Is your ultimate life dream to become a physician? Do you possess a big heart and a compassionate mission to help others with their ailments?
Indeed, becoming a doctor is a fulfilling career choice. You get to make a difference in the world in your own little way – by lending a hand to those who need medical attention.
Nonetheless, the journey to becoming a certified physician is no walk in the park – challenges are present every step of the way, from taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to conquering the nerve-wracking medical school applications to passing the boards and doing residency and other post-board medical training and service.
Worry not, future doctor. Making the right preparations early on will give you a leg up and will make the whole process much easier. Consider this post as your medical career guide map.
Below are eight helpful points to serve as your guiding light in conquering the tumultuous journey of acquiring that white doctor’s coat. Read on to learn more.
Strategic Insight Number 1: Knowing Oneself Is Key
The medical profession is a high-stakes career that requires individuals to possess a strong personal identity and conviction.
If you want to become a successful doctor soon, you need to do a thorough introspection. Look into yourself to figure out who you are, what your strengths and weaknesses are, what your motivations and personal convictions are, and so on. Being able to identify these will help you pick the appropriate medical career path that perfectly fits you and your personality.
For instance, if you want to provide medical help to the general public, you can gear towards a career path that leads to general medicine practice. On the other hand, if you’re amazed by the human anatomy and have precise attention to detail, you can take up specialized training and courses to become a practicing surgeon. Finally, if you want to provide immediate care to people and thrive in adrenaline-filled situations, you can train to become a member of a medical emergency response team.
Strategic Insight Number 2: Go Beyond Your Grade Point Average (GPA), Present A Multifaceted Application Portfolio
Indeed, medical school admissions officials generally take into great consideration a medical school applicant’s GPA in their decision of granting admissions or not. Nonetheless, it’s not the whole story when it comes to the process of medical school admissions.
It’s said that medical school administrators now take great interest in other merits their applicants could bring to the table. And as an aspiring physician, you can take advantage of this.
Aside from making academic preparations to give your GPA a boost, you ought to explore other medical- or service-related services to increase your chances of getting accepted to your dream school.
For example, you can ask a doctor to be your mentor for a specific period. During physician shadowing, you’d get to gain first-hand experience of what being a doctor is like. Gaining practical medical experience and including it in your medical school application can give you an edge over other competing applicants.
Strategic Insight Number 3: Prepare For The MCAT
Many would-be medical doctors have a shiver down their spine when they’re reminded of the MCAT. Indeed, the MCAT is the gateway to the promised land of medical practice. The test is notoriously difficult and has been a source of anxiety and headache for many test takers for decades now.
Luckily, you can surpass the MCAT (and even ace it) if you make the appropriate preparations in advance.
It’s recommended that you review certified MCAT study files to help you familiarize yourself with what the test is about, its format, and the like. If you’re able to (financially and if your schedule permits it), you can enroll in MCAT review sessions. Usually, these learning sessions offer learning modules and exam drills that are designed to fit the latest needs of the MCAT.
Strategic Insight Number 4: Present A Compelling Self-Portrait Via Your Admissions Essay To Your Interviews
Being a medical professional requires above-average communication skills – and these are tested heavily during the medical school application process. Aspiring physicians’ communication skills are examined through personal essays, interviews, and the like in determining their worthiness of a spot in a highly competitive medical training and learning space.
Woo admissions officials, be strategic with your application. Practice, practice, practice. Practice your writing skills and interview etiquette in order to be communication-ready when exam time rolls in.
Also, avoid the usual medical application cliches and be your authentic self instead. Present an interesting narrative of how you’ve made up your mind that you’re going to be a doctor and you’re going to do whatever it takes to become one. Discuss your strengths and weaknesses, as well, and how they would play out in your medical career. In addition, report your practical medical-related experiences to show medical school supervisors that you’ve immersed yourself in the field and are ready to fully partake in it.
Strategic Insight Number 5: Embrace Every Opportunity To Learn And Grow As A Medical Professional
Say you’ve successfully made the cut and have been accepted to your dream medical school. You’ve put in the hard work needed and have successfully finished your medical degree. You’ve passed the medical boards and have participated in residency programs and so on.
Your medical journey doesn’t stop there. Keep in mind the following: every opportunity is a chance for you to learn and develop as a medical practitioner.
That said, seize every chance you’ve got to let yourself grow and develop professionally. Enroll in continuing professional development courses, partake in special programs, and the like to stay abreast of the latest medical trends and health protocols.
Strategic Insight Number 6: Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate
The medical field consists of many players, stakeholders, and the like – all working together to promote optimal health for all.
As a medical professional, you ought to keep in mind that you’re not alone in providing care for your patients. You’ll work with various medical and non-medical personnel, from fellow physicians to clinic staff and maintenance crew members. Whatever position they are in, you need to respect your peers. Foster concise and empathetic communication strategies with work colleagues and patients.
Be a team player and recognize each team member’s contribution. And if the situation calls for it, step up and be a leader.
Strategic Insight Number 7: Be Mindful Of Your Finances
Pursuing a career in the healthcare industry is costly. In fact, many go into debt just to become a doctor. Happily, you can achieve your dream without breaking the bank by being financially wise.
First, explore various study grants and scholarships available. Many non-profit organizations and charities offer financial aid to qualified applicants. In addition, inquire about medical schools’ scholarship programs so that you can take advantage of them.
If you need to take on a loan to attend medical school, research sound student loan repayment programs, debt management options, and so on. This is so that you can avoid falling deep into the debt hole.
Strategic Insight Number 8: Celebrate Every Win, Embrace Every Defeat Along Your Medical Journey
The path toward success in the field of health is a roller coaster. Those who aren’t able to manage their well-being might end up getting carried away with all the challenges and trials of the whole medical journey.
So, practice being resilient to ride the wave with confidence. Celebrate every win, may it be big or small, to boost your self-confidence. On the other side of the coin, embrace every defeat you’re slapped in the face with and turn them into opportunities for you to improve yourself moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the eight strategic insights featured above will help you in your medical career journey. Before you begin, don’t forget that you’re not alone in your journey. You’ve got your family and friends with you, fellow aspiring physicians, and so on, who are all rooting for your success. All the best!
