: After your residency, you'll need to pass either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) to legally practice medicine. Depending on your specialty, you might also need board certification.
6. Engage in Continuing Education: Medicine is always evolving. Therefore, it's important to continue learning throughout your career to stay updated with healthcare advancements.
Here are some tips for your journey:
- Stay Committed: Dedication and perseverance are key. Stay focused on your goals and be ready for the challenges.
- Develop Good Study Habits: Medical school is demanding. Effective study habits will help you excel academically.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Volunteering or working in healthcare settings will not only enhance your medical school application but also offer valuable practical experience.
In essence, becoming a doctor involves earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school, completing residency training, obtaining licensure and certification, and engaging in continuing education. Commitment, good study habits, and clinical experience are crucial for success.
For more information, consider these reliable sources:
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Offers comprehensive information on medical education pathways.
- American Medical Association (AMA): Provides resources for aspiring physicians.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Offers data on job outlooks and salary information for healthcare occupations.
These sources will provide you with accurate and current information on a medical career.
Best Wishes,
JC.
Back in 1982, I was engaged in educating future doctors at a university. My teaching responsibilities included conducting tutorials for second-year biochemistry students and overseeing laboratory work.
To make this experience actionable for you:
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a bachelor's degree, ideally in a science-related field like biology or chemistry. This is your first step towards a medical career.
2. Attend Medical School: After your undergraduate studies, enroll in a medical school to secure a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. It usually takes around four years to complete this.
3. Get Admitted to Medical School: To enter medical school, you'll need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), submit recommendation letters, transcripts, and a personal statement. Additionally, gaining experience through volunteering or internships in healthcare settings is crucial.
4. Complete Residency Training: Post-medical school, you'll need to finish residency training in your chosen specialty. This can last between three to seven years, depending on your specialty.
5. Obtain a Medical License: After your residency, you'll need to pass either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) to legally practice medicine. Depending on your specialty, you might also need board certification.
6. Engage in Continuing Education: Medicine is always evolving. Therefore, it's important to continue learning throughout your career to stay updated with healthcare advancements.
Here are some tips for your journey:
- Stay Committed: Dedication and perseverance are key. Stay focused on your goals and be ready for the challenges.
- Develop Good Study Habits: Medical school is demanding. Effective study habits will help you excel academically.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Volunteering or working in healthcare settings will not only enhance your medical school application but also offer valuable practical experience.
In essence, becoming a doctor involves earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school, completing residency training, obtaining licensure and certification, and engaging in continuing education. Commitment, good study habits, and clinical experience are crucial for success.
For more information, consider these reliable sources:
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Offers comprehensive information on medical education pathways.
- American Medical Association (AMA): Provides resources for aspiring physicians.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Offers data on job outlooks and salary information for healthcare occupations.
These sources will provide you with accurate and current information on a medical career.
Best Wishes,
JC.
Updated
Sheetal’s Answer
You need to study Physics, chemistry and biology to become a medicine doctor and select your specialization later in your last year of degree and pursue a post graduate degree to become a doctor.
Updated
Aarushi Singh’s Answer
Becoming a doctor is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for helping others!
In terms of early academic preparation, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Focus on science and math courses, as they provide a strong foundation for pre-medical studies. Getting involved in clubs inside of school like HOSA (if your school does not have HOSA, I would consider talking to a health science or science teacher you can work with to start a chapter) and find volunteering or relevant occupational opportunities outside of school! Make sure to maintain a high GPA and strive for academic excellence.
Next, complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there's no specific major required for medical school, most pre-medical students choose majors in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, research opportunities, and leadership roles to demonstrate well-roundedness and commitment to the field. During this time in your education, make sure to complete any prerequisites needed for medical school!
You will also need to start preparing for and taking the MCAT, a standardized test that assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. Study diligently using MCAT review materials, practice tests, and possibly preparatory courses.
Then, you will have to start applying to medical school during your final year of undergraduate studies or during a gap year if you choose to take one. Complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, which typically takes four years to complete. Focus on both academic coursework and clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties. After graduating from medical school, complete a residency program in your chosen specialty. Residency training can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. After this, depending on what speciality you are planning on pursuing, complete and study for the required licensures or certifications needed for your occupation!
Good luck!
In terms of early academic preparation, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Focus on science and math courses, as they provide a strong foundation for pre-medical studies. Getting involved in clubs inside of school like HOSA (if your school does not have HOSA, I would consider talking to a health science or science teacher you can work with to start a chapter) and find volunteering or relevant occupational opportunities outside of school! Make sure to maintain a high GPA and strive for academic excellence.
Next, complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there's no specific major required for medical school, most pre-medical students choose majors in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, research opportunities, and leadership roles to demonstrate well-roundedness and commitment to the field. During this time in your education, make sure to complete any prerequisites needed for medical school!
You will also need to start preparing for and taking the MCAT, a standardized test that assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. Study diligently using MCAT review materials, practice tests, and possibly preparatory courses.
Then, you will have to start applying to medical school during your final year of undergraduate studies or during a gap year if you choose to take one. Complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, which typically takes four years to complete. Focus on both academic coursework and clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties. After graduating from medical school, complete a residency program in your chosen specialty. Residency training can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. After this, depending on what speciality you are planning on pursuing, complete and study for the required licensures or certifications needed for your occupation!
Good luck!