How to Become a Doctor

There are millions across the globe who are aspiring to become a doctor. Getting a medical degree is indeed daunting and you can achieve your goal only if you are hardworking, laborious and have a genuine interest towards it. This disciple is extremely honored as they serve mankind through correct treatment. This is why doctors are also known as 'life savers'. Therefore, you have to cultivate immense patience while diagnosing your patient and then administering right medicines to heal him from the ailment. If you are ready to opt for this challenging career, just read ahead.

Steps to Become a Doctor

Step # 1
Get to know reputed medical schools in the world having best course structure for the pre-med program and check for the affiliation as well. You can opt for the dual degree program offering undergraduate and medical degree at the same time. To be eligible for a medical program, you should have the following combination of subjects at high school level.

• 2 year course in chemistry with practicals
• 1 year course in biology with practicals
• 1 year course in organic chemistry with practicals
• 1 year course in physics with practicals
• 1 year course in biology with practicals
• 1 year course in English
• 1 year course of mathematics

Step # 2
Once you come to know the prerequisites of medical school, you can start applying for the tests. The pattern of test differ country wise. One of the most authentic of all the tests is the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The course has several sections and you have to clear all for becoming eligible to take admission in a reputed school. For practice, you can take up the online mock tests for medical examinations. The questions will be based on the following subjects.

• Physical Science: Physics and Chemistry
• Biological Science: Biology and Organic Chemistry
• English Skill: Essay Writing
• Verbal Reasoning: Comprehensions
• Mathematics (optional): Calculus and Statistics

Step # 3
The third step to become a doctor follows the course modules of the medical schools. Once you have cleared the test, you are now eligible to take up the course. It takes minimum four years to achieve a medical degree. The duration varies from school to school. During that period you will cover the following things.

• You will be first introduced to the medical specialties and the doctors of the school.
• You will be exposed to the medical histories along with the infrastructure of the school.
• You will learn to diagnose illness and examine patients. This will complete your first 2 years.
• In U.S., students have to clear USMLE (United States Medical License Examination) Step 1 examination to gain entry to third year. This is not mandatory for all countries.
• During third year, you get the opportunity to work with different types of doctors and experienced physicians. You visit hospitals, rehabilitative, chronic, learning, acute and emergency care units.
• After completing third year, you become eligible for taking up elective subjects and applying for residency programs.
• Clear the USMLE Step 2 exam prior to entering residency period.

Step # 4
During your residency training period, you will be working in hospitals. You will be paid a lucrative amount during the training period. You become a doctor once you have completed the graduate school and have entered the residency period. Dealing with patients suffering from different ailments, attending physicians and assisting senior doctors will be of your prime responsibility during the training program. In some specialties, you might have to undergo an 8 years training period for getting a practitioner license. During your residential training period, you can also take up the USMLE Step 3 exam meant for clinical management and trials.

What Does it Take to Become a Doctor

Apart from hard work, what else you do require to become a doctor? Well, becoming a doctor is not easy. Passing through the rigorous 4 years, require patience and dedication. Sometimes, even after clearing the medical examination, students do not make it till the last step. In such cases, one can opt for the other medical jobs like, nurses, vocational doctors, etc. Sometimes, people tend to lose dedication. Your will power and effort will play an important role in making you a successful doctor. Other than what you are taught to do, you have to develop a keen interest on research and medicine. You have to study extensively once you have decided to study medicine. Careful, laborious and responsible are the virtues required for a good doctor.

Work hard, prepare for the entrance exams and channelize all your energy towards achieving your ambition.