If someone took a vote on the most important profession in the world, the answer would almost certainly be doctor. Doctors save lives, treat pain, examine us for illness, and let us know when we’re not living healthily enough. But, it’s probably tougher to become a doctor than to become just about anything else in the professional world, except perhaps president of the United States. It requires four years of pre-med education at a university, followed by medical school and an internship. If you feel you’re up for the rigors of this kind of education, how do you choose which medical school to go to? Here are some ideas:
Cost: Can you afford the tuition at the medical school? Most people balk at the high cost, but bear in mind that there are a number of ways in which you can fund your education. Many organizations, particularly the United States government, and even some municipalities or communities make grants, scholarships, and loans available to prospective students. Go to the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) Web site to fill out the FAFSA form, which allows you to apply for many funding options at once.
Location: Do you have flexibility in where you go to medical school? Perhaps you have a job that you can’t leave, though medical school programs tend to be full time. In that case, you’ll need to try and qualify for a medical school within easy commuting distance. (Remember that you don’t want to use up all of your studying time driving to and from classes.) If you have the option to move away from home, decide if the school is in a place where you’d like to live. You may even like it so much you’ll open your first practice there.
Prestige: Does the medical school have a strong reputation? Will having its diploma on your office wall make you more appealing to prospective patients? The more prestigious a school is, the more expensive your education will be, but the prestige of the school will also help you establish yourself with patients and colleagues in a way that will more than pay for the extra expense. And, it may speed up the transition to your career as a doctor if the school is well known.
Staff: Are the teachers at the medical school at the top of their fields? Remember, these are the people who will teach you the skills that will make you a good doctor and help you make the connections you need to launch your career.
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