Becoming a doctor after high school?

Okay, so I know medicine is in my future and I'm totally ready for it. But like, what's the test or entry requirements I must complete after high school to become a doctor? How does it all work?

The journey from high school to becoming a doctor is indeed a long one, but it's fantastic that you're planning ahead!

Firstly, after high school you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree. Most aspiring doctors opt for a degree in a science-related field (like Biology, Chemistry, etc.), but it's ultimately up to you. What's most important in your undergraduate studies is completing the necessary "pre-med" coursework. These courses often include Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Calculus and sometimes, English and/or Social Sciences.

Once you've completed these courses, the next major step will be taking the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). The MCAT measures your understanding of the basic concepts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, as well as your verbal reasoning and writing skills.

The MCAT score, along with your GPA, extracurricular activities (especially those relating to healthcare, such as internships or volunteer work in clinics/hospitals), and letters of recommendation, will significantly impact your application to medical school. Medical school typically takes four years to complete and includes two years of classroom-based learning as well as two years of clinical rotations.

Upon medical school graduation, you still have a bit to go: you'll need to complete a residency program in your chosen field, which can last anywhere from three to seven years. Some doctors also choose to complete a fellowship for 1-3 years to further specialize in their field.

Lastly, to practice medicine, you must be licensed by the medical board in the state where you plan to work. The requirements for licensure include graduating from an accredited medical school, completing a residency program, and passing a standardized national licensure exam.

The journey from high school to practicing medicine is long, typically around 10-15 years, but it's all because it's of utmost importance for medical professionals' training to be rigorous, thorough, and diverse to ensure the provision of the best healthcare.