Do your dream of becoming a doctor? It is a  noble profession but also demanding to say the least, requiring many years of learning before you can practice. Needless to say, this also requires a lot of planning, given that becoming a doctor starts with med school, which starts with the necessary high school subjects. 

While this may seem daunting, planning and research can help to alleviate a lot of that anxiety. T

Step 1: High School Preparation

Both the US and India require a specific selection of science subjects in high school, like Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Excelling in these subjects is crucial because it forms the foundation of more advanced learning during the undergraduate years. As such, colleges expect high marks in these subjects. 

Step 2: Undergraduate Studies  

After high school, you will move onto college, where you will earn a bachelor’s degree. In the US, this will entail graduating with a bachelor’s in a science-related field like Biology, Biochemistry, or Pharmacology, as well as completing prerequisites for Med School, like Organic Chem or Anatomy. During college, students also prepare for the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT. In India, high school students prepare for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or NEET in order to apply to an MBBS program, which is the equivalent of an undergraduate degree. 

Step 3: Medical School

In the US, medical school programs last for four years, which are divided into two parts. The first two years involve classroom studies, learning under a professor, subjects like Pathology and Anatomy. The latter half comprises rotations in hospitals, where students learn on the job and apply their theoretical knowledge. 

In India, the MBBS itself lasts four and a half years and is followed by a year-long internship, where students apply their learning.

Step 4: Residency

After completing their graduation from medical college, US graduates enter residency programs in a particular specialty: for example, Pediatrics or Surgery. A residency usually takes three to seven years in any specialty. Residency graduates work under direct supervision within a hospital and learn hands-on how to diagnose and treat. In India, after completing the MBBS which includes the internship, students can practice as general physicians or pursue a postgraduate MD/MS degree for specialization in any field of interest, like Cardiology or Neurology.

Step 5: Licensing

In the US, doctors have to first pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) which grants them a state medical license, after which they can begin to practice!  In India, once doctors complete their internship, they must register with the Medical Council of India and can then join a hospital. 

Careers

Of course, a career in medicine is not limited to doctors, but involves nurses and pharmacists as well. In India, this would mean completing a BSc in Nursing or a Bachelors in Pharmacy. In the U.S., programs like the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences will allow you to do the same. 

Becoming a doctor involves a long and sometimes grueling process, but no matter which country you choose to study in, being a medical professional involves helping people and advancing healthcare. If these two things resonate with you, becoming a doctor will be a fulfilling career. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.cheggindia.com/career-guidance/how-to-become-a-doctor-in-india/

2. https://www.auamed.org/india-blog/a-guide-to-become-a-doctor-in-the-usa/