Going through a regular Google search about medical career path, there are too many questions in regards to which path to take. So today I would like to explain how you can enter medical school and things you need to succeed in medical school, residency, and eventually as an attending physician.

Premedical path

First thing first is very obvious and straightforward - it's your bachelor's degree if you are applying to medical school in the US, or your HS diploma if you are applying in Europe. My main topic of this discussion will be around US medical schools, so if it's the path you are taking, please read on. Second, the most important thing is your pre-requisites (Biology I, II + Lab, Chemistry I, II + Lab, Organic Chemistry I, II + Lab, Physics I, II + Lab, Statistics, Mathematics, and English, recently added Biochemistry, Psychology/Sociology - depending on the school you are applying.) 

If you are a science major in your undergraduate degree, most of your prerequisites are most likely going to be fulfilled, however, if you are not, then you need to take all the mentioned above courses in addition to you program major. Performance on the given pre-requisites is very critical on your application, not only deans of admissions are looking at your MCAT scores, but also the grades you received for given pre-requisites and challenges on your way p.e work, volunteering, etc. While a holistic approach is taken to choose the best candidates for the M.D. degree, most medical schools do their best nowadays to diversify their classes. More and more applicants are coming in with business, music, acting, or even judicial degrees. So if you are not a typical science degree major you should be very proud of yourself still, as the knowledge that you received from the different fields might help you to bring the solutions which have never been thought of before! 

Medical School (MS)

Medical school is very rigorous and at the same time exciting! Forget your old habit of studying, as you would need a more creative and your personal way of doing it now. You see in undergraduate days you could skip a class and still get an A+, in medical school if you skipped a class you would need a week-long to catch up to the material of a single chapter. Additionally, you would be exposed to early patient care and interaction, so make sure to keep up! 

As your medical school is approaching to MS2 your main focus will be USMLE Step I exam. This exam either makes you or break you, as future residency spots will be dependent on your scores and your persona as a future physician. Again, many factors play in spotting a good residency, but your scores will be speaking first and you come second.

MS2 - MS3 are your rotation years, this is where you learn about different specialties and even have an opportunity to do away rotation for the desired position you would like to apply as a PGY resident. One of the doctors at UMiami suggested to go into every rotation as you would go into this specialty, that way you would have a very good and broad knowledge of this field; and when you are done, you will be certain to choose the specialty of your dreams!

Postgraduate Years (PGY)

Your PGY1 starts as an intern in July, so I would suggest you maximize your relaxation time before starting the residency. You see, during residency, you will be tired, you will be exhausted, and you will think to quit sometimes, but eventually, you will push through. You need all your energy and positive attitude summed up before entering the field as a Doctor-In-Training. No more books, well except research materials and supplemental textbooks for the residency and good 8 hours of sleep, now it's all about patients and your performance as a future doctor. Many residents that I talk to find a good balance to do the things they like between working, so it's completely up to you and your time management skills when it comes to work-life balance. I personally know a multi-member families and business owners who are active residents! 

Overall don't forget that medical field is the most rewarding field and it takes a lifetime to achieve excellence in patient care, so don't worry about your age or timeline it takes to become the doctor you want to become; rather, focus on present and strive for constant success!