3 answers
Ava
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How to become a doctor, how to learn soft skills, and how to become successful in the future.
I want to become a doctor and I want to learn the basic skills to do that in the future.
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3 answers
Michael Cadra
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
30
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I see that you are in Yuma. The soft skills such as communication in both written and verbal forms are very important, as are leadership skills. I assume that you are in high school and have not turned 18. I often recommend Toastmasters for both public speaking and leadership training. However TM requires members to be 18. The do have a program for HS students called Gavel Club. In Yuma there is one club easy-Speak-Youth Command Gave Club that meets at First Christian Church 3261 South Avenue, East Yuma.
Additionally, I recommend that you read books such as "How Doctors Think" by Dr. Jerome Groopman. All of the books that Dr. Atul Gwande has written including "Checklist Manifesto" and "Complications". Then "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman, a great book about cultural competence and how important communication is in medicine.
Additionally, I recommend that you read books such as "How Doctors Think" by Dr. Jerome Groopman. All of the books that Dr. Atul Gwande has written including "Checklist Manifesto" and "Complications". Then "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman, a great book about cultural competence and how important communication is in medicine.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6510
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ava!
How to Become a Doctor
Becoming a doctor is a rigorous and rewarding journey that requires dedication, education, and the development of various skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pursue this career path:
Complete Your Education:
High School: Focus on science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Mathematics is also crucial.
Undergraduate Degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a science-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry). While not mandatory, completing pre-medical coursework (including organic chemistry, physics, and biology) is essential for medical school admission.
Prepare for Medical School Admission:
MCAT Exam: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which assesses your knowledge of natural sciences, behavioral sciences, and critical analysis.
Extracurricular Activities: Engage in volunteer work or internships in healthcare settings to gain experience and demonstrate your commitment to medicine.
Attend Medical School:
Medical school typically lasts four years. The first two years focus on classroom-based learning in subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology. The last two years involve clinical rotations in various specialties.
Complete Residency Training:
After graduating from medical school, you must complete a residency program in your chosen specialty. This can take anywhere from three to seven years depending on the field.
Obtain Licensure:
After completing residency training, you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or an equivalent exam to practice medicine legally.
Consider Fellowship Training (Optional):
If you wish to specialize further (e.g., cardiology or oncology), you may pursue additional fellowship training after residency.
Stay Updated and Continue Learning:
Medicine is an ever-evolving field; therefore, continuing education through workshops, conferences, and reading medical journals is vital for staying current with advancements.
How to Learn Soft Skills
Soft skills are essential for doctors as they enhance communication with patients and colleagues. Here are ways to develop these skills:
Effective Communication:
Practice active listening by engaging fully when others speak.
Participate in public speaking or debate clubs to improve verbal communication.
Role-play scenarios with peers or mentors to enhance patient interaction skills.
Empathy and Compassion:
Volunteer at hospitals or community health organizations where you can interact with diverse populations.
Reflect on experiences that evoke empathy; consider how different situations affect individuals emotionally.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
Work on group projects during your studies or participate in team sports.
Engage in interdisciplinary activities where collaboration with other healthcare professionals is required.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Participate in case studies or simulations that require critical thinking.
Analyze past experiences where problem-solving was necessary; reflect on what worked well and what didn’t.
Time Management:
Use planners or digital tools to organize tasks effectively.
Prioritize responsibilities based on urgency and importance; practice setting realistic deadlines for yourself.
How to Become Successful in the Future
Success as a doctor involves more than just clinical expertise; it encompasses personal growth and professional development:
Set Clear Goals: Define what success means for you—whether it’s achieving a specific position within medicine or balancing work-life commitments effectively.
Network Professionally: Build relationships with mentors who can provide guidance throughout your career journey. Attend medical conferences and join professional organizations related to your specialty.
Seek Feedback Regularly: Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement; seek feedback from peers, supervisors, and patients when appropriate.
Maintain Work-Life Balance: Prioritize self-care through hobbies outside of medicine; this will help prevent burnout over time.
Adaptability & Lifelong Learning: Stay open-minded about new practices within medicine; embrace changes within healthcare technology and treatment protocols as they evolve over time.
By following these steps diligently while cultivating both hard skills (medical knowledge) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities), you will be well-prepared for a successful career as a doctor.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC): AAMC provides comprehensive resources regarding medical education pathways including admissions processes for medical schools across the United States.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers detailed information about job outlooks for physicians including educational requirements necessary for entering the profession.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH provides insights into ongoing research developments within healthcare fields which can inform future doctors about advancements impacting their practice areas directly.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
How to Become a Doctor
Becoming a doctor is a rigorous and rewarding journey that requires dedication, education, and the development of various skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pursue this career path:
Complete Your Education:
High School: Focus on science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Mathematics is also crucial.
Undergraduate Degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a science-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry). While not mandatory, completing pre-medical coursework (including organic chemistry, physics, and biology) is essential for medical school admission.
Prepare for Medical School Admission:
MCAT Exam: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which assesses your knowledge of natural sciences, behavioral sciences, and critical analysis.
Extracurricular Activities: Engage in volunteer work or internships in healthcare settings to gain experience and demonstrate your commitment to medicine.
Attend Medical School:
Medical school typically lasts four years. The first two years focus on classroom-based learning in subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology. The last two years involve clinical rotations in various specialties.
Complete Residency Training:
After graduating from medical school, you must complete a residency program in your chosen specialty. This can take anywhere from three to seven years depending on the field.
Obtain Licensure:
After completing residency training, you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or an equivalent exam to practice medicine legally.
Consider Fellowship Training (Optional):
If you wish to specialize further (e.g., cardiology or oncology), you may pursue additional fellowship training after residency.
Stay Updated and Continue Learning:
Medicine is an ever-evolving field; therefore, continuing education through workshops, conferences, and reading medical journals is vital for staying current with advancements.
How to Learn Soft Skills
Soft skills are essential for doctors as they enhance communication with patients and colleagues. Here are ways to develop these skills:
Effective Communication:
Practice active listening by engaging fully when others speak.
Participate in public speaking or debate clubs to improve verbal communication.
Role-play scenarios with peers or mentors to enhance patient interaction skills.
Empathy and Compassion:
Volunteer at hospitals or community health organizations where you can interact with diverse populations.
Reflect on experiences that evoke empathy; consider how different situations affect individuals emotionally.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
Work on group projects during your studies or participate in team sports.
Engage in interdisciplinary activities where collaboration with other healthcare professionals is required.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Participate in case studies or simulations that require critical thinking.
Analyze past experiences where problem-solving was necessary; reflect on what worked well and what didn’t.
Time Management:
Use planners or digital tools to organize tasks effectively.
Prioritize responsibilities based on urgency and importance; practice setting realistic deadlines for yourself.
How to Become Successful in the Future
Success as a doctor involves more than just clinical expertise; it encompasses personal growth and professional development:
Set Clear Goals: Define what success means for you—whether it’s achieving a specific position within medicine or balancing work-life commitments effectively.
Network Professionally: Build relationships with mentors who can provide guidance throughout your career journey. Attend medical conferences and join professional organizations related to your specialty.
Seek Feedback Regularly: Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement; seek feedback from peers, supervisors, and patients when appropriate.
Maintain Work-Life Balance: Prioritize self-care through hobbies outside of medicine; this will help prevent burnout over time.
Adaptability & Lifelong Learning: Stay open-minded about new practices within medicine; embrace changes within healthcare technology and treatment protocols as they evolve over time.
By following these steps diligently while cultivating both hard skills (medical knowledge) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities), you will be well-prepared for a successful career as a doctor.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC): AAMC provides comprehensive resources regarding medical education pathways including admissions processes for medical schools across the United States.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers detailed information about job outlooks for physicians including educational requirements necessary for entering the profession.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH provides insights into ongoing research developments within healthcare fields which can inform future doctors about advancements impacting their practice areas directly.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Michael Cadra
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
30
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I see that you are in Yuma. The soft skills such as communication in both written and verbal forms are very important, as are leadership skills. I assume that you are in high school and have not turned 18. I often recommend Toastmasters for both public speaking and leadership training. However TM requires members to be 18. The do have a program for HS students called Gavel Club. In Yuma there is one club easy-Speak-Youth Command Gave Club that meets at First Christian Church 3261 South Avenue, East Yuma.
Additionally, I recommend that you read books such as "How Doctors Think" by Dr. Jerome Groopman. All of the books that Dr. Atul Gwande has written including "Checklist Manifesto" and "Complications". Then "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman, a great book about cultural competence and how important communication is in medicine.
Sorry I confused your location with another student asking a similar question. Check your home town for the contact information for the Gavel Club.
Additionally, I recommend that you read books such as "How Doctors Think" by Dr. Jerome Groopman. All of the books that Dr. Atul Gwande has written including "Checklist Manifesto" and "Complications". Then "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman, a great book about cultural competence and how important communication is in medicine.
Sorry I confused your location with another student asking a similar question. Check your home town for the contact information for the Gavel Club.