Simply put, becoming a physician takes an extraordinary amount of hard work, dedication and sometimes a sense of calling that may have started at a young age. The physician is a vital member of the healthcare team. Their work allows for the care of the most vulnerable people—the patients. When asked, “Why am I a physician?” responses typically include:

• I am a lifelong learner—as a physician I am always expanding my knowledge
• I am intrigued by the way medicine can be used to improve one’s life
• The variety—in the patients I see and in my schedule
• I have an intellectual curiosity about medicine
• I am amazed by biology and anatomy
• I enjoy a challenge and love to figure things out (diagnosing)
• I want to help people
• I wish to understand how disease affects the body
• I had a good relationship with a physician who influenced me
• The income is well above average
• I realize that my knowledge could save someone’s life

1. Internet Research: Like nurses and pharmacists, physicians take an oath upon graduation. There are several versions of the physician’s oath. Research the modern Hippocratic Oath written by Dr. Louis Lasagna. List the five most meaningful statements to you.


2. Internet Research: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in what type of work environment can a physician expect to work?


3. Internet Research: What is the job outlook for physicians?

Most medical school applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree and many have advanced degrees. Although no specific major is required, all students must complete undergraduate work in the following areas:

• Chemistry, along with laboratory courses
• Organic Chemistry, along with laboratory courses
• Biology, along with laboratory courses
• Physics, along with laboratory courses
• English
• Calculus or other advanced math classes, such as Statistics
• Human Genetics

Medical schools are highly competitive. Most applicants must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and letters of recommendation. Schools also consider an applicant’s personality, leadership qualities and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools require applicants to interview with members of the admissions committee. A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last six or seven years.

Students spend most of the first two years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms gaining practical skills by learning to take medical histories, examining patients, diagnosing illnesses and taking courses such as:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Psychology
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Medical ethics
• Medical Law

During their last two years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.

After medical school, they become a resident for three to eight years and learn all aspects of patient care while preparing for practice in a medical specialty. After residency, they may became board certified in a specialty, which involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in their specific area of medicine.

1. Internet Research: Research a local college/university/school with a program to become a physician. Provide the following information:
   • Entrance requirements (GPA, MCAT score, essays)
   • Tuition costs (per credit hour or per semester)
   • School location
   • Length of program/degree
   • Courses/classes required to graduate


2. Internet Research: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, what is the current median pay of a physician?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. They examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications and order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene and preventive healthcare.

Physicians are typically responsible for the following:

• Taking a patient’s medical history
• Updating charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments
• Ordering tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform
• Reviewing test results to identify any abnormal findings
• Recommending and designing a plan of treatment
• Addressing concerns or answering questions patients have about their health and well-being
• Helping patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene

1. On Your Own: Using the list above, identify which responsibilities benefit the patient and which responsibilities benefit other members of the healthcare team.