Is brain - neurosurgery to be PC ! - really as difficult as the common knowledge, " you don't have to be a brain surgeon ..."
or is it just a speciality like cardio and oral etc ?

James

It really is at the same level as most other specialties (e.g. orthopedics) but keep in mind that it does require a longer residency compared to most other specialties.
For some reason it is one of the most coveted specialties and to become a neurosurgery resident is therefore fiercely competitive and thus draws the best of the best candidates.

Dr Anton

How can you reach the title 'consultant' in medicine ?
Do you need to do postgrad..

James

You have to have a post-grad qualification - and be affiliated to an academic training unit at a medical school.
Mostly used in the U.K. for a specialist who has been placed on the specialist register...

Dr Anton

Hi Dr. Anton
If you choose to become an ED - Resus - Doc, does that mean that you cannot carry out, for example, surgery as one is not specialised in the field?

James

James
As an emergency room doctor you will be doing quite a bit of minor surgery - if you want to do the major stuff, then you will have to become a trauma surgeon.

Dr Anton

hi dr anton..how long it will take to become an anesthetist?

tash

12 years
4y - degree before med school
4y - medschool
4y - anesthetics residency

Dr Anton

i want to be a cardiologist do you think i should talk to my science teacher about it

elze

Hi Elze
Yes - one or all of the following three - science/biology/career guidance.
Consider The Apprentice Doctor Foundation and Suturing Kits Combo - you will definitely enjoy it immensely... see shop for more details.
All of the best!

Dr Anton

what uni/college did u go to
im gonna try to get to Glasgow next year and study Medicine

also r u in a certain department

(radiology)etc

mikieee

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg.
Department of Surgery,
Division of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery.
Best wishes for your studies!

Dr Anton

Hi, How r u Sir.
Smoking is injurious to health !
I just want to ask how much smoke/day actually causes major health problems(like one or half pack etc).
ThankU !

Hamaz

The quetion is a bit off the theme of this website, but in the context of becoming a doctor - lead by example - DO NOT SMOKE AT ALL!
Nothing as ugly as a smoking doctor!

Dr Anton

i haven't heard anything from my university's i am desperate to get into medicine and see myself doing nothing else, what can i do?

heen

Not much that I can suggest with the information that you are offering - I suppose be patient and study hard!

Dr Anton

doc can u tell me how much gp's get paid hourly

sumaya

Hi Sumaya
It really depends on things like "regular versus after hours" etc.
But an average of $75.00 per hour seems to be a good average hourly rate...

Dr Anton

It would be extremly upsetting if my grades affect me, after all ... I see myself as a good doctor to be. Dr Anton I think you will agree that grades dont just make a doctor, other factors too play a part.

Mike

True - but medical schools do need to base their selection on something. Good grades might not be flawless - but it is the best way of selecting the top candidates.

Dr Anton

Is it possible to become a doctor by different means, ie doing another medical course passing that , then do one which you could become a doctor. Am really worried about the outcome of my grades, but I want to be a doctor. Help!

Mike

Mike
Of course you can do an honours science degree and then apply to do medicine (this will dramatically improve your chances).
Unfortunately medicine is a dedicated and specific course, and just one way of getting there - medical school.

Dr Anton

I really love "Diagnosis Murder". Is being a hospital doctor anything near as exciting?

James

Hi James
Real life is way more exciting compared to dramas and fiction! Of course there are a lot of dull moments as well...

Dr Anton

To be completely honest with you (and myself) a main reason I want to be a doctor is the combonation of liking medicine, and a god-complex I have. I desperately want to be a doctor, but is it unfair to others in my motive?

Vixen

You need to love medicine if you want to become a doctor.

God complex? What do you mean? If you realize that God is full of love and compassion - and that He wants to touch other people using your hands - then you are on the right track.

If by god complex you mean a desire to have power over other people, then I wouldn't let that worry you too much. A desire to feel a sense of power over other people isn't great, but it's very common among surgeons and it doesn't prevent them from being good at what they do and helping and caring for people.

See: Become a Doctor

Dr Anton

how long do you have to study to become and obstetrician?

sam

12 YEARS
4 PREMED
4 MEDICAL SCHOOL
4 OBS & GYNAE RESIDENCY

Dr Anton

what gcse's and A levels do you need to become a doctor?

BenyJ

It is important to aim for A*s in maths, chemistry, biology and physics, (along with other subjects). Chemistry and maths are more important than biology and physics if you want to become a doctor.

Dr Anton

Dr Anton, could you possibly tell me if there is an alternative route into medicne, if I fail to reach the desired qualfications needed. I live in Scotland by the way, and I attend a state comprehensive school.

Mike

Alternative routes:
Paramedic
Professional nursing
Physiotherapy
Biokinetics
Osteopathic medicine
Alternative medicine e.g. homeopathy, natural medicine
Audiology
Dentistry
Optometry
Pharmacist
Podiatrist
Send your e-mail address via "Contact Us" on this website.

Dr Anton

Okay, thanks once more for taking time out your busy schedule, no doubt!
i was wondering if whilst at medical school is it very scientific constantly with lots of chemistry and biology with maths also?

James

No problem James
No it gets much more clinical - but with frequent reference to the basics that you have learnt in the basic sciences. Physiology does have a lot of physics and chemistry in it.

Dr Anton

what subjects must you excel in to become a doctor?

James

Science (biology, chemistry and physics) and maths (algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus)

Dr Anton

Do they have MCAT tests in UK?
Do you enjoy surgery?

James

Yes - the UKCAT
I love surgery!

Dr Anton

Do you know how long training for paramedics in the UK is and salary, relevant qualifications?

Thanks, J

James

I must confess I don't know too much - but I believe in the UK one may start off working in the ambulance services for a year and then take a structured 2 or 4 year diploma or degree course. You will have to research the issue a bit further...

Dr Anton

Dr Anton, what has been your most memorable moment in the medical profession so far, one which has reflected not only your medical knowledge and ability but also your charachter as a person?.

Mike

Mike
It was winning the Gold medal for the best student in Maxillofacial and Oral surgery in my final year.
My clinical career has been continuously rewarded with great moments - a bit like walking a 1000 miles and trying to single out the most wonderful step during the journey... while all the steps were great in a way.

Dr Anton

Thankyou!

James

You're welcome!

Dr Anton

Sorry to annoy you again, but did you have a personal experience that fueled your ambition to become a doctor?. Thank You for your last comment it was very confidence boosting.

Mike

Mike
No - not a specific event, but as a child, I can remember doctors still doing house calls - and the selfless service and compassion of our doctor made quite an impression on my young mind...
Also have a look at:
Become a Doctor

Dr Anton

A really wish to become a doctor,more than anything in the world, but I only find topics relating to health interesting. I pass said topics with good results, but a struggle with other topics...is it just a matter of studying?.

Mike

Hi Mike
Behind the health topics and the human body lies an immense amount of science - thus the emphasis of medical schools on a thorough science background.
Yes, in the final analysis it boils down to intelligence and A LOT OF HARD WORK!!
Have a look at:
Become a Doctor

Dr Anton

Thannks for your prior comments, Doctor.
What are the main duties of a paramadic contrasted to those of doctors?
& i was leaning towards medicine to be honest, thought if i fail to acheive the grades im considering paramedic !

James

James
Paramedic - the emphasis is on the 'out of hospital' resuscitation and stabilization of medical and surgical emergencies, BLS and ALS (basic and advanced life support).
Emergency doctor - taking over the patient from the paramedics, then taking care of the systematic(usually in hospital)evaluation of all the bodily systems using special investigations like X-rays, blood tests etc, calling out the appropriate medical and surgical specialties and so forth...
Become an Emergency Doctor

Dr Anton

how do you become a doctor?like how many years of college> what to do

taytay100

Hi Taytay100
Have a look at these "letters from the doc":
Become a Doctor
Become a Doctor in the USA

Dr Anton

Just wondering, what is the difference between Paramedics and doctors and why is the pay gap between them so monotonous?

James

James
There really is a big difference in training - but agreed the pay of paramedics should be better in my opinion.

Dr Anton

Hi Doctor!
Im doing my highers at the moment in Scotland and am in a dielemma as to whether to be a dentist or doctor in the future. i have read most of your pages but cannot seem to reach a decision. Helppp!

ThankYouuuuuuuuu!

James

If indecisive rather go for medicine - you will end up with a lot more options at the end. But dentistry is a great profession as well!
Have you read the following letters?
Become a Doctor
Become a Dentist

Dr Anton

Is it posible to take some online classes before going into medical school such as genetics adn cell biology ect?

Leticia

Hi Leticia
Try this...
Online courses

Dr Anton

why did you want to become a doctor

ish

Hi Ish
Mainly the challenge - I came from a very moderate middle-class background - and very few of my fellow students entered any professions - so it was a tremendous challenge for me. I just HAD to prove to myself that I could make it.
I suppose a noble answer like "I wanted to serve my fellow human beings" would have been wonderful - but that simply wasn't on my mind in any big way at that stage... but the latter grew on me, and is my main current motive.

Dr Anton

Hello, I am a second year premed in UCBerkeley. But due to financial difficulties, I've withdrawn. My question was whether this period of withdrawal will affect my chances of getting into the top notch med schools.
Thank you.

John

Hi John
In the present economic climate a lot of empathy exists for financial realities - and I cannot see any selection committee holding this against you...

Dr Anton

hi doc..from my observation, lots of my friends who want to study med are already set their mind on this career since they're young..but me i just decide to do med after finishing my o level..do u think i can do well in this field?

tash

Hi Tash
You can indeed do well and excel.
Many top medical professionals started of in a non-medical career then changed to medicine and came out on top...

Dr Anton

WHAT COURSES CAN I EXPECT WHEN DOING MEDICINE

SADDY

Second Year:
Clinical Medicine & Microbiology
Pathology & Pharmacology

Pre-clinical Electives Program
Third Year:
Family Medicine, Internal Medicine & Neurology
Ob-Gyn & Pediatrics
Psychiatry & Surgery

Fourth Year:
Acute Care & Ambulatory Care
Medicine Subinternship & ACLS
Electives

Dr Anton

HOW MANY COURSES WILL I DO WHEN DOING MEDICINE IN MY FIRST YEAR

SADDY

Hi SADDY
Typically the first year will cover sulects like:
Anatomy
Physiology
Histology
Biochemistry
Embryology
Neuroanatomy

Dr Anton

what can prepare you for passing the medical college admission test?

alice

Alice
There are a nuber of websites with various products to assist - like past exam papers, practice exams etc...
See: MCAT

Dr Anton

how hard is it to pass the MCAT test?

alice

It is quite hard - and one need to get a good score as less than 50% of med school appicants having passed the MCAT gets accepted!

Dr Anton

what motivates you to become a doctor?

ida

Hi Ida
I wrote a recent letter covering your question - have a look at:
Motive why to Become a Doctor

Dr Anton

I read that the acceptance rate to med schools is around 44%...that's a depressing number; as somebody who stumbles with basic math, would it be more advisable to go in a different direction? I'm desperately interested in medicine

Vixen

Hi Vixen
Yes your stats is correct. Have you considered alternative inroads into medicine like:
Nursing - research "Nurse anesthetist" a bit.
Or one of these...
Paramedic/EMT
Alternative medicine
Osteopathic medicine
Audiology
Dentistry
Optometry
Pharmacist
Podiatrist

Dr Anton

I AM AN AFRICAN,A GHANAIAN TO BE SPECIFIC AND DUE TO MY ASCENTS MY DREAM OF BECOMING A JOURNALIST HAS BEEN IS NOW NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT.NOW,I HAVE COME TO LOVE THE IDEA OF BEING A DOCTOR.

VICTORIA YEBOAA

Hi Victoria
If you would like to become a doctor the following "letters form the doc" should help you quite a bit:
Become a Doctor
Well go for it!

Dr Anton

1) I am in year 9 and i want to become a doctor.
What subjects do i need to study?
2) Do i need GCSE PE to become a doctor?

zenib

Maths and tripple science. PE is a nice to have but not esential.

Dr Anton

Do universities look at the courses you took in grade 10, and their marks?

George

No, not as far as I know.

Dr Anton

in college, did you ever want to quit because you were so worn out from studying-if so how did you get back on track

ish

Hi Ish
Yes on one or two occasions - but well defined written goals with a step by step action plan will go a long way to avoid diversions.
Studying daily as opposed to socializing and then "cramming" for exams will also help to avoid these moments!

Dr Anton

Hi i was just wondering how hard it is to get a 3.5 GPA in college. Also how hard is it to get a 30 and the MCAT?

David

Hi David
Believe me it does take a lot of dedication for the average student!
Of course there are variables like intelligence, study technique etc...

Dr Anton

What subjects shall i study in order to become a doctor!!!!!!!!!!!! im in y 9 and have to pick my subjects im really stressed out!

ClumSziie

Hi ClumSziie
Be sure to get good grades in maths and other science subjects like chemistry and physics.
Read:
Become a Doctor

Become a Doctor in the USA

Dr Anton

wow i would have never suspected that. but through God's grace u were able to get back on track =) again thank u for your incredibly helpful advice.

mari

You're welcome!
God is good!

Dr Anton

id u ever regret anything when you were in high school????????

gerardo

Gerardo
I did a lot of stupid things like smoking and using/abusing alcohol.
But I have no regrets - it's the past - long forgiven and forgotten!
I have learnt valuable lessons from my mistakes.

Dr Anton

how much for college and med school

gerardo

Hi Gerardo
The following are estimates:
College - 4 years
Public Four-Year: $17500
Private Four-Year: $35000
Med School:
The first year is $25,000.
Additional, fees for books, housing, meals, student fees, traveling, etc. are required.
Public Schools: $10,000 per year
Private: $20,000 per year

Dr Anton

thank u! i've never wanted anything so much. umm one more question, is there anything u didnt do in high school that u wish you woulda done to help your career?

mari

Well Mari
I did a lot of stupid things.
I got involved with bad friends and stayed at home without permission on a couple of occasions. I started smoking and abused alcohol from time to time...
That did impact negatively on my academics - and of course I wish I didn't do it.
The power of association - make friends with people who are going somewhere - and friends that build you up!

Dr Anton

ok ive wanted to become a doctor my whole life. im a sophmore in high school. im in pre-ap classes, involved in the community,i love biology...what else can i be doing to be on the right path to become a doctor?

mari

1. Take part in a hospital volunteer program
2. be sure to get good grades in maths and other science subjects like chemistry and physics
3. Consider doing an online accredited premed course:
Click Here

Dr Anton

i'm in year 7 and i have 2 years left for GCSE. becoming a doctor has been my dream since i was 3. what can i do that will help the environment, to get paid and have a qualification to be a doctor

babewithbrains

Hi Babewithbrains
Wonderful to hear about your dreams!
May I suggeat that you read the following letters (see links below) - and if you have any further questions - feel welcome to ask.
You want to impact this world on a number of fronts - so take one step at a time!
Become a Doctor
Become a Doctor in the USA and
Strategies for becoming a doctor

Dr Anton