Education & Background Information for Medical Doctors

Becoming a medical doctor requires several years of education.

Physicians spend several years in education and training before becoming licensed to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. Doctors work in various areas of medicine including general medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry. Some doctors specialize in specific diseases such as diabetes and cancer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, primary care physicians earn an average annual salary of $186,044. Doctors working in specialty areas earn an average of $339,738 per year. Although they earn high salaries, becoming a doctor comes with substantial financial obligations; the average medical school student graduates with $100,000 of student loan debt.

Undergraduate Education

Future physicians are required to earn a four year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. This four year period is typically referred to as pre-med. Pre-med students usually major in one of the sciences, such as biology, chemistry or physics, although this is not required. Students can major in whatever subject they choose as long as they maintain a high GPA and take certain prerequisite courses for medical school admission. The required courses are organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, biology, pre-calculus, behavioral science and English composition. Students are also advised to take physiology, anatomy, histology and biochemistry, if possible.

Professional Experience

Before entering medical school, medical doctors are required to gain experience in the field of science. Some students volunteer as lab or research assistants; others become employed as a CNA's (Certified Nurse Assistant) or EMT's (Emergency Medical Technician). Whether working for pay or volunteering for experience, it's important for medical schools to see an applicants aptitude for employment in a science related field.

Medical School Admissions Test

Typically in their junior year of pre-med, undergraduate students sit for the MCAT (Medical School Admissions Test). Medical schools examine a student's MCAT scores when determining admission. The examination tests students in four basic areas: verbal reasoning, writing, physical science and biological science.

Medical School

Medical doctors are trained in medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Medical school lasts four years; the first two years are spent taking classes in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, immunology, genetics, behavioral science, law and ethics, pathology, human sexuality, medical microbiology, pharmacology and preventive medicine. The latter years of medical school are spent gaining clinical experience in rotating specialties. Students practice patient care in pediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, surgery and the student's chosen specialty.

Residency

Following graduation from medical school, medical doctors required to spend between two and six years (depending on their specialty) as a hospital resident. Residents earn a small salary treating patients under the supervision of an attending physician.

Licensing

After completing a residency in their chosen specialty, medical doctors are required to pass a licensing examination in their specialty in order to become board certified.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons
• Education Portal: Requirements to Be a Doctor in the U.S.
• Student Doc: Medical School Loans