How do I study to become a doctor in the USA?

I'm considering a career in medicine and want to know the steps to study to become a doctor in the USA. What should I major in during undergrad, and how do I get into a good med school?

Becoming a doctor in the US is indeed a significant endeavor that requires long-term planning and dedication. Here's a general road-map to help you understand the process:

Firstly, you'll need to get an undergraduate degree. While many aspiring doctors choose to major in a science-related field (like Biology or Chemistry) due to the prerequisites for medical school, it's important to note that you can major in any field and still apply to medical school, as long as you meet these prerequisites. Examples of these prerequisites include courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and sometimes biochemistry and calculus.

Secondly, during your undergraduate studies, it will be important to get involved with relevant extracurricular activities. This could be volunteering at a local hospital, getting involved in medical research, shadowing physicians, or leading a health-related student organization. These experiences can provide direct exposure to the healthcare field and demonstrate your commitment to medicine to medical school admissions committees.

While in undergrad, you'll also need to prepare for and take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which most medical schools require for admission. This is a standardized exam that tests you on physical science, biological science, verbal reasoning, and a writing sample.

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree and taken the MCAT, you will apply to medical schools. Similar to college applications, this will involve writing essays, obtaining letters of recommendation, and highlighting your relevant experiences.

Upon acceptance to a medical school, you will spend four years there: two years of classroom-based learning in the medical sciences followed by two years of clinical rotations in areas such as pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, etc.

After medical school, you'll enter a residency program which is a stage of graduate medical training. The length of your residency will depend on your specialty, ranging from 3 to 7 years.

In summary, to become a doctor in the US, you'll need an undergraduate degree, a good MCAT score, a degree from a medical school, and completion of a residency program. Throughout this process, focus on gaining practical experience, maintaining strong grades, and being engaged in extracurricular activities related to health and medicine. Each of these steps is integral to building a strong application for medical school.