Many people dream of becoming doctors as they grow up. It is a highly respected field that provides both financial security as well as personal and professional satisfaction. While it is a highly rewarding career, it takes a great deal of commitment, dedication and motivation to complete the long educational and training process.
- Start in high school. Preparation for medical school begins for many in high school. It is important to gain as solid a foundation as possible in math, the sciences and in communication skills. While it is important to maintain a high GPA, don’t forget all the other areas a good physician needs to have a good basis in. Being a doctor requires understanding and listening to people as well. But, being a good doctor also requires a well rounded education, so don’t think that you have to excel at math and science to the exclusion of all other subjects! Take any and all subjects that interest you, work hard and do well in them!
- Consider the accelerated (BS/BA-MD) programs. If you are absolutely certain that you want to become a doctor, there are a number of accelerated programs where you can earn both a bachelor’s degree (a BA or BS) and a medical degree (MD) within seven years of high school graduation. These accelerated programs are tailored for highly motivated and academically gifted high school students who are interested in becoming medical doctors. The first three years are spent on the recommended pre-med curriculum. This is then followed by the required four years of med school. Once the first year of medical school is completed, the student is awarded the bachelor’s degree. The medical doctorate is conferred upon the student after completing all the requirements for medical school. There are a number of schools that have these accelerated programs, but keep in mind that they are very intensive and highly competitive. But, if you have the dedication and abilities, these programs can put you on the “fast track” to your medical career.
- College is a must. For those who do not choose the accelerated program, completion of a four-year degree at a college or university is the next step out of high school. You can either complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. College students pursuing medicine are required to take a number of science and math courses. The science requirements include classes in biology, physics, organic and inorganic chemistry. Classes in English, humanities and the different social sciences are also important. Find a school with a strong pre-med curriculum or go to a college or university that also has a medical school so that you can more fully explore if the medical profession is right for you. Work or volunteer at a local hospital, nursing home or health care facility to learn about medicine “from the ground floor”! These experiences will not only allow you to determine if medicine is the right choice for you, but will also improve your application to medical school. The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) has information about the medical school admission process. There is no doubt that admission to medical school is a competitive process—you will definitely need to maintain a good, strong GPA, likely a 3.5 or higher. Remember though, that medical school admissions committees are also looking for people with a passion for healing and a passion for people. Include in your application the volunteer experiences you have had as well as the work and life experiences you have had. Strengthen your background in those areas and maintain your interests outside of your coursework—the trend in medical school admissions has been to look at a medical school application in a holistic way—and looking for that well-rounded and mature individual who can complete the medical school program.
- Take the MCAT. As part of the medical school application process, you need to take and pass the Medical School Admissions Test or MCAT. You may want to consider taking a special course designed to help you do well on the MCATs and take practice exams.
- Enroll in medical school. Four years are spent in medical school. Biomedical courses such as gross anatomy, physiology, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and pathology are the focus of the first two years. You will take “Step 1” of the United States Medical Licensing Examination after completing the first two years of study. The second two years are spent in both the classroom and in the clinic or hospital, doing 6-8 week rotations through areas such as gastroenterology, pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology and surgery. You will be observed and graded each step of the way, getting more and more patient responsibilities as you proceed through the program. Usually during the fourth year, you can take elective courses related to your chosen area of specialization.
- Get licensed. The USMLE, or United States Medical Licensing Examination must be passed by all medical students. The National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) and Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) both sponsor the USMLE. Step 1 of the test covers all the material taken in the first two years. Step 2 is administered to fourth year med students in order to test their clinical knowledge. With the first two “Steps” passed, the medical student can be licensed and Steps 1 and 2 must be taken before the third (Step 3) exam is administered. Step 3 is generally taken during the first or second year of residency.
- Residency training. The next 2–8 years are spent as a resident. The number of years spent in residency training will depend on the area of medical specialty that you choose. As a resident, you are now eligible for a salary.
- Board certification. Once you have completed medical school, the 3-step USMLE testing and your residency, you will take a board certification exam in your chosen specialty. In most specialties, you will need to take this exam every 10 years or so, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up-to-date.
- Salary and job growth. We will always need physicians and the population is aging, so it is not surprising that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 24% growth in the need for doctors and surgeons. The median salary in 2010 was $166,400 for medical doctor jobs. This is after many years of study and long hours in the clinic or hospital, but most doctors would go still go through the process—it is a rewarding and challenging career and while vacation time is appreciated, most doctors are glad to do what they do!
Becoming a medical doctor takes commitment, dedication, perseverance, passion and compassion. It is a long road that can only be completed by those who not only have the financial resources but also the intelligence and the heart to become doctors. For those who finally get their medical degrees, the ability to help their fellow humans is priceless.