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LMAO

HAHHAHAHAHA... *sniff sniff* HAAHAHAHAHAHAHA the comments that are from 9 year olds below are just soooo funny.

Posted: 06 September, 2010 - 09:12pm
by: LOL

Thank you

I am 14 year old. I want to become a doctor to not only make alot of money but to help the world. This gave me alot of information. Thank you.

Posted: 01 September, 2010 - 04:10am
by: Jun

Basic structure for MED School

Thank you for giving me good idea about MED school but I have few more questions about STEP 1, STEP2 and STEP 3 Exams could u Please explain

Posted: 30 August, 2010 - 07:20pm
by: Akshay

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Dear Apprentice Doctor,

The steps to becoming a doctor is different from country to country.  Contact the university in your country to find out the steps you need to take.

Below is a short summary of the steps to follow to become a doctor (Applicable in the U.S.A.).

Academically you need to focus your attention on attaining an approved 4-year pre-medical science qualification (step 2):

1. Get a GED or a high school diploma
2. You MUST finish a 4-year college or university, complying with medical school premed requirements
3. In your final year at college/university, you will have to do the MCAT test (Medical School Admission test)
4. Apply to medical school. I would suggest that you make use of 'AMCAS'.

Which subject should you major in?

For the purpose of admission to medical school, a wide range of majors are allowed - so, please check with the college of your choice if the degree you are intending to follow qualifies as a pre-medical degree.

As a general rule, medical schools are not concerned about whether you major in sciences or not. For example Biochemistry majors, Philosophy majors and Economics majors generally do well.

But medical schools do require that you take certain pre-medical classes as an undergraduate.

The "pre-med" classes required by virtually all schools in the US are as follows:

• "Freshman" chemistry along with the appropriate laboratory courses
• Organic chemistry along with laboratory courses
• Biology along with laboratory courses
• Physics along with laboratory courses
• English
• Calculus including advanced math classes and statistics

In addition, many schools require a certain number of credits in non-science classes. Pre-med requirements play a very important role in admissions for several reasons.

1. Pre-med requirements make the bulk of the science classes you will take in college and determine your Science Grade Point Average (GPA), which is one of the determinants of your chances of admission.
2. You will need to get recommendations for medical schools from professors who taught pre-med classes.
3. Pre-med requirements cover most of the material you need to know for the MCAT. The better you know the stuff covered in these premed classes - the better off you'll be when the time comes for you to take your MCAT.
4. Schools ask you explicitly to list premed requirements along with your grades on their secondary applications, which means they bear a lot of weight.

Information about MCAT (Medical School Admission Test)

MCAT, along with your grade point average (GPA), is a critical factor that will influence your success in gaining admission to a medical school.

MCAT consists of FOUR Sections:

• A Physical Sciences section, which consists of Physics and Freshman/Introductory (Inorganic) Chemistry questions. (Graded on 1-15 scale)
• A Biological Sciences section, which consists of Biology and Organic Chemistry Questions. (Graded on 1-15 scale)
• A Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension) section, which consists of passages and questions about them. (Graded on 1-15 scale)
• A Writing Sample Section which consists of Two Essay Questions, half-hour each (not as important as the other three sections, Graded with letters O, P, Q, R, S)

Verbal Reasoning:

This section consists of passages followed by multiple-choice questions. Usually there are nine passages, each half a page long with questions pertaining to the passage following it. The total number of questions in this section is 65, which comes down to about 7 questions per passage on average.

The Sciences:

All questions in both the Biological and Physical sciences sections are multiple-choice. Some questions are factual questions that stand on their own. Other questions test your ability to discern the scientific issues related to a problem. You are given a passage that describes some biological or chemical concept or problem and it is followed by questions.

Biological Sciences

Many questions are not of the type you've seen on your exams. They require problem-solving and integration of more than one concept. You can only learn to solve them by practicing:
Do sample exams!

This section consists of two sub-sections:

1. Organic Chemistry
   The emphasis here is definitely on applied organic chemistry. You will be tested on your skills and understanding to do actual experiments such as purifications, isolations, etc.
   Knowing facts is not enough here; you need to learn to integrate them.
2. Biology
   Covers all the topics you can imagine. Hormones and genetics are important. It is helpful to take a class in human physiology in order to prepare for this one or at least read a human physiology book on your own.

The Physical Sciences section also consists of two sub-sections

1. Physics
2. Chemistry

Get more information on AMCAS

The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is a non-profit, centralized application processing service for applicants to the first-year entering classes at participating U.S. medical schools.

Use this link to get more information...

Prepare financially

Your future studies will be expensive - 4 years Pre-Med and 4 years Medical School all adds up to a lot of money! Consider the following:

• Get information from the specific medical school you intend pursuing your studies at, regarding financial aid/bursaries - and the prerequisites for qualifying for this type of aid
• Save up some money. Consider a part time job
• Approach a wealthy family member or a family member who is a qualified doctor/healthcare professional for some assistance/sponsorship

Becoming a Medical Specialist

To specialize in a specific branch of medicine e.g. anesthesiology, you will have to add another 3-8 years of Internship and residency (average 4 years). During these years you will receive income in the form of a salary from the hospital you are rendering medical services at.

Some comments about medical schools

One of the most competitive areas of education is medical school. Providing attendees with the qualifications and degree that allow graduates to practice medicine in the United States, medical schools are extremely challenging institutions.

Like all areas of schooling, Medical Schools offer many different program types and styles. Teaching style, class size, course relevance, are just some of the many aspects that are different from school to school.

The cost of different Medical School programs also varies. If you are interested in attending a Medical School you will be required to have completed specific course work in your undergraduate field of study.

Applications to Medical School usually involve paying an application fee and then possibly being interviewed. Medical School programs require a large commitment of time and if you are interested in attending, you should thoroughly research the programs you are interested in.

Finding the program that best fits you can be the difference between success and failure in attempting to gain a Medical School degree.

It sounds intimidating, but many others have already gone where you're on your way too, and they made it just fine.

So can you!

All the best until the next letter,

Dr Anton

This Letter from the Doc was submitted on 12 March, 2008 at 08:50am

LMAO

HAHHAHAHAHA... *sniff sniff* HAAHAHAHAHAHAHA the comments that are from 9 year olds below are just soooo funny.

Posted on: 06 September, 2010 at 09:12pm
By: LOL

Thank you

I am 14 year old. I want to become a doctor to not only make alot of money but to help the world. This gave me alot of information. Thank you.

Posted on: 01 September, 2010 at 04:10am
By: Jun

Basic structure for MED School

Thank you for giving me good idea about MED school but I have few more questions about STEP 1, STEP2 and STEP 3 Exams could u Please explain

Posted on: 30 August, 2010 at 07:20pm
By: Akshay

THANKS SIR

THANKS SIR FOR YOUR KIND INFORMATION

Posted on: 02 August, 2010 at 12:58pm
By: SETHU LAKSHMI

THANKS SIR

I AM DOING BSc DEGREE IN ZOOLOGY (I YEAR).I TIRED MEDICAL ENTRANCE EXAM . BUT I GOT 13000 AS RANK .I LIKE TO BECOME A DOCTER OR SURGEON(THAT IS MY LIFE LONG AMBITION).I AM 19 YEARS OLD.THIS INFORMATION IS VERY USEFULL TO ME . I AM INDIAN (KERALA - ERNAKULAM DISTRICT). THANK YOU FOR KIND INFORMATION SIR.

Posted on: 02 August, 2010 at 12:54pm
By: SETHU LAKSHMI

Dedication

Hello im Diego, i want to be a Neurosurgeon who specilizes in the brain. im about to go to 7th grade. Can i practice for the future at this time or age?

Posted on: 21 July, 2010 at 08:13pm
By: diego

Dream as well as a goal

hello
i wanted to become a doctor when i was tiny tiny lol aka 4 years old. my inspiration are the especial moments when u save someones life and the emotion on their or their families eyes saying thank you from the bottom of their heart. I want to live that moment :)

Posted on: 25 June, 2010 at 03:05pm
By: Suman

I want to be a doctor but not sure what i want to do with my life

I really don't know what i want to do with my life but doctor is one of my concern.I am good at school get good grades but not sure what i should do to inspire myself very good.What should i do? 14 year's old

Posted on: 02 June, 2010 at 12:09am
By: frank

MAY GOD BLESS DOCTORS

Amen,

Posted on: 13 May, 2010 at 07:50am
By: lyrics the double darline

can i ever b a doctor.

m a 15 yr gal i wanna be a doctor 4m my heart and soul..... but the problem is that my maths is weak can i ever become a doctor........

Posted on: 09 May, 2010 at 07:42am
By: Aratrika

how to be a doc !!

hay every body
you cant be a doc with just talking
every one who wanna be a doctor he need to work so hard ,study so hard , but if any one just sit and say my dream is to be a doc without work and study . no body will be a doc
any one just go to any hospital and ask a doctor ( how did you became a doc ) he'll say the same thing .

Posted on: 02 April, 2010 at 08:12am
By: na9r

Pursing my dreams

I am 18 yrs and really want to become a doctor but i am bad at English.Can I afford to pursue my dreams?I live in Guyana and will be coming to USA to complete my Dreams.

Posted on: 21 March, 2010 at 02:26pm
By: Resa

Thank You Dr. Anton

Thank You for your insight for the rest of us who are for real; Thank You,
Daniel

Posted on: 18 March, 2010 at 12:46am
By: dantheman

29+8

i am 29, and i want to be a doctor. if i will take my 8 years classes, i will be 37. is that worthy? i think so

Posted on: 13 March, 2010 at 04:31pm
By: UNITY

C;

Even though I'm 12, 13 on March 9TH, I know I want to become a doctor it is my dream to take care of my parents in old age

Posted on: 03 March, 2010 at 01:41pm
By: Shelby

My Distination

I am kind of weak in maths but wanna become a doctor,serve for people and help developing the country.Apart from this its my parents dream to see me as a doc.and as a son i will definitely fulfill their dream

Posted on: 02 March, 2010 at 10:51pm
By: tashi

I was browsing

want to become a doctor really bad,.

Posted on: 27 January, 2010 at 04:58pm
By: Dr. Kean

i want to be a doctor

am not that good at science but good a maths when i was 8 my dad always told me that "when you grow you will become a doctor so that when am not feeling wel you can take care of me "but at tht age i wanted to be a tennis player haha but a i grew up ma mum wos like "duaghter is going to be a doctor" so i left my tennis dream for doctor saving poeples lives. not matter how hard it is am not going to give up i will stand and make it in life as a doctor...!!!!

Posted on: 18 January, 2010 at 04:21pm
By: B.DOT

B3COMING A DOCTOR

I ALWAYS WANT3D TO B3COME A DOCTOR3
I NOW THAT U WILL B3COM3 1 2 DR3M IN YOU S3LF.

Posted on: 13 January, 2010 at 10:02am
By: jelly baby

i always wanted to become a doctor

i ALWAYS WANTED TO BECOME A DOCTOR AND I KNOW THAT U WILL BECOME ON 2

DREAN IN YOUSELF
AGE: 12
KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN 49001

Posted on: 13 January, 2010 at 09:59am
By: jelly baby

i want to be a doctor..

just so i can fuckin make bank.
is that a problem?

Posted on: 13 January, 2010 at 03:52am
By: chris

being a doctor is tough

Wow! i never knew there was so much to be expected in studying to become a doctor. I am pursuing my dream of being a surgeon, and this letter helped me realize i need to start pushing myself and doing my absolute best to become what Ive always dreamed of. Great inspiration!

Posted on: 30 December, 2009 at 10:11pm
By: Alina

Not too bad!!

I'm 23 and also a nursing student. I feel like i have to start all over to become a doctor when i will have done with nursing school....never too old to start something new i guess...I need some motivation!

Posted on: 03 December, 2009 at 02:23am
By: Celery

fun

that inspires me

Posted on: 23 November, 2009 at 01:53pm
By: you

thanks doc

thanks doc u helped me write an essay

Posted on: 13 November, 2009 at 09:55am
By: talk

WOW

I have learned that in order to become a doctor you need to be very dedicated. I really like the idea of being a doctor but i dont know how i can deal with the boold. so is there something where you dont really have to deal with blood?

Posted on: 08 November, 2009 at 04:59pm
By: ???

i want to be a doctor

i am really bad at Biochemistry Philosophy and Economics , i'm only 13, year 7 but i'll try. give me some info in other webs

Posted on: 29 October, 2009 at 03:39am
By: qwer

talk to us

i am a freshmen in high school and i'm in all honors classes, and i KNOW i want to be a doctor...sounds like hard work though...hmmm...

Posted on: 28 October, 2009 at 05:09pm
By: havefun

WANT TO BECOME DOCTOR

HI, I AM 9 YEAR OLD AND BECOME A DOCTOR, HOW GOOD TO BE IN MATH AND SCIENCE , AND HOW MUCH MONEY I DAD NEED TO MAKE ME A DOCTOR ?

Posted on: 12 October, 2009 at 09:02pm
By: DK

{ }

I am 11 years old and I know I want to be a doctor when I grow up

Posted on: 12 October, 2009 at 12:24pm
By: ed

really good!!!!!!!!

the letter was really good. although i am just 14 but i know I'll become a doctor or better say a " NEUROSURGEON" thanks for a guidance doc.

Posted on: 19 September, 2009 at 10:08am
By: divya (or say divi)

i want to.

I want to be a doctor but im ten and a half.

Posted on: 01 September, 2009 at 11:05pm
By: Adalberto

Becoming a Surgeon in the USA

Iwouuld like to study surgery in US three years from now after attaining a Diploma in clinical medicine in Uganda.how best do i have to perform to get a sponsership there.

Posted on: 01 September, 2009 at 08:17pm
By: Ahumuza Denis

wow

Im 16 entering 11th grade and i want to become a doctor when I finish high school and this really clarified a lot of things thank you.

Posted on: 24 August, 2009 at 02:23am
By: walter

HELP!!!

i am from india..desperate to study in USA..what exam i have to give after my 12 grade...in india after 12th grade we shift to colleges..i also want to know about loans and scholarships...i got 90% overall in my 10th boards....I M CLUELESS ABOUT EXAMS TO GIVE BEFORE COMING TO USA FROM INDIA....please HELP !!!!!
thank you... :)

Posted on: 22 August, 2009 at 10:52am
By: supreet

:o

WOW! i so want to be a doctor now, no doubt! when i was little i said i wanted to be one and pretended to be one too. i wanna be a surgeon and open my own clinic :) im going to be in 8th grade in Sept. and im already getting ready to become a sergeon! :D wish me luck!!

Posted on: 02 August, 2009 at 05:15pm
By: Munni

doctor

how can we stand being in anoperating room when someone is getting opperated is that relly nessacery

Posted on: 14 July, 2009 at 10:21am
By: Inomasa Rukoro

doctor

what is the different between walking in USA as a doctor than working in Namibia as a doctor

Posted on: 14 July, 2009 at 10:19am
By: Inomasa Rukoro

doctor

what is a doctor

Posted on: 14 July, 2009 at 10:17am
By: Inomasa Rukoro

In Pakitan

I am in pakitan,and will be coming to America after my college(12 Grade)so can you guys help me about what steps i should take before and after coming to the us

Posted on: 08 March, 2009 at 08:57am
By: Asad

Thanks

hey...this is great information. I have been researching about how to exactly pursue being a surgeon but know i know the process. Although I have one question...can you please explain about the years after medical school...I mean the internship and residency please...! thank you!

Posted on: 29 November, 2008 at 09:42pm
By: destiny

overseas

what about doctors whom medical schools are located outside USA

Posted on: 13 November, 2008 at 07:25pm
By: hany temraz

How to become a doctor

This is a great overview of what it takes to becocme a doctor in the USA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SHTKAmxur8
Copy and paste this into your browser.

Posted on: 05 November, 2008 at 02:15pm
By: Dr Anton

Here I am ready to pursue my career

I have always dreamed of becomming a doctor. As a child I used to go around and help people in need. I would take prickles out, give them whatever medical supply we had in the house,bandage cuts, massage, etc. I absolutely enjoyed it. We were financially very poor so after finishing school I got married and had children. I have been thinking about pursuing my life long career for a while now.Since my youngest is in year 4 and oldest in year 8 and they are both doing exceptionally well, it gives me a wonderful opportunity to do what I had dreamed of all my life. So here I am ready to start.

Posted on: 16 August, 2008 at 07:54am
By: Payal

Finally, ready to take the next step

I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Financially we were very poor. Got married after finishing school and have children of my own. I am 34 yrs old. Have been thinking for a while to pursue my life long dream. So here I am.

Posted on: 16 August, 2008 at 07:33am
By: Payal

thanks

thanks i like being a doctor!!!

Posted on: 07 August, 2008 at 11:46am
By: lola

finally...

I'm 27 years old and finally am starting to pursue the medical degree that i've dreamed of since the age of 8. Helping people is one of GOD's desire placed in me. I've tried the military, construction, but finally I'm ready to pursue this lifelong of learning. Thanks for the clarifications.

Posted on: 05 August, 2008 at 04:21pm
By: Raul

:)

even though i'm 12 years old, i know that i'll be a doctor when i grow up and this letter will help me in the future

Posted on: 14 July, 2008 at 01:31pm
By: kasia