2 answers
Philip
Student
Texas City, Texas
1
Question
2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Philip,
To become a medical doctor you have to go through medical school. I have attached admission information for Harvard medical school as an example. Make sure you look up the current requirements for any school you would consider as well as the timelines for application.
You first need to earn a bachelors degree in any field (4 years). Many students opt for biology or biochemistry, but it can be anything. You have to cover some pre-requisite courses though. I have attached the pre-requisites for Harvard as an example.
Before you can apply to medical school, you need to take the MCAT. If admitted, you'll be in medical school for 4 years which includes rotations through different specialties.
You then decide on a specialty that you want to persue and do a residency in that specialty. A residency can be anywhere from 3 to 8 years depending on the field. Some people opt for a fellowship after residency to further specialize.
Admission to medical school is very selective. You'll need excellent marks in college and in the MCAT. You'll also need extracurricular activities that demonstrate things like community service, leadership, commitment to the medical field. You also need medical experience which you can get through internships, volunteering or job-shadowing in a healthcare facility. You also need some letters of recommendation from your college lecturers or a person who supervised you in an internship and a personal statement.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-before-you-apply
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-selection-factors
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-prerequisite-courses#bymatriculation
To become a medical doctor you have to go through medical school. I have attached admission information for Harvard medical school as an example. Make sure you look up the current requirements for any school you would consider as well as the timelines for application.
You first need to earn a bachelors degree in any field (4 years). Many students opt for biology or biochemistry, but it can be anything. You have to cover some pre-requisite courses though. I have attached the pre-requisites for Harvard as an example.
Before you can apply to medical school, you need to take the MCAT. If admitted, you'll be in medical school for 4 years which includes rotations through different specialties.
You then decide on a specialty that you want to persue and do a residency in that specialty. A residency can be anywhere from 3 to 8 years depending on the field. Some people opt for a fellowship after residency to further specialize.
Admission to medical school is very selective. You'll need excellent marks in college and in the MCAT. You'll also need extracurricular activities that demonstrate things like community service, leadership, commitment to the medical field. You also need medical experience which you can get through internships, volunteering or job-shadowing in a healthcare facility. You also need some letters of recommendation from your college lecturers or a person who supervised you in an internship and a personal statement.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3773
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Philip,
Embarking on the Journey to Becoming a Doctor
Choosing to become a doctor is a commendable and fulfilling career choice that demands dedication, effort, and a deep-seated desire to serve others. Here's an actionable guide to help you navigate your way to becoming a doctor:
Step 1: Education - Begin your journey by earning a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. Although there's no specific major for medical school, most students opt for biology, chemistry, or related fields to meet the pre-medical course requirements.
Step 2: Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) - Upon completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to take the MCAT exam. This test evaluates your understanding of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. A high score on the MCAT is crucial for securing a spot in medical school.
Step 3: Medical School - Once admitted to medical school, you'll undergo four years of intensive academic and clinical training. The initial two years are usually dedicated to classroom-based learning, while the final two years involve practical clinical rotations across various medical specialties.
Step 4: Residency - After graduating from medical school, you'll need to complete a residency program in your chosen specialty. Residency programs typically last between three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
Step 5: Licensing and Certification - To legally practice medicine, you must obtain a medical license by passing either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For those wishing to showcase their expertise, board certification in a specific medical specialty is also available.
Step 6: Continuing Education - Medicine is an ever-evolving field. Hence, doctors are required to engage in continuing education activities to keep up with the latest developments in healthcare.
Step 7: Professional Development - As a future doctor, it's crucial to develop strong communication skills, empathy, and professionalism. These qualities are key to delivering high-quality patient care.
In summary, the journey to becoming a doctor is demanding but rewarding, requiring commitment, resilience, and a true passion for aiding others.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC provides helpful resources and information for aspiring doctors on navigating the medical school admissions process and succeeding in their careers.
2. American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA provides insights into the latest trends and developments in medicine, as well as guidelines for ethical practice and professional conduct for physicians.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlook, salary information, and educational requirements for various healthcare professions, including physicians and surgeons.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Embarking on the Journey to Becoming a Doctor
Choosing to become a doctor is a commendable and fulfilling career choice that demands dedication, effort, and a deep-seated desire to serve others. Here's an actionable guide to help you navigate your way to becoming a doctor:
Step 1: Education - Begin your journey by earning a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. Although there's no specific major for medical school, most students opt for biology, chemistry, or related fields to meet the pre-medical course requirements.
Step 2: Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) - Upon completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to take the MCAT exam. This test evaluates your understanding of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. A high score on the MCAT is crucial for securing a spot in medical school.
Step 3: Medical School - Once admitted to medical school, you'll undergo four years of intensive academic and clinical training. The initial two years are usually dedicated to classroom-based learning, while the final two years involve practical clinical rotations across various medical specialties.
Step 4: Residency - After graduating from medical school, you'll need to complete a residency program in your chosen specialty. Residency programs typically last between three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
Step 5: Licensing and Certification - To legally practice medicine, you must obtain a medical license by passing either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For those wishing to showcase their expertise, board certification in a specific medical specialty is also available.
Step 6: Continuing Education - Medicine is an ever-evolving field. Hence, doctors are required to engage in continuing education activities to keep up with the latest developments in healthcare.
Step 7: Professional Development - As a future doctor, it's crucial to develop strong communication skills, empathy, and professionalism. These qualities are key to delivering high-quality patient care.
In summary, the journey to becoming a doctor is demanding but rewarding, requiring commitment, resilience, and a true passion for aiding others.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC provides helpful resources and information for aspiring doctors on navigating the medical school admissions process and succeeding in their careers.
2. American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA provides insights into the latest trends and developments in medicine, as well as guidelines for ethical practice and professional conduct for physicians.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlook, salary information, and educational requirements for various healthcare professions, including physicians and surgeons.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.