5 answers
Michael
Student
Michigan City, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
338 views
How do I achieve my career pursuit in Medicine ?
I have always wanted to be a medical doctor and I will like to have the best career advice to help me achieve my goal.
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4 answers
Darya Tsitova
110
Answers
Grodno, Hrodna Region, Belarus
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Hi, Michael! Making a career in medicine is a laudable goal, and achieving it requires a combination of education, training, and personal dedication. Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you on your journey:
1.Realize the need
Get to know the field of medicine, including various specialties, working conditions, and the life of a doctor.
Evaluate why you want to become a doctor. A clear understanding of your motives will help you in difficult times.
2. The educational path
-Higher education:
Choose a suitable specialty (for example, biology, chemistry or medical sciences) or meet the requirements for admission to a medical institution (for example, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics).
Maintain a high GPA (usually above 3.5) to be competitive when applying to medical school.
-Extracurricular activities:
Take part in health-related activities (volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or public health organizations).
Moonlight as medical professionals to gain first-hand experience and knowledge in this field.
!!Join clubs specializing in medicine, healthcare, or science.
3. Prepare for the MCAT
The Medical College Entrance Test (MCAT) is crucial for admission to medical school. Devote enough time to preparing for it, using preparatory courses or resources for self-study.
Take full-fledged practical exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing of the test.
4. The Medical School Application Process
Develop connections with professors, doctors, and mentors who can provide compelling letters of recommendation.
Write a compelling personal statement reflecting your passion for medicine and unique experience.
Keep up to date with your medical school schedule and apply as early as possible to improve your chances of admission.
5. Medical School
Prepare for a rigorous training regime that combines classroom learning and clinical experience.
Take advantage of changing clinics to study different specialties and find your interests.
Build relationships with peers and teachers; mentoring during this period is invaluable.
6.Stay cheerful and balanced
Look for support systems, engage in non-medical activities, and establish a work-life balance to prevent emotional burnout.
Be open to feedback from faculty and colleagues to improve your clinical and interpersonal skills.
7. Residency and subsequent period
In the last years of medical school, analyze your experience, which will help you choose a specialty that suits your interests.
Familiarize yourself with the selection process for obtaining a residence permit and prepare your applications accordingly.
Remember that medicine is an evolving field. Pursue continuing education and stay up to date with medical advances throughout your career.
8. Additional considerations
Remember that studying at a medical college can be expensive. Consider getting scholarships, financial aid, and loan repayment.
Explore opportunities in public health, research, and advocacy that can also provide a successful career in medicine.
9. Stay engaged and compassionate
Develop a strong sense of empathy and strong ethical principles, as these are the most important features of a successful doctor.
10. Reflect and adapt
Regularly evaluate your experience and feelings about the field of medicine to make sure that this is the right path for you.
The path to becoming a doctor is not linear, and situations can change, so stay flexible and open to new opportunities.
By following these steps and remaining firmly committed to your goal, you will be able to fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor. Good luck on your journey! With love, Darya
1.Realize the need
Get to know the field of medicine, including various specialties, working conditions, and the life of a doctor.
Evaluate why you want to become a doctor. A clear understanding of your motives will help you in difficult times.
2. The educational path
-Higher education:
Choose a suitable specialty (for example, biology, chemistry or medical sciences) or meet the requirements for admission to a medical institution (for example, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics).
Maintain a high GPA (usually above 3.5) to be competitive when applying to medical school.
-Extracurricular activities:
Take part in health-related activities (volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or public health organizations).
Moonlight as medical professionals to gain first-hand experience and knowledge in this field.
!!Join clubs specializing in medicine, healthcare, or science.
3. Prepare for the MCAT
The Medical College Entrance Test (MCAT) is crucial for admission to medical school. Devote enough time to preparing for it, using preparatory courses or resources for self-study.
Take full-fledged practical exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing of the test.
4. The Medical School Application Process
Develop connections with professors, doctors, and mentors who can provide compelling letters of recommendation.
Write a compelling personal statement reflecting your passion for medicine and unique experience.
Keep up to date with your medical school schedule and apply as early as possible to improve your chances of admission.
5. Medical School
Prepare for a rigorous training regime that combines classroom learning and clinical experience.
Take advantage of changing clinics to study different specialties and find your interests.
Build relationships with peers and teachers; mentoring during this period is invaluable.
6.Stay cheerful and balanced
Look for support systems, engage in non-medical activities, and establish a work-life balance to prevent emotional burnout.
Be open to feedback from faculty and colleagues to improve your clinical and interpersonal skills.
7. Residency and subsequent period
In the last years of medical school, analyze your experience, which will help you choose a specialty that suits your interests.
Familiarize yourself with the selection process for obtaining a residence permit and prepare your applications accordingly.
Remember that medicine is an evolving field. Pursue continuing education and stay up to date with medical advances throughout your career.
8. Additional considerations
Remember that studying at a medical college can be expensive. Consider getting scholarships, financial aid, and loan repayment.
Explore opportunities in public health, research, and advocacy that can also provide a successful career in medicine.
9. Stay engaged and compassionate
Develop a strong sense of empathy and strong ethical principles, as these are the most important features of a successful doctor.
10. Reflect and adapt
Regularly evaluate your experience and feelings about the field of medicine to make sure that this is the right path for you.
The path to becoming a doctor is not linear, and situations can change, so stay flexible and open to new opportunities.
By following these steps and remaining firmly committed to your goal, you will be able to fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor. Good luck on your journey! With love, Darya
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
63
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hello Michael in Michigan City. You're in my home area...Niles, Michigan!
I admire your goal. To become a doctor of any specialty is a long road. You will need a heavy science and math concentration in high school and then a science degree in college, perhaps a pre- med track. As you study, assess your interests and talents. If you love dissecting, maybe surgery. If chemistry experiments are your thing, maybe endocrinology. There are so many fields you can narrow it down later. Get used to long hours and tough subjects and do your best. As you get further along, seek guidance to be sure you have all the required courses. You might even see about volunteering in a hospital or clinic in some capacity to get a feel for the environment. The medical field is broad and rewarding! Best to you!
Kathie
I admire your goal. To become a doctor of any specialty is a long road. You will need a heavy science and math concentration in high school and then a science degree in college, perhaps a pre- med track. As you study, assess your interests and talents. If you love dissecting, maybe surgery. If chemistry experiments are your thing, maybe endocrinology. There are so many fields you can narrow it down later. Get used to long hours and tough subjects and do your best. As you get further along, seek guidance to be sure you have all the required courses. You might even see about volunteering in a hospital or clinic in some capacity to get a feel for the environment. The medical field is broad and rewarding! Best to you!
Kathie
Vona Douglass
Phlebotomist/instructor
1
Answer
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
Vona’s Answer
Achieving a career in medicine is a very rewarding career. Practical experience and dedication can be the best road to reaching your goal.
If you are in high school, start with studying science and biology. Maintain a high GPA.
Volunteering or working in a healthcare setting to gain first hand experience.
Apply to Medical schools and be prepared to show your first hand experience.
Complete your medical school and then your residency program, this can last 3-7 years.
You will then need to complete your board certificated exams to practice medicine.
If you are in high school, start with studying science and biology. Maintain a high GPA.
Volunteering or working in a healthcare setting to gain first hand experience.
Apply to Medical schools and be prepared to show your first hand experience.
Complete your medical school and then your residency program, this can last 3-7 years.
You will then need to complete your board certificated exams to practice medicine.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
349
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Michael:
To become a Physician or a Surgeon, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a doctorate degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 14 years to become a Physician or a Surgeon. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years.
Physicians and Surgeons are similar in their responsibilities and duties in taking care of patients and in dealing with hospital staff and medical personnel. The main difference between the two professionals is that Surgeons operate on patients whereas Physicians do not. Physicians diagnose patients and treat their medical conditions. Operations performed by Surgeons can be treating injuries like broken bones, removal of diseases like tumors and cancers, deformities, etc.
Being a Physician or a Surgeon can be a demanding and rewarding profession, especially depending if there is a specialized field or concentration. Remember, as a Physician or a Surgeon, you are the professional who saves lives. Your patients are impacted by you.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Physician or a Surgeon:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is an overview of pursuing medical school:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Medical School:
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Stanford University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Cornell University (Weill)
- New York University (Grossman)
- Yale University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and medical career!
To become a Physician or a Surgeon, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a doctorate degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 14 years to become a Physician or a Surgeon. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years.
Physicians and Surgeons are similar in their responsibilities and duties in taking care of patients and in dealing with hospital staff and medical personnel. The main difference between the two professionals is that Surgeons operate on patients whereas Physicians do not. Physicians diagnose patients and treat their medical conditions. Operations performed by Surgeons can be treating injuries like broken bones, removal of diseases like tumors and cancers, deformities, etc.
Being a Physician or a Surgeon can be a demanding and rewarding profession, especially depending if there is a specialized field or concentration. Remember, as a Physician or a Surgeon, you are the professional who saves lives. Your patients are impacted by you.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Physician or a Surgeon:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is an overview of pursuing medical school:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Medical School:
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Stanford University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Cornell University (Weill)
- New York University (Grossman)
- Yale University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and medical career!