1. So you think you want to be a doctor…

2. What’s a doctor’s job like? Physicians diagnose and care for people of all ages who are ill or have been injured. They take medical histories, perform physical examinations, conduct diagnostic tests, recommend and provide treatment, and advise patients on their overall health and well-being. While there are several different types of physicians, they can usually be divided into three broad categories: Primary care – provide preventive medical care, treat basic medical problems like high blood pressure and diabetes, and provide at least initial evaluation of all health problems and refer to specialists as needed. Surgeons – operate to treat disease or repair problems Specialists – use medication and nonsurgical treatments to treat specific problems

3. How much education does it take to become a doctor? Becoming a doctor requires a serious educational commitment. It typically takes from 11 to 16 years BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL to complete your education, including four years of college (undergraduate school), four years of medical school, and three to eight years of training in a specialty area (residency training), depending on which specialty you choose to pursue. In order to maintain a medical license, doctors are also required to continue taking courses and learning about advancements in their field throughout their career.

4. How much do doctors make? Salaries vary depending on where physicians live and the type of medical specialty they practice.

5. What is a doctor's schedule like? While salaries for physicians are among the highest for all occupations, the work hours can be long and unpredictable. Many doctors work more than 60 hours a week. They may also have to respond to emergencies and be on call for their patients. Work hours vary depending on the type, size and location of practice, and whether they admit patients to the hospital or not.

6. How To Get Into Medical School 1. Start with earning your undergraduate degree. You can major in ANYTHING as long as you take a few required classes in biology, chemistry and physics to prepare for the MCAT. In fact, many medical schools look for a well-rounded person to accept to their programs, so majoring in something other than science could be a plus in the admissions system!

7. How To Get Into Medical School 2. Grades are of PRIME importance, not your major! Be an exemplary student. Attend all of your class each time they meet, schedule lots of time for reading and studying and do not hesitate to get help from another classmate or a tutor the minute you realize you are struggling with any of your subjects.

8. How To Get Into Medical School 3. Identify professors with whom you feel a connection or whose classes you particularly enjoy. Do your best to get to know them and learn if they are accessible to offer guidance or answer questions. In a couple of years, you will need letters of evaluation from individuals who know you and your work, and one of your professors might agree to write such a letter

9. How To Get Into Medical School 4. Have a well-rounded college experience. Plan to get involved in activities both related and unrelated to your major and look for opportunities on and off campus to develop personal, leadership, research and clinical skills.

10. How To Get Into Medical School 5. Get clinical experience That is a world of difference from learning the fundamentals in a classroom and practicing those skills with actual patients. You must find ways to get hands-on experience in a health care setting. Reach out to your local Planned Parenthood office, HIV clinic or free clinic to volunteer.

11. How To Get Into Medical School 6. Be a leader. Being a physician means being in charge of a lot- -diagnosis, treatment, medications, follow-ups and on and on. Hone your skills as a leader by heading up a group or a committee and be sure to set, achieve and record your goals for your organization.

12. From the AMA website, “Requirements for Becoming a Physician” http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education- careers/becoming-physician.page And How to Get Into Medical School on Wikihow http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Into-Medical- School