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March 7, 2024
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Becoming a doctor is a path that demands unwavering commitment and dedication. From the rigorous academic requirements to the emotional and physical demands of the job, every step toward this career requires a deep-seated passion for medicine and a strong desire to help others.
But, how do you know if medical school is right for you? In this post, we’ll go through everything you need to consider before choosing this demanding and rewarding career path. We’ll address:
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Becoming a doctor is NOT like Scrubs or Grey’s Anatomy. It's crucial to grasp the realities of this profession, starting with your academic years. The journey to becoming a doctor is extensive, typically spanning 11 to 15 years post-high school, based on your chosen specialty:
This can be extended by one to three years if you wish to pursue further sub-specialization.
Contrary to common belief, a Pre-Med major is not a major itself but a designated track comprising specific courses aimed at preparing students for medical school. While medical schools are generally open to various undergraduate majors, they require the completion of essential prerequisites. These typically include:
Students often opt for majors like biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, which inherently cover these prerequisites. However, it's entirely possible to pursue non-science majors in your premed years and complete the necessary science courses on the side of your bachelor’s degree.
Achieving a high GPA (ideally above 3.40) and securing a competitive MCAT score (minimum 501) are also pivotal for medical school admissions. Beyond academics, it's essential for students to engage in clinical experiences and research activities.
The pre-med journey typically aligns with the four-year undergraduate timeline. However, many students opt for a gap year to enhance their profiles by:
This Pre-Med phase is not just about fulfilling requirements but also about demonstrating a genuine passion for medicine and a deliberate pursuit of relevant experiences that underscore the commitment to becoming a physician. The goal is to craft a compelling narrative that highlights one's dedication, resilience, and readiness for the challenges of medical school.
If you want to learn more about being a pre-med, you can check our exclusive guide with 10 common misbeliefs.
The MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that is required for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada. It assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
The MCAT serves as a consistent benchmark for admissions committees to evaluate all medical school applicants' qualifications and readiness, despite their varied educational backgrounds.
Medical school typically spans four years, divided into two stages: preclinical and clinical education. During these years, you’ll need to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), a series of three rigorous exams that medical students and graduates must pass to become licensed physicians.
In the preclinical stage (years 1 and 2), students dive deep into the foundational sciences of medicine, studying subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. This period is often classroom-based, supplemented by lab work and simulations. Nevertheless, there are institutions where students have exposure to clinical experiences in their first years of medical school, such as UCLA or Harvard. You will take the USMLE Step 1 at the end of your second year.
The latter half of medical school (years 3 and 4) transitions students from theoretical learning to practical, hands-on experience in a clinical setting. During clinical rotations, medical students work in hospitals and clinics, rotating through various specialties such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and obstetrics/gynecology.
This exposure allows them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, interact with patients, and learn from practicing physicians. However, clinical rotations don’t offer the depth for specialty practice—that's what residency is for. They help you explore and identify potential career paths. By the end of your fourth year, you’ll take USMLE Step 2.
Upon completing medical school, graduates earn the title of Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), depending on the medical school's curriculum.
After medical school, graduates enter residency, where they choose a specialty and receive in-depth training. This intense phase ranges from three to seven years, with a competitive matching process that aligns applicant preferences with program needs.
This is a brief overview of how long your residency may last, depending on your chosen field:
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During this time, residents work long hours, balancing patient care, learning, and sometimes research, under the supervision of attending physicians. Many students take USMLE Step 3 after their first year of residency.
A resident’s salary varies depending on various factors, such as geographic location, years of experience, and chosen specialty. On average, a first-year medical resident in the US earns about $56,126 annually, with this figure typically rising to around $63,014 by the fourth year.
In addition to their salary, medical residents receive a range of benefits, though the specifics can vary by program. Common benefits include:
After finishing residency, physicians may choose to further specialize in areas such as cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology, pediatric surgery, or many others. Each fellowship is focused on a distinct niche within a broader specialty.
These programs, typically one to three years in length, are competitive and offer hands-on experience in patient care, research, and teaching. Fellows receive higher stipends than residents and benefit from additional professional development opportunities.
Becoming a doctor involves much more than a passion for science or a desire to help others. It requires a comprehensive set of relevant soft skills that are crucial for effective medical practice. You must possess:
In essence, these soft skills are integral to becoming a competent and caring doctor who can deliver high-quality healthcare.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average cost of attendance for first-year students in the 2023-2024 year was:
Moreover, the average medical school debt is about $200,000 without considering undergraduate studies. Generally, the average time to repay for medical school is estimated at 13 years.
While it's true that the cost of medical education is steep, it's important to note that there are a plethora of financial aid options available to help mitigate these expenses. If you want to learn more about them, you can check out our exclusive guide.
Once you finish your residency or fellowship, your income as a practicing physician significantly increases. According to Forbes, the median yearly salary for a physician is upwards of $208,000. Moreover, doctors in higher-paying specialties see even greater earnings; for instance, anesthesiologists have an average yearly income of $331,190.
Deciding to pursue a career in medicine requires deep introspection and a clear understanding of one's personal and professional goals. As we've explored, the journey to becoming a doctor is arduous and not without its financial and emotional costs. However, the rewards can be substantial, not only in terms of potential earnings but also in the personal fulfillment that comes from a career dedicated to science and helping others.
It all starts with medical school, which is arguably the hardest phase. Crafting a strategic plan is essential for setting yourself on the path to getting into med school, and that's where we come in.
At Premed Catalyst, our goal is to support premed students with a variety of resources and advice to help them get into a great medical school that matches their aspirations. We offer personalized support throughout your journey, from enhancing your application to ensuring you shine amidst the competitive landscape of prospective students. Begin your journey with us today by simply filling out a brief form, and taking that pivotal first step toward donning the white coat!