Becoming a Doctor

If you are thinking of becoming a doctor you probably have a lot of questions such as: What exactly does a doctor do? What does it take to be a good physician? How do I get into medical school? What should I be doing now?

This page will try to answer these questions.

What do doctors do?

Doctors are involved with improving the individuals' and societies health. Although this may sound simple there are hundreds of ways to improve health. For, example helping to take away someone's pain from a disease and starting a national campaign to stop smoking are two very different ways in which health can be improved.

Obviously, the field of medicine and the career of a doctor is incredibly diverse and flexible. Many physicians work with patients in hospitals and doctors offices. You will also find doctors in research laboratories, health clinics, government offices and even businesses. Doctors who decide to work with patients have dozens of choices - they can work with children, pregnant women, the elderly or those with specific health issues such as heart, brain or stomach problems.

It is important to understand that doctors are not always "saving lives". Rather they are a member of a team along with the patient, the patient's family and friends, and other health care workers such as nurses, physiotherapists and other physicians. By working with all these groups the doctors can try and provide the best quality of health for the individual and society.

What does it take to be a good physician?

COMMUNICATION & CARING: Perhaps more importantly medicine is about people and caring for people. Doctors must be able to take their training and use it to help the individual and their family. In order to do this effectively you should enjoy being with people, have good communication skills and have a genuine concern for other people's mental and physical well being.

KNOWLEDGE: Depending on what type of medicine you decide to practice, you will need specific training during and after medical school. However there are some general skills and knowledge that all physicians require. At its core, medicine is a career that is based on scientific knowledge. To this end, most medical schools require their students to have some basic science knowledge (this will be discussed more later). This knowledge will be further developed in medical school through courses about the human body in times of health and in times of illness.

LIFE LONG LEARNING: What anyone who wants to enter health care must realize is that medical knowledge is changing EVERY day. This means, that even after medical school you will be required to keep learning - For this reason it is often said that doctors are 'life long learners'. Therefore, you should probably have an intellectual curiosity and a desire to keep reading and learning.

COMMITMENT: Deciding to be a doctor also requires commitment. The total training process can often take 10-15 years starting with college or university and ending with a residency training program. During these years, there is a lot of work, studying and examinations. However, like anything else in life, if you enjoy what you are doing the work is rewarding and enjoyable.

Who can be a doctor?

It is important to realize that almost anyone can be a doctor. Right now 50% of all medical students are female. Many of the students are married, have worked full-time for several years and may have children. There are doctors of every colour, religion and cultural background. There are also some doctors who suffer from mental or physical handicaps.

How do I become a doctor? What do I do Next?

HIGH SCHOOL: You do not have to know right now if you are going to be a doctor. Many people do not decide until much later in life. However, if you think medicine is a possible career option there are certain preparatory courses that you might need in high school to get ready for science courses in university or college. You should check with your school counselor or local medical school to clarify what is needed.

You might also think about volunteering in a hospital, or talking with different health care workers (such as doctors, nurses and occupational therapists) to find out more about the health care field.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Medical schools in Canada require you to complete as a minimum anywhere from two to four years of full time undergraduate courses depending on the school but the fact is the majority of students gaining entrance to medicine have a degree of some kind. In college, you will probably take the science courses required by most medical schools - these classes are known as the 'pre-med' curriculum. The more common prerequisites are physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, english, and biochemistry. In your first year of school you should find out what courses are required at the medical school(s) in which you are interested. See attached. Generally

Beyond science courses make sure to pursue studies in other areas such as sociology, political science, religion and languages. This diversity is suggested for many reasons: First, if you are planning to dedicate a career to medicine and science take the time now to explore other fields and broaden your horizons. Second, by exploring other options you can make sure that medicine is truly the best option for you. Third, doctors work with people from all walks of life and experiences. A broad education will help you be aware of the issues and interests that define the identity of your patients. Finally, the current reality is that not every medical school applicant gains admission to medical school - it is important to have multiples skills and options.

During your final year of college you will apply to one or more of Canada's 16 medical schools. Since each school has slightly different requirements and application forms it is important to contact them early. You can write to them to receive free applications and information.

In your later years of college you may also have to take the MCAT, a standardized multiple choice exam that tests several areas of scientific knowledge and language.

In addition to course work, you should consider involving yourself in school or community activities. Doctors are an integral part of their societies and medical schools will look to see what type of interests you have beyond the classroom. It is not necessary to belong to dozens of clubs or activities - Consider taking on an activity that is meaningful and a growth opportunity for you.

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical school ranges from 3-4 years. The first two years are generally basic courses about the human body and how it works in times of health and of illness. The final 1-2 years is spent working in actual hospitals and doctor's offices.

RESIDENCY: After completion of medical school you are required to take additional training in an area of specific focus (eg family practice or general surgery). Depending on the field this may range from 2-7 years. At the end of your residency you will write an exam that will allow you to practice medicine in Canada.

OPTIONS: It is important to realize that although these are the steps, there is no requirement that they be followed in strict succession. You may take time away during or between most of these stages for a variety of personal reasons. For example, you may decide to travel, work or start a family.

$$$$$

When it comes to money, most people have two questions. First, how much will it cost to become a doctor? Second, how much will I make once I become a physician?

COSTS: You will have to pay tuition for both university and medical school. There are also additional expenses for books, equipment and general living (rent, food, clothes etc.). Unfortunately, almost all these costs are increasing every year. Furthermore, it is extremely difficult if not impossible to work part time while attending medical school. Some programs provide time off during the summer when you could find employment.

Most students are able to apply to a series of government and private support programs. Some schools also offer scholarships and other financial assistance. Regardless, students often end up resorting to lines of credit .Although this means you will finish school with some debt, you will need to plan your financial future.

INCOME: Your first salary is during your residency training (see above). This small salary is generally sufficient to support yourself. This salary increases each year of training until you are done.

How much money you make as a 'full fledged' doctor will depend on many, many factors: What type of medicine you practice, what part of the country you live in, how you are paid (e.g. flat salary or per/patient seen), how many hours you work etc. Regardless of these factors physicians generally make a sufficient income to live comfortably.

Most doctors would probably agree that the work and training process is too difficult to be attempted solely as a means of earning money. Instead medicine is a career that should be pursued out of a passion for caring for members of your community and an interest in science - not for financial gain.

Will I Get Into Medical School???

This is not a question that anyone can answer. There are too many factors to consider: Which medical school, your motives, your academic achievements, your other interests and life experiences etc...

It is important to realize that entrance to medical school is likely to become more difficult and many applicants do not achieve admission, while others must apply several times before being accepted. For these reasons it is important to always keep your interests and options open.

However, don't let statistics or stories discourage you. As you read earlier, doctors are people from very different backgrounds with a wide range of skills, interests and experiences. If you have an interest in medicine... pursue it!!!

More Questions????

This page is just an introduction. If you have more questions you might want to write to your local medical school or premed club. You may also want to speak with other people who are part of the health care profession (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and many others), - take the time to talk to your own doctor next time you visit.

Once you are ready to begin actually applying to medical school there are many other resources available to you about studying for the MCAT, writing essays and getting ready for interviews.