4 answers
Shylah
Student
Groveport, Ohio
1
Question
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What is the process of becoming a doctor like?
I wish to be an anesthesiologist after I finish schooling. I know about undergrad and med-school and residency, but what else should I know about the process to get there?
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4 answers
Taylor Nicole
Medical Student
8
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Shylah! Oddly enough, I recently matched into an anesthesiology residency and would love to give you my input. Although I haven't started yet, according to each of my mentors, it’s a highly rewarding field. However, it’s also important to be mindful of the commitment and preparation it requires. If you're considering this path, a strong performance on the MCAT during your undergraduate studies will be essential for admission into an MD or DO program. Medical school admissions have become increasingly competitive, but with a combination of leadership roles, research experience, a well-rounded application, and a clear motivation for pursuing medicine, it is certainly within reach. Once in medical school, your focus will be on both academic excellence and continued involvement in meaningful extracurriculars. Board examinations are a critical component. DO students typically take COMLEX Level 1 and 2, but I highly recommend also taking USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 if you’re interested in anesthesiology. MD students generally only need to take Step 1 and 2, which can make the process a bit more streamlined. Medical school is generally divided into two phases: the pre-clinical (or didactic) years, which focus on lectures and exams, and the clinical years, where you rotate through core specialties, usually in four-week blocks culminating in shelf exams. Many students find the clinical years more engaging and enjoyable due to the hands-on experience. When it comes time to apply for residency, the process is similar to medical school applications and includes a personal statement, a detailed description of your activities and experiences, and letters of recommendation. If possible, I would recommend choosing a medical school with a pass/fail grading system, as it can reduce unnecessary stress and allow you to focus more on learning and growth. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions! I’m happy to share more about the process or my own experiences.
Muhammad Osama Afzal
Master of Public Health Student
7
Answers
Berlin, Germany
Updated
Muhammad Osama’s Answer
Hello, Shylah I hope you are doing great. during your schooling days you have to start searching for schools that are offering undergrad in anesthesiologist program read out their educational requirements, their acceptance score, and tuition fees. If you want to stand different so you have to improve your extracurricular activities at least involve yourself into one sport, try to find some professors or doctors & do shadow that will definitely teach you how this field work try to start blogging, read articles regarding your field. Thanks
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
64
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
My honest opinion is that you should expect to learn and grow at each step of your journey, and that as you explore the vast world of healthcare you may find you wish to diverge from your expected path. Fortunately, medical school requires all to "rotate" through many different specialities. This allows you to understand medicine from fetal life through geriatrics. You will see what it is like to be an anesthesiologist, but also to be a surgeon, a hospitalist, an outpatient physician, and electives you choose to explore.
Even once you choose a residency, you may find you want to get further training during fellowship. Perhaps to become a pediatric anesthesiologist, and intensive care anesthesiologist, a cardiac anesthesiologist...
Or perhaps you will find that you are pulled to do research on new medications or techniques to improve anesthesia care.
In any case, I hope you enjoy the expedition, and that you care for yourself during the challenges ahead.
Even once you choose a residency, you may find you want to get further training during fellowship. Perhaps to become a pediatric anesthesiologist, and intensive care anesthesiologist, a cardiac anesthesiologist...
Or perhaps you will find that you are pulled to do research on new medications or techniques to improve anesthesia care.
In any case, I hope you enjoy the expedition, and that you care for yourself during the challenges ahead.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Shylah,
The path to becoming an anesthesiologist is long but doable with the right planning and mindset. After undergrad, you’ll take the MCAT and apply to med schools. Once accepted, med school lasts four years—two years of classes and two years of clinical rotations. After that, you’ll apply for a residency in anesthesiology, which typically takes four years. During residency, you get hands-on training in surgeries, pain management, and critical care. Some anesthesiologists also do a one-year fellowship if they want to specialize further (like in pediatric or cardiac anesthesia). You'll need to pass licensing exams (like the USMLE) and eventually board certification. It’s a long road, but each step builds on the last—and you’ll be practicing in a high-impact, specialized field with strong job demand.
The path to becoming an anesthesiologist is long but doable with the right planning and mindset. After undergrad, you’ll take the MCAT and apply to med schools. Once accepted, med school lasts four years—two years of classes and two years of clinical rotations. After that, you’ll apply for a residency in anesthesiology, which typically takes four years. During residency, you get hands-on training in surgeries, pain management, and critical care. Some anesthesiologists also do a one-year fellowship if they want to specialize further (like in pediatric or cardiac anesthesia). You'll need to pass licensing exams (like the USMLE) and eventually board certification. It’s a long road, but each step builds on the last—and you’ll be practicing in a high-impact, specialized field with strong job demand.