There are many reasons why someone might want to become a medical doctor. Perhaps the sciences have always fascinated you, or you have always wanted to help people, or you have seen hospital TV shows and it looks like fun. Or, maybe, you wish to become a doctor for the money and prestige. None of these are bad reasons to become a doctor, but the process is not easy and takes a long time. Make sure you are ready for this before making up your mind on a future career.
The first step to becoming a doctor is obtaining an undergraduate degree. Although most medical schools only actually require 90 undergraduate credits, it is rare that students are accepted without an undergraduate degree. When obtaining this degree, there are certain required courses you will need to take. Some schools offer a pre-med track or degree, which will ensure that you take all of the courses necessary for admission. Although any undergraduate major is acceptable, most MD's have a degree in biology or biochemistry. While in undergraduate, the student should take the MCAT test as well. Once he has taken that and the required courses, he is ready to apply for medical school.
Although every medical school is slightly different, in general, the first year (M1), is spent learning about terminology, basic biology and basic medical sciences. You will learn anatomy, bone structure, cell structure, disease theory and much more. This year will involve intense memorization skills. At the end of this year, an exam is taken. Failure of this exam may expel you from medical school.
The second year often involves more practical work, where you apply the theory learned in year one. Often, students will have the opportunity to work on cadavers in this year. They will also learn about specific diseases and ailments. Another necessary exam is taken this year.
The third and fourth year are spent in clinical rotations. In these years, the student will spend several weeks at a time in various medical specialties, from emergency medicine to obstetrics to psychiatric. This gives the medical student exposure to different medicines and allows them to better select what their specialty will be in the future.
After medical school is done, you are not yet ready to practice medicine! Now, you will have to serve a residency. This is a three to five year internship in the specialty of your choice. This will allow you to learn the ins and outs of your specialty.
The first step to becoming a doctor is obtaining an undergraduate degree. Although most medical schools only actually require 90 undergraduate credits, it is rare that students are accepted without an undergraduate degree. When obtaining this degree, there are certain required courses you will need to take. Some schools offer a pre-med track or degree, which will ensure that you take all of the courses necessary for admission. Although any undergraduate major is acceptable, most MD's have a degree in biology or biochemistry. While in undergraduate, the student should take the MCAT test as well. Once he has taken that and the required courses, he is ready to apply for medical school.
Although every medical school is slightly different, in general, the first year (M1), is spent learning about terminology, basic biology and basic medical sciences. You will learn anatomy, bone structure, cell structure, disease theory and much more. This year will involve intense memorization skills. At the end of this year, an exam is taken. Failure of this exam may expel you from medical school.
The second year often involves more practical work, where you apply the theory learned in year one. Often, students will have the opportunity to work on cadavers in this year. They will also learn about specific diseases and ailments. Another necessary exam is taken this year.
The third and fourth year are spent in clinical rotations. In these years, the student will spend several weeks at a time in various medical specialties, from emergency medicine to obstetrics to psychiatric. This gives the medical student exposure to different medicines and allows them to better select what their specialty will be in the future.
After medical school is done, you are not yet ready to practice medicine! Now, you will have to serve a residency. This is a three to five year internship in the specialty of your choice. This will allow you to learn the ins and outs of your specialty.
