What kind of career paths are there for going into medicine?

Hi Anna,

The first step to becoming a doctor involves completing a four-year pre-med undergraduate program. Every medical school has its own set of requirements, but you will most likely need a strong focus on the following areas:
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Anatomy
Biology
Physics
Calculus

It’s important to maintain a high GPA to bolster your chances of getting accepted into medical school. Some medical schools allow students to complete a bachelor’s degree and medical degree simultaneously.

Medical schools are extremely competitive. To get into medical school, applicants must first take the MCAT, a standardized, multiple-choice test that assesses the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful medical student. The exam is divided into three sections: physical science, verbal reasoning and biological sciences.

There is also an un-scored voluntary trial section, which poses questions that may be asked on future MCATs. The MCAT can be taken at any time, though most often students take it the year before they hope to enter medical school, typically spring or summer after junior year. There isn’t a waiting period between tests or a limit to the amount of times a student may take the exam.

Students typically spend four years in medical school completing coursework and gaining practical skills in laboratories. Medical students must complete courses in the following areas:
Anatomy
Biochemistry
Ethics
Pharmacology
Physiology
Psychology

Medical students can choose to pursue either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The programs are nearly the same, except the D.O. degree program involves training in osteopathic manipulative medicine.

During the last two years of medical school, students are required to gain real-world experience at hospitals and clinics. They learn how to diagnose and treat patients while working under the supervision of licensed physicians.

All states require physicians to pass a standardized national exam. Licensing requirements vary by state, so aspiring doctors should contact their state’s medical board for complete details.There are two types of national licensing exams for physicians:

The U.S Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is for M.D.s, while the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) is for D.O.s. Both exams are broken into three steps and comprised of computer-based and clinical skills examinations. The first two steps are typically completed during medical school, while the final step is completed during residency.

After graduating from medical school, doctorate candidates need to complete a paid residency, typically at a hospital. Depending on specialization, residencies can last anywhere from three to eight years. Some specializations require an additional fellowship, which can last up to three years.

In: http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/doctor/

Best of luck!