How to Become a Doctor A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Medical Professionals

Becoming a doctor is a challenging but rewarding journey, filled with years of dedication, personal sacrifice, and hard work. Success in this high-stakes profession requires careful planning and determination. Here’s an essential guide for aspiring doctors to navigate their path toward a fulfilling career in medicine.

According to Dr. Alvin Bisarya, Vice President of Pre-health Programs at Kaplan, each step in the process builds upon the previous one, making it crucial to thoughtfully plan your journey. Crafting a strong personal narrative early on will help you when applying to medical school, allowing you to convey your motivations clearly and compellingly.

Here are the key steps to becoming a doctor in the U.S.:

1. Explore Your Career Options

Start by immersing yourself in science courses during college and engage in clinical work or volunteer at hospitals to assess whether medicine is the right path for you. Seek out informational interviews with doctors to learn more about the profession. This will help you gauge your interest and determine whether you’re ready to commit to the rigorous studies required for this career.

Once you’re certain about your decision, it’s essential to plan for a long educational path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a career in medicine is rewarding, with the average salary nearing $250,000 annually.

2. Complete Premedical Requirements

Medical schools have specific academic prerequisites, so it’s crucial to meet with a premed advisor to ensure you’re on track. Reviewing the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) will help ensure you’ve covered all the necessary courses.

If you discover a passion for medicine later in your academic journey or need to boost your GPA, consider enrolling in a post-baccalaureate premed program to meet these prerequisites.

3. Engage in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities play a significant role in the medical school application process. Choose roles and activities that genuinely interest you, showing admissions committees that you’re a well-rounded candidate. Involvement in healthcare-focused activities, such as volunteering or shadowing doctors, can strengthen your application.

Taking a gap year to build your clinical or research experience is also an option. According to Dr. Bisarya, extracurriculars should help you discover your “why” for pursuing medicine—this passion is something medical school admissions officers value.

4. Study for the MCAT and Other Exams

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a critical component of medical school admissions, and preparation is key. Most students take the MCAT during their junior year and spend four to six months preparing. Be sure to research the average MCAT scores for your target schools to set a realistic study goal.

Some medical schools also require situational judgment tests, such as the PREview Professional Readiness Exam or Casper, so be prepared to take additional exams if required.

5. Submit Medical School Applications

Medical school acceptance rates are highly competitive, often in the single digits. Apply to multiple schools, and take the time to craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your character, empathy, and motivation to pursue medicine.

In addition to your personal statement, secondary application essays and letters of recommendation are essential components. Some schools may also list specific characteristics or qualities they seek in applicants, so be sure to align your application with their mission and values.

6. Prepare for Medical School Interviews

Medical school interviews can take different forms, including one-on-one, panel, or group interviews. Some schools use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), where applicants rotate through stations, each focusing on different scenarios or questions. This format is designed to assess your problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork abilities.

Ensure you are well-prepared, dress professionally, and treat the interview like a formal job interview, even if conducted virtually.

7. Get Accepted and Choose the Right Medical School

In the U.S., there are two types of medical degrees: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Allopathic medical schools grant M.D.s, while osteopathic schools offer D.O.s, which incorporate additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment.

When selecting a medical school, consider factors such as the institution’s focus on research or primary care, its clinical rotation opportunities, financial aid, residency match success, and the overall culture and mentorship programs.

8. Pass the USMLE or COMLEX-USA

Medical students typically take the first two parts of their national licensing exams while still in school. M.D. students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while D.O. students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). Some D.O. students choose to take both exams.

Thorough preparation using review materials, practice exams, and test prep courses is key to passing these exams.

9. Match With a Residency Program

During the fourth year of medical school, students apply for residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Matching with your desired residency program requires strong academic performance and high scores on your licensing exams.

10. Graduate From Medical School

After graduating with your medical degree, you’re officially a doctor. However, to practice independently, you must complete residency training and pass the third part of your licensing exam.

11. Start Your Residency and Obtain a Medical License

Residency typically lasts between three and seven years, depending on your chosen specialty. During your first year of residency, you’ll take the final part of the USMLE or COMLEX-USA to qualify for a general medical license.

12. Achieve Board Certification in Your Specialty

Once your residency and board exams are completed, you can apply for board certification. While not required, board certification signifies a doctor’s expertise in their specialty and a commitment to high standards in the field.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) offer board certifications in numerous specialties and subspecialties.

Becoming a doctor is a long but rewarding path. By following these steps, staying focused, and continuously refining your goals, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in medicine.