I’ve thought about becoming a doctor. How do I get started? What resources are available to help me? 

Just thinking about becoming a doctor is an important first step on a rewarding career path, and you should know that many resources are available to help guide your decision making and planning.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started.  

First, you might already know a practicing physician or a medical researcher.  See if you can contact him or her to learn more about a career in medicine.  Maybe a doctor who has treated you or someone in your family would be willing to spend some time talking with you about a career in medicine.  Another idea is to volunteer in a medical setting where you can meet someone who will be helpful, and also have the benefit of learning even 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. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or concerned about your progress. Also, make it a point to consult regularly with a school advisor, professor, or mentor.

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.

Fourth, take advantage of the many resources available to help your planning. Below are some good ones to get you started.

For More Information:

• Considering a Career in Medicine - Free Resource!
  This AAMC Web site contains background information for students who are considering applying to medical school.
  
  
• Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR™)
  Published by the AAMC, this book is the most authoritative guide for applying to medical school. This accurate, thorough, and reliable resource is the only complete guide to U.S. and Canadian medical schools fully authorized by the schools themselves.  In it you will find information on application procedures and deadlines, selection factors (including MCAT® scores and grade-point averages), medical school class profiles, education costs and financial aid packages, and much more.
  
  
• Minority Student Opportunities in United States Medical Schools (MSOUSMS)
  This guide is designed specifically for minority students to be used as a companion to Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR^TM).  It presents information from individual medical schools about recruitment, admission, academic support programs, financial aid, and more.