Some Areas of Specialization
Allergology
Anesthesiology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Family and General Practice
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Orthopedics
Pathology
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Radiology
Surgery
Research
Public Health

* Hospitals
* Clinics
* Private or group practice
* Health networks
* Nursing homes
* Rehabilitation centers
* Mental health institutions
* Federal, state, & local health departments
* Government agencies
* Armed services
* Correctional facilities
* Colleges or universities
* Medical schools
* Large corporations

Test Required: MCAT
Schooling Required: After earning an undergraduate
degree, the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) requires 4 years of medical school, followed by 3-8 years of internship and residency depending on specialization chosen.
Some physicians pursue the Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O.) degree. D.O.s emphasize the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care and often work in family and
general practices, although they may be found in many specialties.

Some Areas of Specialization
Endodontics
Oral Pathology
Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Public Health
Research

* Private practice
* Community health clinics
* Hospitals
* Residential and nursing homes
* National Health Service
* Sports clubs
* Some specialty retail chains

Some Areas of Specialization
Sports Injuries
Neurology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Nutrition
Internal Disorders
Diagnostic Imaging
Ergonomics

* Federal government including:
Department of Agriculture
Department of Health and Human Services

* State and local government
* Colleges of veterinarian medicine
* Medical schools
* Research laboratories
* Animal food companies
* Pharmaceutical companies
* Zoos

STRATEGIES FOR GAINING ADMITTANCE INTO PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
· Choose an appropriate undergraduate major and include prerequisite courses required by the professional program, e.g. biology, chemistry, and physics, if
they are not a requirement of the chosen major.
· Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically to discuss curricular decisions.
· Maintain a high grade point average, particularly in the sciences, to improve chances of admission to graduate or professional school.
· Develop strong computer, mathematics, and verbal and written communication skills.
· Build strong relationships with professors and/or employers in order to secure strong recommendations.
· Join related student organizations, such as Alpha Epsilon Delta, and assume leadership roles.
· Obtain summer jobs, volunteer positions, or internships to test fields of interest and gain valuable experience.
· Develop a back up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied.
· Look at entrance requirements for desired institutions. Be aware of any standardized test requirements, minimum grade point averages, and prerequisites.
· Talk to professionals already in your desired field regarding their backgrounds. Arrange a shadowing experience.
· Join professional associations and community organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
· Read scientific journals related to your area of interest.
· Research accredited institutions. Check graduation rates, success rates on licensing exams, cost, location, etc. If possible, speak with current students

GENERAL INFORMATION
· Develop a desire to help people of all backgrounds and ages including various races and socioeconomic groups.
· Gain an understanding of the rigorous education and training required in the medical professions to ascertain your willingness to complete the required
experiences.
· Study the demands required by each of the medical fields. Many physicians work very long, irregular hours. Consider your tolerance for such a schedule.
· All fields require licensure that is generally regulated by the state of residency.
· Plan for a lifetime of learning to stay abreast of new trends in the field and to fulfill continuing education requirements for licensure.
· In some medical fields, additional training is necessary for advanced research and administrative positions, university teaching, and independent research.
· Some medical fields offer the opportunity for post doctoral experiences which can allow one to gain additional training or specialize in a particular area.

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RELATED LINKS

General

• Sloan Career Cornerstone
• US DOL Stats - Physicians & Surgeons
• Association of American Medical Colleges
• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
• American Medical Association
• American Osteopathic Association
• The Student Doctor Network
• NIH Office of Science Education

Dentistry

• US DOL Stats - Dentists
• American Dental Association
• American Dental Education Association
• Dentistry.com
• The Student Doctor Network - Dental

Podiatry

• US DOL Stats - Podiatrists
• American Podiatric Medical Association
• AACPM
• Feet For Life
• ePodiatry.com

Optometry

• US DOL Stats - Optometrists
• ASCO
• American Optometric Association
• American Academy of Optometry

Chiropractics

• US DOL Stats - Chiropractors
• American Chiropractic Association
• Council on Chiropractic Education
• Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards

Pharmacy

• US DOL Stats - Pharmacists
• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Veterinary Medicine

• US DOL Stats - Veterinarians
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
• VetMedCenter.com
• American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians
• American Animal Hospital Association