Going on the MD track

[homeboy]

Ok so I have semi decided to switch to the doctoring field but I just graduated. Being an engineer my friend tells me I need some pre-reqs before I can even apply anywhere to med skoo. He says I need to take the MCATZ and take 2 chem 2 orgo and 1 bio + labs. Since I already took physics and 1 bio I won't need to take them. I just need to know if this is everything for me to get on track... thanks abunch

[openeyes]

Each med school may have slightly varying requirements, but here's a general list of prereqs:

"Biology, including at least one course with lab). It is strongly suggested that students take at least one course in Cell and Molecular Biology or Genetics.
7 credit hours

General and Organic Chemistry (with labs). One semester of Biochemistry may be substituted for one semester of Organic Chemistry.
16 credit hours

General Physics with labs
8 credit hours

English*
6 credit hours"

UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

That would be 2 bio, 4 chem, two physics courses, and credit for two english courses. At some other schools (such as ECU), the reqs you listed may be enough.

[Lychee]

Every medical school requires basic prerequisites:

Biology 1 + Biology 2 (with labs)
General Chemistry 1 and 2 (with one lab, or two - depends on the school)
Physics 1 and 2 (with labs)
Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 (with labs)
About 1 semester or 2 of English. I would suggest taking 2 semesters if you haven't taken it already.

These classes are the bare minimum for getting into medical school. Being an engineering major will make you an unconventional applicant since most of the students who apply to medical school are in the natural sciences such as biology. But that's fine. Medical schools want diversity.

After taking Organic, I suggest you take the MCAT. While taking Organic 2, start studying for the MCAT little by little and take the MCAT during the summer following Organic 2.

I'd also like to add that you should be absolutely sure you want to go into medicine. Organic Chemistry is the course which will determine whether or not someone can handle the coursework in medical school.

Wish you the best.

[homeboy]

Thanks a bunch guys. So I don't need to be in a special program or anything? Just take the pre-reqs and take the MCATZ? I took 1 english and hated it...

[Flyingwithoutwings]

if you've got the money... i'm in a kaplan course right now as mega test prep: Welcome to Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. I'd have to check back in to say if i'd reccomend it, but after the first day (yesterday) it seems to be going well.

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by homeboy

Thanks a bunch guys. So I don't need to be in a special program or anything? Just take the pre-reqs and take the MCATZ? I took 1 english and hated it...

Yes, general prerequisites and the MCAT are the major requirements for even being considered into medical school. I would take another semester of English to be on the safe side, but run it by an adviser to to make sure.

But there is a lot of competition. Along with fulfilling academic requirements, I suggest you volunteer at a hospital to get an idea of what you will be doing in your career. I also highly suggest you start shadowing a doctor - you can probably go to him for a letter of recommendation. Doing research is another point which can help your application.

[maclinda]

Contact the admissions dept. of the medical school you're interested in for the exact prereq's you need. Nothing worse than being 1 credit short...

Another thing I'd suggest is to really examine your reasons for wanting to go to med school. I can tell you from experience that it's probably not what you're thinking it is! And it's a darn big commitment, so be very sure.

Doctors are leaving the field in droves, and unfortunately it's for a very good reason.

[homeboy]

Yea... I'm still considering my options. Kinda on the fence about the other option as well. I don't know what I'm doing lol. Why are doctors leaving in droves? Whats the good reason?

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by homeboy

Yea... I'm still considering my options. Kinda on the fence about the other option as well. I don't know what I'm doing lol. Why are doctors leaving in droves? Whats the good reason?

I think that if you are still on the fence about pursuing medicine, you should wait till you've come to a definite decision before making any drastic moves.

Medicine is still a popular career, but some doctors are leaving the profession and students who were initially looking into medicine have decided to investigate other careers. This is because doctors are paid well, but are under heavy pressure. If they are working in a hospital, it is even more so. If a doctor opens up a private practice, it isn't as bad since he can greater control over the number of patients, the type of practice, etc. Another issue which is forcing people to reconsider medicine is malpractice insurance. The numbers are only growing every year and many people think it's too much to pay. Instead, many students are looking into dentistry. The pay is somewhat similar if you do general practice, and more if you specialize. The job is not as demanding as medicine (which equals more free time), and malpractice insurance isn't as high.