Choosing a suitable and lucrative career can be quite difficult for many people. While a few others had it all figured out since day one, the rest are stuck in a series of toss-and-turn nights, a few bad decisions, and a few not-so-nice encounters before finally finding their “one true job”.
Finally deciding to take on a career in the field of medicine is not easier, either. As we all probably know, the high regard doctors are given did not come without a price. Doctors everywhere and anywhere around the world are highly respected because they have gone to such great lengths in order to qualify as medical professionals.
The first step to becoming a doctor
While many other people can land a job they like right after college graduation, or even right after they finish high school, those wanting to become doctors have to complete a four-year-course in college before they can officially embark on studying medicine. Choosing a relevant pre-medical course is important as it will determine one’s chances in passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Undergraduate studies that major in sciences like biology, chemistry, or physics should be the course of choice for medical school aspirants. Of course, graduation from chosen pre-med course is required in order to be eligible for MCAT admission.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
After having fully accomplished the demands of undergraduate studies, a person who decides to proceed to studying medicine must take and pass the Medical College Admission Test as earlier mentioned. This exam is designed to determine if all the knowledge acquired in undergrad school has prepared the examinees well enough to undergo the rigid teaching and training in medical school. Takers usually equip themselves for this exam by purchasing sample tests from the MCAT website, enrolling in short review courses, or by simply reviewing their college textbooks and MCAT reviewers.
Medical school
Once the MCAT stage has been successfully passed, one is now qualified to enroll in a duly accredited medical school. This is another crucial step as one’s school of choice will be responsible in honing his knowledge and skills for the next four academic years. The quality of education he gets is reliant on the credibility and competency of the medical school he chooses.
Internship
Next step after med school graduation is post-graduate internship. Here, the graduates are required to choose an area of specialization. The duration of study and training is determined according to the type of specialization one chooses – usually 3 years for internal medicine, and at least 5 years for surgery and neurosurgery.
Fellowship
Those looking to specialize further in their chosen fields must then go into fellowship. Should the area of interest be in orthopedics, gynecology, or pediatric surgery, years of further training is required. This is one of the major requisites to becoming a full-fledged specialist.
Boards
Board certification will be the final step before one finally becomes the doctor of his dreams. This exam will gauge one’s retained knowledge from all those years of medical training.
The fulfillment of a noble profession
Sure, the process of becoming an orthopedic specialist, an oncologic surgeon, or an endocrinologist may not be the easiest paths one could take on career-wise – but the promise of acquiring an indispensable and beneficial role in the society should be something not even monetary compensation can supersede.
Featured images:
- License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97
This article was written by Cedric Loiselle. If you are looking to seek the services of only the best, creme of the crop Milwaukee orthopedic specialists, you should read his articles for tips and advice.