I am a Junior in highschool and I want to study to become a nurse, I wanted to know what are the classes I need to take before I go to college.

Jamilah

I don't get too many questions on nursing - so if someone has more information please add your wisdom...
It seems like if you want to for the 4 year B nursing degree (BSN) you will need English, Biology as well as maths and science (highly recommended).
Ask the question on this medical forum
Click Here

Dr Anton

hi doctor my name is orette and am from the caribbean i migrated here in april of this year, i've always want to be a doctor however i got my diploma evaluated and my gpa is 2.88 to my surprise as a result of this i dont know which university accept this so therefore am asking you for your help to find a university with pre-med course in los angeles california. thank you doc for all your support.

orette

Hi Orette
May I refer you to this medical forum for the relevant information - it is a forum and I am sure you will get a great answer here:
Click Here

Dr Anton

Hi Dr. Anton I'm currently 15 years old and I am highly interested in becoming a Medical Doctor is the apprentice doctor program right for me because Im trying to do eveything from my part to get accepted into medical school.

Fadi Khoury

Hi Fadi
You can do the program in two ways - online (and get high school science credits) See: Click Here
Or order your course on CD-ROM and get the kit, work your way through the course in your own time and then get your certificate signed by your biology teacher. It does look good as part of your resume when applying to medical school.
Click Here

Dr Anton

I am 100% sure I want to study Medicine, but Im pretty sure that I wouldn't get accepted when I leave school as I doubt I'll get 4 A's (I live in Edinburgh, Scotland).
If I study a science based course at undergraduate, such as Biomedical Science, or Human Biology, then apply for Med School as a Post Grad, is there just as good a chance of me getting in as there would have been if i had got straight A's in Highschool?

Thanks for all your commitment to this site!

Rebecca

Rebecca
You do have a very good chance of getting into medical school with a BSc Hons degree - especially if you excel academically!

Dr Anton

I RECENTLY CAME FROM INDIA AS PR OF CANADA DOING MY 12 TH GRADE IN NON MED(MATHS CHEM PHYS ENG) AND PLS GUIDE ME HW TO BECOME A DOCTOR IN CANADA AND IS THERE ANY CO OP OR MEANS TO EARN WHILE STUDNG IN A MEDICAL SCHOOL

ABHISHEK

Complete an undergraduate (Science major) degree. Not all Canadian medical schools require a science undergraduate degree. A science degree will facilitate your medical school studies significantly.
Apply to the medical school that you want to attend) some schools will require that you take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
Medical school takes a great amount of dedication - thus very unlikely to combine studies with part time work.

Dr Anton

how the fainted person get up after a while

doctor fahd

Patient falls down and the brain gets more blood due to gravity...

Dr Anton

And one more question please can you breifly describe the process by which Micheal Jackson(R.I.P.) became white and gave birth to white children i mean the process might help those who have the tree man and the snake child.
i was wondering
thank you

Raneem

The late Micheal Jackson suffered form a skin condition called Vitilligo - a skin disease where the pigment cells in your skin die over a period of time, resulting in patches of white depigmentation. He apparently received medical treatment in the form of systemic medication and a topical bleach to even out the depigmented areas.
Micheal Jackson's (ex)wife Debbie Rowe is a fair skinned blond woman - thus the light skinned children.

Dr Anton

Hello Dr. i am quite sure you've heard of the tree man and the snake child i mean those who are covered by hair like leaves and skin like that of the snake,i was wondering if a normal human gene could be inserted into their DNA as to make a recombinant DNA that replicates and kind of slowly increase in number as to slowly let their body become back to normal,is that possible or isnt there any possible cure for them.

Raneem

Raneem
The challenge is really to insert the correct DNA into each of the patient's billions and billions of cells - A lot of research going into it but it is not feasible yet. Viruses may be used as a carrier od sections of DNA into the cells.

Dr Anton

Dear Doctor..
I am about to take a Pre-medical foundation course in UK.Doctor will I be able to do MBBS after completing this course?? and doctor what is the differance between BIOMEDICAL and PRE-MEDICAL course and which course leads directly to MBBS ???.thank you.

supun

Premedical - academic activities in preparation of applying or entering medical school
Biomedical - relating to the activities and applications of science to clinical medicine
To enter medicine in the UK - you have to have excelled in A-levels and have written the UKCAT or equivalent medical school entrance exam.
Alternatively you can first do an honors science degree, and then apply for a place in medical school.
The Apprentice Doctor Foundation Course as a great way to whet your appetite - but it is not accredited in the UK. In the USA high school students can earn science credits by doing this course.

Dr Anton

how the person faints when someone hit on his head or when he fall down or when he become very happy.

doctor fahd

Fainting is usually precipitated by strong emotions like fear or by standing still in the upright position for an extended period of time - it is the brains way to say "I need more Oxygen!" It should not be confused with unconsciousness due to trauma - e.g. after an assault. This happens due to concussion, contusion or other forms of brain injury.

Dr Anton

Dr Anton
In the future I plan to become an Oncologist, so what should my undergrad degree be in?

smd

If you are aiming at becoming a radiation oncologist - I would favor physics - but your choice on subject to major in isn't really that important.

Dr Anton

dear doctor..
how do the doctors remeber the names of so many drugs??? is there is a special way??

supun

Pharmacology categorizes drugs into various categories, and often the drugs are named after the class of drug. E.g. Antibiotics - penicillin - amoxicillin - drug name "Amoxil". Of course it does take a lot of memorizing as well!

Dr Anton

hi Dr Anton
i am 13yrs old and in year 8 in Australia
i really want to become a surgeon.do you have any ideas what i can do now to become a surgeon when i get older.

steph

Hi Steph
Have a look at these letters:
Become a Doctor
Become a Surgeon
Consider doing one of these practicial course - you can do them at you grade level:
Apprentice Doctor Medical Examination Kit
Apprentice Doctor Suture Kit

Dr Anton

Or Am I too old to start at 30?

Quiana

You have to make you own decision here - in the USA you will be 41 before you are qualified and board certified...

Dr Anton

Hi Dr.Anton

After years of putting it off I've decided to follow my dream of becoming a doctor. However, I'm a bit nervous of my choice. I'm confident its what I want but others aren't very encouraging when I talk to them about it. I'm 30 years old and I work fulltime I've been taking undergrad classes for a year now, but they are geared toward a Liberal Arts degree. I realize I will need to start over. I realize the hard work and dedication, but am I making a bad choice to follow my hear

Quiana

If you want to realize your dreams of becoming a doctor, you will really have to make decisive choices and follow them with utter dedication! See my letters:
Become a Doctor
Become a Doctor in the USA

Dr Anton

Hello Dr Anton,Iwanted to thank u 4 ur tremendous efforts with us and has a question,my cousin is a 23 year old guy who smokes since 10 years ago and now he is having electrification in his heart i heard is there any advice i can give him like to stop smoking or to excercise... i was wondering if u can help.
thank you again.

Raneem

Thx Raneen
Yes he must stop smoking straight away!
Any addictive habit like smoking is very hard to handle - especially for friends and family. The desire to stop MUST come from the person himself! It requires a lot of will power - and that must come from the person's own mind. Once the decision has been made - it becomes easier - be supportive and encouraging. Your family doctor can assist with tablets e.g. "Zyban" - but it is only a crutch, and won’t work on its own without the person's own efforts. It is difficult.
From an ex-smoker - stopped by the grace of God!

Dr Anton

Hi Dr. Anton! First and foremost, I would like to thank you for creating this site. It has really helped me in finding my place trying to be a medical professional in the near future.

I was wondering what you would say to a person wanting to be a pediatrician... Any advice or words of wisdom?

Babysitter.

Babysitter

Hi Babysitter - I have written a letter that should offer you some insight and hopefully some wisdom! See: Become a Pediatrician If you are passionate about children especially sick children and babies - go for it, give it your all!

Dr Anton

Doc can you tell me a little about what doctors mainly do

cindy

Cindy
Doctors (general practitioners) consult sick patients - the treat some of those patients with medication or minor surgery. They also refer patients with challenging conditions for further treatment to specialists.

Dr Anton

Hi doc,

its me again, like i said i live in the u.s, and i just found out about "match day" in medical school. Where you are matched with what your residency will be, do you have to participate in it?
Thanks again, Kamryn

Kamryn

In your final year at medical school - you have to choose between all the different types of doctors that you would like to become e.g. pediatrician, anesthetist, surgeon etc. The match process is designed to try and get students accommodated with their first choice as far as possible - of course there are always a couple of students that need to be happy with their 2nd choice... or they may choose to go into a general year and try to get their first choice in the next year. Academic results in your various final year subjects play an important role in this process.

Dr Anton

Hi Dr. Anton,
I live in the US and I was wondering, what is the difference between internship and residency?
Thanks,
Kamryn

Kamryn

Kamryn
Internship is the first year of residency. Residency is the period of training (emphasis on gaining practical skills) after completing your 4 years formal medical school studies. It takes 3 - 7 years depending on the type of doctor or surgeon that you want to become...

Dr Anton

is the good strength,nice personality and less body weaknesses is important to become a doctor

doctor fahd

Doctor Fahd
You need a healthy body and a sharp mind to become a doctor. Yes doctors with pleasant personalities usually do very well indeed - doctors are people persons.

Dr Anton

Dear Doctor:
I am going to do a pre-medical foundation course in UK.Can you please tell me is there is a recognition for this course?? and will I be able to do MBBS after this course?....

kumara

Hi Kumara
We are trying our best to get 21st Century Science interested in accrediting the course in the UK - but in the mean time you will only end up with a certificate - which will add a bit of impetus to your med school application. The accreditation is only valid in the USA at the moment.
Thank you for your interest!

Dr Anton

can the blood stopping can wake the fainted person up

doctor fahd

Fainting is simply the body's way to get more blood to the brain.
Work with the body and allow the patient to lie down with the head lower than the rest of the body - lift the legs a bit.
Monitor the heart rate until the patient regains consciousness.

Dr Anton

Hey Doc,
For the end of sophmore year chemistry final, we did a HUGE project. No test, just a HUGE project. I thought mine would be bad but I ended up being blessed with a A+ and my teacher said I did the best in the class. This project was on Chemo with my mother (RN, MSN etc,) as a guest speaker. If I filmed this and did it again could I add it to an application or something? Or maybe just get a letter from my teacher? I know it could look great.

Kei

Kei
I would love to see it and possible publish it in this section - with all the credits to you of course! (We will need permission from all individuals appearing on the video clip though)
Contact us via the "Contact us" facility on the website when you are ready.
Keep up the dedication!

Dr Anton

doctor what is the importance of sutures
i mean that with sutures the wound close together but how it joins together and make proper skin

doctor fahd

Hi Fahd
This is the miracle of wound healing! One of the pioneer surgeons in the 1800's said: "I dressed the wound, and God healed it".
Sutures won't keep a wound closed for a long time - the body's healing mechanisms needs to kick in! You will learn all about this in medical school - have you considered getting your own suturing kit - see our "Resources" section.

Dr Anton

doctor how can you stay alive doing opretions because human body is discusting from inside

doctor fahd

Not so - it is amazingly interesting and a wonderfully intricate product of divine design.

Dr Anton

what does white blood cell and red blood cell do and where they are found

doctor fahd

Does your question relate to the website's theme of "becoming a doctor"?
White blood cells are the soldiers of the immune system (blood stream and lymphatic glands and vessels)
Red blood cells - carry Oxygen to the tissues - and flows in the cardiovascular system.

Dr Anton

Hey Dr. I am in college now and I have always wanted to be a doctor, but I don't know if I can handle the practical things at the hospital - blood, injuries, etc. What should I do? Do I just give up because of this? I am really worried because I have never really thought about this until recently.

CC

I don't think anybody is born with the ability to handle injuries and blood - I almost fainted when I saw the first surgical operation! One gets used to it though.
So follow your dreams!

Dr Anton

hi doc i'm wondering what subjects is needed if i want to be a doctor in a hospital in singapore?

eka

Hi Eka
I can just give general guidelines - discuss details with your career guidance teacher. See:
Become a Doctor

Dr Anton

can u please tell me the top 5 medical schools in mexico!!!please

thank you

scarlett

Hi Scarlett
Have a look at the top 50:
Top 50 Medical Schools in Mexico

Dr Anton

Dear doc.I have done my london GCE O/Ls and have 6A's.I want to become a doctor but Europian universities cost for medicine is not affordable to me.what can I do?do I have another method to become a doctor??

supun

Supun
Not really
Consider Eastern European medical schools - please research on your side.
Have you considered applying for academic grants etc?
In the final analysis - you get what you pay for...

Dr Anton

hi, Dr Anton
i've failed to get any offers for medicine and feel that my results in august won't be upto scratch, so although i applied for medicine this year can i still apply for foundation medicine if my results are disappionting

heen

Heen
Yes you can apply for the Foundation year that some universities offer.

Dr Anton

Hi if i want to become a pediatrician in NZ how long do i have to study for and what classes should i take..?

Pretty In Pink

Hi
I'm talking under correction - but it should be something like:
5 (?6) years medicine
1-2 Years internship
4 years peadiatrics registrarship
Classes - maths, science (physics/chemistry) and biology

Dr Anton

Im going into my sophmoore year and i want to become an surgical docter and i wanted to know if is it a way that u can lower the years of
school that u can actually become a surgical docter and if you can what do you have to do

KK

Hi KK
Life offers very few worthwhile short-cuts - and medicine is no exception to this rule.
I believe a couple of medical schools offer a combined pre-medical medicine degree - slashing off a year or so. You will have to Google search for more details.

Dr Anton

Hi Dr. Anton!

I've wanted to become a doctor for a long time, and I know I will probably have no problem getting through school, because I am VERY self-motivated. I was just wondering, when you were in medical school what were some study tools that you used.... did they work?

Also, I specifically want to be an internist, do they only work with adults, or do they work with various age groups?

Kamryn

Hi Kamryn
It is definitely a good idea to do a structured "study methods" course before starting your medical studies - everybody differs a bit and you need a study method that will work for you. I retained information better when repeating it verbally and writing it down. Also summaries worked well for me.
Internist - 90% adult patients as a general rule.

Dr Anton

hey,
is residency is like volunteering before working?

meeba

No it is not volunteering - it makes up part and parcel of your training, it is very structured with a lot of emphasis on gaining practical skills and you will get a salary during this time.

Dr Anton

Thanks for the help. what subjects do i need to do during the bsc honours? do allow me to do medicine ? do i need to study medicine like a doctor to do pathology ? shouldnt i have done pre med instead ? is pre med better than bsc if you want to be a pathologist? thanks

boxit

Are you in the UK?
Yes you first do medicine then become a pathologist by specialisation.
Medical schools in the UK seem to prefer a Science honours - like biochemistry or something similar...

Dr Anton

Am Ugandan aged 21,i would like to join a medical college in the UK majoring in biomedical sciences/neuroscience.
i only posses Uganda certificate of education with a 1st grade and good passes in biology ,chemistry,maths and physics.
is there any possible way i can be admitted at levels to do the course

bernard

I think you stand the best chance if you do your A-levels in the UK - then off to medical school if all goes well.
Keep in mind that if you are not a UK citizen, then you will have to pay your way through university without the government subsidy that UK citizens qualify for (roughly double the fees).

Dr Anton

I just completed IGCSE last year. I applied to study BSc at University. I want to become involved in a field that is health related. e.g lab technician. non clinical. Is this the right thing to do ? How long will it take me to get to that level ?

boxit

Hi Boxit
Why not proceed to BSc Honours and then apply for medicine?
You can choose a non-clinical specialty like pathology.
Aim high - of course there is nothing wrong with becoming a lab technician...

Dr Anton

hey again,
i was wondering, how many more years does a surgeon have to study compared to a normal doctor? and what is residency?

meeba

Normal doctor: 11 years
(4 years premedical, 4 years med school and 3 years residency)
A surgeon does 5 years residency - thus a total of 13 years.
Residency: a training post (usually in a specific academic department e.g. pediatrics) before you are allowed to get board certified - thus allowing you to practice medicine in hospital or private practice.

Dr Anton

Hey, sorry to bother you again, but does it matter that i didnt take physics as an A-level? (I took chemistry biology maths and geography instead) I would still be able to go to med school without an A-level in physics right? thanks

Katrin

Katrin - as far as I know you will need physics in the UK. I quote from the NHS careers website:
"Candidates without science A Levels
For candidates without science subjects to offer at A level (or equivalent), it is possible to undertake an additional pre-medical year at some universities (see section training to be a doctor). The pre-medical year is a preliminary course in chemistry, physics and biology and lasts normally 30 weeks."

Dr Anton

Thank you for your quick response,
I have looked into nurse Anesthetist which takes about 8to9 years to complete while an Anesthetist takes 12 to 13. My problem is that if I go into nursing and later decide that I want to be come a doctor will I have to start over on a different path? Also have you known or heard of many doctors starting school in 30's. I would really hate for my age to put me at a disadvantage when applying for medical school and jobs within the medical profession.

JEN

Well then go for it! Medical schools welcome applications from more mature candidates as well.

Dr Anton

i am an international student from india pursuing my bacchelor's degree in biotechnology in USA.i want to become a doctor.can you please suggest med schools which accepts international applicants as i dont have the green card.

madhu

Hi Madhu
Apologies - I don't know. You will get a much more educated answer from a medical forum like http://forums.studentdoctor.net/

Dr Anton

DEAR DR.ANTON
I am in my 30's and have decided after a time in retail to follow my heart and become a doctor(anesthesiologist). I am very determined structured person.Could you please give me a little insight on what I should expect through this journey.

Thank You
Jen

JEN

Hi Jen - certainly, I can. Have a look at these letters...
Become a Doctor
Become a Doctor in the USA
Become an Anesthetist 1
Become an Anesthetist 2
Have you considered "Nurse Anesthetist"?

Dr Anton

Hey!
I really want to be a pediatric doctor and was wondering what subjects I have to take??

Suzi

Hi Suzi
Take maths, physics, chemistry and biology - the rest is up to you...
See: Become a Pediatrician

Dr Anton

What are the top colleges/universities in new york undergraduate/graduate to become a doctor?

Shelly

Shelly I have had a look around - but the best I can do is to offer you a glimpse at the top 10 medical schools in the USA (Judged on primary care):
1. University of Washington
2. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
3. University of Colorad-Denver and Health Sciences Center
4. Oregon Health and Science University
5. Mich. State U. Coll. of Osteopathic Medicine
6. East Carolina University (Brody, NC)
7. University of Vermont
8. University of California - San Francisco
9. University of Wisconsin Madison
10. University of Nebraska College of Medicine.

Dr Anton

Hello Dr,
I am currently undertaking an undergraduate degree in nursing in the Uk as my grades were not good enough to qualify for medicine. is there any chance that in the future I would be able to become a doctor with my Bsc Hons degree in nursing? thanks

Joanna

Hi Joanna
Med schools keep places reserved for BSc hons candidates - so I believe you will have a very good chance, as well as a great basis for studying medicine.

Dr Anton

I want to become a surgeon, and I am going to be entering the first year of college next year, and Im not sure what suject I should major in for my undergrad degree?
Also are future doctors that are in medical school always broke?

smd

Hi SMD
As long as you complete the academic and lab requirements for the MCAT - you can major in almost anything - and there is something to say for going for the science/medical subjects like Biology/Biochemistry/Microbiology etc. There is also a lot to say to go for something completely non-medical like Economics and Philosophy.
Yes most med students without the benefit of very wealthy parents are always broke - it's true.

Dr Anton

How long would i have to spend in University if i wanted to become a surgeon or if i wanted to go into oncology?

Katrin

Katrin
Eight years medicine plus:
General surgery add 5 years res and Radiation oncology add 5 years

Dr Anton

I AM A UGANDAN AGED 19 YEARS AND I REALLY WANT TO BECOME A DOCTOR AND IN UGANDA WE HAVE O LEVEL AND A LEVELS. I PASSED MY O LEVELS VERY WELL BUT MY A LEVELS WERENT THAT GOOD.I WOULD DO ANY THING TO DO MEDICINE BUT I HAVE LOST HOPE.CAN YOU HELP ME ? I WOULD REALLY NEED YOUR HELP AND ADVICE CONCERNING THIS ISSUE.PLIZ REPLY.

LAGZY

Dear Lagzy
My heart goes out to you, but I am afraid that I do not have any shortcut inroads into medicine.
You have to go through the process of excelling academically as well as the selection process.
Have you considered doing a B-science degree before going for medicine.
Keep in mind that I do not know much about the Ugandan training rules and regulation regarding becoming a doctor.

Dr Anton