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Medicine

A career as an M.D. or D.O. involves challenges, opportunities, and a chance to make a difference. It requires an inquisitive mind, an interest in science and how the body works, and a strong commitment to caring about other people and their problems. You should enjoy both using your knowledge to help others and increasing your knowledge for improving the lives of others.

Doctors diagnose illnesses and treat people who suffer from injury or disease. Their professional lives are filled with caring for people, keeping up with advances in medicine, and working as a part of a health care team. Every day in communities around the country, doctors work in neighborhood clinics, hospitals, offices, even homeless shelters and schools. Few fields offer a wider variety of opportunities.

Exposure to the Field

Shadowing & Volunteering

A commitment to serving others is an integral part of a physician's career as well as successful admittance to an M.D. or D.O. program. You can volunteer right on campus at the Washington University Medical Center. You do not need to limit your volunteering to the clinical environment. You can also do volunteer outreach in the community.

The Application Process

Undergraduate Experience 
Requirements for entry into a specific program may vary, and students are urged to check individual schools for complete information.

GPA 
Regardless of your major, both your overall GPA and your science GPA should be strong. Many students have lower grades early in college, build a consistent upward trend and are very competitive by the time they are applying in the junior or senior year.

Research 
Some schools strongly favor applicants with research experience. All schools require significant clinical experience as well.

The MCAT 
Most medical schools require applicants to take the MCAT. 

This past year, there were more than 20 administrations of the computerized MCAT, with results of the examination available within 30 days of taking the test. You need to have your MCAT scores available in June so that you can apply to medical school as early as possible. Take the MCAT when you know you will be well prepared. Some people prefer to spend the summer studying; others find that the school year works well for them. Schedule your application timeline around when you will be most successful on this exam. Some students opt for a gap year so that they have additional time to study for and complete the MCAT.

Writing
Your application portfolio includes the personal statement (which is limited to 5300 characters with spaces), an explanation of any institutional action taken against you, an explanation of any felonies on your record, responses to additional questions on the secondary applications, and a description of up to 15 activities or honors. 

Professional Opportunities

Primary care doctors - general internists, family physicians, and general pediatricians who are trained to provide a wide range of services children and adults need. When patients require further treatment, primary care doctors send them to specialists. Specialist physicians, who focus on treating a particular system or part of the body, include surgeons, neurologists, cardiologists, and ophthalmologists.

Physicians work together to provide patients with complete care throughout life.  Becoming a physician provides many other opportunities, including:

  • Physician researchers
  • Academic physicians
  • Health maintenance organization work
  • Pharmaceutical development
  • Corporate work (directing health and safety programs)

Resources