3 answers
Richard
Student
Florida City, Florida
1
Question
3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Richard,
To become a medical doctor you need to go to medical school. You first need to earn an undergrad degree in any discipline. Many choose biology or biochemistry, but it can really be anything as long as you earn a bachelors (4 years).
You also need to take certain pre-requisite math and science courses.
Every medical school has slightly different requirements, so make sure you check with the schools you would consider what their current rules are. You also need to take the MCAT before you apply to medical school.
You'll be in med school for 4 years. The first 2 years are mostly classroom. The last 2 years are clinical. You'll rotate through several specialties. After passing exams you will be an MD or an DO depending on the path you chose.
Next, you'll choose a specialty to do your residency in, i.e. get further training. Residencies can last between 3 and 7 years depending on the specialty. The residency for general surgery is 5 years.
Getting into medical school is very competitive. You need to start early to prepare. Obviously, you need a good GPA and a high MCAT score. In high-school, you should take AP or IB or double enrollment (whatever advanced program your school offers), focussing on math and science courses. You should also start to volunteer or job-shadow in a medical environment, e.g. a hospital. Medical schools expect you to have medical experience and demonstrate your dedication to medicine and giving back to the community.
You'll also need letters of recommendation and a personal statement/essay. You might be invited to an interview as part of the selection process. So, start early to get all your ducks in a row.
I left some links for the requirements and admission process for Harvard Medical School as an example. You need to look up similar information for schools you would consider.
I hope this helps! All the best!
KP
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-before-you-apply
To become a medical doctor you need to go to medical school. You first need to earn an undergrad degree in any discipline. Many choose biology or biochemistry, but it can really be anything as long as you earn a bachelors (4 years).
You also need to take certain pre-requisite math and science courses.
Every medical school has slightly different requirements, so make sure you check with the schools you would consider what their current rules are. You also need to take the MCAT before you apply to medical school.
You'll be in med school for 4 years. The first 2 years are mostly classroom. The last 2 years are clinical. You'll rotate through several specialties. After passing exams you will be an MD or an DO depending on the path you chose.
Next, you'll choose a specialty to do your residency in, i.e. get further training. Residencies can last between 3 and 7 years depending on the specialty. The residency for general surgery is 5 years.
Getting into medical school is very competitive. You need to start early to prepare. Obviously, you need a good GPA and a high MCAT score. In high-school, you should take AP or IB or double enrollment (whatever advanced program your school offers), focussing on math and science courses. You should also start to volunteer or job-shadow in a medical environment, e.g. a hospital. Medical schools expect you to have medical experience and demonstrate your dedication to medicine and giving back to the community.
You'll also need letters of recommendation and a personal statement/essay. You might be invited to an interview as part of the selection process. So, start early to get all your ducks in a row.
I left some links for the requirements and admission process for Harvard Medical School as an example. You need to look up similar information for schools you would consider.
I hope this helps! All the best!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Martin Schoen
APRN
133
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Choosing a career as a physician can be a truly rewarding experience, filled with joy and fulfillment. However, it's crucial that your desire to pursue this path comes from a deep love for medicine, as any other motivation might make the extensive journey seem less worthwhile. This journey, which includes four years of college, medical school, and finally a residency, can be quite lengthy and costly. During all these years of rigorous study, if financial gain is your primary goal, it's likely that you could establish or join a business that offers similar or even higher financial rewards. So, before you set off on the path to becoming a physician, take some time to introspect and understand your true motivations and aspirations.
Priyanka Devaiah
Global Process Excellence Focal
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
Embracing the journey to become a doctor can be a triumphant endeavor if you are deeply passionate about it. This profession demands discipline, perseverance, unwavering determination, and a comprehensive understanding of the entire process.
From an academic standpoint, securing excellent grades is crucial, as the selection process can be challenging without them. Devote your attention to your studies, familiarize yourself with your country's medical field selection process. Be well-prepared and informed about the fee structures, scholarships, and eligibility for education loans. Seek guidance from a reliable mentor, be it from your school, college, parents, or relatives, who can steer you towards realizing your dream.
With unwavering focus and consistent effort, indeed, nothing is beyond reach. Treat your dream with the seriousness it deserves and strive to turn it into reality.
Commit wholeheartedly. Wishing you the very best!
From an academic standpoint, securing excellent grades is crucial, as the selection process can be challenging without them. Devote your attention to your studies, familiarize yourself with your country's medical field selection process. Be well-prepared and informed about the fee structures, scholarships, and eligibility for education loans. Seek guidance from a reliable mentor, be it from your school, college, parents, or relatives, who can steer you towards realizing your dream.
With unwavering focus and consistent effort, indeed, nothing is beyond reach. Treat your dream with the seriousness it deserves and strive to turn it into reality.
Commit wholeheartedly. Wishing you the very best!