I've already mentioned in the intro, that I would love to become a doctor. A brief reason why, is because I posses those qualities needed to become a medical professional, such as an endless interest in science, medicine and people's health (I'll talk about that in details in some future posts). Today, I'd love to describe a schooling path and the potential specialties of medicine that I would love to pursue.
Schooling Path
1. High School
Here, you learn the basic skills and the material that is barely applicable to the world from the medical perspective. You take the subjects such as biology, chemistry, math(s) and English, as well as some social sciences, if available. You discover a tip of an iceberg when you are exposed to these subjects, although you have to put in some smart studying that will bring you to the university of your choice. In high school, you also learn to socialise, do volunteer work and try to build up your resume.
2. Undergrad
In the first 3-4 years of university, you must absorb as much information as possible. You also try to participate in extracurricular activities, as well as taking care of some additional responsibilities that you might have. In university, you apply your knowledge much more than in high school.
When choosing your major, you are advised to choose whatever you prefer, although I have my own view on it which I will share in my future posts. Once you've chosen a major, you must complete all mandatory courses, as well as some electives (make sure to complete the courses needed for Medical Schools). From the very beginning of your university, you must achieve a high academic average (85%+) to be considered an applicant to the MedSchool. From the 3rd year of undergrad you should consider taking the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), as well as any other assessments needed to get into the graduate school. Keep in mind, that you have to have a rich resume, that is built upon on listed above factors.
Undergrad,is a period in your education journey, when you make the most important decisions in your own life.
3. Medical School
Possibly, the hardest part of your education. Very versatile in types of experiences: combines the absorption of the information, as well as the clinical practice. You should prioritise studying much more than you ever did and aim for the results that are needed to apply to the residency program of your choice.
You are writing exams, commonly referred to as "boards" that qualify you to practice. The Medical School is 4 years, where the last two, are spend for the most part in clinical rotations and take up 11months/12. Medical School is a huge time commitment which definitely incomparable to your undergrad.
4. Residency
Being a graduate of the Medical School, you are officially a Medical Doctor. In the residency, though, you still have to undergo multiple practical and written examinations, which will solidify you as a doctor of some medical discipline.
Residency is called so, because you spend a ridiculously big amount of time in the hospital, as you learn appropriate techniques from the attending physicians. The first year of residency is called internship.
This is the most exiting part of your journey. Here, you decide what type of doctor you want to be. All types of doctors have different fields of interest and their residency program can last from 2-6 years in Canada (Family doctor - 2years; Surgeon - 6 years) and 3 to 8 years in America. After you complete the appropriate number of years, you are considered to be an independent physician. Keep in mind, that you will be paid a certain amount of money during the residency.
5. Fellowship
Fellowship usually lasts 1-3 years and this academic step is totally optional. It is meant to specialise already specialised doctors. Fellowship involves research for the most part, where you apply very specific skills and sciences. And yes, you get payed while pursuing your fellowship.
Potential Specialties
I'm going to talk about the potential medical specialties that I would love to pursue. I realise that they are all very different, but I can equally justify all of them (they are not going to be listed in any specific order).
1. Family Doctor
WHY YES: - adjustable schedule
- long term relationships with patients
- independency
- only 2-3 years of residency
- constant exposure to versatile fields of medicine
- minimal fatal outcome
WHY NOT: - similar daily tasks
- I feel like it's not extremely academically enriched
- changes not always immediately observed
2. Emergency Medicine Doctor
WHY YES: - fast paced environment
- changes seen immediately
- constant exposure to versatile fileds of medicine
- only 3-4 years of residency
- every day is absolutely different
- academically enriched
WHY NOT: - non-adjustable schedule
- a lot of fatal outcome
3. General Surgeon
WHY YES: - changes observed immediately
- very academically enriched
- very hands-on
- exposure to versatile fields of medicine
- every day is somewhat different
WHY NOT: - takes approximately 6 years of residency
- a lot of fatal outcome
- non-adjustable schedule
- specific physical adaptations are required
4. Cardiologist
I find human heart one of the most fascinating organs in the body. There are mainly 3 types of cardiologists (non-invasive; non-invasive - interventional and interventional) what means that each has its own pros and cons. I haven't decided yet, which cardiologist I want to be, so that is why I haven't listed the characteristics. Currently, though, I am leaning towards non-invasive - interventional cardiology.
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