How to make an M.D. ........

Having a day job as an academic advisor to premed students gives me a little insight into the psyche of a potential M.D. candidate in the making. The most common thing I hear from students, is that 'they were born to be doctors.' I hate to break it to pre-med students but becoming a doctor is not like being born into a family business. Doctors train for years and years to hone their craft to see patients. Becoming a doctor is also an on-going academic endeavor that requires total commitment and dedication of putting someone else needs in front of your own. So I hate to break it to premed students but the only thing you were born to do was eat, sleep and poop!!!

So what does it take to become a well respected M.D.? Finding a doctor that fits your needs and the needs of your family is no small task. Here are a few things to know about the medical and academic training associated with your doctors name.

When it comes to finding a doctor, it is good to know the terminology that comes along with the person who is about to care for your medical needs. Not all doctors have everything in common when it comes to their specialties or years of training but a lot of their schooling is the same. A doctor that takes care of cancer patients is called an oncologist. Not all general oncologists are specialized in every area of cancer treatment. When it comes to rare diseases, some general oncologists may go their entire medical career and not see a case.

All physician have at least an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, have taken all of the prerequisite courses needed to apply to medical school (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math) and completed the MCAT's. All doctors have also gone through the medical school screening process of applying to the schools of their choice, sending in letters of recommendation, transcripts, resumes and a personal interview process held on the medical campus of their choice.

After those 4 years of medical school, all medical school students receive their M.D. (Medical Doctorate) and also have to complete a residency that lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 years of postgraduate education and training. Physicians also must pass a licensing exam to practice in their state. Each state or territory also has their own procedures and general licensing exams for physicians to complete.

Dependent on the specialty area the physician would like to practice will also depend on how many years further of schooling and training will be needed. For example, to become a board certified medical oncologist and hematologist (the treatment of malignancies of the blood and blood-forming tissues) a physician needs to complete the mandatory additional education and training in the dual sub-specialty of medical oncology and hematology. Oncologists must also be board certified by The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), www.abim.org. But this is just one example of one type of oncologist. There are many other specialties and numerous other board certifications that need to be completed in other areas of oncology.

To learn more about your doctors specific certifications, please check out The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, www.abog.org; The American Board of Pediatrics, www.abp.org; The American Board of Radiology, www.theabr.org; and The American Board of Sugery, www.absurgery.org. All physicians must also maintain their certifications on a regular basis by re-examination on a state and speciality level.

Becoming informed and armed with the background education needed to find the correct physician for your medical needs, will make the process of finding the right doctor for you a less stressful endeavor. Never feel embarrassed to ask your physician about their background, their medical training or their certifications. Any trustworthy physician will gladly share this information with you to help put your mind at ease. Also remember to Google your doctors name and come prepared to your appointment if you have questions about their training or skill sets. Knowledge is power and remember to use your voice.



Raising awareness for rare diseases .......