Getting into Medical School For Dummies E-Book

Carleen Eaton

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 643

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2013

Beschreibung

Your plain-English guide to getting into the medical school of your dreams Getting accepted to medical school is a long and rigorous process and many students find they need help. If you're one of these students, Getting into Medical School For Dummies is the perfect tool to help you through the process and realize your dream. By providing you with concise information about preparing for and applying to medical school, Getting into Medical School For Dummies prepares you for the application process. Written by an industry expert, it gives you a distinct advantage in the competitive medical school admissions process, preparing you for every step and helping you create your best application. * Takes you through the often-overwhelming process of applying to medical school * Explains what medical schools and admissions committees are really looking for * Provides plain-English explanations of complicated medical school admissions processes If you're one of the over 40,000 students who apply to medical school each year and need help sorting through the admissions schedule, writing statements of intent, and preparing to take the MCAT, Getting Into Medical School For Dummies has you covered!

Leseprobe

Getting into Medical School For Dummies®

Published byJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, [phone], fax [phone], or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley logo, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, A Reference for the Rest of Us!, The Dummies Way, Dummies Daily, The Fun and Easy Way, Dummies.com, Making Everything Easier, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom. The fact that an organization or Website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Website may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read.

For general information on our other products and services, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 877-762-2974, outside the U.S. at 317-572-3993, or fax [phone].

For technical support, please visit www.wiley.com/techsupport.

Wiley publishes in a variety of print and electronic formats and by print-on-demand. Some material included with standard print versions of this book may not be included in e-books or in print-on-demand. If this book refers to media such as a CD or DVD that is not included in the version you purchased, you may download this material at http://booksupport.wiley.com. For more information about Wiley products, visit www.wiley.com.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013934915

ISBN 978-1-118-42427-8 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-118-46004-7 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-46006-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-46008-5 (ebk)

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

About the Author

Carleen Eaton, MD, is a graduate of the UCLA School of Medicine and the founder of prehealthadvising.com, an admissions consulting firm specializing in helping applicants to health professions programs. She has used her expertise in admissions and test preparation as well as her experiences as an applicant who received acceptances to top-ranked medical schools to guide hundreds of applicants successfully through the medical school admissions process. She was a guest on a National Public Radio segment discussing medical school interviews and has spoken to groups at colleges and universities about medical school admissions topics such as the personal statement and the medical school application timeline.

Dr. Eaton was an award-winning instructor and medical school admissions consultant at a national test preparation company. During her tenure, she focused on students preparing for the MCAT and other health professions admissions examinations and advised medical school applicants. She has also developed and taught a biology lecture series that is featured at the online educational site Educator.com. Prior to medical school, Dr. Eaton received her bachelor of science in microbiology and molecular genetics from UCLA and did research in the field of infectious diseases at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband, two daughters, a toy poodle, and a cat.

Dedication

For Matt.

Author’s Acknowledgments

Thank you to everyone at Wiley who played a role in taking this book from concept to completion. Senior Acquisitions Editor Tracy Boggier found me at just the right time and worked to make this project possible. Senior Project Editor Georgette Beatty gave me invaluable advice and kept me on track throughout the writing process. Technical Editor Rachel Tolen provided a knowledgeable review of the material, and Copy Editor Megan Knoll helped to put a final polish on my prose. I also appreciate the hard work of Senior Project Editor Chrissy Guthrie, Copy Editor Christy Pingleton, the Composition department, and everyone behind the scenes who contributed to Getting into Medical School For Dummies.

Writing this book would have been impossible without the support of my family. My husband, Matt, has always encouraged me through his faith in my ability to accomplish more and better things. He also kept the home front running while I spent every spare moment (and many not-so-spare ones) on my computer. My parents, Tony and Mary Martinich, cheered me on and were always there to lend a hand. My daughters, Madeline and Betsy, made sure that life remained lively during this endeavor and inspire me as I watch them discover their own potential.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments at http://dummies.custhelp.com. For other comments, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 877-762-2974, outside the U.S. at 317-572-3993, or fax [phone].

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Vertical Websites

Senior Project Editor: Georgette Beatty

Senior Acquisitions Editor: Tracy Boggier

Copy Editor: Megan Knoll

Assistant Editor: David Lutton

Editorial Program Coordinator: Joe Niesen

Technical Editor: Rachel Tolen

Editorial Manager: Michelle Hacker

Editorial Assistant: Alexa Koschier

Cover Photo: © EricHood/iStockphoto.com

Composition Services

Senior Project Coordinator: Kristie Rees

Layout and Graphics: Carrie A. Cesavice, Jennifer Creasey, Joyce Haughey

Proofreader: Cynthia Fields

Indexer: Christine Karpeles

Special Help: Christina Guthrie, Christine Pingleton

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Kathleen Nebenhaus, Vice President and Executive Publisher

David Palmer, Associate Publisher

Kristin Ferguson-Wagstaffe, Product Development Director

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher

Composition Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Getting into Medical School For Dummies®

Visit www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/gettingintomedicalschool to view this book's cheat sheet.

Table of Contents

Introduction

About This Book

Conventions Used in This Book

What You’re Not to Read

Foolish Assumptions

How This Book Is Organized

Part I: Planning the Premedical Years

Part II: Applying to Medical School

Part III: Osteopathic Medical Schools, Dual-Degree Programs, and More

Part IV: Nontraditional Applicants, Reapplicants, and Disadvantaged Applicants

Part V: You’re In! Getting Ready to Go

Part VI: The Part of Tens

Icons Used in This Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I: Planning the Premedical Years

Chapter 1: Turning Your Dream of Going to Medical School into a Reality

So You Want to Be a Doctor: Thinking about Medicine as a Career

Mapping Out College and Participating in Extracurricular Activities

Assessing the Medical School Application Process

Looking at the timeline

Taking the MCAT

Selecting schools

Submitting primary applications

Obtaining letters of recommendation

Completing secondary applications

Interviewing with schools

Hearing whether you’re in, out, or waitlisted

Considering All Your Options

Osteopathic medical schools

Dual-degree programs

International medical schools

Taking Care of Special Situations

Nontraditional applicants

Reapplicants

Minority and disadvantaged applicants and applicants with disabilities

Heading to Medical School

Confronting the cost

Getting off to a good start

Chapter 2: Considering a Medical Career

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Entering Medicine

Evaluating the rewards

Assessing the drawbacks and sacrifices

Becoming a Physician in a Few Not-So-Easy Steps

Starting out: The premedical years

Moving closer to your goal: Medical school

Preparing to practice medicine: Residency

Deciding to go further: Fellowship

Finishing at last: Becoming an attending physician

Becoming Licensed to Practice Medicine

Surveying Practice Types

Private solo and group practices

Community clinics

Academic institutions

Practicing as a hospitalist and other options

Assessing Your Chances of Acceptance to Medical School

Playing the numbers game: Medical school applicants versus seats in medical schools

Gauging grades and test scores: GPA and the MCAT

Looking beyond the numbers

Deciding Whether Medicine Is Right for You

Chapter 3: Mapping Out Your College Years

Understanding the Role of the Premedical Years

Building a foundation for medical school

Exploring your interests

Choosing an Undergraduate School

Recognizing that where you go matters

Comparing major research institutions and small liberal arts colleges

Finding a school with strong support for premeds

Looking at location

Selecting a Major

Going the traditional route: Science majors

Taking a different path: Nonscience majors

Planning Your Premedical Course Work

The essentials: Familiarizing yourself with the prerequisites for medical school

Reading the fine print: Policies about AP credit and community college courses

Going above and beyond: Courses that are recommended but not required

Studying Abroad

Perusing Premedical Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Considering formal post-bac programs

Taking post-bac courses independently

Chapter 4: Making the Most of Extracurricular Activities

Understanding the Role of Extracurricular Activities in Admissions

Demonstrating familiarity with the medical field

Showing that you have a life outside the library

Gaining Clinical Experience

Volunteering in clinical settings

Shadowing physicians

Doing international medical missions

Delving into Research

Deciding whether to do research

Doing basic or clinical research

Setting up a research experience

Giving Back: Taking Part in Community Service

Joining Clubs and Organizations

Being part of a premedical club

Exploring other clubs and interest groups

Having Paid Employment as a Premedical Student

Fitting It All In

Prioritizing and organizing

Balancing depth with breadth

Part II: Applying to Medical School

Chapter 5: Surveying the Application Process

Getting Familiar with the Three Major Steps of the Admissions Process

First up: The primary application

Next in line: The secondary application

Time to talk: The interview

Timing Your Application

Entering medical school immediately after college

Taking a gap year

Understanding Rolling Admissions

Being Conscious of the Application Timeline

Junior year of college

Senior year of college

Considering Early Decision Programs

Getting Help from a Premedical Advisor

Using your premedical advising office effectively

Finding a premedical advisor if your school doesn’t have one

Chapter 6: Tackling the MCAT

Beginning with a Few MCAT Basics

Registering for the test

Getting an overview of the test’s length and structure

Interpreting your test score

Understanding the Importance of the MCAT in Admissions

Recognizing why schools stress the MCAT in admissions

Discovering how schools use the MCAT in admissions

Checking Out What’s on the MCAT

Physical Sciences

Verbal Reasoning

Biological Sciences

Trial section

Preparing for the MCAT

Examining specific prep approaches

Choosing study materials

Making a study schedule

Preparing for the science sections

Mastering the Verbal Reasoning section

Perfecting your timing

Surviving Test Day

Walking through the testing experience

Dealing with test-day anxiety

Considering the option of voiding your exam

Retaking the MCAT

Deciding whether you should retake the test

Timing your next try

Preparing the second time around

Applying to Medical School Before You Receive Your MCAT Score

Waiting for your scores before you send your application

Sending your application to your entire list before you have your score

Applying to a few schools without your scores and then adding more

Looking to 2015: Major Changes Are Coming to the MCAT

Familiarizing yourself with the changes

Gearing up for the new test

Chapter 7: Choosing Medical Schools

Researching Schools

Using school websites, admissions offices, and other resources

Considering a few factors

Determining How Many Schools to Include on Your List

When to include fewer than 15 schools

When to include more than 15 schools

Creating a Balanced List: A Mix of Dreams and Practicality

Chapter 8: Putting Together Primary Applications

Beginning with the Basics of Primary Applications

Sorting out application services

Breaking down the primary application

Timing your applications

Planning your strategy

Crafting a Strong Personal Statement

Being aware of length limits

Using the personal statement effectively

Tackling the personal statement step by step

Sifting through Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: Taking an artistic approach

Analyzing why Example 1 works

Example 2: Showcasing an adventurous applicant

Assessing the intriguing elements of Example 2

Example 3: Seeing what not to write

Dissecting what went wrong in Example 3

Completing the Work and Activities Section

Choosing activities and deciding which are most meaningful

Writing the descriptions

Entering Course Work and Understanding GPAs

Wading through course work information

Getting a handle on GPA calculations

Chapter 9: Looking at Letters of Recommendation and Secondary Applications

Using a Premedical Committee Letter versus Seeking Individual Letters

In a group: Premedical committee letters

Singled out: Individual letters

Choosing Evaluators and Requesting Letters

The key to great letters: Getting to know your potential evaluators

It’s time: Deciding when to ask for letters

Step by step: Approaching a potential evaluator

In all honesty: Handling a less-than-enthusiastic response

Discovering the Characteristics of Strong Letters of Recommendation

Submitting Your Letters of Recommendation

Sending letters to application services

Coordinating your letters through your premedical advisor or a letter service

Waiving your right to see your letters

Grasping the Basics of Secondary Applications

Knowing what to expect from secondaries

Surveying the screening process

Perusing common secondary prompts

Knowing that timing is everything

Managing secondaries

Chapter 10: Acing the Medical School Interview

Looking at the Interview’s Role in the Admissions Process

Becoming Acquainted with Interview Formats

One-on-one and panel interviews

Open file, closed file, and semi-closed file interviews

The multiple mini-interview

Examining the Elements of a Strong Interview

Getting Ready for a Traditional Interview

Taking a few basic steps

Tackling common interview questions

Crafting your responses

Doing a mock interview

Going a Little Further to Prepare for an MMI

Taking a few additional steps

Checking out examples of MMI stations

Dealing with Logistics

Scheduling your interview

Getting there

Staying in a hotel or with a student host

Choosing Your Interview Attire

Men’s attire

Women’s attire

Walking Through a Typical Interview Day Schedule

Attending orientation

Touring the campus

Taking time for lunch

Undertaking interviews (finally!)

Sending Thank-You Letters

Deciding who should get a letter

Debating how to deliver the message

Compiling a letter

Chapter 11: Hearing Back

You Did It! Celebrating Acceptances

Managing multiple acceptances

Going on second look visits

Choosing a school

Oh No! Suffering Rejections

Noting common reasons for rejection

Taking the next steps

What Now? Working Your Way off Waitlists

Distinguishing types of waitlists

Knowing what to do if you’re waitlisted

Part III: Osteopathic Medical Schools, Dual-Degree Programs, and More

Chapter 12: Applying to Osteopathic (DO) Medical Schools

Understanding What Being an Osteopathic Physician Means

Perusing the principles and philosophy of osteopathic medicine

Comparing and contrasting allopathic and osteopathic medical educations

Exploring osteopathic medicine

Getting a license as an osteopathic ­physician and matching into a residency

Making the Decision to Apply to DO Schools

Determining whether osteopathic ­medicine is right for you

Becoming a strong DO applicant

Undertaking Applications for Osteopathic Medical Schools

Getting an overview of the AACOMAS application

Creating a compelling personal statement for DO schools

Completing the work, volunteer, and ­extracurricular activities sections

Mastering the interview at osteopathic schools

Chapter 13: Exploring Dual-Degree Programs

Considering a Baccalaureate-MD Program

Examining the mechanics of a bacc-MD program

Recognizing the advantages

Determining the drawbacks

Applying to Baccalaureate-MD Programs

Discovering how to be a strong contender for bacc-MD programs

Surveying the bacc-MD application ­process

Handling supplemental essay questions

Interviewing for bacc-MD programs

Getting to Know MD-PhD Programs

Describing MD-PhD programs

Carefully considering MD-PhD programs

Navigating the MD-PhD Admissions Process

Figuring out whether you’re a competitive MD-PhD applicant

Going through the application process for MD-PhD programs

Gearing up for additional application essays

Interviewing for MD-PhD programs

Eyeing Other Types of Dual-Degree Programs

Chapter 14: Investigating International Medical Schools

Considering Reasons to Apply Internationally

Selecting International Schools

Researching international schools

Asking the right questions

Contemplating Caribbean Medical Schools

Courting Canadian Medical Schools

Mulling Medical Schools in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia

Noting Financial Considerations for International Medical Students

Tackling Licensure Guidelines and Residency Training for IMGs

Understanding licensure challenges for IMGs

Landing a residency

Part IV: Nontraditional Applicants, Reapplicants, and Disadvantaged Applicants

Chapter 15: Doing Things Differently: Nontraditional Applicants

Getting an Overview of Nontraditional Applicants

Completing or Updating Premedical Course Work

Doing the prerequisite course work required for medical school

Updating your academic experiences

Undertaking the Application Process

Telling your story in the personal statement

Using the work and activities section effectively

Lining up letters of recommendation

Looking at interview tips for the ­nontraditional applicant

Considering Challenges Facing Nontraditional Applicants

Returning to school

Facing stereotypes

Lacking a peer group as a medical student

Balancing family life with medical school

Chapter 16: Try, Try Again: Reapplicants

Timing Your Next Application

Reapplying immediately

Waiting a year or more

Improving the Numbers: Applicants with Low GPAs

Considering post-baccalaureate programs with undergraduate-level course work

Surveying special master’s programs

Taking classes independently

Taking Action When the MCAT Is the Issue

Facing the problem

Retaking the MCAT

Adding to Your Clinical, Research, and Other Experiences

Revisiting Your School Options

Applying to a broader range of schools

Considering osteopathic or international schools

Revising Your Personal Statement

Updating Your Letters of Recommendation

Chapter 17: Minority Applicants, Disadvantaged Applicants, and Applicants with Disabilities

Defining Underrepresented Minorities in Medicine

Designating Yourself as Socioeconomically Disadvantaged

Surveying Resources for Minority and Disadvantaged Applicants

Examining enrichment programs

Finding financial resources

Applying with a Disability

Obtaining accommodations for the MCAT

Disclosing a disability

Part V: You’re In! Getting Ready to Go

Chapter 18: Paying for Medical School

Confronting the Cost of Medical School

Understanding the cost of attendance

Putting together a budget

Determining your eligibility for aid

Exploring Types of Aid

Institutional aid

Federal Direct Loans

Other federal loans

Private loans

Service-based scholarships

Applying for Financial Aid

Working during Medical School

Chapter 19: Starting Medical School

Enjoying the Summer Before: A Time of Relaxation and Preparation

Nailing Down Logistics and More

Housing

Transportation

Other considerations

Getting Off to a Good Start

Staying organized

Building a support system

Redefining Success as You Progress through Medical School

Part VI: The Part of Tens

Chapter 20: Ten Things to Know about Medical School

Your School Wants You to Succeed

It’s Difficult

It’s Fun

You Start at the Bottom of the Hierarchy

Eat and Sleep When You Can

Nurses Can Make Your Life Easier — or Harder

You Change Your Mind about Your Specialty Many Times

Sometimes You Wonder Why You Went

You Can Be a Medical Student and Still Have a Life

It Goes By Quickly

Chapter 21: Ten Terms You Won’t Find in Your Medical School Textbooks

Zebra

Gunner

Scut

Hit

GI Rounds

White Cloud

Black Cloud

404 Error

Benign Rotation

Malignant Rotation

Cheat Sheet

Introduction

Getting into Medical School For Dummies is a guide for anyone who’s considering a medical career, whether you’re having your first thoughts about entering medicine or are in the midst of putting together your application package for medical school. In this book, aspiring physicians can find help on everything from making the decision to become a doctor to managing the premedical years and the application process to getting off to a great start in medical school.

The road leading from premedical student to medical student is a long one, but knowing what to expect each step of the way helps you succeed and makes the journey less stressful. Use this book as your road map to lead you through the bumpy parts of the path to achieving your goal of getting into medical school.

Read on to discover what getting accepted to medical school takes and how to approach each step of the application process. You’ll also find information about many other topics to help you someday join the rewarding, challenging, and noble profession of medicine.

About This Book

I wrote this book as someone who is an MD and a medical school admissions advisor. I drew both on my experiences as a former applicant to medical school and on a decade of experience (so far) advising students who are striving for admission to medical school. I know what juggling a heavy load of premedical courses, filling out endless application essays, and going through nerve-wracking med school admissions interviews is like, and I keep these experiences in mind with every tip, thought, and bit of guidance I give you.

Getting into Medical School For Dummies also stands out as a resource for future physicians because

It’s thorough. I cover not only nuts-and-bolts topics related to applying to medical school (such as writing a compelling personal statement, obtaining strong letters of recommendation, and nailing the admission interview) but also many other related subjects (such as dual-degree programs, osteopathic [DO] medical schools, paying for your medical education, and preparing for medical school).

It’s clear. In classic For Dummies style, this book is logically structured, organized, and easy to follow. This book helps you understand what you need to do as well as when and how to do it in order to get admitted to med school. (Keep in mind that you don’t have to read this book from cover to cover; you can read only what you want and put the book away until you need it again.)

It’s practical. I focus on giving you hands-on, how-to guidance to help you achieve your goal of admission to medical school.I go far beyond simply describing the application process; I also lead you through each step.

It’s written for applicants from many different backgrounds. This book is for applicants in any situation, not just traditional applicants. Some applicants plan to go straight from college to medical school; others take time off between the two phases of their education. Many applicants are trying for a seat in medical school for the first time; others are reapplying after unsuccessful initial attempts.

Conventions Used in This Book

To help you get the most out of this book, I use a few standard conventions:

Some of the terms related to the medical school admissions process may be unfamiliar to you. I put new terms in italics the first time that I use them so that they stand out, and then I explain the meaning of each term in the context of medical school admissions.

I use bold text to highlight keywords in bulleted lists and the action parts of numbered steps.

In some sections I provide you with web addresses so that you can look up resources related to topics discussed in the book; these addresses appear in monofont. Certain addresses may have needed to break across two lines of text when this book was printed. If that happened, I haven't put in any extra characters (such as hyphens) to indicate the break. Simply type in the web address exactly as you see it in this book, pretending as though the line break doesn't exist.

What You’re Not to Read

As you read this book, you may notice that some of the text is placed in a box with a shaded background. These boxes are called sidebars and may include examples or other information that you may find interesting but that isn’t essential to the topic at hand. Other bits of text are marked with the Technical Stuff icon. If you skip any of these items, you won’t miss out on anything critical and will still be able to easily follow the rest of the text.

Foolish Assumptions

If you’re reading this book, I assume that you have an interest in a medical career. Because med students have so many different journeys to the profession, that’s about all I can assume with certainty. That said, I’m guessing at least one of the following applies to you:

You’re still at the very early stages of your exploration of the medical profession.

You’re already committed to becoming a physician.

You’re gearing up to apply for medical school soon or are even in the midst of the application process already.

One thing I don’t assume is that you’re familiar with specific types of programs such as dual-degree programs or osteopathic medical schools, so the chapters focusing on special types of programs begin with a general description to give you the foundation you need before I delve deeper into the topic.

How This Book Is Organized

This book is organized into six parts, which are divided into chapters covering a specific topic or related topics. This structure makes it easy for you to quickly find the information you need. Here’s the breakdown.

Part I: Planning the Premedical Years

This part describes the phases of education and training required to become a physician as well as the pros and cons of the profession. You also get the straight story about what you need to do to be competitive for admission to medical school. In addition, Part I covers other topics relevant to students who are preparing to begin or who have already started their premedical studies. Some examples include picking a major, choosing premedical courses, and making the most of time outside of class through extracurricular activities. This part helps you build your resume as a premedical student so that you’re a strong candidate for admission to med school.

Part II: Applying to Medical School

This part is the longest one in the book. It contains seven chapters dedicated to various aspects of the medical school application process:

Chapter 5 provides an overview of the application process, including a timeline to keep you on track throughout the admissions cycle.

Chapter 6 takes on a topic that weighs heavy on the minds of premedical students: the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). It fills you in on what to expect on the test and how to prepare so that you can achieve a stellar score.

Putting together a strategic list of medical schools is a challenging task, but with the help of the tips in Chapter 7, you’ll be set to target schools that are a good fit for you.

Chapters 8, 9, and 10 go into depth about different steps of the application process. Among the topics addressed are crafting your personal statement and other parts of the primary application, asking for letters of recommendation, completing secondary applications, and acing medical school interviews.

Chapter 11 gives you pointers on how to handle any of the three types of responses you may receive from a medical school you’ve applied to: acceptance, rejection, or placement on the waitlist.

Part III: Osteopathic Medical Schools, Dual-Degree Programs, and More

Many physicians practicing medicine are graduates of osteopathic medical schools. These doctors hold a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) rather than an MD. Chapter 12 introduces osteopathic medicine and medical schools as well as discusses the application process for DO schools.

In this part, you also become familiar with dual-degree programs offered by MD and DO schools, including joint baccalaureate-MD/DO programs and programs that combine a medical degree with a master’s or PhD.

This part concludes with a chapter describing the option of obtaining a medical degree internationally as well as the issues that path can create, such as obtaining a residency training position and medical licensure in the U.S. as a graduate of an international medical school.

Part IV: Nontraditional Applicants, Reapplicants, and Disadvantaged Applicants

This part focuses on applicants with special circumstances, such as those who are considered nontraditional applicants and applicants who have applied to medical school at least once previously. This part also addresses issues concerning minority applicants and applicants who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or have a disability.

Chapter 15 takes on topics relevant to career-changers and other nontraditional applicants.

Chapter 16 tackles subjects relevant to reapplicants, such as when to reapply, how to strengthen their application portfolios, and factors to consider when putting together their lists of medical schools.

Chapter 17 focuses on minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged applicants as well as applicants with disabilities. Among the topics I address are enrichment programs available for minority and disadvantaged students and the issue of disclosing a disability when applying to medical school.

Part V: You’re In! Getting Ready to Go

Part V takes you beyond the admission process by providing you with information about two topics of major importance for soon-to-be medical students. Chapter 18 discusses the cost of attending medical school, helps you plan a budget, and describes the various types of financial aid available to medical students. Chapter 19 provides tips about how to prepare for medical school and how to succeed after you’re there.

Part VI: The Part of Tens

The Part of Tens is a tradition in For Dummies books; it features information in ten (or so) quick pieces. Chapter 20 describes ten things that you should know about med school, such as where you stand in the hierarchy of medicine and how staying on the good side of the nurses is critical during clinical rotations. In Chapter 21, you find out how to decipher some of the baffling slang that med students and doctors use.

Icons Used in This Book

The symbols you see on some pages of this book are there to make sure you don’t miss out on especially important information. I use the following icons:

This icon marks critical information. These are the items that you don’t want to overlook if you’re determined to secure yourself a seat in medical school.

The information marked with this icon is interesting but not essential to know as you prepare to apply to medical school.

You find this icon in the margin next to text containing a tip to keep in mind as you’re building your application portfolio as a premedical student, going through the admissions process, or getting ready to head off to medical school.

Watch out when you see this icon. It warns you about aspects of the application process or other topics presented in this book that may trip you up if you’re not careful.

Where to Go from Here

Depending on your situation, you may find it most helpful to head straight for a specific chapter or to start from page one and read the entire book from front to back. (I won’t complain if you do!) Either way works because this book is nonlinear, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost if you read the chapters out of order.

If you’re just starting to consider a medical career and don’t know much about the profession or how to become a physician, start with Part I. This part is also the ideal starting point if you haven’t yet begun your premedical studies or are currently a premedical student and are looking for help with topics related to the premedical years.

If the application process is looming directly ahead of you and you’re pressed for time, consider going right to Part II, where you find a thorough discussion of the admission process and plenty of tips on how to put together a strong application package for medical school. In Chapter 5, I give an overview of the medical school application process so that even if you don’t know the first thing about when, where, or how to apply, you’ll understand the structure of the application process and timeline by the time you finish the chapter. If you’ve already started working on your application and are stuck on a particular step, flip to the relevant chapter to find immediate help.

Applicants to osteopathic medical schools, dual-degree programs, or international schools may prefer to start with Part III to get information about the particular type of program they’re aiming for before going back and reading other chapters relevant to their situations.

No matter where are on your journey to medical school, I wish you the best of luck!

Part I

Planning the Premedical Years

Visit www.dummies.com for great (and free!) Dummies content online.

In this part . . .

Explore the pros and cons of a career in medicine, check out different practice settings, assess your chances of med school acceptance, and decide whether medicine is right for you.

Survey the steps to become a practicing physician: college, medical school, residency, and (for some specialties) fellowship.

Go through the premedical years by choosing an undergraduate school, selecting a major, and planning your course work.

Discover the importance of taking part in extracurricular activities, such as clinical and research experiences, community service, and clubs and organizations.

Chapter 1

Turning Your Dream of Going to Medical School into a Reality

In This Chapter

Considering a career as a physician

Getting an overview of the premedical years and the medical school application process

Investigating osteopathic medical schools and other programs

Looking at issues affecting nontraditional and other applicants with special situations

Gearing up to start medical school

Medicine is one of the most attractive and competitive professions to enter. However, with perseverance and a strong commitment, you can achieve your goal of becoming a physician as long as you’re willing to work hard. To get you started, this chapter gives you the big picture about what becoming a physician entails, surveys the medical school application process, and provides you with tips for getting ready for medical school. The later chapters of this book delve deeper into these topics to help you as you undertake your quest to get into medical school.

So You Want to Be a Doctor: Thinking about Medicine as a Career

Among the many benefits of a career in medicine is the opportunity to be part of a profession that is intellectually satisfying, personally rewarding, and constantly changing. Physicians have a unique opportunity to impact people’s lives in a positive way on a daily basis in the context of a job with a high level of responsibility and autonomy. But these advantages come at a price. One of the major drawbacks to a medical career is that it takes at least 11 years of post-secondary education and training to become a full-fledged, practicing physician. The three phases you undergo are

College (4 years)

Medical school (4 years)

Residency (3 years or more depending on specialty)

Some highly specialized fields require an additional year or more of training through a fellowship.

Premedical students traditionally take the courses required for entry into medical school during their undergraduate studies. However, for those who develop an interest in medicine after receiving a bachelor’s degree, a post-baccalaureate premedical program offers a route to completing the basic science classes needed to be admitted into medical school.

Admission to medical school is highly competitive. Your academic record and scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) are typically the most important factors in the admissions process; however, schools also consider many other factors such as your extracurricular experiences, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and interpersonal skills.

Explore the medical profession carefully before you make your decision about whether to pursue a career as a physician. The self-assessment tool in Chapter 2 helps get you thinking about whether the medical profession is a good fit for you.

Mapping Out College and Participating in Extracurricular Activities

During college, you complete your prerequisite coursework for medical school and obtain your bachelor’s degree (only in rare cases do students enter medical school without a bachelor’s degree). When choosing a college, focus on finding one that’s the right fit for you and that offers an academic program you’re interested in and opportunities for involvement in activities outside the classroom.

You also need to determine which major to pursue as a premedical student. Medical schools don’t require a particular major; as long as you complete the prerequisite coursework, you can choose any major, including one in a discipline outside the sciences. However, even if you major in a nonscience field, taking some upper level science classes is a good idea; doing so enhances your application and helps prepare you for med school.

If you discover your interest in medicine after you’ve already obtained your bachelor’s degree, you can take the coursework needed to enter medical school as a post-baccalaureate student. Post-bac options range from highly structured career-changer programs to taking courses independently through a local college or university. (For a list of required and recommended premedical coursework for both traditional and post-bac applicants, flip to Chapter 3.)

Taking your prerequisites at a four-year institution rather than a community college is strongly recommended. Med schools generally prefer that prereqs be completed at a four-year school, and some programs won’t accept ones completed at a community college.

Schools seek students who are not only academically qualified but also well rounded. Demonstrating that you’ve explored medicine is especially important, so gaining experience in the field of medicine before applying to medical school is essential. Volunteering at a hospital or in an outpatient setting, doing physician shadowing, and participating in research are ways to gain exposure to the medical profession so that the schools (and you) know that you’re confident about your career choice. Admissions committees also take into account employment, community service, leadership, and other nonmedical experiences when assessing an applicant. Check out Chapter 4 for details on making the most of extracurricular activities.

Assessing the Medical School Application Process

Securing a seat in medical school requires aspiring physicians to go through a very comprehensive admissions process. By completing each aspect of the application early and well, you maximize your chance of ending the cycle with an acceptance in hand.

Looking at the timeline

If you plan to go directly from college to medical school, you apply to medical school at the end of your junior year of college. The three major steps of the application process are

Submitting your primary application

Completing secondary applications

Going to interviews

The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application is the application service used by most allopathic (MD) schools in the United States. Most osteopathic (DO) medical schools use the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). Public medical schools in Texas (MD and DO) use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). The AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS applications are known as primary applications.

AMCAS and AACOMAS applications become available online in May and may be submitted beginning in early June; TMDSAS opens in early May, and applications may be submitted starting then. Admissions to most medical schools are rolling, which means that schools evaluate applications as they receive them. That’s whysubmitting your application early in the cycle is extremely important.

In addition to a primary application, most medical schools also require a school-specific secondary (supplemental) application. If you submit your primary application in June, most of your secondaries will arrive during the summer. Fill them out and return them to the schools as soon as possible.

Interviews start in August at some schools and are in full force by early fall at most schools. They typically continue through January or early February, although at some programs they run as late as April. Allopathic medical schools begin offering acceptances as early as mid-October for regular applicants. Early decision applicants to AMCAS schools are notified by October 1.

See Chapter 5 for more details about the med school application timeline.

Taking the MCAT

Taking the MCAT is one of the most important and most dreaded parts of applying to medical school. The MCAT consists of three sections: physical sciences, verbal reasoning, and biological sciences. Each section is scored on a scale from 1 to 15 (1 is the lowest), for a total score of 3 to 45. A 31 is typically competitive for allopathic medical schools. (Prior to 2013, the test also included a writing sample, but that has been phased out in the lead-up to the full test revision in 2015.)

The revised MCAT is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2015. As part of the changes to the MCAT, the test is revamping the science and verbal reasoning sections, adding a section testing behavioral science topics, and becoming longer.

The MCAT is a difficult test and requires extensive preparation. Some students find taking a test preparation course to be the most effective way to prepare; others prefer self-study. Either way, you need to set up a study schedule and allow at least three months of time to get ready for the exam — longer if you’re splitting your time between studying for your classes and preparing for the MCAT. Chapter 6 has details on test-prep strategies and the current and revised MCAT.

Selecting schools

Compiling a strategic list of medical schools is an essential part of success in the application process. If you overreach, you may find yourself finishing the cycle without a single acceptance. Underestimating yourself may lead to regrets as you wonder “What if?” you had tried for your dream schools.

Aim to compile a targeted list of schools that takes into account school type (public or private), rank, cost, curriculum, size, location, and how likely you are to be admitted. The goal is to put together a list that is a manageable length and gives you a good chance of being admitted somewhere but that won’t risk selling you short.

Submitting primary applications

Although the three types of primary applications (AMCAS, AACOMAS, TMDSAS) each have a different format and specific requirements, they ask for the much of the same basic information. This includes biographical/background information, colleges attended, coursework, grades, MCAT scores, work experiences, extracurricular activities, honors/awards, and a personal statement. (TMDSAS also has two optional essays.) You only have to fill out a particular primary application once. After your primary is submitted to the application service and has been verified, the information on it will be transmitted to each of the schools that you have designated. Primary applications require a fee that depends on the number of schools to which you’re applying.

Writing the personal statement is the most difficult part of completing the primary application for most applicants. Start brainstorming at least two months before you plan to submit your application, and anticipate going through many drafts to perfect it. Chapter 8 provides guidance about writing the personal statement and completing other areas of the primary application.

Obtaining letters of recommendation

Some undergraduate institutions and post-baccalaureate programs have premedical committees that write a letter endorsing or evaluating students or alumni who are applying to medical school. The committee usually includes the premedical advisor as well as one or more faculty members. The committee compiles a letter discussing the applicant’s candidacy for medical school. The committee letter may include quotations from individual letters of recommendation and/or may have individual letters attached to it.

If your institution doesn’t offer a committee letter, don’t worry; you simply obtain individual letters from faculty and others to submit as part of your application. Each medical school has its own requirements for individual letters, so check with the schools to make sure you obtain the correct type and number of letters. (See Chapter 9 for more information).

Completing secondary applications

After submitting your primary application, you get a brief break before you move on to the next stage of the admissions process: secondary applications. The simplest secondaries require only that you submit a fee and perhaps fill out a short form. Other secondaries include several short-answer or essay questions that ask you to explain why you’ve chosen to apply to the school or to elaborate on your experiences and background.

Keeping up with secondaries can be difficult, but submit them as quickly as you can without compromising on the quality. After you fill out a few secondaries, you’ll likely find that you have a bank of essays to work from that you can modify for other schools; however, make sure you tailor your answer to the school and question being asked. Check out Chapter 9 for more details on completing secondaries.

Interviewing with schools

Landing a medical school interview is a big accomplishment; you’re much closer to being admitted to medical school if you’ve reached this stage.

At most schools, the interview visit includes touring the medical school; meeting medical students; attending talks by the admissions office, faculty, and/or administrators; and undergoing one to three interviews. Interviewers may be basic science faculty, physicians, or medical students. At some schools, interviews are conducted one-on-one; at others, you interview in front of a panel of two or more interviewers, either by yourself or with another applicant or applicants.

Some schools have switched from traditional interview formats to the multiple mini-interview (MMI) format. During an MMI, applicants rotate through a circuit of timed stations. Types of stations include those that require role-playing, teamwork, or analyzing a bioethics case.

Chapter 10 provides tips on getting ready for both traditional and MMI format interviews as well as a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Hearing whether you’re in, out, or waitlisted

Months of preparation and waiting culminate with a decision from the admissions committee.

If it’s a “yes,” take care to send in any required forms and/or a deposit to reserve your seat in the class. Students who are in the fortunate position of holding multiple acceptances may decide to go for a second look weekend offered by some schools in the spring before making their final decisions.

A “no” answer is disappointing, especially if a school is one of your top choices. However, if you receive a negative response, consider contacting the admissions office to see whether you can get feedback about the reason for the rejection. This information may help you during the current cycle or in the next one if you have to reapply.

If you’re put on the waitlist, don’t give up; you still have a chance of being admitted. Keep in touch with the school (unless it discourages that) by sending a letter of update, letter of interest, and/or additional letter of recommendation. This extra information keeps the school apprised of your ongoing activities and desire to attend its program.

Chapter 11 has full details on what to do when you hear back from medical schools.

Considering All Your Options

Attending an osteopathic medical school is another route to becoming a physician. DO schools are similar in many ways to their MD counterparts but have some distinctive attributes as well. International schools also offer an alternative for students seeking to obtain a medical degree.

Some medical schools team up with undergraduate or graduate institutions to offer joint degree programs. By participating in one of these setups, you can receive your bachelor’s and medical degree or both a medical and graduate (master’s or doctorate) degree as part of an integrated program.

Osteopathic medical schools

You can achieve your goal of practicing medicine by obtaining an allopathic or osteopathic medical degree. Both allopathic and osteopathic medical programs are four years long and include courses in basic science subjects as well as clinical rotations in hospitals and outpatient settings. Graduates of DO schools are eligible for medical licensure throughout the United States after completing medical school and one or more years of residency training as well as passing a series of licensure examinations.

The osteopathic philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care as well as disease prevention and wellness. Osteopathic medical schools traditionally have focused more on primary care than allopathic schools; however, many DOs are found in specialties as well. The major difference between allopathic and osteopathic medical education is that only DO schools include training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) as part of their curriculum.

The structure of the application process for allopathic and osteopathic medical schools is similar, although they use different primary applications. Many osteopathic medical school applicants apply to MD schools as well. Head to Chapter 12 for more information about osteopathic medical schools.

Dual-degree programs

Dual-degree programs, which I discuss in Chapter 13, combine an MD or DO with another degree. High-school students interested in medicine may apply to joint baccalaureate-MD/DO programs. These programs last six to eight years and lead to both a BA or BS degree and a medical degree. Admission into the medical school affiliated with the program is often provisional, and matriculation into the program’s medical school component may require maintaining a minimum grade-point average (GPA) during the undergraduate component and/or taking the MCAT and achieving a certain score.

Students interested in pursuing a career that combines both clinical medicine and research may opt to enter a joint MD-PhD program. These programs usually last seven to eight years and often provide participants with full tuition for medical school as well as a stipend for living expenses. Admission into these programs is very competitive and requires a strong background in research.

International medical schools

Some students choose to obtain their medical degrees outside the United States either because they’re unable to gain acceptance to a U.S. medical school or for other reasons, such as ties to a particular country.

Careful research prior to attending an international school is essential, because the quality of education at international institutions varies significantly. International medical graduates (IMGs) must undergo certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) in order to apply for residency training programs and to become licensed in the United States. Obtaining a residency position is generally more difficult for IMGs than for graduates of U.S. medical schools. Also note that although some international medical schools are eligible to participate in U.S. federal loan programs, others aren’t.

Note: Canadian medical schools are accredited by the same agency as U.S. schools, so graduates of these schools aren’t considered IMGs. Canadian medical schools offer medical educations that meets the same standards as those offered by U.S. schools, and, like U.S. schools, they’re highly competitive in terms of admission.

I cover international medical schools in detail in Chapter 14.

Taking Care of Special Situations

Med school applicants come from all backgrounds and demographics. Nontraditional applicants, reapplicants, minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged applicants, and applicants with disabilities are among those who may face particular challenges as they work toward achieving their dream of practicing medicine.

Nontraditional applicants

Some future doctors come to the conclusion that they want to pursue a medical career only after they’ve graduated from college or have pursued another profession. These nontraditional applicants have the typical concerns about getting into medical school, such as whether their grades are high enough or whether they have sufficient clinical experience. However, they also may have additional issues to address: returning to school after years out of the classroom, juggling family and financial responsibilities along with their studies, and fitting in among their mostly younger classmates.

Although nontraditional applicants may have some extra challenges, they also have the advantage of professional and other experiences that may help them stand out to admissions committees because they offer something different. (Flip to Chapter 15 for more about nontraditional applicants.)

Reapplicants

If you’re planning to apply to medical school for a second or subsequent time, reevaluate every element of your application to identify and address weaknesses before you forge ahead. Some steps that you may need to take to improve your odds of admission include the following (see Chapter 16 for details):

Strengthening your academic record. You can accomplish this task through a formal academic record enhancer post-baccalaureate program or by taking courses at a college or university outside of a structured program.

Retaking the MCAT.

Adding new clinical, research, and community service experiences.

Applying to a broader range of schools.

Before you reapply, you should also update your personal statement and secure at least one new letter of recommendation.

If reapplying immediately won’t leave you with sufficient time to strengthen your application portfolio, consider waiting a year so that you can ensure that you’ve got everything in order before trying for admission again.

Minority and disadvantaged applicants and applicants with disabilities

To further diversify the physician workforce, many medical schools and other organizations offer outreach programs, enrichment opportunities, and scholarships for students who are members of groups underrepresented in the medical profession. Minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged students interested in medicine can also find information about resources available to them from premedical advisors, medical school diversity offices, and premedical and medical student organizations.

Advances in technology have opened the doors to medical school wider than ever for individuals with disabilities. However, these applicants often have extra tasks to tend to as they apply to medical school, such as arranging for accommodations on the MCAT, determining whether and when to disclose a disability to programs, and working with schools to address accommodations during their medical education. Chapter 17 addresses these areas as well as topics relevant to minority and disadvantaged applicants.

Heading to Medical School

With the application process behind you, you can get ready to start medical school. One of the top items on your list of things to do is to figure out how you’ll pay for medical school. If you’re relocating, you also have to tackle logistics such as finding a place to live and what kind of transportation you need in your new city. After the year gets underway, being organized, building a support system, and effectively managing stress help ensure your success as a medical student.

Confronting the cost

The cost of attendance (COA) of medical school includes not only tuition but also books, equipment, and other educational expenses, as well as living expenses such as rent, transportation, and food. Use the estimated cost of attendance supplied by your medical school’s financial aid office as the basis for crafting a budget for the next four years.

Most medical students need some financial aid to pay for medical school. For many medical students, federal loans are the major source of funding for their medical education. Some medical schools award school-based (institutional) aid to students in the form of grants or scholarships or low-interest loans. Private loans are an option for students who need additional aid.

Some students fund their education through service-based scholarship programs that require a commitment to serve in the armed services or provide care to patients in an underserved area for a certain number of years after the recipient’s medical training is complete. Other types of scholarships are awarded based on merit, financial need, or other factors.

Working during the summers before and after your first year of medical school is a means to generate some additional funds, but don’t plan to hold a job during the school year. Being a medical student is very much a full-time commitment.

Chapter 18 has the full scoop on paying for medical school.

Getting off to a good start

During the summer just prior to medical school, you may also want to get a head start academically by perusing an anatomy atlas or brushing up on other subjects you study in your first year. However, don’t make the summer into a crash course for the first year of medical school. You’re about to head into a very demanding academic setting, and going into it refreshed is important as well. You also may be busy over the summer finding a place to live near your med school, packing up, and taking care of all the other details involved with relocating.

Staying organized and formulating a study schedule can help you keep up with the large volume of information you need to master in medical school. Taking breaks to relax, spend time with friends and family, and maintain your physical and emotional health is also important.

Succeeding in medical school is easier with a strong support system in place. Reach out to your classmates to form study groups or organize social events with the people who are going through the experience of being a medical student alongside you. In addition, check with your school’s student affairs office to find out what resources your school offers to medical students for academic or other support. Medical school can be stressful, but after you get the hang of it, you may find that the time goes quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be a doctor.

Check out Chapter 19 for more tips on starting and succeeding in medical school.

Chapter 2

Considering a Medical Career

In This Chapter

Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of being a physician

Looking at the road to becoming a physician

Exploring practice settings

Checking out the odds of admission

Determining whether a career as a physician is right for you

Few careers match medicine in the length and rigor of training, level of responsibility, rewards offered, and sacrifices required. Because of the unique nature of the profession and the years of preparation entering this career takes, your decision about whether to pursue this route deserves careful consideration. By exploring what becoming a doctor entails, what the job is really like, and what qualities you need to succeed in medicine, you equip yourself to make an informed decision about your future path.

In this chapter, I describe both the positive and negative aspects of being a physician as well as cover each phase of education and training on the road to becoming a practicing doctor. I also give you a glimpse at the settings physicians work in and a look at the statistics you face as an applicant, from the number of candidates you compete against to the grades and test scores you need to have a shot at a spot in medical school. Finally, you can use a self-assessment to help you determine whether a medical career is a good fit for you.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Entering Medicine

The late nights and long hours that physicians work are notorious; however, a doctor’s job also offers the substantial rewards that come from having the ability to alleviate suffering and treat disease. Along with these more obvious aspects of the job are more-subtle benefits and drawbacks that contribute to making medicine a unique and complex profession. In the following sections, I provide an overview of some of the best and worst parts of a medical career to help you get a realistic view of what you’re getting into before you decide to embark on the journey from premedical student to practicing physician.

Some experienced physicians say that if you can be happy doing anything other than medicine, you should do that instead. This advice is a caution to aspiring doctors that a physician’s life isn’t the easiest one. However, if you’re sure that medicine is what you truly want to do, and you’re prepared to deal with the challenges that come with the territory, get ready to forge ahead.

Evaluating the rewards

The benefits that a career in medicine offers are alluring enough to draw tens of thousands of aspiring physicians to apply to medical school every year. Although some students are attracted to medicine in hopes of prestige, a good salary, or a stable job, the greatest rewards that medicine offers are less tangible than a good paycheck or holding the title of doctor:

Getting the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of others: As a doctor, you have the ability to help others improve their health and well-being by applying the knowledge and specialized training you possess. Going to work every day knowing that you can make a difference in someone else’s life is one of the greatest satisfactions of a medical career.

Being in a position of responsibility: