A career in medicine may be considered as one of the most rewarding, prestigious, and important professions available to mankind. Medical doctors are more often than not respected and looked up on in their community. As medical doctors, every time they treat a patient, they practically place the patient’s life into their hands. This is why it is much needed that a medical doctor undergo rigorous training, and actually, never stop learning.
Medical doctors have a huge responsibility and wanting to become one needs more than just the fact that you want to become one. You have to have a serious “about myself” assessment before you decide on entering a medical school. Actually, you should start your “about myself” assessment even before you plan to apply for one. The following are just some of the factors you have to consider when planning to go to med school.
Long work shifts
Emergencies can happen anytime, and that is why medical clinics and hospitals are always open 24 hours a day, requiring medical doctors and the staff to work on longer shifts. Starting from the time a medical student works directly as a trainee at the hospital, he or she is subjected to long, working hours, a usual part of a medical doctor’s shift. It will actually continue well into residency training, where a 36-hour shift is not rare. After all, a medical doctor, whether in the hospital or not, is practically always “on
call.”(1)
Continuous learning
The field of medicine is not an exact science, and it is always evolving and improving for the good of mankind. It is actually evolving very fast that the knowledge of today may be obsolete on the years to come. Therefore, it is important for a medical doctor to be an advocate of learning—always reading the latest medical journals, attending conferences and trainings and the like, aside from being open-minded, of course. That is why even though the interview and the “essay about myself” requirements are important,
the undergraduate scores and the Medical College Admission Test Scores are considered extremely important when admitting students into med school. Your grades and examination scores will show at least a hint if you have the discipline to study well and hard.(2)
Making sacrifices
From medical school to the specialty training, a medical professional will have to sacrifice much for his or her profession. Long, working hours will make you miss affairs and holidays which you enjoyed before entering medical school. That is why the interview and the “essay on myself” requirements are very important, for in it one can see if you have the passion and ability to make sacrifices for the profession that you want.(3)
(1) http://www.bls.gov/k12/help06.htm
(2) http://www.mommd.com/toughdecision.shtml
(3) http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/memag/Medical+Economics+magazine/Reaching-your-potential/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/370383
As a med school applicant, you may have heard several myths regarding the med school admissions process. To know more about the truth behind these myths, read on.
You need to have high MCAT scores and exceptional undergraduate grades.
First things first. Undergraduate grades are one of the most important criteria for acceptance to any medical school. Furthermore, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score, as a standardized examination, should be high—a good indication that you did fairly better than the rest of the applicants from different schools. Your undergraduate scores or your general weighted average (GWA) may reflect the type of student you are—your study habits or maybe even your intellectual capacity. These are important factors that the medical admission panel needs to see to find out if you are fit for the rigorous training that a medical student needs.(1)
However, those are just “numbers,” and they actually can be affected by other things, such as a personal problem before the MCAT, hence, the low score. There are other things that a medical school admission panel looks for, such as your “essay about myself” and the interview. Those things will show them your “about myself” side that cannot be squeezed out of your grades and MCAT score.
You need to graduate from a big school.
This is one of the most common myths and is definitely false. Again, before and after medical school, your “about myself” side is more important than the things around you—it’s you that counts. After all, what’s the sense of graduating from a “big” school if your undergraduate records are not that “big?”(2)
Life experiences are not important.
Again, your GWA and MCAT scores are extremely important, but they are not the only factors for medical school admission; life experiences also count. If your life experiences are not important, then why do almost all medical school admission panels require an “essay on myself” and an interview? The personal statement will let the admission panel know if you have the personal characteristics fit for becoming a good
medical professional, which in the long run, are definitely more important than your intellectual capacity.(3)
(1) http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/understandingscores.htm
(2) http://youngadults.about.com/od/collegeprep/a/Admissionsmyths.htm
(3) http://www.unmc.edu/Community/ruralmeded/model/preprof/advice.htm
Going into medical school is not an easy decision to make. There are several factors you have to consider. Plus, making sacrifices is part of pursuing a career in the medical field. To help you make the right decision, the following are the advantages and disadvantages of getting into med school.
Pros
Most of the people who became medical doctors or are currently medical students have been dreaming about it ever since they were young. As a very prestigious, rewarding, and established profession, a medical career surely is one of the best careers out there.(1) Furthermore, you will have the capacity to serve humanity by providing good medical services to your community. Pursuing a medical career also entails continuous learning, which means that your mind will not deteriorate. As a medical doctor, you will invariably be a leader and teacher of health in your community. And of course, once you are established, you can expect financial gains. Furthermore, it may be the most gratifying endeavour that you will do in your life.
Cons
Do not forget that as a medical doctor, you will literally be handling people’s lives. That is why studying medicine is one of the most gruelling, demanding, and extremely difficult academic paths you can ever take. The medical school will get the best out of you, and it will be very stressful.(2) It will also take much time to reach your goal, which is an established, high-earning practice of course. Usual attendance to a medical school would be four years of undergraduate studies, plus several years of internship, residency, and fellowships depending on your specialty. You will also be sacrificing much when you are in medical school, such as spending time with family and other affairs. Lastly, in the absence of a good scholarship aid, it is financially draining.
Do you really want to?
With the advantages and disadvantages of both studying in medical school and eventually practicing a medical career, you might think twice before pursuing it. If it is really your passion, and if you really believe that it is your calling, then it will be worthwhile. Just imagine yourself in other careers and if you still think that it’s medicine, then so be it. Just prepare yourself, physically and emotionally.(3) Another preparation you can do is to come up with a good essay about myself or admissions essay. To help you out, read a sample essay about myself online. A reliable sample essay about myself should help you come up with a concise and engaging med school admissions essay about myself.
(1) http://gradschool.about.com/od/medicalschool/f/advdoc.htm
(2) http://fmignet.aafp.org/online/fmig/index/medical-school/surviving.html
(3) http://www.phd-survey.org/advice/advice.htm
A personal statement for the medical school that you are applying for may be cumbersome to work out, but remember that it is one of the most important requirements for admission. Your “myself essay” will tell the admissions committee something about you that cannot be seen on your other credentials, such as your undergraduate records and your Medical School Admission Test or MCAT scores. It is practically your voice in the admissions process when the interview is not yet on the way. To help you come up with an excellent “myself essay,” here are some “essay on myself” writing tips.
Focus on your strengths
The admission process for medical school is usually a very competitive one. Do not forget that you will be competing with people with similar or even higher undergraduate grades or MCAT scores. Therefore, like in any other competitions, you should always put the best foot forward. While stating your weaknesses is not entirely discouraged, it would preferable if you focus and “advertise” your strengths and other achievements in your “essay about myself.” Write about your skills and talents, particularly those that you deem are important characteristics for a medical professional to have.(1)
Show your unique side
Always remember that you are not the only applicant for admission to a particular medical school. Most schools have limited slots for admission, but they also more often than not receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants yearly for those slots. And yes, all of those applicants try to offer their best foot forward. The best way to get noticed among the other applicants is to make a good first impression by showing that you are unique. You can do this by discussing out-of-this-world things that you have done in the past, even your plans in the future. Just tell them something about you that will set you apart from the others.(2)
Show your excellent writing skills
One other sure way to get noticed and be unique is an excellent essay. While most schools have limited word count for each personal statement, the number of applicants still means that the admissions committee will have to endure reading lots of essays. Boring them with your writing style may of course jeopardize your admission. You must make sure that your essay is finely written with no technical or grammar errors. And you can do it with lots of practice.(3)
(1) http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/personal_statement.shtml
(2) http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:Dcf7aulqS78J:www.wpi.edu/Academics/FS/personal.pdf+personal+statement&cd=10&hl=tl&ct=clnk&gl=ph
(3) http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/apply/how_apply/personal_statement.html
As children, many people dream of becoming a doctor or they play doctor for fun. As teenagers, students often think of becoming a doctor because of the prestige and wealth that is usually associated with the profession. As adults, people often look up to doctors because of their vast knowledge and expertise. It’s no wonder why so many people want to get into medical school. The truth is, though, medical school isn’t as great as people fantasize it to be. For those who have recently been rejected by a medical school or those who have decided not to pursue a medical education, here are some great reasons not to be in medical school:
Bodily secretions
The phrase alone, “bodily secretions,” makes some people squirm. The thing with medical school is you’ll be dealing with all types of weird, gross, and downright disgusting bodily secretions, because it is part of the curriculum.(1) The good part is, if you forgot what you had for breakfast, you’ll probably get a quick reminder when you puke after your professor carefully performs an autopsy before your eyes. Not everyone is cut out for the putrid smells, weird textures, and horrifying sights that one is likely to see in medical school and throughout the medical career.
Round-the-clock stress
Another problem with medical school is that they work you like a dog. Because your career as a physician may require 24/7-on-call duty,(2) medical schools often train their students to be able to work around the clock. The trouble with this is that it can get in the way of your relationships with other people, including friends, family, and loved ones.(3) Aside from your relationships, you may just lose your sanity working such long hours under tremendous stress.
The “god” mentality
Every once in a while, you meet a medical student or doctor who has what’s called the “god” mentality. These are the people who feel as though they have the “power” to extend people’s lives, heal them from sickness and injury, and cure them from diseases. The problem is that, when this mentality gets into someone’s head, that person can end up being very arrogant and proud.(4)
Incurring debt
Going to medical school is a huge investment, which will likely have you borrowing money for your tuition, residency, and other student expenses. With the number of years that medical school takes, you will probably incur a pretty big debt. As a result, the first few years of your medical career will probably be about working insane hours at a low wage in order to pay your debts off. And, once you start making your own money, you’ll be probably be buying the nicest cars, best gadgets, and biggest houses. Whatever happened to that childhood dream of helping those in need?
(1) http://www.deathreference.com/Bl-Ce/Cadaver-Experiences.html
(2) http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/reporter/oct2000/well.htm
(3) http://gradschool.about.com/od/medicalschool/a/should.htm
(4) http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=479625
For some people, the ultimate academic pursuit is to get into law or medical school. A sample essay about myself may help you get your foot in the door. Beyond a sample essay about myself, there are specific college degree courses, which may help you get into your law or medical school of choice.
Getting into law or medical school takes some preparation. You would do good with a sample essay about myself. You also need to prepare academically. It will help to have gained undergraduate degrees in courses that can help you in the fields of medicine or law. While some schools offer pre-law or pre-med, others may not.
For medical school, you will need to be in courses that are heavy on science. Those with degrees in Biology, chemistry and physics often do well. Their transition from their college course to medical school isn’t as hard. Others come from Humanities and Social Science courses.
For law school, many qualify with just about any degree to their credit. Law school just requires diligence, logic, analytical skills and a lot of patience. However, there are courses that best prepare prospective law students. This includes Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy and Criminology. If you plan to go into law, choose courses that focus on research, analysis, logic and human behavior.
But then again, while you need to prepare for medical or law school (if this is your ultimate goal), college should also be about the exploration of possibilities. You may have other interests that you want to explore. At the same time, your skills may fit another degree course. Follow your desires. Doing so does not mean you cannot qualify to medical or law school in the future. This may only help you focus and realize what you really want. If law or medicine is what you really want, then you can still qualify for it, regardless of what you took in college.
Photo Credit : e53
Attending medical school is no joke. There are a lot of factors that will call for intense physical and mental exercise, not to mention the rigorous training residents have to undergo after graduating from medical school. For that matter, it is important for a person to be firm and decided to be involved in the field of medicine.
What you need at the starting point
To start a career in medicine, you must first apply to a medical school. The application process itself may already be challenging because there are several requirements from students. For one, while a bachelor’s degree in any field is acceptable, you will be better equipped for medical school with a degree in the natural or social sciences. You must also take the MCAT and have an acceptable GPA in college. In addition, a personal statement is required when applying to medical school. To write an excellent personal statement, use the entries in sample essay about myself blogs as a guide.
Experiences to expect in medical school
Medical school education and training lasts for four years. The first two years are spent in classrooms where you will listen to lectures, take exams and learn and memorize a great amount of information. During the third year, you will be exposed to the clinical and practical side of what you’ve learned and will be required to apply the lessons. The fourth year is spent doing rounds in wards and surgical operations. By this time, you must also start to think about the field you want to specialize in.
After the graduation march
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will have to train in a teaching hospital as a resident doctor. You’ll have to balance adequate rest and application of your lessons in the hospital for several years, depending on which specialization you are training for. The more complicated and more challenging specializations require up to seven years of training while the less challenging ones require only three years at the least. After your residency, you may opt to undergo more specialized training through a fellowship. The fellowship may last for two to three years.
More challenges but also more rewards
The road does not end for a doctor who is able to stand on his or her own two feet. To earn a living, you must continue your practice. Depending on how you work, you may go through every working day dealing with moderately stressful situations or face major challenges like getting sued for malpractice. Moreover, depending on your specialization, you may earn around $100,000 to several million dollars per year. So, to get to the peak of your medical career, you have to be dedicated to the field and love your job.
Photo Credit : striatic
