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How difficult is medical school?

I want to become an anesthesiologist but I worried about the process.

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Rita’s Answer

Personally, I thought it was extremely difficult. There was one week where I cried all week (during exam time). I recommend everyone interested in medicine work as a scribe. I did not know what I was getting myself into until I started working. As a scribe, you will be introduced to doctors, terminology, and actually seeing what doctors do. This is not for the money. This is to get a taste of what medicine is like. If you still enjoy it, then medicine is possibly for you. As a side note, the students that rotated in my clinic who worked as scribes were so much sharper. I don't think they were necessarily smarter but because they had experience in the field, it was easier. They learned the terminology, knew what questions to ask patients. It will make medical school a lot easier.
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Jolie A.’s Answer

Embarking on the journey to medical school is indeed a significant commitment. It demands a great deal of dedication, resilience, and patience. I, too, navigated this path, working my way through college which extended my BA degree pursuit to six years, followed by medical school. Medical school, whether you choose an MD or DO program, requires at least another four years. But the journey doesn't end there; additional training, known as a residency, awaits you. For anesthesia, this residency spans four years. If you wish to specialize further, such as focusing solely on anesthesia for heart patients, additional training, known as a fellowship, is necessary.

Indeed, it's a long journey with numerous challenges to overcome, including a series of tests like the USMLE or COMLEX and your specialty boards.

However, remember that when passion fuels your drive, every effort you invest becomes worthwhile. Relish the journey as much as you anticipate reaching the end goal. I can personally attest to the joy I found in medical school and residency.

Best of luck on your journey!
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Faarina’s Answer

Hello Nicole. If you decide to pursue a medical career in anesthesiology in the US, once you finish high school, then you will need to:
- go to college (4 years)
- prep for and take the MCAT exam
- apply for medical school
- complete medical school (4 years)
- take the USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams while in medical school
- apply for anesthesiology medical residency training programs
- complete residency (4 years)
- complete the USMLE step 3 exam during residency
- complete your specialty board exam either at the end of residency or several months after you graduate residency if you choose to become board-certified (the American Society of Anesthesiologists website mentioned that around 75% of anesthesiologists are board-certified)
- if you are interested in specializing in a particular aspect of a field of anesthesiology, then you have to apply for fellowship training programs (but this is not necessary)
- complete fellowship training (usually 1-2 years)
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Suzanne’s Answer

I agree with Dr. Chuang. In addition to medical scribing, I think working as a medical assistant would give you good exposure to the daily practice of medicine and let you make a more informed career decision.

If anesthesia is of particular interest to you, be aware that you can also go the route of becoming a CRNA, a certified registered nurse anesthetist. To do this you first become an RN and then, usually after some experience in ICU nursing, return to school for further training in anesthesia. CRNA's work under the supervision of anesthesiologists who are physicians.

Good luck and write back with any further questions.
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