The Path to Becoming a Medical Doctor
by Sophia S.
The path to becoming a medical doctor is a rigorous yet rewarding journey, involving multiple steps of training.
It begins in college and continues through medical school, residency, and possibly fellowship, ultimately leading to a career as a practicing physician. How does a student become a doctor?
College
Students interested in a career in medicine are encouraged to pursue any college major they are passionate about. However, certain pre-medical coursework is required, including biology, chemistry, physics, English, and mathematics.
To apply to medical school, students must also take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), typically during their junior or senior year of college, or after graduation, and gather letters of recommendation. Gaining experience in clinical work, research, and volunteering during college is also highly recommended to strengthen both their understanding of medicine and their medical school applications.
Medical School
Once students enter medical school, they are exposed to a wide range of coursework in biology, learning about each organ system, its anatomy, and the diseases that affect these systems.
Medical school typically lasts four years, with the first 1-2 years dedicated to pre-clinical coursework and foundational biology, as well as training in how to interact with patients, conduct physical exams, and communicate effectively.
During the remainder of medical school, students gain clinical experience by rotating through various specialties in the hospital and clinic, such as internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, OB-GYN, and neurology. Students also take multiple board examinations, known as the USMLE Steps. By their fourth year, students choose a specialty and apply to residency programs in that field.
Residency
During residency, trainees are paid and gain hands-on experience working in clinical, surgical, or hospital settings in their chosen specialty. They receive supervised training from attending physicians and work toward becoming board-certified physicians at the end of residency.
After residency, trainees can practice independently, but can also further specialize in their field by pursuing a fellowship. For example, someone who has completed internal medicine residency can pursue a fellowship in cardiovascular disease or gastroenterology.
Being able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others as a physician is incredibly rewarding, and though the path can be challenging, this training is essential for ensuring that
patients receive the best possible care
