5 answers
Tada
Student
Texas City, Texas
2
Questions
5 answers
Kess French
Medical Student
109
Answers
Updated
Kess’s Answer
Hi, Tada!
Fantastic question!
Becoming a doctor in the US can seem like a complicated journey. The above answers are fantastic, this is just a bit more detailed information.
1. Complete high school and make sure to relish your summer break!
2. Begin exploring which college you would like to attend for your bachelor's degree. Medical schools generally accept any degree as long as you've fulfilled the prerequisite courses. Don't forget to indulge in some subjects that truly interest you! Medical schools appreciate applicants who are diverse and have interests beyond medicine, not just those who've checked the necessary boxes.
(I hold a bachelor's degree in biomedical science with minors in chemistry and sociology, and my med school buddies have degrees in English, Russian history, and Psychology.)
3. Take as many courses as possible at your local community college to save on costs (ensure they're transferable to a university though)! Apply for financial aid via FAFSA. Some community colleges even offer programs that can help you transition to a nearby university.
4. Aim for and secure at least a bachelor's degree. Some individuals choose to pursue a Master's degree, such as in Public Health, but it's not mandatory.
5. Gear up for and take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Your college might be able to assist you with test preparation! This is often done after the junior year of college, or during or after the senior year.
6. Get ready for and apply to medical schools (both MD (Medical Doctor) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) pathways lead to becoming a physician).
7. Complete 4 years of medical school (the first 2 years consist of textbook learning, while the last two years involve clinical rotations). Licensing exams are taken after the 2nd and 3rd years of medical school, with a final one during residency.
8. Apply for and participate in a residency program - this involves a few more years of training depending on your chosen specialty. (Take your 3rd major exam here.) On the bright side, residency is a paid position. Keep in mind, you may change your mind on what specialty you want to pursue, and that's ok!
Doctor's offices and hospitals have multiple employees and volunteers. You might consider working in one before medical school for experience and insight into the field!
BEST OF LUCK! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!
Fantastic question!
Becoming a doctor in the US can seem like a complicated journey. The above answers are fantastic, this is just a bit more detailed information.
1. Complete high school and make sure to relish your summer break!
2. Begin exploring which college you would like to attend for your bachelor's degree. Medical schools generally accept any degree as long as you've fulfilled the prerequisite courses. Don't forget to indulge in some subjects that truly interest you! Medical schools appreciate applicants who are diverse and have interests beyond medicine, not just those who've checked the necessary boxes.
(I hold a bachelor's degree in biomedical science with minors in chemistry and sociology, and my med school buddies have degrees in English, Russian history, and Psychology.)
3. Take as many courses as possible at your local community college to save on costs (ensure they're transferable to a university though)! Apply for financial aid via FAFSA. Some community colleges even offer programs that can help you transition to a nearby university.
4. Aim for and secure at least a bachelor's degree. Some individuals choose to pursue a Master's degree, such as in Public Health, but it's not mandatory.
5. Gear up for and take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Your college might be able to assist you with test preparation! This is often done after the junior year of college, or during or after the senior year.
6. Get ready for and apply to medical schools (both MD (Medical Doctor) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) pathways lead to becoming a physician).
7. Complete 4 years of medical school (the first 2 years consist of textbook learning, while the last two years involve clinical rotations). Licensing exams are taken after the 2nd and 3rd years of medical school, with a final one during residency.
8. Apply for and participate in a residency program - this involves a few more years of training depending on your chosen specialty. (Take your 3rd major exam here.) On the bright side, residency is a paid position. Keep in mind, you may change your mind on what specialty you want to pursue, and that's ok!
Doctor's offices and hospitals have multiple employees and volunteers. You might consider working in one before medical school for experience and insight into the field!
BEST OF LUCK! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
235
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
To become a doctor, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, take the MCAT, apply to medical school, complete four years of medical school, pass the USMLE, complete a residency program, obtain a medical license, and consider specialization through a fellowship program if desired. It's a challenging journey that requires dedication and hard work, but it can be incredibly fulfilling for those who have a genuine passion for helping others and are willing to put in the effort to pursue a career in medicine. In addition to the steps mentioned above, it's highly recommended to consult with the resources available at your school or university. Many educational institutions have pre-medical advisors or career counseling services that can provide guidance and support!
Rian Alam
Student
136
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Tada,
It's fantastic that you want to become a physician! The journey to becoming a physician is a long one but quite rewarding. To start, you will need to complete your bachelor's degree. During this time, you can pick and complete a degree in any major however you must take classes to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school. This includes chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and some math. During this time, you most likely will want to spend time volunteering both in a clinical or non clinical setting. Alongside that, you will have to take the MCAT in order to apply to medical schools. Once in medical school, which is 4 years, you will work and perform research in order to apply for residency. Typically, a residency can vary between 3-7 years depending on what field you choose to subspecialize in.
It's fantastic that you want to become a physician! The journey to becoming a physician is a long one but quite rewarding. To start, you will need to complete your bachelor's degree. During this time, you can pick and complete a degree in any major however you must take classes to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school. This includes chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and some math. During this time, you most likely will want to spend time volunteering both in a clinical or non clinical setting. Alongside that, you will have to take the MCAT in order to apply to medical schools. Once in medical school, which is 4 years, you will work and perform research in order to apply for residency. Typically, a residency can vary between 3-7 years depending on what field you choose to subspecialize in.
Martin Schoen
APRN
133
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
In the friendliest way possible, let me guide you through the steps to becoming a physician. First, you'll need to dedicate four years to college education, focusing on various science subjects, mathematics, and your chosen major. After that, you'll need to pass a graduate test known as the MCAT to apply for medical school.
Once you're accepted into medical school, you'll spend another four years studying and training. Following this, you'll embark on a residency in your chosen field of specialization. During your time in medical school and residency, you'll have to pass several standardized and specialized tests related to your specialty.
Upon graduating from medical school, you'll officially be a physician. However, keep in mind that all states require at least a year of residency for licensure. It's indeed a long journey, but if it's what your heart desires, it'll be worth every step.
Once you're accepted into medical school, you'll spend another four years studying and training. Following this, you'll embark on a residency in your chosen field of specialization. During your time in medical school and residency, you'll have to pass several standardized and specialized tests related to your specialty.
Upon graduating from medical school, you'll officially be a physician. However, keep in mind that all states require at least a year of residency for licensure. It's indeed a long journey, but if it's what your heart desires, it'll be worth every step.
Alan Saliman
1
Answer
Montrose, Colorado
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Choosing to become a doctor is a multifaceted decision that requires a lot of thought. It's a path not meant for those who shy away from hard work or long hours. It calls for a sense of curiosity and a knack for asking questions. The process of untangling intricate problems and collaborating with patients on their solutions can be immensely gratifying. Doctors also serve as team leaders, guiding entire medical teams towards resolving issues within our health care systems.
The journey to becoming a doctor typically includes four years of undergraduate studies, followed by another four years in medical school. After that, the length of specialty training varies based on the specific field you choose.
My personal journey led me to general internal medicine because it provides a gateway to a wide array of fields. This choice allowed me to engage in a diverse range of activities, including health care leadership, infrastructure development, program initiation, and community service.
Best of luck on your journey! Remember, this path will open up numerous opportunities!
The journey to becoming a doctor typically includes four years of undergraduate studies, followed by another four years in medical school. After that, the length of specialty training varies based on the specific field you choose.
My personal journey led me to general internal medicine because it provides a gateway to a wide array of fields. This choice allowed me to engage in a diverse range of activities, including health care leadership, infrastructure development, program initiation, and community service.
Best of luck on your journey! Remember, this path will open up numerous opportunities!