Education Pathway to Become a Doctor
By Viva Voong
- 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) |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 and assesses the doctor’s ability to practice medicine safely and effectively - take as the final part of your residency |