hi Dr. Anton, thanks for answering my question. even though my college gpa was a 2.73 do you think that i still have a chance to bring it up, because i do i years to go and i know that medical school is very competitive and that they would require at least a 3.5 or above. do i still have a chance to bring that up? also when i begin i major in psychology, now when i changed schools, they told me that was the wrong major, so they suggested i change to biology, is that correct?

Jazzalina

Hi JZZ
I sincerely believe that you can.
No - you can major in a wide variety of subjects with you B degree including psychology - you just need to cover the following in preparation for your MCAT:
1. "Freshman" chemistry along with the appropriate laboratory courses
2. Organic chemistry along with laboratory courses
3. Biology along with laboratory courses
4. Physics along with laboratory courses
5. English
6. Calculus including advanced math classes and statistics

Dr Anton

I thank u Dr. Anton

Angel

Angel
You're welcome - all of the best!

Dr Anton

I AM 49 YEARS OF AGE. CAN I STILL BECOME A DOCTOR?
I AM A QUALIFIED NURSING SISTER...BUT WAS MOST OF THE TIME HOUSEWIFE AND MOTHER.
FOR THE RIRST PART OF MY LIFE I HAVE RAISED OUR KIDS, ETC.
FOR THE SECOND PART OF MY LIFE...I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR...TO HELP PEOPLE, TO GO ON MINISTRY OUTREACHES AND TO SEE MORE PLACES...AND MAYBE TO HAVE MORE MONEY...

DALEEN

Hi Daleen
The short answer is "no".
Medical schools very rarely take candidates over the age of 40 - without offering a list of reasons, this is the reality. So the answer is it is possible in theory - but in practice very unlikely.
But then very few things in life are impossible - so why not go for it - one step at a time...

Dr Anton

would the foundation be good for a wannabie e.r. doc

wannabie doc

The foundation course covers the basic principles of a medical examination as well as the 11 systems of the human body. So yes it would be good.

Dr Anton

what would make a good doc bag

wannabie doc

A lot of the answers to your questions are in my letters - have a look at this one:
CLICK HERE

Dr Anton

how do you get a certificate do you hve to get it singed by a doc. or do you ship it to me after ive compleated the corse or does it come singed but void until corse campleation?

wannabie doc

If you do it online - Solid Rock Virtual School will issue the certificate and credits.
CLICK HERE
If you buy the kit and CD-ROM, we suggest that you get it signed by your biology teacher. (Or I can mail one to you after an online test).

Dr Anton

what is the difrence between boy and girl scrubs?

wannabie doc

They are pretty much the same - some scrubs are color and theme wise designed more for the female gender.

Dr Anton

Hello Doctor,

Can you provide me the details about medical imaging specialist who works in the radiology department and prospects of medical imaging specialist? How can I get into that field? what would be the fees?

Angel

Hi Angel
Regretfully I have preciously little knowledge nor information in that field.

Dr Anton

what is a pen light examination torch/otoscope ?

wannabie doc

It is an examination light - to look into the throat for instance (a clip takes a tongue depressor) - add an attachment and it becomes an instrument for looking into the ear.

Dr Anton

hi, i am in my second year of college, but my freshman year wasn't very good my gpa was a 2.73, but the reason why, was because i was so confused and new to everything, i was placed in the wrong class which set me back, and another class, where i had to order my book and it came back 3 weeks late, that also set me back, i really want to become a psychiatrist, and i am willin to work very hard at it, do medical school look at your freshman college year,and did you struggle while you were in schoo

Jazzalina

Hi Jazzalina
Medical schools tend to look at the complete picture.
Academics from Gr. 12, the 4 years of your B. degree, the MCAT (weighs a lot!) and you hospital volunteer work cultural and leadership issues etc.

Dr Anton

Thank you!

Eee Z

You're welcome!

Dr Anton

Hi Doctor Anton is there a way that I can find a program like the apprentice doctor at a local hospital or possibly at Stanford Medical center because I live near stanford. Or can I find another online course like the apprentice doctor only cheaper? Thanks for all your help!

Fadi Khoury

Not that I am aware of.

Dr Anton

Dr.Anton,
Thanks for the response. I am married and mother of 1 child, currently residing in USA. I am on dependent visa and I have study permit. Can I get loan to pursue medicine in USA? What would be the total fees from scratch? Can I just take up MCAT directly since I have Bachelors degree of 4 years in Medical Electronics or is it mandatory that I should do Bachelors in USA before taking MCAT exam? Please provide me with all the details. Thanks

Angel

I don't see a problem with applying for a study loan.
I would guestimate that med school will be the best part of $80 000 plus.
Did you study in the USA? The question is if your qualification is recognized by the US authorities.
The "pre-med" classes required by virtually all schools in the US are as follows (You need this to pass the MCAT):
1. "Freshman" chemistry along with the appropriate laboratory courses
2. Organic chemistry along with laboratory courses
3. Biology along with laboratory courses
4. Physics along with laboratory courses
5. English
6. Calculus including advanced math classes and statistics

Dr Anton

Hi Doctor
I am from India, & I always aspired to become a doctor, but due to financial problems,I could not pursue in the medical field. I took up engineering in Medical Electronics & completed it in 2005. i am 25 years old, my heart says I have to be a doctor, which was my childhood dream.Can I pursue medicine now? What are the programs that I need to study before entering into the medical school & what is the process in USA & what would be the fees?Can I get any financial assistance?He

Angel

Yes, 25 is young enough to pursue medicine.
It varies from country to country - in the USA you will need a dedicated 4 year B degree with courses to cover the MCAT exam.
Regarding financial assisitance
You are looking in the region of $20 000 a year.
The unfortunate reality is that multiple millions of students want to study in the USA but there is preciously scanty financial aid available from USA sources for international students (especially in the current economic climate). The principle of "charity stars at home" is also applied in the USA (as is the case in most other countries in the world) - thus international student scholarships are very hard to find. Most international students in the USA rely exclusively on themselves and their relatives for funding. For financial aid for international student bursaries/scholarship for an American education, the best place for you to look would be within your own country. There could be international student scholarships and international student loans available for study abroad from your own government, or from local banks/ business/ organizations/ foundations in your country. You may also consider requesting aid form the United Nations or other humanitarian organizations. Kindly note that the Apprentice Corporation is not affiliated with any of these organizations. For information regarding a student VISA kindly contact the USA Consulate in your country. Trust it helps!

Dr Anton

wat stuff comes in the fondation kit

wannabie doc

The Apprentice Doctor Standard Kit contains:
One interactive CD-ROM
A stethoscope
A penlight examination torch (convertable into an otoscope)
A digital thermometer
An eye test chart
A medical file
Various other medical charts
Surgical marker pen and ruler
Tongue depressors
A pair of examination gloves
Antiseptic swabs
Face masks

Dr Anton

wat does a wannbie doc need to get started plzzzzz reply

wannabie doc

Wannabe doc needs an Apprentice Doctor Kit - specially designed for wannabe doctors to keep them occupied for hours during the summer break!
CLICK HERE

Dr Anton

Dear doctor;
Doctor , is only surgeon can carry out surgeries??And is postmortems are carried out by surgeons only? Finaly what is forensic and what is the main thing these people do????thank you.

supun

There is a number of surgical disciplines - e.g. General surgeon, neurosurgeon etc. General practitioners do a fair amount of minor surgeries.
Post mortem - anatomical or forensic pathologist.
Forensic pathologist assists the crime scene investigators regarding the cause of death or injury to victims of crime and violence.

Dr Anton

Right now I also read some Journals of Medicine/etc (3 scientific articles/day) since 3 months ago & take a few notes abt the articles/day. I mostly read: The New England Jouornal of Medicine, Smithsonian, & National Geo. Do u have any ideas abt what other journals are cool 2 read abt the Thoracic field. Bcuz only NE Jour mostly has related articles. Can u name a few (specific ones) if available plz that I might b able 2 check out from public or school library? No $ 2 buy. Thanks!

Eee Z

My opinion:
Good choices of reading material.
At this point in time you should focus on the MCAT - physics, chemistry and calculus as well as English...
If time allows read medical journals - so become a doctor first - you will get plenty of time to study numerous Cardio-thoracic journals at that stage of your life.
Talk to a career guidance expert at a university to verify that you BA degree will count as part of your 4 year premedical school degree.

Dr Anton

Hi Doc,

I came 2 US 10 years ago & learned Eng since then (knew 100 words b4 entering US). During past 10 years I finished senior year in HS & got a BA in Psych & going back 2 school 2 get an AS in Bio so I can go to Med school. My BA GPA is very low 3.0, but I really love Thoracic Surgery. Current GPA for AS in Bio is 4.0. I dont want to go to top schools (bcuz I know I wont get in) but are there any chances 4 me to get into a med school in CA? What are the odds 4 me? Now 26 yrs old. Tha

Eee Z

Have you done your MCAT unversisty course material yet?
Your key to entrance excellent results in your MCAT - pleae have a look at the MCAT website...
CLICK HERE

Dr Anton

how long u have to study in the medical school, if u already dne Biomedical science quailification.

fa

Four years med school plus a year of internship.

Dr Anton

thanks so much Dr. Anton. i want to know whether a course in sonography can also make u a medical doctor? if yes, how can this be achieved?

maestro

Maestro
No - becoming a sonographer is a dedicated course - like nursing - and very different from the studies required to become a doctor

Dr Anton

i have recently finished sixth form college in the uk, and am interested in becoming a doctor, my A-level grades are looking to be A,B,C, is this enough to get on a medicine degree, and is there anything that could help me if it is now?

daryl

Hi Daryl - you are doing well indeed.
The competitiveness in becoming a doctor makes that most successful applicants have almost exclusively A's and A*,s and maybe one B...

Dr Anton

hi, doctor i live in Malta and have jsut recieved my a-level results (i have biology, chemistry and physics) and i got very good grades and i have managed to get the medecine course requirements for my country. But i'm not sure if i wan to become i doctor. I definately dont want to become a surgeon, i'm very interested in chemistry and about nutrition ... the chemistry of nutrition. I'm also very interested in health. Do you have any advice

floyd

Hi Floyd
Why not go for dietician - in most countries the dietician is a respected part of the medical team in a hospital - and the remuneration is usually good. Do not try to become a doctor if you are unsure.

Dr Anton

what is the minimum wage a pediatric surgeon can get in south africa? and were can one get an application form for a job in this industry?

thanks

milimo

A pediatrician is a specialist doctor - so apply at one of the medical universities in South Africa.
Pediatricians do well and may get R500 000 - R750 000 a year in private practice

Dr Anton

Hallow Dr Anton.I just matriculated and would like to study medicine in the USA.Im from Africa may you help me please

Hilja

Hi Hija
The unfortunate reality is that multiple millions of students want to study in the USA but there is preciously scanty financial aid available from USA sources for international students (especially in the current economic climate). The principle of "charity stars at home" is also applied in the USA (as is the case in most other countries in the world) - thus international student scholarships are very hard to find. Most international students in the USA rely exclusively on themselves and their relatives for funding. For financial aid for international student bursaries/scholarship for an American education, the best place for you to look would be within your own country. There could be international student scholarships and international student loans available for study abroad from your own government, or from local banks/ business/ organizations/ foundations in your country. You may also consider requesting aid form the United Nations or other humanitarian organizations. Kindly note that the Apprentice Corporation is not affiliated with any of these organizations. For information regarding a student VISA kindly contact the USA Consulate in your country. Trust it helps!

Dr Anton

Hello again Dr. Anton cn you give some of the names of good medical schools in Pennsylvania and California and can you tell me which state would be better for me to study in.

Fadi Khoury

Both states do have great medical schools - but the 2008 top med schools in the USA were:
1. Johns Hopkins University
2. Harvard University
3. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
4. University of Washington
5. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
6. Columbia University (NY)
7. University of California-Berkeley
8. University of California-Los Angeles
9. Emory University (GA)
10. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
11. University of Pittsburgh
12. University of Texas-Houston Health Sciences Center 13. Boston University
14. Yale University (CT)
15. University of Alabama-Birmingham
16. Tulane University (LA)
17. University of Illinois-Chicago
18. St. Louis University
19. University of Iowa
20. University of Massachusetts-Amherst
21. University of South Carolina

Dr Anton

Dr. Anton, i have completed high school(u asked me of my present status).but i want to know some of the study methods u used while in med school.
some sites tend to 'scare' prospective medical students with some attitudes the have to show before they can qualify for medical school, what do we actually need to be md's in future?

maestro

University and medical school has its own way of reinforcing the information that you need to study e.g. you learn some anatomy - and see it practically when doing your cadaver dissections in the dissection hall later in the day - and then it really sticks - of course you have to revise, repeat etc. but it tends to stay in your memory banks!
No reason to scare people - it is competitive enough as it is! The main trait that you need is utter dedication to your studies - and later on to your patients.

Dr Anton

hey doc i want to recieve more general information about the field of medicine from you doc

oclaerke

Well have a look at the letters about becoming a doctor:
Become a Doctor
Become a Doctor in the USA
All of the best!

Dr Anton

hi doc
what tasks, responsibilities and skills are required when starting out and in the future for a doctor?also what license or professionai registrationis required?

milimo

Hi Milimo
Most of the answers to your questions is on this letter:
Become a Doctor
Medical board certification as required - governed by the specific state or country...

Dr Anton

hey doc,
how long will it take 2 be a neurosurgeons and cardiac surgeons.

polok

Four years B degree, 4 years medical school and 6-7 years of residency - for both these disciplines - ads up to 14 years...

Dr Anton

greetings Doc,

the site isn,t workin ok

polok

Hi Polok - can you be more specific?
Please let me know via the "Contact us page" - I would consider a complimentary gift for information that may improve this site...

Dr Anton

I currently have a BS in nursing how can a person transition into becoming a physician, and what can be done if you do not make all A`s in your science/bio/chem classes. do you suggest retaking the classes???

diaspora

Hi Diaspora
In theory there shouldn't be any problems - but you will have to work out the specifics with the career guidance section of your university/college.
You will have to complete your BS nursing degree. There are specific requirements re maths, physics, science and English for the MCAT - SEE:
Become a Doctor in the USA

Dr Anton

How many years of college does it take to become a pediatrician?

SummerD

11 - 4+4+3.
See:
Become a Doctor
Become a Doctor in the USA
Become a Doctor

Become a Pediatrician

Dr Anton

what should u do in university if u wnt 2 become a doctor. if u do Biomedical Science can u still become a doctor

fa

Hi Fa
Yes Biomedical science is a great basis for studying medicine! When you are qualified, apply to a medical school of your choice

Dr Anton

hi this question is 4 ma cousinand she wnt 2 become doctor. she done her a level now she planning 2 go university,she appiled in coventry university, is that university ok 4 her. she apply 4 bsc hoour degree

fa

Already answered - scroll down...

Dr Anton

please sir,
i am ohene from ghana, africa.i want to become and expert in heart surgery. can we be friends so that we can share ideas and learn from your abundant experience.
danyohene@yahoo.com

daniel ohene

Of course - keep in touch!

Dr Anton

Hi Dr. Anton!
I'm currently studying maths, chemistry, physics as A-levels. I want to become a doctor, can you please tell me what I can do to compensate for not taking biology as an A-level? Is an A in biology at GCE essential to become a doctor?

cammy

Hi Cammy

Believe me or not - biology isn't that important! Compensate by excelling in the maths, physics and chemistry. The over-all picture is much more important than the individual subjects - so the answer on the last question is "no" but of course it does look great as part of a list of A's and A*'s

Dr Anton

hi doc how are you? am asking for a list of all the pre-med courses in califonia. please thank you for all you help.

orette

Premed courses are offered by the following universities:
AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY Azusa
MOUNT ST MARY'S COLLEGE Los Angeles
SCRIPPS COLLEGE Claremont
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY Berkeley
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-DAVIS Davis
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco
At high school level Solid Rock Virtual school offers a premed online course:
Click Here

Dr Anton

wht are the steps i should take to become a doctar for example what subjects i need

Inomasa Rukoro

I have written letters containing most of the information you are looking for...
Become a Doctor

Become a Doctor in the USA

Dr Anton

how many years do i need to become a doctor.

Inomasa Rukoro

In which country do you live?
USA - 11 YEARS

Dr Anton

dear doctor:
What is the differance between a doctor (person who only got MBBS) , a surgeon and a specialist????
Doctor in a surgery we see many people are arround the patient.Is this all people are Doctors?????
thank you.

supun

Doctor: A person who has qualified from medical school and has done internship for a year.
Surgeon: A doctor who has specialized in surgery by doing a 5 year residency at a medical school
Specialist: A doctor who has had specialized training an one of the branches of medicine like radiology for instance.
Theaters have registered nurses, a surgeon, an assistant as well as an anesthetist for instance.

Dr Anton

hi doc i am polok , i want to be cardiac specialist and i am completing my IGCSEs from Bangladesh . Can you kindly give some advice about the medical colleges and universities in london for 2010

polok

Hi Polok
I have found this site of great value:
Click Here

Dr Anton

hi this question is 4 ma cousin. she done her a level now she planning 2 go university,she appiled in coventry university, is that university ok 4 her. she apply 4 bsc hoour degree.

fa

With the limited infromation supplied - I would say yes - it's fine.

Dr Anton

hi doctor.i nt 2 become doctor but im new in this country i mean in england. ma a level course is starting in september. im nt sure wt 2 pick. can u help m. i chosen Biology, chemistry, health nd social care.. wt u think abt tht option. is tht right 4 me.plz help m thanks
farhat, england

fa

Looks good to me - although I am missing maths and physics on your list.

Dr Anton

am living in los angeles am i need to find a university who will accept me with a 2.88 gpa please assist me doc.

oclaerke

May I refer you to this medical forum for the relevant information - I am sure you will get an expert answer here:
Click Here

Dr Anton

is it so important that you know most diseases and their causes before entering into medical school........what should i do while waiting for acceptance letter into medical school?

maestro

No Maestro - you will learn about all the different diseases IN MEDICAL SCHOOL.
What is your present status - are you in high school or already in pre-medical studies in university?

Dr Anton

what kind of liquid from the injection needle do you inject the person with before you start stitching.

Tajera Henry

Local anesthetic - it numbs the area so one can suture without the patient experiencing pain.

Dr Anton

show me inside the belly

Tajera Henry

Click Here

Dr Anton

show me some cxc past peper

Tajera Henry

Click Here
http://www.cxcpastpapers.com/

Dr Anton

Dear Dr Anton
I find this site so helpful. its given me hope. i am 30 going on 31. a single mom of two. running my own catering company. i have always desired to be a doctor. in fact my heart aches about it. no matter what career i get into, i keep coming back to it. Thus, i have finally decided to seriously pursue it. I am 13 years out of school and did only business subjects and a marketing diploma post matric. if i were to do a Bsc, would i be able to advance to 4th yr medicine. South A

Dr to be

Hi Dr to be
Yes you will need a BSc before applying for a place in medical school. Please check one or two med school's for selection criteria - I do find a lot of excellent young applicant telling me how difficult it is to get accepted in S.A. due various quotas enforced by the authorities.
No - you may be able to short circuit the system by one or two years depending on your BSc subjects (e.g. anatomy and physiology) but not for more years. The basic subjects like pathology etc. are too important to simply skip and then start at 4th year (clinical level). The administrative section of medical schools will be able assist you with more specific information. I simply do not have all the detais at hand.

Dr Anton