My name is Hassan Baydoun. I am a first year resident of internal medicine at St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor. The practice of medicine is the systematic approach to using your knowledge basic medical science (physiology, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, psychiatry, ect...) with clinical skills of examining and interpreting data to help heal, comfort and treat the patient's you see. Introduction/Definition/What is the Job? Doctors are always in demand... The process is long and at times arduous. First step is to obtain a 4 year undergrad degree from an accredited University, ensuring you take the basic science pre-requisite classes in order to meet Medical school requirements. Next you must take a standardized national test called the Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT). The next step would be to apply to Medical school. In America we have two types of medical degrees. Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). If your grades are high enough and did well enough on your MCAT, not forgetting to beef up you resume' with volunteering activities like hospital work, hospice, research, you may find yourself with an acceptance letter to the Medical school of your choice. But it doesn't end their. You still have 4 years of medical school to get through, which are divided into basic sciences and clinical years. Your basic science years are much like your college years in that it will be mostly classroom work and learning. After these first 2 years you will take the first of your board exams called the USMLE Step 1. Next is your clinical years where you will rotate through the different core specialties in medicine (IM, Surgery, Psych, Peds...ect) as well as some electives. After your third year and into your fourth year you will take the second board exam called the USMLE Step 2. In your fourth year you will make the decision as to which field in medicine you would like to pursue and begin applying to programs of your choice around the country. In the second week of March all 4th year medical students will know where they will be doing their residencies in a tradition called Match day. Once you matched you will go on to complete Residency. During your first 2 years of residency you will need to complete the your final board exam called the USMLE Step 3 (but this will not be your last board exam ever, you will need to take you residency specific board exams for the rest of your life). A majority of residencies typically last between 3-5 years, depending on the specialty. Many residents decide to specialize after residency, which is known as fellowship. These may take as little as 1 year or as long as 3 years or even longer. Now that you finished your are ready for independent practice. Go pass your residency/fellowship specific board exam and practice as a board certified physician.. Medicine can be a fun and rewarding career for those who choose to embark on it. The road is long and arduous. Those who choose the path for the love of the career may find themselves successful! Process Conclusion Job Market Outlook Salary Average salary is $200,000. it varies based on your specialty Degree Required You will need an undergrad degree from a 4 year institution. You will need to take the MCAT Attend a 4 years of medical school 3-4 years of residency Medicine Hassan Baydoun M.D