Doctors in Training

Becoming a physician is a common career aspiration for many people. Doctors in training will begin their endeavors with an undergraduate education lasting at least three years. Most students choose a pre-medical undergraduate program, which provides a good framework for selecting the right courses and many of these programs offer advising.  Typically, biology programs have an emphasis in pre-medicine, but many future doctors also major in other fields of science, engineering, math, or social science.

The most important part of an undergraduate program is to fulfill the requirements for entry into medical school. Requirements will vary, but most will require strong grades in calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics. Coursework in other areas of biology such as histology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and similar areas will likely be required. The required coursework for medical school will also aid in preparation for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT is required for admission to most medical schools. Students may want to acquire study materials and take a preparation course to increase their chances of performing well.

The next phase for doctors in training is medical school. When choosing a medical school, students may want to consider whether they want to become a medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of allopathic medicine (D.O.). Physicians with a D.O. are far less common, but they are employed in the same specialties as those with an M.D.  Students interested in a holistic approach to medicine may want to consider allopathic medicine. Training in medical school is typically four years. The first two years of medical school is primarily coursework in various areas of biology. In the remaining two years, students may continue coursework, but they will also gain some clinical experience in the various specialties of medicine.  For those in the US, one alternative to traditional, domestic medical school are Caribbean medical schools.

Doctors in training will be required to complete a residency after medical school. Residency programs can last from three to eight years, depending on the specialty. The residency is primarily paid clinical experience, and residents will have rotations throughout their experience. These rotations last for a specified number of weeks and cover different information related to the specialty. Education during residency programs is less structured than an undergraduate program and medical school. In addition to rotations, residents are required to attend educational courses that are held in a workshop environment. They will regularly observe patients, review case histories, and present their own patient cases.

After the completion of their residencies, doctors in training can seek employment in the medical setting of their choice. Some doctors choose to specialize even further. For example, surgeons may complete the standard residency, and may choose a fellowship for additional years to specialize in trauma, cardiothoracic, or neurocritical surgery.