Becoming a Physician : A Practical and Creative Guide to Planning a Career in Medicine

by Danek, Jennifer; Danek, Marita

• ISBN13: 9780471121664
• ISBN10: 0471121665
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-02-05
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

"I have advised countless medical students and applicants over more than two decades and I repeatedly found myself agreeing with the advice given by the Daneks." -Michael V. Drake, M.D.Professor and Associate Dean, School of Medicine University of California, San Francisco"These authors have the experience, knowledge, and writing skills to lead the lost through the maze of uncertainties of medical schools and beyond."-Robert H. Shapiro, Ph.D.Academic Dean and Provost U.S. Naval Academy"Any student thinking about a career in medicine should have this book."-Tyrone D. Taborn Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Career Communications Group, Inc.Here, at last, is the book that will help you realize your dream of a career in medicine. Whether your goal is to work in a busy city hospital ER, as a country doctor, or in research, here you'll find innovative ways to actively plan and tailor your medical school education to meet your specific needs. Explore your many options with: Straight facts on the medical school admissions process Up-to-date information on the MCAT Advice on selecting the right medical school The current medical trends and the most attractive specialties

Author Biography

JENNIFER DANEK, a student at the University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, is the recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Public Service and the Thomas N. Burbridge Award for her work with incarcerated youth. She plans to work in adolescent medicine and public health. MARITA DANEK, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Counseling at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C., has been counseling and educating students for nearly three decades.

Table of Contents

PART ONE MEDICINE TODAY: A CALLING OR A CAREER CHOICE?	1	(52)
1 THE CHALLENGE OF CHOOSING	3	(13)
Is Medicine Right for You?	3	(3)
It Takes Time to Know What You Want Out of Life	6	(1)
Begin by Understanding Yourself	7	(5)
Envision Your Future as a Physician	12	(1)
Learn About the Practice of Medicine	13	(1)
It's Doing What You Love That Matters	13	(1)
Plan Your Course of Action	14	(1)
Evaluate Where You Are Going and Why	14	(2)
2 UNDERSTANDING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE	16	(12)
Allopathic and Osteopathic Medicine: Some Distinctions	17	(1)
Preparing to Become a Physician	17	(1)
A Look into the Future of Medicine	18	(6)
A Physician's Work: Technical Knowledge and the Healing Arts	24	(3)
The Rewards of Medical Practice	27	(1)
3 SPECIALTIES IN MEDICINE	28	(15)
Primary Care: The Generalist Specialties	29	(2)
Secondary and Tertiary Care	31	(9)
Choosing a Specialty	40	(3)
4 PRACTICE SETTINGS	43	(10)
Private Practice	44	(2)
Hosptial-Based Practice	46	(1)
Ambulatory Care Settings	46	(1)
Health Maintenanc Organizations (HMOs)	47	(1)
Goverment Practice	48	(1)
Military Practice	48	(1)
Academic Practice	48	(1)
Temporary Practice Positions	49	(1)
Nonclinical Careers in Medicine	49	(1)
PART TWO THE PRE-MEDICAL YEARS	53	(54)
5 CHOOSING YOUR UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL	55	(8)
What Makes a Difference in a College?	56	(4)
Visiting the Campus	60	(1)
What If I Chose the Wrong College?	61	(1)
Postbaccalaureate Pre-medical Programs	61	(2)
6 LOVING YOUR YEARS AS AN UNDERGRADUATE	63	(17)
Happiness and Success as a Pre-medical Student	64	(1)
How to Do It Your Own Way and Succeed	65	(1)
Making Decisions for Your Pre-medical Years	66	(1)
Decision One: The Many Paths of Education	67	(6)
Decision Two: Health-Related Work	73	(2)
Decision Three: Community Involvement	75	(3)
emembering Your Purpose	78	(2)
7 MAXIMIZING YOUR POTENTIAL: SKILLS AND QUALITIES	80	(13)
Skill One: Working the System	81	(1)
Skill Two: Goal Setting	81	(2)
Skill Three: Time Management and Organization	83	(3)
Skill Four: Stress Management/Relaxation	86	(2)
Skill Five: Reworking the System	88	(1)
Cultivating Positive Qualities	89	(1)
Quality One: Humility and Hard Work	89	(1)
Quality Two: Follow-Through	90	(1)
Quality Three: Assertiveness	91	(1)
Quality Four: Resilience	91	(1)
Quality Five: Foresight	91	(2)
8 A FRESH START ON ACADEMICS	93	(14)
Planning Your Academic Program	93	(3)
Schedulig Classes	96	(3)
Studying Strategies	99	(3)
Assessing Your Academic Situation	102	(2)
Teachers, Advocates, and Mentors	104	(3)
PART THREE ENTERING MEDICAL SCHOOL	107	(90)
9 THE MEDICAL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TEST (MCAT)	109	(15)
Everything You Want to Know About the MCAT	109	(7)
Preparing for the MCAT	116	(8)
10 CHOOSING A MEDICAL SCHOOL	124	(20)
Peter Muenning, M.D.
What Do You Know About Medical Education?	125	(1)
Examine Your Priorities for Medical School	125	(15)
Seeking More Information	140	(1)
Where Else Can You Go for Help?	141	(3)
11 THE APPLICATION PROCESS	144	(28)
Understanding the Admissions Process	145	(7)
The Admissions Committee	152	(2)
Minorities in Medicine--Increasing Opportunities	154	(1)
The Cost of Applying	155	(1)
Where to Apply	156	(1)
Getting Started	157	(1)
Common Sense We Learned at the Department of Motor Vehicles (That Can Help You Apply to Medical School)	157	(6)
Completing the AMCAS/AACOMAS Application	163	(9)
12 THE INTERVIEW	172	(15)
The Role of the Interview in the Selection Process	173	(1)
What the Interview Can Do for You	174	(1)
Interview Policies and Procedures	175	(2)
Preparation for the Interview	177	(3)
The Interview Hour	180	(5)
Making the Most of Your Interview Day	185	(2)
13 MAKING THE TRANSITION TO MEDICAL SCHOOL	187	(10)
Peter Muennig, M.D.
Finding a Home	188	(1)
Learning Medicine--What Will It Be Like?	188	(1)
Conquering the Basic Sciences	189	(1)
Methods for Learning	190	(2)
Staying Whole	192	(4)
A Front-Row Seat in Life	196	(1)
APPENDIXES	197	(13)
A Holland's Theory of Vocational Presonalities	197	(2)
B Resources for Understanding Yourself	199	(2)
C Specialty Organizations in Medicine	201	(6)
D Medical Organizations	207	(1)
E On-Line Information About Medicine	208	(2)
References and Suggested Readings	210	(3)
Index	213