Education Pathway to Become a Doctor

Many students who want to pursue a career in medicine are aware of the numerous years of schooling that are required. However, specific requirements of the medical education pathway may be unclear.

What is the MCAT? What classes should I take in high school? What should I major in? How many years of schooling are required? Can I start practicing medicine right after medical school?

These are questions that many prospective pre med students may have. Unfortunately, many students don't have the connections or resources they need to find out the answers to these questions. It may be daunting and overwhelming to face the future with such uncertainty.

I founded this program to give students the confidence and resources they need to pursue a career in medicine, if they so choose. I hope to erase the layer of uncertainty and show prospective pre med students a brief outline of a general medical education pathway. Although schooling and requirements may vary for different fields of medicine, the content below outlines the recommended classes, suggested majors, required exams and standard trainings for typical medical doctors (MD). I hope this article will clear up any ambiguity and give students a basic understanding of what a medical education may comprise of.

High School (4 years)

- Consider taking the following courses: Biology, Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physiology. - Take advanced science and math classes. - Participate in STEM or medical programs and internships - Volunteer at hospitals

Undergraduate (4 years)

- Consider majoring in biology

​- Consider taking the following courses: biochemistry, anatomy, organic chemistry, genetics (and possibly physics)

- Prepare for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)

- Apply to medical internships

- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree (BS-Bachelor of Science [*preferred] // BA-Bachelor of Arts)

Take the MCAT

- 7.5 hour exam

- the highest score is 528 points

- obtaining a good MCAT score can help you get into prestigious medical schools

- The MCAT consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Medical School (4 years)

- Obtain an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree - Pre-clinical training: (first 2 years) - learn about structure & functions of body, diseases, diagnoses and treatment - learn to take medical histories - Clinical Training: - hands-on experience with patients * the structure and curriculum may vary for different medical schools

Obtain a Medical License

- pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

- The USMLE is a three-part exam:

- Part 1:

- covers basic medical principles

- take before your third year of medical school

- Part 2:

- covers clinical diagnosis and disease development

- take during your fourth year of medical school

- Part 3:

- covers clinical management

- assesses the doctor’s ability to practice medicine safely and effectively

- take as the final part of your residency

Complete a Residency (3+ years)

- choose your specialty (ex. oncology, pediatrics, dermatology, etc.)

- apply for residency during fourth year of medical school

- get matched to residency programs

- residency provides in-depth training for specialties

- take the third part of the USMLE

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