Path To Becoming A Doctor

Sak Pase!

So, for the readers who know nothing about medical school, I figured I would explain the path to becoming a doctor. By no means is this a complete picture of what it takes. This is just a snapshot.

1) College - you can major in anything as long as you successfully complete your med school pre-requisites. Matter of fact, nowadays med school admission committees are looking for well-rounded applicants so majoring in something other than a science might be something good. You're only in college once (YOICO?), might as well major in something you're passionate about before medical school. At least that's the way my mind sees it.

2) Take the monster standardized exam called the MCAT (tun dun dun). Even though medical schools claim that they do a "holistic" review of every applicant, MOST of them cut you off based on your MCAT score and GPA. They don't initially care about your other attributes, characteristics, extracurriculars or that you won a Nobel Peace Prize.

3) Apply to medical schools through the AMCAS or AACOMAS application systems. AMCAS is for MD programs and AACOMAS is for DO programs. It's honestly a very long and draining process. You need letters of recommendations, official transcripts, you life history, patience, and then more patience.

3a) Make sure you google what kind of doctor you want to be. MD or DO. Google is very helpful.

4) MEDICAL SCHOOL. Usually, 2 years of basic sciences and 2 years of clinical sciences.

5) RESIDENCY. From what I've heard this is the hardest part of your education. Residents can work up to 80 hours or more a week. Ask me how that's possible. You need residency to complete your training as a physician. You get paid as a resident, however not close to what you'll be making as a fully certified and licensed physician.

6) Spread your wings and fly. You're a doctor!

SN: There are multiple board exams you have to take along your path.....The USMLE.....Step 1, 2 and 3 exams.

TTYL!