Aspiring Docs

FAQs and Resources

Thinking About Medicine

  • I've thought about becoming a doctor. How do I get started?

    Here are a few suggestions:

    First, talk to practicing physicians and medical researchers to learn more about different careers in medicine. Volunteering in a medical setting is a great way to meet a doctors while also learning more about medicine first hand.

    Second, you should begin to develop a game plan that includes establishing a solid academic record. You can do this by taking honors or advanced classes, getting good grades, and involving yourself in extracurricular activities. Make it a point to consult regularly with a school advisor, professor, or mentor. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or concerned about your progress.

    Third, put your game plan on the calendar.  There are a lot of moving parts to consider when preparing for and applying to medical school, so an organized plan that lists important deadlines is necessary. Although it will be up to you to develop this plan, your advisor can review it and help fill in any missing pieces.

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  • How do I know if medicine is the right career for me? What kind of person makes a good doctor?

    By asking this question, you've already shown several characteristics that good doctor - curiosity, a desire to be the best at what you do, and the motivation to challenge yourself.

    Good doctors are good communicators.  They are able to truly listen to their patients, empathize, and provide information about diagnosis and treatment in a way their patients will understand.  Good doctors are altruistic (that is, they are always ready to put their patients' needs first).  Good doctors also have a strong sense of service, of wanting to help people feel better, making health care work better, and, in many cases, giving back to their communities.  Above all, good doctors are motivated by a strong sense of professionalism -  they have integrity and honor and are committed to upholding medicine's timeless values.

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  • Why is it important that more minority students go into medicine?

    Our country is growing more diverse, and the medical profession needs to catch up. Diversity among medical students and doctors is essential to improving our nation's health.  Right now, African Americans, Latinos/as, and Native Americans make up 25 percent of the U.S. population, but only 12 percent of our medical school graduates are members of these groups.  Studies show that this diversity gap can result in minority patients being less likely to seek and receive the care they need. For example,

    • More than 20 years of research shows there are persistent gaps in health care quality that disproportionately impact people from specific racial and ethnic backgrounds.  These differences persist regardless of income and even when patients have health insurance coverage. For example, African Americans are less likely to receive good clinical care, good cardiac care, or be referred to specialists.
    • Research shows that when patients have the opportunity to select a health care professional, they are more likely to choose people of their own racial or ethnic background and are generally more satisfied with the care they receive.

    • Demographic studies tell us that the United States will face a serious shortage of doctors in the next 20 years as our population ages. More physicians "from all backgrounds" will be needed to meet this growing demand.

    • Recent public opinion research shows that many minority students consider a career in medicine because they want to help ensure quality care and health care for all - especially those living in underserved communities.

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  • What are my career options once I have my M.D. degree?

    A medical career offers a wide range of opportunities, from setting broken bones to setting health policy. Chances are, if you're reading this page, you've already given a great deal of thought to helping people feel better or improving the nation's health care.  The question is, what type of medical career is right for you?

    In addition to providing the knowledge and skills you need to practice medicine, medical school will help you explore the many rewarding career paths awaiting aspiring doctors.

    For example:

    • Want to help those who can't always get the care they need, or may not even know they need it?   Working in an inner-city clinic or on an Indian reservation may be right for you.

    • Frustrated that a cure hasn't been found for chronic diseases such as diabetes or viruses such as HIV?   Maybe a career in medical research is something to explore.

    • Think our health care system needs improvement?  Consider a career in public policy, perhaps at one of the many medical or health associations, or in government itself.

    • Feel the need to inform others about changes going on in health care, including medical breakthroughs and new diagnostic and treatment options? You may want to think about being a medical news reporter.

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  • How can I learn more about what it's like to be a doctor while I'm still in college?

    You can get a better sense of what it's like to be a doctor through hands-on experience acquired in internships, volunteer work, and summer enrichment programs. Experiences like these allow you to learn what a typical day might be like for a doctor and can also be a great opportunity to connect you to practicing physicians and other medical professionals.  Summer enrichment programs like the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) offer personalized medical school preparation and can help you learn more about medicine as a career.

    For more enrichment programs, see the AAMC's enrichment program database .

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  • Is there any way to combine college and medical school?

    A number of universities offer combined (B.S./M.D.) college and medical school programs. About five percent of all U.S. medical school students participate in these programs. While most involve the typical four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of medical school, some programs permit students to complete both undergraduate and medical school in six to seven years. Several programs are limited to state residents, and many require prospective medical students to be enrolled at specific undergraduate institutions.

    For information on specific combined programs, see Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR ® ) .

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  • Is it possible to go to medical school if I've already graduated from college without the sciences courses I need?

    There are plenty of instances where applicants begin to consider medical school after they have completed their undergraduate degrees - even after being in other careers for a time.  If this is the case, it's likely that you'll need to bolster your premedical science background.  There are postbaccalaureate programs at colleges and universities across the country that will help you prepare for the premedical science coursework required for medical school.

    The programs range from formal, one- and two-year programs for full-time students to more informal part-time ones. Some specialize in applicants who are planning to change careers, while others focus on those enhancing their prior academic performance.  Also, if you were a science major in college, but some time has passed since you took pre-medical courses, you might consider these programs as well.

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  • Are there any dual-degree programs that combine medicine with another field?

    Medical schools and residency training programs across the country provide combined, dual-, and joint-degree programs. For example, the federally funded Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTPs) assist students in obtaining both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in areas related to medical research and in working with mentors to prepare for careers as academic physicians and physician-scientists.

    Many medical schools on university campuses provide dual M.D./graduate and professional degree programs in a variety of academic disciplines, including basic sciences, business administration, public health, education, and law. Graduates of such programs often pursue careers as National Institutes of Health scientists, medical school faculty members, hospital administrators, health care entrepreneurs, medical informatics and diagnostic experts, and forensic scientists and medical examiners. They also become authorities in epidemiology, public health, and preventive medicine.

    For information on specific combined programs, see Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) .

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