hi doctor,
i was woundering how many years i have to go to school to become a children's doctor and how many classes would i take and what classes would those be??
i am in high school right now and i was woundering.

kassii

Hi Kassii
Four years B degree, 4 years med school and 3 years pediatrics residency = 11 years.
Have a look at these 3 letters:
Become a Doctor
Become a Doctor in the USA
Become a Pediatrician

Dr Anton

i want to become a general surgeon or maybe a Cardiothoracic surgeon what subjects should i take to prepare for this career if i just got in highschool?i'm good at math and science

bambi

Hi Bambi
That is the way to go! Science and maths!
You are aiming high - all of the best!
Have a look at these letters:
Become a Doctor
Become a Surgeon

Dr Anton

Thanks for the help Dr Anton.

Camilla

You're welcome!

Dr Anton

Hey Doc,
i was wondering how I start volunteering at a hospital, i mean there has to be some procedures! and do you know the top 5 universities right now in canada for medicine?

meeba

Meeba
Most hospitals do have a volunteer program - so it should be simple - phone the hospital where you would like to volunteer and get the details (usually a couple of forms and disclaimers). Or make contact with the nursing manager - they can usually assist or make special arrangements if required.
Top universities in Canada:
1 Toronto
2 UBC
3 Queen's
4 McGill
5 Alberta

Dr Anton

Hi. I'm doing my GCSEs but I'm not sure what to do from there.

Camilla

Hi Camilla
I have found this site very useful:
Click Here
Trust it helps!

Dr Anton

hi dr anton its me sobia how r u anyway i am no okay because i am really worid about my future i am now in year 8 and i am weak in maths and i want to decome a doctor and in this case i need your help if u can tell me any website which can help me & any med-school i really need your help plzzzzzzzzzzzz help me by

sobia

Sobia
You will have to rectify the maths problem - you really not only need to pass maths - but you need to excel in maths.
You will have to take it up with your teachers! I will recommend one-on-one remedial maths - and then keep on practising!
The reality and bottom line is that you need to do well in maths.
Don't worry about a specific medical school at this stage.

Dr Anton

I currently live in the UK, but i have dual citizenship with America. I am currently doin A-levels in the UK (maths biology chemistry and geography, but i am considering going to university in America, firstly would i get into university in america, and would i pay out of state tuition or in state tuition? secondly being educated in the UK for most of my life would you recomend me going to university in the UK or the USA if i wanted to become a doctor?

Katrin

Katrin
If you are a US citizen, I don't see any problem with studying in the USA or with qualifying for "in state" tuition.
You will have to do a bit of research - to ensure that you enter a reputable US pre-medical school B degree program.
Better to study in the USA rather than in the UK and then trying to get into the US with your UK med degree.
Of course if you would like to live your life in the UK - the answer is obvious!

Dr Anton

Hi Dr. Anton
i'll be a junior this year and I want to become a doctor I'm not that good at math but very good at science will I be able go get into medical school ?

Carissa

Carissa
The short answer is that you will have to rectify the maths thing - you really not only need to pass maths - but you need to excel in maths.
You will have to take it up with your teachers! I will recommend remedial maths - and then practice, practice and practice!
The reality and bottom line is that you need to do well in maths.

Dr Anton

Hello Dr. Anton,
i wanted to know if you go out of the country to go to school to become a doctor (internal medicine) like in U.K were you can get it done in 5 years is it the same as doing it here for a longer period of time in school. can i come back once im done and do my three years of training here and get a job as a doctor in the U.s or will i have to go through some more schooling because it was done in a different country?
-Jasmin
soon a freshmen in highschool

Jasmin

Hi Jasmin - it is possible - but at the same time quite complicated!
Once qualified in the UK -In order to practice in the USA, the most important thing is to write your USMLE. You will also have to find out if the UK med school is recognized by US government agencies.
Click Here

Dr Anton

Hello Doc
I have just finished grade 10 and I have figured out I want to be a doctor. I don't know what kind doctor I want to be but I want to know where the best university for becoming a doctor is. I understand that it changes through the years but if you know where the university with steady high rates are I would be over joyed to know.

Thanks, Sarel

Sarel

The 2008 top universities for medicine were:
1. Johns Hopkins University
2. Harvard University
3. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
4. University of Washington
5. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Subscribe to my monthly news letter (see hone page on thuis site) and get an Ebook free "Which Branch of Medicine is for Me"

Dr Anton

Hi sir,
I am a software professional working in R&D.I need to work on a project called "Automatic sensed dental device".I would like to know is it possible to invent a small dentist device which can detect any type of problem in the mouth just by putting that inside the mouth.It should give a beep sound if any problem is there.Can you please suggest me something.

supriya

Apologies - no ideas.
To all correspondents - kindly try to keep your questions somewhat (even just slightly) related to the theme of the website
Thx!

Dr Anton

HOW DO YOU BECOME A GOOD DOTOR.
HOW DO YOU FRIST MAKE FRIENDS WHAVER YOU ARE NEW.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A 100 TIMES DOCTOR.

hi dr.anton this is zaza

Hi Zaza
Well have the attitude of a servant - as a doctor you are serving your patients and the community that you are living in!
And have lots of compassion for sick and suffering people.
Love people - not the status or the money!

Dr Anton

Hey,
I'm 13 years old and i just had my graduation. I won 4 awards one in mathematics, the academic excellence(having the highest average in grade 8),participation, and another one for getting over 90 in every subject! I want to became a doctor and was wondering what is the best university/ college to get started on after high school and what i should be concerned with!

meeba

Hi Meeba
Well congratulations - you are really excelling!
Universities vary from year to year re ratings - so leave this decision up to grade 11 or so.
Make sue that you continue excelling in maths - but add to this science (biology, physical science and chemistry). These days you will be wise to add Medical Science to your high school subjects list:
Click Here
In grade 10 - 12 you should volunteer at a hospital during holidays.
Well you are well on your way - so keep it up!

Dr Anton

Hey doc,
I'm going into my senior year in high school and was wondering if you could help me out. You see, I haven't fully known what I wanted to become when I grow up until earlier on this year; a doctor. However, I fear that my grades might be too low and it is too late to change it. My report card is lined with B's and B+'s, along with a few A's, along with an ACT of 26 on my first try. I know this coming senior year I can get almost all A's, but I'm still a little concerned. Please hel

Owen

Owen
You have to aim for mostly A*'s and A's, but one or two B's won't be a problem. You have to excel in A-levels. You can always consider a BSc Hons degree before applying to medical school.

Dr Anton

Dr.
Okay. What courses should I be taking in my four years of undergraduate school though? Is it all the courses under premedicine? Also, I am looking forward to being a doctor, I am just not sure exactly what kind of doctor I want to be. Anesthesiologist was one of my first options but I want to keep my options open.. surgery may be a route as well. Are there any particular kinds of doctor/surgeon you would suggest? And Surgeons are doctors correct?

Thanks.

Shelly

A year of Freshman Chemistry along with the appropriate laboratory courses
A year of Organic Chemistry along with laboratory courses
A year of Biology along with laboratory courses
A year of Physics along with laboratory courses
A year of English
A year of Calculus or other advanced math classes, including Statistics.
Subscribe to my news letter and receive an E-book "Which branch of medicine is for me".
Yes - a surgeon is a specialist doctor.

Dr Anton

Dear Doctor Anton,

I am from england in year 10 of School, soon entering year 11, I have set my sites on becoming a doctor and am working hard to get the grades but i am worried that i will fall short of the grades that i need to become a Doctor, i was wondering what GCSE grades you need to be accepted into med school...
your reply will be much appreciated

Yours sincerely
-Will :)

Will

Will - aim for mostly A*'s and A's, but one or two B's won't be a train smash! Some Med schools have a minimum requriement of 5 A*s (Birmingham) but that is not the rule.

Dr Anton

hey Dr. anton,
ill try your way thanks alot.
and definitely when ever I know a way I will let you know :)

Thanks again

Manar

Thx!

Dr Anton

Thank you for letting me know that information. I was wondering what Biomedical sciences were. So if I decide that I want to major in something not medical like economics or non-medical related.. I can still be a doctor? Also what kind of doctor are you, and how many years of school/other years is it to become an Anesthesiologist or doctor.. I am looking to be more than a pediatric doctor. Thank you again

Shelly

Hi Shelly - indeed you can major in a non-medical subject for medicine!
I am a Maxillofacial Surgeon. Anesthesiologist residency is 4 years. You can become a pediatric surgeon, pediatric cardiologist or pediatric anesthesiologist... it all adds up to 2 or 3 years extra residency.

Dr Anton

What course can you take in sixth form to become a peadiatric doctor

r

Have you considered an online Medical Sciences Course?
See:
Click Here

Dr Anton

Hi Dr.Anton,
im a year 3 med student and I have a problem.
I need help in trying to remember drugs name!
any advice?

Manar

Hi Manar
You are hitting my weak spot as well - if you figure out an easy way- please let me know.
I just had to repeat the name verbally and then I wrote it out a number of times in writing.

Dr Anton

I want to be a surgeon, but my hands are not that steady (Like when I take pictures). Is this a big problem?

Sara

Sara
No - you can train your hands - just like playing the piano. Nobody can play the piano without lots of training!
Unless you have 5 thumbs on each hand - you can become a surgeon!

Dr Anton

Hello, I am entering my senior year in high school. I have straight A's my junior year and I am taking advance courses my senior year. I want to be a doctor particularly leaning towards an Anesthesiologist. When i am earning my B degree in undergraduate school, what should I major in until I go to medical school?

Shelly

Hi Shelly
As long as you complete the academic and lab requirements for the MCAT - you can major in almost anything - and there is something to say for going for the science/medical subjects like Biology/Biochemistry/Microbiology etc. There is also a lot to say to go for something completely non-medical like Economics and Philosophy.

Dr Anton

hi i really want to become a doctor and this is no only my dream this is my all famiy dream i want to complete this dream but my problem is i am really weak in maths and i hate maths subject if u help me i will be really thankful of u please help me please

sobia

Sobia
The short answer is that you will have to rectify the maths thing - you really not only need to pass maths - but you need to excel in maths and related subjects.
You will have to take it up with your teachers! I will recommend remedial maths - and then practice, practice and practice!
The reality and bottom line is that you need to do well in maths.

Dr Anton

hey Dr anton

I am a south African Single parent 28 female,i did well in school regarding biology, Physical science, i could have done better in maths,but i got rebelious and never completed shool i am how ever going back to complete my Grade 12. I would like to know more on if i could still become a doctor, if i take up all the subjects that are relevant for becoming a doctor, i want to become a dctor out of my dedication to help people. If you could just give me a bit of advice...thank

Adele

Adele
The reality is that it is very very competitive and difficult for the 18 year olds to get selected into medicine - and selection committees are under pressure to go for the younger students. It certainly is not impossible - you will have to consider a science degree - like a B.Sc first and pass at least with academic commendation or equivalent - then add 5 years medicine plus internship plus community years and end up striking because of ridiculously low remuneration package for doctors in South Africa (this is actually happening at this point in time) This all at the age of +-40 when you want to start your medical career...
Well have you considered professional nursing?

Dr Anton

Please DOC ,I want to enter into the medical school and I know for sure I would be asked questions on why I want to become a doctor during the interview.Can you please help me with some relevant answers?

Aaron

I have learnt that honesty is the best policy!
But get some ideas here:
Click Here

Dr Anton

How many years do you have to go through collage if you want to become a surgeon?

Ray

Ray
4 years Bachelors' degree, 4 years medical school and 5 years residency.
Looks like it adds up to 13 years!

Dr Anton

hi doc i have a non-sense question:
im sorry but im just curious about these things..
after i graduate med school and start the first day of residency, am i considered a doctor?
and during the first day and following days of residency, do patients and other health staff call me "doctor"?
if not when is the right time i will have the M.D. after my name?
is it after finishing the residency?
thx doc.

mac

Mac
You receive your MD (or OD)license after completion of your internship (first year of any residency) and will be called "Doctor".
It does vary a bit from country to country though.

Dr Anton

is triple science compulsory if you want to become a doctor?

Alasdair

No it is not compusory - but there are so many want-to-be doctors with tripple science - with A'/A* grades - giving a relative disadvantage to those that do not have.
Anybody with more info on this?

Dr Anton

Dear Dr. Anton,

Thank you for the great job you are doing in the field of Medicine, please see below courses, can you please recommend any test books that teach in detailed in order for me to be expert on it

Course Name - Osteoporosis: A Review of Current Therapies
(1.0 Physician CME/1.2 Nursing CE)
Course Name - Osteoporosis: A Disease State Review
(1.0 Physician CME/1.2 Nursing CE)

Waiting for your graceful and positive response.

Thank y

Joe

There are many frontiers in the treatment of osteoporosis. I find the bisphosphonates especially the complications in the maxillofacial area of great interest - so most of the current information is found in medical journals rather than handbooks - suggest you do a pub med search on the latest articles...

Dr Anton

What can I do to help me prepare to become a doctor? What type of class can i take in school?

Yessica

Consider doing an online medical science course and also consider voluntary work at a hospital in your free time.
See:
Click Here

Dr Anton

I am hoping to become a pediatrition but i dont know what college is right for me, do you know of a good university in california?

Jackie

Some of the best medical schools are in California - like:
University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA School of Medicine
Los Angeles, CA
and
University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
San Francisco, CA
Have a look at:
Click Here

Dr Anton

Hello first of all I want to thank you for all your help. Can you tell me what a 'B degree' is? (I am from Malta that's why I do not exactly know) Thank You.

Jonathan

A B degree is a "Baccalarius" or "Bachelors" degree - usually the first qualification offered by universities in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia etc.
It usually takes 4 years and one needs to complete a high school qualification at a university admissions-level to apply for admission to a university

Dr Anton

hi doc,
i am in secondary school and i really want to become children's doctor. i do 100 percent coursework for science so can i still become a doctor. they said that i will be getting 4 GCSE's. i am unsure if u still can become a doctor

maggie

Hi Maggie
Aim for as many A grades as possible. If you work hard I'm sure you can still become a doctor.
Have a look at:
Click Here

Dr Anton

I'm a doctor in South America and plan on becoming a US citizen. What do I need to do to continue to be a doctor in the United States?

Loren

Hi Loren
May I refer you to the following website with much more information:
Click Here

Dr Anton

thank you for your answer

I heard many people said to be a doctor expecially the surgeon is a tough process but I still want to pursue it. How difficlut will it be? When you be a student or taking the intership, had you become mad beause of the pressure? And how long did it take you to be a doctor?
Thx again

chancy

Becoming a doctor and then a surgeon takes utter dedication.
No, I never got mad - like climbing a mountain - you have to get to the top, and getting mad will work against you!
Doctor - 8 years and surgery - add 5 years.

Dr Anton

I am going into my Jr. Year in high school. But i did not do so good with my grades my sophomore yr.but all my classes were advanced. (Honors Biology 9th grade. Honors Chemistry 10th Grade and Honors Geometry and Algebra. My Jr. year consist of Honors Algebra 2 & Trigonometry and Honors Physics for doctoral purposes. I will end my High school career with AP* calculus, AP* Biology and AP* chemistry. But my question is can i still become a Dr. with a not so good Sophomore Yr.

John Allen

John
The short answer is that you can definitely become a doctor. Give it your best in 11 and 12.
Selection into medical school is based mainly on your B Degree and MCAT results.
Consider an accredited online medical course to add to your high school resume.
Click Here
And volunteer at a hospital holidays - it all helps!

Dr Anton

Hi Dr Anton

I'm South African, desperate to become a neurologist, but my country is very unfair with admitting certain races to study medicine. I am not wealthy, but I really want to study overseas, do you know of any programmes in the US that offer bursaries to South African students based on merit?

Thanks, hope to hear from you...

Chiara

Hi Chiara

The unfortunate reality is that multiple millions of students want to study in the USA but there is preciously scanty financial aid available from USA sources for international students (especially in the current economic climate). The principle of "charity stars at home" is also applied in the USA (as is the case in most other countries in the world) - thus international student scholarships are very hard to find. Most international students in the USA rely exclusively on themselves and their relatives for funding. For financial aid for international student bursaries/scholarship for an American education, the best place for you to look would be within your own country. There could be international student scholarships and international student loans available for study abroad from your own government, or from local banks/ business/ organizations/ foundations in your country. You may also consider requesting aid form the United Nations or other humanitarian organizations. Kindly note that the Apprentice Corporation is not affiliated with any of these organizations. For information regarding a student VISA kindly contact the USA Consulate in South Africa. Trust it helps!

Dr Anton

i'm colorblind. would it still be possible for me to become a doctor? i know that you need chemistry, but i have trouble with it for obvious reasons...even if a reaction took place, i cant actually see the thing change most of the time

Mitchell

I have a number of colleague physicians, dentists and surgeons who are color blind. It is a bit of a handicap - but really no problem to become a doctor. You will have to ask your color vision student friend to assist you with the color of the test solution in chemistry on occasion. Full color blindness is very uncommon - usually only an inability to distinguish between green and red...

Dr Anton

Doc
I'm 14 yrs old and I'm planning to finish my medical studies here in the Philippines but I want to work in the US. How much is the possibility of me getting in? And how much can I earn in a year? Thanks so much

Lulu

Hi Lulu
It is better to study and qualify in the USA.
If you qualify in the Phillipines have a look at this for more info:
Click Here

Dr Anton

Doc,
I am a senior student in China
I wonder if I study medicine in USA, can I work in USA or be a doctor in there without the Permanent Resident Card?

chancy

I am not an expert on VISA requirements - but as far as I know no one is allowed to work in the USA without a Green card (with the exception of working as a student on a formal exchange program and one or two other well specified exceptions). The USA consulate in China will have more info.

Dr Anton

Also what about biomedical sciences as a 4year university program compared to the biomedical/mechanical engineering course. Because the biomedical/mechanincal engineering gives a Bachelor of engineering degree. and the biomedical science gives a Bachelor of Science degree. Which is a better option for me for med school and university? Please help This doctor thing is the most complicated career path that I've looked at.lol

BrianL

Hi BrianL
I really don't see a problem - I would recommend doing the 4 year biomedical science degree as the basis for your medical degree. In Canada you will have to aim for a specific medical school/s - contact them regarding their entrance requirements - you probably will have to do the MCAT or Canadian equivalent exam.

Dr Anton

I am a senior in high school Canada.And never known what job i wanted.I chose a doctor cuz i like to help ppl.I have not taken grade 11 bilology in school or the grade 12(pre-requisite gr.11).I want to go for biomedical/mechanical engineering as a 4year university course.I do have
grade 12 chemistry though(i have grade 12 functions,calculus,physics,and more).
What i really want to know is is it still possible for me to get into a medschool with that university program,Is it a good c

BrianL

You will do tons of biology in biomedical science degree - so don't worry about biology at school - just as long as the maths and science are on the required level of excellence... but double check with the admin section of the university that you would like to attend.

Dr Anton

hi doc i would like to become a doctor but i dont want to do surgery..maybe i could assist surgical operations but i dont want to be the one who are doing the surgery because i treasure life.

mac

Hi Mac
There are a number of specialties like Psychiatry, anesthetics, radiology, physician and dermatology where one is rarely if ever required to perform surgical procedures. If you treasure life you may actually make a good surgeon - all doctors need to treasure life including surgeons. If you are afraid of losing a patient - believe me that will happen even if you choose a non-surgical discipline. Keep an eye open for my next e-letter: "A matter of life and death"

Dr Anton

how much salery can you earn is you are a anesthetist in he UK/

ps: the first question was a mistake

G K

Junior doctors can earn about 35 000 Pounds.
Doctors in specialist training can earn up to 65 000 while consultant anaesthetists earn 75 000 Pounds and more.
Private practicing anaesthetists earn 170,000 or more per year.

Dr Anton

accordign to the last list of jobs you gave what GCSE grades do you need to become a anesthetist?

G K

Nurse anesthetist is only available in the USA. An anesthetist is a specialty following medicine (doctor) in the UK.
I would say as many A's as possible maybe one or two B's might be fine.

Dr Anton

is there any chance by the time 2012 or 2013 the cources of being a doctor or dentist or option will become easier.
are there any eaier jobs like a doctor but in a easier type of cource but is still a doctor but a little lower than a doctor.

G K

G K
No I believe as science expands and more techniques are developed it will become MORE challenging!
Consider alternative inroads into medicine like:
Nursing - research "Nurse anesthetist" a bit.
Or one of these...
Paramedic/EMT
Alternative medicine
Osteopathic medicine
Audiology
Optometry
Pharmacist
Podiatrist

Dr Anton

so which of the jobs is the easiest
option
doctor
dentist?

G K

G K
I would say they are very much on the same level of challenge and difficulty.

Dr Anton

Hello, I love Math & science. I am in the 9th grade taking all advance classes. I am like others strongly want to be a doctor, a animal doctor/veterinarian, are there different classes I need to study, how many years and how much income will it be working for a vet?

marlina

Hi Marlina
You are definitely on the right track.
The requirements are very similar to that of medicine. Science, biology and maths.
You will need a four year B degree and then go to a Veterinary school for another 4 year(in the USA).

Dr Anton

Hello Doc,
I am a South African however I would like to study medicine in the U.S.A. I am currently in 2nd year Psychology. I would need to start a new 4 year degree in order to get into an American Medical program. If I apply to a South African university and start Medicine they do not first do an Undergrad, will the first 4 years of medicine qualify as an undergrad in the states?
Would a US university offer me a scholarship?

Angelique

Hi Angelique
I am not aware of any South African B degree that is recognized by any US medical school. No the first 4 years of medicine will not be recognized as a US B degree.
USA scholarships are usually reserved for USA candidates, and even then the competition to secure a scholarship is fierce.

Dr Anton

y do u need art to become a dentist?
is a dentist easier than a doctor?
what subjects do u need 2 become a optition?

G K

No, it is a misconception that dentistry is easier than medicine (medical doctor).
You don't need art. It may just be a good idea since especially cosmetic dentistry does require a fairly advanced sense of esthetics - thus the suggestion to choose an art subject. But it really is not essential.
Optician - very much the same as for medicine - thus maths, physics, chemistry. Biology would be a "nice to have" as well...

Dr Anton