Here’s a brief list of what Medical Doctors do:

• Patient Examination and Diagnosis: Conducting physical examinations, taking medical histories, and diagnosing medical conditions based on symptoms and diagnostic tests.

• Treatment Planning and Management: Developing and implementing treatment plans, including prescribing medications, therapies, and surgical procedures to address patients' health concerns.

• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Educating patients on preventive healthcare measures, lifestyle modifications, and disease prevention strategies.

• Patient Care Coordination: Collaborating with healthcare team members, including nurses, specialists, and allied health professionals, to coordinate patient care and treatment plans.

• Emergency Medical Care: Providing urgent and emergency medical care to stabilize patients, manage acute conditions, and initiate life-saving interventions.

• Medical Procedures: Performing medical procedures such as vaccinations, suturing wounds, biopsies, and minor surgical procedures in clinical settings.

• Patient Counseling: Counseling patients and their families on medical conditions, treatment options, prognosis, and end-of-life care decisions.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Preparation:

• Complete High School Education: Start by completing your high school education with a focus on science and mathematics courses. Strong performance in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is essential.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While medical schools accept applicants from various academic backgrounds, most students pursue a bachelor’s degree in pre-medical sciences, biology, chemistry, or a related field. Maintain a high GPA and participate in extracurricular activities related to healthcare or community service.

2. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT):

• Prepare for and Take the MCAT: The MCAT is a standardized test required for admission to medical school in the United States and Canada. It assesses your knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Study extensively for the MCAT and aim for a competitive score.

3. Apply to Medical School:

• Research Medical Schools: Research medical schools to find programs that align with your career goals, location preferences, and educational philosophy. Consider factors such as curriculum structure, clinical training opportunities, research opportunities, and faculty expertise.

• Submit Applications: Complete and submit applications through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) in the United States or through individual medical school applications. Applications typically include your academic transcripts, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and extracurricular activities.

4. Complete Medical School:

• Medical School Curriculum: Attend and complete a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at an accredited medical school. The first two years typically focus on classroom and laboratory instruction in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology.

• Clinical Rotations: The final two years involve clinical rotations in various medical specialties, where you gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed physicians. Rotations may include internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and others.

5. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE):

• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK/CS: The USMLE is a three-step examination required for medical licensure in the United States. Step 1 assesses your understanding and ability to apply basic science concepts. Step 2 consists of two parts: Clinical Knowledge (CK), which evaluates your clinical knowledge and reasoning skills, and Clinical Skills (CS), which assesses your ability to interact with patients and communicate effectively.

• USMLE Step 3: Step 3 is typically taken during or after the first year of residency training and evaluates your ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science in patient care.

6. Residency Training:

• Match into Residency Program: Apply for and participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) or other residency matching programs to secure a residency position. Residencies typically last 3-7 years, depending on the specialty, and provide intensive training in your chosen field under the supervision of experienced physicians.

• Specialty Training: If you wish to specialize further, such as in surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, or psychiatry, you will need to complete additional residency training specific to your chosen specialty.

7. Obtain Medical Licensure:

• State Medical Board Licensure: Obtain medical licensure from the state medical board where you intend to practice medicine. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include passing the USMLE exams, completing residency training, and meeting other state-specific requirements such as background checks and continuing medical education (CME) credits.

8. Board Certification (Optional):

• Specialty Board Certification: After completing residency training, you may choose to pursue board certification in your specialty area through examinations administered by specialty boards such as the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Board certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to continuing education in your chosen medical specialty.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!