2 answers
Simone
Student
Londonderry, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
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What is the typical pathway for one to become an ER doctor?
Hello! My name is Simone. I am a high school student who is aspiring to be an ER doctor and am curious about the steps that I can take to advance myself towards the future.
Thank you for your time!
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2 answers
Albert Giannone, M.D
Retired physician/former pharmacist
27
Answers
Center Moriches, New York
Updated
Albert’s Answer
I totally agree with Dr. Hanson's reply, and have nothing to add.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
64
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
To become an ER doctor, the steps are:
1) Do well in high school so you can go to a good college or university
2) Do well in college so you can get into any medical school (MD or DO degrees). Unless things change, even international medical schools can ultimately get you back into the United States as an ER or any other physician. To get into medical school it helps to have excellent grades, do well on the MCAT test, and have a life story to tell that suggests to the schools that in addition to your good grades, you are a good person - one who is well-rounded and has had experiences of helping and/or leading others through volunteer organizations, student counsels, team captain on a sports team...
3) Do well enough in medical school so residency programs in Emergency Medicine want to pick you over other candidates. It may help here to have some experiences such as getting an EMT certification to demonstrate that you know what you are getting into
Many excellent physicians start off thinking they will become one kind of doctor, but as they go through all of the different rotations of medical school they change course. Don't be afraid of that possibility. Life experiences will tend to change you and your planned course may not be the one you ultimately take. That's fine. Enjoy the journey!
1) Do well in high school so you can go to a good college or university
2) Do well in college so you can get into any medical school (MD or DO degrees). Unless things change, even international medical schools can ultimately get you back into the United States as an ER or any other physician. To get into medical school it helps to have excellent grades, do well on the MCAT test, and have a life story to tell that suggests to the schools that in addition to your good grades, you are a good person - one who is well-rounded and has had experiences of helping and/or leading others through volunteer organizations, student counsels, team captain on a sports team...
3) Do well enough in medical school so residency programs in Emergency Medicine want to pick you over other candidates. It may help here to have some experiences such as getting an EMT certification to demonstrate that you know what you are getting into
Many excellent physicians start off thinking they will become one kind of doctor, but as they go through all of the different rotations of medical school they change course. Don't be afraid of that possibility. Life experiences will tend to change you and your planned course may not be the one you ultimately take. That's fine. Enjoy the journey!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Simone