Studying medicine in the US is a complicated procedure, and through this article, we hope to make the process a bit simpler for you. There are around 200 medical schools in the US, and they offer you a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. I am going to split up this article into a few simple steps that will explain the process of studying medicine in the US. (“Studying Medicine in the USA”)
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In the US, people are required to complete a four-year pre-med undergraduate degree in a relevant subject before they can get accepted into a medical school. There is no specific undergraduate degree that is required for entry into medical schools, but the College Board lists biology, chemistry, exercise science and pre-medicine as some potential majors. (“Study Medicine in the USA: 7 Things to Know”)
In their third year of their undergraduate degree, students interested in studying medicine need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). It is a standardised, multiple-choice examination that medical schools in the US use to assess a candidate’s performance, and likelihood of succeeding in their program.
While there is no set time-line for applying to medical school, students usually begin applying between their third and fourth year of college. They select their chosen target medical schools, and then submit an application to AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). Upon acceptance, they spend four years studying in classrooms, and learning skills in clinical rotations.
To practise medicine in the US, students have to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). After their second year, they pass the first part of the examination (which covers basic medical principles). In their fourth year, they complete the second part of the examination (which covers clinical diagnosis and disease development). During their final year of medical school, students start applying for residencies, and are matched to various residency programs across the country. Their residency usually lasts around three years, after which they need to complete the third part of USMLE (which covers clinical management). (“Medical School & Doctor Careers | How to Become a Doctor”)
Medical school students come from diverse backgrounds, but they are all sincerely committed to service, and have an unyielding interest in medicine. Medical schools look for candidates who are analytical thinkers and have good problem solving skills. Attractive candidates have strong communication skills, and can make challenging decisions while under pressure. (guide and Shemmassian)
This was just a broad overview about the process, and there are drastic changes to this process depending on various factors. For example, some residencies last longer than others as they are more complicated specialisations. While this process may be discerning for many, thousands of people choose to overlook it as it means that people can have their dream career, where they can combine their love for science with their desire to help people.
Written by Soumya Anshu
References
guide, s., & Shemmassian, S. (2022, February 11). How to Get Into Medical School: The
Ultimate Guide (2022) — Shemmassian Academic Consulting. Shemmassian Academic
Consulting. Retrieved April 23, 2022, from
https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-get-into-medical-school
Medical School & Doctor Careers | How to Become a Doctor. (2022, February 16).
LearnHowToBecome.org. Retrieved April 23, 2022, from
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/doctor/
Studying Medicine in the USA. (n.d.). The Medic Portal. Retrieved April 23, 2022, from
https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/studying-medicine-in-the-usa/
Study Medicine in USA: 7 Things to Know. (2021, September 24). Study Abroad Aide.
Retrieved April 23, 2022, from https://studyabroadaide.com/study-medicine-usa/
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