Becoming a doctor: What's the process?

I'm really interested in pursuing a career as a doctor, but I'm not sure what steps to take in high school to make it happen. Can someone outline the general process to become a doctor, starting from high school to med school? Any advice on choosing a pre-med track and what to focus on will be very helpful!

The process of becoming a doctor is quite extensive, but the journey begins in high school. Here's a general outline of the steps to become a doctor, along with some tips on choosing a pre-med track and what to focus on:

1. High School: Focus on a strong foundation in STEM classes, especially biology, chemistry, and physics. Take AP or advanced level courses to show your commitment to academics. Get involved in related extracurricular activities such as science clubs, research opportunities, hospital volunteering, and shadowing a doctor.

2. College selection: When applying to colleges, look for schools with strong pre-med programs, good medical school acceptance rates, and opportunities for research and volunteering. While you don't have to major in a science field, most pre-med students opt for majors such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.

3. College coursework: Complete undergraduate coursework required for medical school admission, usually known as pre-med requirements. These classes typically include two semesters each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and English, and one semester of biochemistry and calculus. Maintain a high GPA, as med schools are particularly interested in students with strong academic performance.

4. Extracurricular activities: Gain clinical experience through volunteering, shadowing, or working in a medical setting. Conduct scientific research, and participate in activities that demonstrate leadership and community service. Med schools are interested in well-rounded individuals who show a strong commitment to medicine.

5. Take the MCAT: This standardized test assesses your knowledge of the physical sciences, biological sciences, and critical analysis and reasoning skills. Prepare thoroughly, as a good MCAT score can increase your chances of getting into a competitive med school.

6. Apply to medical school: The application process typically starts in the spring or summer of the year before you plan to attend. Use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) to apply to multiple medical schools at once. Make sure to tailor your application to each school, highlighting relevant experiences and articulating why you're a good fit.

7. Medical school: After getting accepted, complete your 4-year medical degree program. The first two years mainly consist of classroom and lab-based coursework, while the last two years involve rotations in various medical specialties.

8. Residency: After graduating from medical school, you'll start your residency, a period of specialized training in your chosen medical field. Residency programs typically last 3 to 7 years, depending on your specialty.

9. Board certification and licensure: After completing your residency, you'll need to become licensed to practice in your state. Obtain board certification in your specialty to gain additional credentials and recognition.

Throughout this entire journey, remain focused, dedicated, and passionate about your chosen path in medicine. The road may be challenging, but the rewards of a fulfilling career in medicine are worth the effort.