Confused about college and future again.

S

spicypumpkin

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So, some of you may remember when I was confused about what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be a personal trainer, and I still like the idea of that, but recently I have been fascinated with the scientific aspects of the functioning of the human body. I was thinking it may be more worthwhile to just go all the way and become a doctor. I know I want to help people and I know I like health and fitness stuff, but I have no idea what becoming a doctor takes or if it's even right for me.

I'm going to take a human biology class next semester, and if that doesn't completely confuse me, then I may have some potential. Generally, I do pretty well at anything I try to do.

So, what are all of the steps to studying to become a doctor?
 
spicypumpkin said:
So, some of you may remember when I was confused about what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be a personal trainer, and I still like the idea of that, but recently I have been fascinated with the scientific aspects of the functioning of the human body. I was thinking it may be more worthwhile to just go all the way and become a doctor. I know I want to help people and I know I like health and fitness stuff, but I have no idea what becoming a doctor takes or if it's even right for me.

I'm going to take a human biology class next semester, and if that doesn't completely confuse me, then I may have some potential. Generally, I do pretty well at anything I try to do.

So, what are all of the steps to studying to become a doctor?
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Academic Requirements: BS in one of the sciences, preferably biochemistry, but chemistry, biology or phyiscs also work. Graduate undergrad with at least a 3.5 gpa, preferably a 3.7+ (otherwise, it's off to Guadalajara or a Caribbean medical school). Strong Medcat scores are also essential. No sissy classes either - honors classes when available. The better the rep of the university, the better, but I've known doctors who went to community colleges. Most went to state medical schools.

Career: Get a BS: 4 years. Med school: 4 years. 3 year residency making about what a personal trainer makes, maybe less but working 36 hour shifts. Then, you're on easy street.
 
Im a doctor. eh hem. You should just go with where life takes you spicy many people start a career only to find they dont like it. I did that.

Just go whichever way your heart takes you. You can be succesful personal training and being a doctor. You just have to find which hat fits.
 
spicypumpkin said:
That doesn't sound too bad.

If I like this human biology class, then I may look into getting a BS in something biology related.
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Taking a non-majors class in human biology will not give you a sense of what a biology major involves. Instead, I would recommend taking an intro biology majors class if you wanna get a better feel for what a bio major requires.

By the way, I have a BS and a MS in zoology and taught biology classes at a community college for 3 years.
 
Derwyddon said:
Someone's been watching too much TV :p

Yes for a GP doctor the path he described above is correct. But what do you think of when you say "doctor"? Do you think ER, family, any specilization?

And I really agree, a non major biology course is not going to give you any real sense of what it is like to be a biology major.
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When I think "doctor", I think of a very intelligent and well educated person who genuinely cares for other people. I see someone consulting with their patients and giving the best possible advice to make their lives easier while they struggle with an ailment. I know I want to do something diet related. I'm not sure what though. I was absolutely fascinated when I was reading about metabolism, digestion and energy use and all of the fancy little hormones and chemicals involved. I realized how screwed up the whole system can get if one little thing is missing. The body is a finely tuned instrument that acts like an orchestra in itself. Everything has a purpose and a function. I want to learn as much as I can about it.
 
yep there are some magnificant doctors out there,
But unfortunatey theres bad ones that dont care and/or "dangerous"

Have you given a thought about health & exercise science,

Its a great course and sounds something like you would like.
 
You should just go with where life takes you spicy many people start a career only to find they dont like it. I did that.

Just go whichever way your heart takes you. You can be succesful personal training and being a doctor. You just have to find which hat fits.
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I'm With NBS. You never know how things are going to work out.

Start a major in college and get your BS. You can decide what direction you want to go at that point. A lot will change in the 4 years you are in undergrad. You may find yourself going in a completely different direction.

If there is one thing I have learned about life, it is impossible to plan what you are going to be doing in 10 years. There are WAY too many people and opportunities which will shape the person you will become.
 
Just got back from talking to my cousins, who have gone through med school and I will quickly summarize what they told me:

1.) DON'T LISTEN TO COUNSELORS
2.) Med school/Pharm school looks at three criteria when accepting you:
a) GPA in college
b) MCAT/PCAT scores
c) Grades from core classes (Chem, bio, math, phys)
3.) This means you can take any major in order to 4.0 (English, Math, Phys, Philos, Econ...)
4.) Make sure you get A's in your core classes
5.) Never take the MCAT or PCAT without practicing or taking a preparatory course. It's a waste of time and money.
6.) DON'T LISTEN TO COUNSELORS


That's pretty much it. If I think of anything else I'll post it.

I'm probably going to change my major from Bio to something like Kinesiology, nutrition, or philos.

Spicy, go to your local hospital or chat up some of your doctors. See if you can volunteer there or shadow the doctors/surgeons. If you still want to do it after doing it, then go for it. If you have an interest in it, explore it. Don't sit there questioning your interest.
 
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Harvard Medical School:




I just says "bachelors degree" with preparation in calc, phys, chem, and bio. A BS in psychology might even be desired over someone with a pure science BS just because they might have better bedside manners.
 
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