Pathway to Become a Doctor
Although there are over half a million doctors in the United States, the path to becoming a doctor takes time, perseverance and hard work. Not only must doctors complete undergraduate pre-medical studies and medical school, but they must also finish at least three years of residency training. Some doctors spend over ten years training.
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Undergraduate Studies
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People who want to attend medical school must graduate from an accredited college and complete a pre-medical studies program. According to Georgetown University, the pre-medical studies program must include at least a year of General Chemistry with lab, a year of Organic Chemistry with lab, a year of Physics with lab, a semester of Mathematics (preferably calculus or statistics) and a year of Biology with lab. Medical schools also want see coursework in English composition as well as advanced Biology, such as Genetics, Immunology and Anatomy. Students should strive for at least a 3.0 GPA.
Applying to Medical School
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Although most students apply to medical school during the fall semester of senior year, recent college graduates can also apply. All medical schools require MCAT scores, and the MCAT is a 4.5-hour examination, which tests physical science and biology knowledge as well as writing and reading skills. When applying to medical schools, students must submit official transcripts, personal statements, applications and letters of recommendation. If a medical school is interested in a student, an admissions officer will request an on-campus interview.
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Medical School
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Once admitted to the medical school of her choice, the student must take more advanced coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology and Anatomy. Typical first-year medical courses include Histology, Neuroanatomy and Embryology. As students progress, they must also take clinical as well as laboratory coursework. Many medical schools encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as research, community service and fellowships.
Residency
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After graduating from medical school, students must train at a hospital as a medical resident for at least three years (see reference 3). The first year of medical residency is called the medical internship, and most medical interns report feelings of stress due to long workdays and high workloads. In fact, some medical interns work up to 14 hours per day. After successfully completing the first year, medical interns are promoted to residents.
Specialization
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Although residents become eligible for medical licenses after the third year, some decide to specialize in a branch of medicine, such as oncology, dermatology, neurology, cardiology, etc. To specialize, residents must apply and gain admission to a fellowship training program at a hospital. Afterward, they must apply for certification and pass a written exam in their specialty.
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References
- Photo Credit doctor image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
