How to become a medical doctor after high school?

Hi everyone, I'm really passionate about medicine and I want to pursue a career as a medical doctor. Can anyone outline the typical steps a high school graduate would need to follow in order to achieve this goal?

Sure! It's great that you're passionate about pursuing a career in medicine. Becoming a medical doctor typically involves several steps after graduating from high school. Here's a general outline of the steps you'll need to follow:

1. Undergraduate degree: Enroll in a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree. While there's no required major for pre-med students, you should choose a major that interests you and allows you to complete the prerequisite coursework for medical school. Common majors include biology, chemistry, or physics, but you can choose any major as long as the necessary science courses are covered.

2. Pre-med prerequisites: Medical schools have standardized prerequisite courses that all applicants need to complete, regardless of their major. These courses usually include biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and sometimes biochemistry, psychology, or sociology. Be sure to check individual medical schools' requirements, as they may vary.

3. Clinical and community experience: It's important to gain clinical experience by volunteering, shadowing, or working in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics, or doctor's offices). This will help you understand what being a physician entails and provide you with valuable firsthand experience. Community service in non-clinical settings is also essential, as it demonstrates your commitment to helping others.

4. Extracurricular activities and leadership: Get involved in extracurricular activities that align with your interests or passions. Taking on leadership roles within these organizations shows commitment, teamwork, and time management skills that are valuable for medical school applicants.

5. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): You'll need to take the MCAT, a standardized test required for admission to medical schools in the United States. The MCAT tests your knowledge of the prerequisite science courses, as well as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Preparing for the MCAT usually involves studying independently, taking a prep course, or a combination of both.

6. Medical school applications: In your junior or senior year of college, apply to medical school through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) or, for osteopathic medical schools, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). You'll submit your coursework, test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statement about why you want to become a physician.

7. Medical school: After being accepted, you'll complete four years of medical school: two years of classroom-based learning and two years of clinical rotations in various medical specialties.

8. Residency: After graduating from medical school, you'll enter a residency program in your chosen specialty, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, or surgery, which can last three to seven years, depending on the field.

9. Fellowship (optional): If you're interested in pursuing a subspecialty within your field, you may choose to complete a fellowship after your residency. This is typically an additional one to three years of specialized training.

10. Board certification and licensure: Finally, you'll need to pass a board certification exam in your chosen specialty and obtain a state medical license to practice medicine independently.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a medical doctor. It's a long and challenging journey, but if you're passionate about medicine, the rewards are definitely worth it.