Can I Get a Consult, Doctor? Millions of people are treated by doctors daily. Whether it’s the setting of a sprained ankle or the cure for a life-threatening condition, doctors often have positive impacts on their patients. The choice to pursue a career in medicine is usually a difficult and stressful decision that comes with a great deal of fear of the unknown. The questions roll through a person’s mind about the education, benefits, and challenges of being a doctor when they make the life-changing decision to start a career as a physician. The road to becoming a doctor is long and difficult, but the end result is a lifetime full of rewarding benefits. As a child goes through school, they’re often asked the same question; “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For the select and daring few, the answer was always “A doctor.” The education required to become a doctor or physician is lengthy, time consuming, and mentally straining, but satisfying in the end, thanks to the immense benefits. Beginning this outstanding career starts like most by graduating high school and deciding on a college or university. Once a student attends their future alma mater, they need to begin their general education classes. General education classes are defined as classes that develop student’s personalities and give a basic building block for any and every degree (Understanding the Process). Finally, after approximately eight semesters, or four years, a student can graduate with a pre-med
My interest in medicine first stemmed from my freshman Biology class and my Nutrition class. I was intrigued by our studies of cells, genetics, and disease. Both courses incited a sense of awe and curiosity within me. Dissecting a frog, was the stepping-stone for my interest in medicine. Seeing the frog's heart made me wonder how the human heart worked. My research into the human heart inspired me to learn more about the medical field. I sought out volunteer opportunities that would give me insight into a doctor’s typical day. During my volunteer experience, I learned that as a doctor you experience many obstacles, including patient compliance and insurance approval issues. In my journey to pursue medicine, I learned that becoming a doctor means more than helping people, it means being the team leader, being compassionate, and most importantly being committed to the patient’s well being.
The medical field is a career path that brings about many options and opportunities of great value. The noble idea of being a doctor tends to cloud the diligent studying and precise training that is actually required for this career. I have wanted to become a doctor since a very young age, and now that the opportunity is here for the taking, I have fully researched what it takes to succeed in this profession and various specialties of the practice. The road to a medical degree is one filled with thousands of notes, years of schooling, and many stressful nights, but the reward is one incomparable to any other. Saving people’s lives on a day-to-day basis has been one of my dreams for as long as I can remember, so the rigorous curriculum
Studying at a liberal arts college, I learned not only about biomedical sciences, but also about a wide range of classes, such as math, computer, language, history, music, which prepares me to live a meaningful and passionate life, instead of merely to earn a living. Thus, I really appreciate Geisel’s “complete physician” education. At Geisel, besides mastering my textbooks, I will have the opportunities to really learn how to
Through my exposure to the various branches of medicine during my rotations in medical school, I found that I was drawn toward Internal Medicine. The variety of clinical encounters, procedures, and degrees of illness make internal medicine extremely appealing to me. During this period, I was mastered in taking patient history and conducting thorough physical examination. I actively involved myself in interacting and educating patients and their families about their diseases by willingly staying extra
For the longest time, the medical field has grown as a part of me. I have been inspired to become a physician since my dad has been a long time patient of type II diabetes and kidney failure. This affected me because as a little girl, I would watch after his health by monitoring what he eats, giving him his insulin shots, and making sure he stays actively up on his feet. My father was the first to detect my natural interest in medicine and taking care of others, so he always kept me involved. What started off as projects in science fairs, turned into knowledge seeking state-wide competitions. My hobby of taking care of other people became a two hour volunteering shift at my high school nurses office. I started attending summer camps that were competitive to get into, and now my major in college is what I will use to get me where I need to be. Although I want to be an Emergency Room Physician, the general ‘doctor guideline’ includes but isn’t limited to common courses in the Bachelor of Sciences (i.e; Chemistry, Biological sciences, Physics, Human genetics). 4-year undergraduate degree program, an addition four years in medical school and a variation of 2-7 years in residency and fellowship (usually split 4:3 years or less)— this varies depending on specialization. Before the admissions of medical school, the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) must be taken and a high score must be achieved.
My decision to pursue a career as a physician was not a blinding revelation, being the daughter of two immigrant parents the thought of becoming a physician seemed distant. In high school I pursued to obtain what for me was then the highest education I perceived I would be able to achieve which was going to college and obtaining a bachelor’s degree. As the quote by Ralph Ellison highlights, “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free”. This quote resonates with the start of my second year in college, as I have been able to find my passion for medicine. More specifically, I explored my values and how I wanted to shape my future. I reflected upon the encounters and dramatic effects that physicians have had with my own family. The most impactful
I don’t come from a background that is heavily associated with medicine, nor have I ever really been immersed in a medical setting. As a result, I do not have a first-hand experience of what it is like to practice medicine. However, since my early years,
For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. These interests were most likely brought to life from my desire to want to help people and learn more about the human body. The experiences I’ve had throughout my life have brought me closer to the belief that I can one day make a difference in the world through medicine. All though I am not completely decided on what I would like my future career to be, I have been able to narrow my options down to a few of the many choices available.
In college, a student must study courses to prepare for medicine, such as biology, chemistry, and some advanced mathematics (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). The first four years, the student would take pre-medical courses while earning their Bachelor’s degree and taking courses that are required for their degree plan. Then the college graduate will advance into medical school, where for four years the student learns about the area of medicine they choose (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). It generally takes seven to eight years to finish a medical doctor’s education (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). After medical school, the graduate will apply for an internship that would last about one year. Then after the internship, they become a resident and practice medicine under the supervision of a senior doctor (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). Altogether, it is about 11 years before one actually becomes an independent doctor (“Becoming A Doctor”
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” As a child, we have all been asked this question; and as unrealistic children, we all had dreams of being a superhero, princess, cowboy, or astronaut. Later on in life, as time went by, and as we became more knowledgeable, our answers became more serious. Some of us wanted to be teachers, business owners, or a veterinarian. However, I have always wanted to be a doctor, but not just any doctor. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a pediatrician. Now, half way through my junior year in high school, I have started to question the details of this career, and all the hard work it takes to become a part of the medical field.
“Expertise is the mantra of modern medicine. In the early twentieth century, you needed only a one-year-medical degree to practice medicine. But by the century’s end, all doctors had to have a college degree, a four-year medical degree, and an additional three to seven years of residency
Moreover, the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences provides a unique teaching approach to students. Classrooms are executed using computers, recorded lectures, and the latest technology. The school recognizes what makes a successful medical student and effectively fills in the gaps between knowledge and
Through my life, I have made many decisions to help develop my interests and skills as well as my character. Such choices of mine include becoming my high school’s band president, a three season varsity sport captain, a national honor society member, a boy scout and an eagle scout. I have been fortunate to earn many awards including merit badges like emergency preparedness and the first aid and the community service award after being accredited for over 180 hours of cheerful community service. When it came time to think about my future with my high school guidance counselor, she introduced me to an idea of becoming a Physician
The process to become a doctor is one of the longest professional journeys. However, my experience at M. D. Anderson showed me how important and rewarding it will be in the end. I have a more in depth understanding of the purpose of being a doctor. It is not a flashy title nor a path for a secure job; being a physician is a key way to benefit another person’s life. Ultimately, my life goal is to help those around me and make a positive difference in their lives. Through biological sciences, I know I can impact the lives of current and future generations to
I have taken stock of myself, considering my skills, experiences, and goals. I have looked to family and friends, some of whom are doctors, for advice. Because of this self-examination, I have decided to pursue a career in health care. The process has been difficult at times but always illuminating. Throughout it all, I have never lost confidence - the confidence that I will actively absorb all available medical knowledge, forge friendships with fellow students, and emerge from my training as a skilful and caring physician.