How do I know if a career in medicine might be for me?

First ask yourself what kind of future appeals to you. Do you want challenges, opportunities, a chance to make a difference? Many bright and motivated college students describe a "dream career" with the following characteristics:

Service: Allows you to help people and advance knowledge. 
Action: Doesn't tie you to a desk all the time. 
Respect: Your work and contributions are an important part of your community. 
Security: Enables you to earn a good living with a secure future. 
Excitement: Changes daily, so it's hardly ever boring. 
Mobility: Your skills and knowledge are in demand, wherever you choose to live. 
Flexibility: Offers you lots of career options from the same education base.

Few occupations meet all of these standards. None meets them better than a career in medicine.

What is a doctor's career like?

Few fields offer a wider variety of opportunities. Most doctors' professional lives are filled with caring for people and continuously learning more about the human body. Every day in communities around the country, doctors work in neighborhood clinics, hospitals, offices, even homeless shelters and schools to care for people in need.

But physicians also do many other things. Physician researchers are at work today developing exciting new treatments for cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases like AIDS. Academic physicians share their skills and wisdom by teaching medical students and residents. Others work with health maintenance organizations, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, health insurance companies, or in corporations directing health and safety programs. People with medical skills are in demand everywhere.

Would medicine provide me with a good living?

Medicine has many rewards -- personally, intellectually, and financially. On average, doctors make about $160,000 a year, but this amount can vary depending on where physicians live and what type of medical specialty they practice. As the American health care system changes, fewer doctors are working for themselves and more are joining health care systems, often as salaried employees. In these organizations, physicians often can command salaries comparable to executives in other occupations.

I've heard a lot about primary care doctors lately. What are their careers like?

About one-third of the nation's physicians are generalists -- "primary care" doctors who provide lifelong medical services for the entire family. General internists, family physicians, and general pediatricians are all considered generalist doctors. They are the first doctors people consult for medical care. And they are trained to provide the wide range of services children and adults need. When patients' specific health needs require further treatment, generalist physicians send them to see a specialist physician.

Specialist physicians differ from generalists in that they focus on treating a particular system or part of the body. Neurologists who study the brain, cardiologists who study the heart, ophthalmologists who study the eye, and hematologists who study the blood are just a few examples of specialists. They work together with generalist physicians to ensure that patients receive treatment for specific medical problems as well as complete and comprehensive care throughout life.

APPLYING TO MED SCHOOL

How should I prepare to apply for medical school?

Your college or university's premedical advisor can help you through the application process. Medical schools will evaluate you on your college grades, extracurricular activities, and personal characteristics. Most also require you to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®), which analyzes your knowledge of the basic sciences, your reading and writing abilities, and your problem-solving skills.

You also should consult Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR™), published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, which provides the specific admission requirements of each U.S. and Canadian medical school.

Entrance requirements at most medical schools include completion of course work in biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and English. But keep your undergraduate experience well rounded by also studying humanities and the social sciences. The ideal physician understands how society works and can communicate and write well. Extracurricular experiences also are important. You may want to volunteer at a local hospital or clinic to gain practical health care experience.

How do I choose among 125 medical schools?

It's a process similar to choosing an undergraduate school. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I prefer a small or large school?
• Do I like a large class or a small class?
• Am I interested in a career in research, in clinical practice in academic medicine? While every school offers opportunities to prepare for careers in all areas, the variety of curricular experience varies from school to school. Try to select schools that fit best your career goals.
• Which schools have a learning approach that emphasizes primary care, patient education, prevention, and preparation for community practice? What schools have a teaching approach that will work well for me?
• What kind of financial resources will I need to attend medical school? What are the costs?
• What types of financial aid are available at the schools I am considering?
• Are the schools in a location that meets my needs?
• Are the schools connected to a university or are they free-standing institutions?

When should I be ready to apply to medical school?

Most people, about 90 percent, apply to medical school at the end of their junior year in college and begin their medical studies after graduation. Others finish college and work for several years before beginning their medical education. Still others participate in "early admissions" or other collaborative programs between undergraduate colleges and medical schools, through which students with a demonstrated level of maturity and academic achievement can proceed to medical education at an accelerated pace.

How do I apply for medical school?

Thanks to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®), applying to medical school is not as complicated as you might think. Of the 125 accredited medical schools in the United States, 117 participate in the AMCAS program. To apply to any of these 117 schools, fill out an application, and send it with one set of your official transcripts to AMCAS. After the service verifies the information you provide, it distributes your application to the school(s) you have selected. For schools not participating in AMCAS, contact the admissions office directly for application procedures and materials.

MCAT exam registration packets should be available through your health professions advisor. Your advisor should also be able to help you learn about the AMCAS process. You must keep on top of appropriate deadlines. Later in your junior year, ask your advisor to help you set up a schedule for submitting all of the necessary documents to insure that your application is fully considered and to eliminate unnecessary stress and anxiety.

After you have submitted your application, some schools will ask for additional information such as a secondary application, letters of recommendation, and your specific interest in their programs.

What will the schools look for and how do they decide?

The key factors affecting acceptance to medical school include the following:

• Successful completion of required undergraduate courses
• Grade point average
• Performance on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Extracurricular activities--especially those reflecting public or health-related service, volunteer work, and other evidence of your initiative
• Letters of recommendation from undergraduate health professions advisors and faculty members as well as physicians and other members of the health professions, community leaders, and other individuals who have employed you or supervised your volunteer experience
• Interviews with medical school admissions committees. Unlike colleges, which hold interviews early in the application process, medical schools arrange them near the end. As they narrow their selection of candidates, most medical schools invite the most promising applicants to interview with faculty and other members of the admissions committee.

The MCAT exam measures your knowledge of subjects within the biological and physical sciences, including chemistry, which are necessary prerequisites for the study of the sciences in medical school. It also tests your ability to read and interpret information and your communication skills.

The MCAT exam is administered twice a year. You should take the MCAT in the spring of your junior year of college or in the fall of your senior year.

Your campus health professions advisor has detailed information about MCAT schedules and information on medical colleges and medical careers. Your advisor also can help you evaluate whether your course mix, grade point average, and MCAT scores are competitive for the medical schools you are considering.

Is getting into medical school as tough as they say?

No question about it--medical schools are looking for the finest minds and the most motivated students who have a strong and demonstrated interest in working with people. It takes a special type of person to even dream of a career in medicine, and it takes hard work and commitment to make it to medical school. Today, about one-half of those who apply are accepted.

FINANCING A CAREER IN MEDICINE

How much does medical school cost and can I afford it?

Annual tuition and fees at state medical schools in 2004-2005 averaged $14,607 for state residents and $33,036 for non-residents. At private schools, tuition and fees averaged $32,092 for residents and $33,666 for nonresidents These figures do not include housing or living expenses. But don't let these costs discourage you. A wide array of grants and loans are available to those who are determined to get a medical education. According to the LCME-1B, about 82 percent of medical students graduate with some educational debt. Many receive substantial financial assistance through programs that provide loans guaranteed by the federal government.

You will need to plan your budget carefully, however, so that you don't end up with more debt than is necessary. Once you have been accepted to a medical school, work with the school's financial aid officer to develop the best package to meet your needs.

Most medical students borrow at least a portion of the money they need to finance their education. In 2005, the median debt was more than $120,000. That's significant debt for a young doctor; however, a medical education is an investment that keeps returning dividends throughout your life.

There are many options for loans and scholarships, some of which may minimize your potential debt. Some are based on need. Others are not. Some loans are targeted specifically to individuals who are seeking careers in primary care.

Federally sponsored loans include the Perkins, the subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan), the subsidized and unsubsidized Ford FDSL (Federal Direct Student Loan), and the Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL). Several non-federal alternative loan programs also are available.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) sponsors a comprehensive loan program, MEDLOANS®, that provides students access to several federal programs, and an alternative loan program, through the completion of one loan application. MEDLOANS also provides pre-approval of access to alternative loan funds for four years of medical school to qualified students.

Various grants and scholarship programs also are available from the federal government and from individual medical schools. Federal programs include the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and the National Health Service Corps. Scholarships for underrepresented minority students also are available through the National Medical Fellowships.

The best plan is to meet with the medical school financial aid office after being accepted to develop a budget and financial aid program based on your need and resources.

How is financial need determined? 

Financial need is defined as the difference between the annual cost of attendance and the financial resources expected to be available from the student (and spouse, if applicable) and his or her family to meet those expenses. A family's ability to contribute to a student's education is determined by a federally-approved needs analysis system, federal methodology. The student's and family's ability to contribute is called the Effective Family Contribution or EFC. Cost of attendance minus EFC equals need. The medical school uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Need Access Form to assess family resources and determine financial need.

What is the difference between merit-based aid and need-based aid?

Merit-based aid considers the student's academic performance to determine the amount and type of financial aid offered. Need-based aid is offered to the student on the basis of the student's ability to pay for educational expenses. Please refer to the preceding question for a more complete description of how need is determined. Nearly all of our financial aid funds are awarded on the basis of financial need. Academic performance and class rank, however measured, are not factors in the amount or type of financial aid, provided that the student meets the academic requirements for continuation in the medical school. Exceptions to this policy are certain scholarships or prizes based on academic excellence by the expressed intent of the donor, such as clinical year scholarships for MD/PhD students.

Do I need to provide parental information to be considered for aid? 

No, students can receive both need-based and non-need based federal loans up to $42,300 in their first year and increasing amounts in subsequent years without submitting parent information. In general, Brown funding is not offered to "external" aid applicants. External aid applicants apply without parent information as they are requesting to be considered for federal loans and/or have non-Brown funding.

What if I take time off before or during medical school? 

Most loan programs offer a six-month grace period during which all payments are suspended. Additional deferment or forbearance periods are possible (e.g., economic hardship) to reduce or suspend all payments. In addition, Brown Medical School students may request medical student fellow status during the periods in which they are engaged in medical research up to two year.

How long is the test? 

Beginning in 2007, the computerized MCAT will be nearly one-third shorter than the 2006 paper MCAT. Total content time will be about four and a half hours. Though the transition to the computerized MCAT is not directly related to the shortened MCAT, it was a convenient time to make several changes to the test.

How many questions are there? How long is the test day?

Test Section	Questions	Time
Tutorial (optional)		5 minutes
Physical Sciences	52	70 minutes
Break (optional)		10 minutes
Verbal Reasoning	40	60 minutes
Break (optional )		10 minutes
Writing Sample	2	60 minutes
Break (optional)		10 minutes
Biological Sciences	52	70 minutes
Survey		10 minutes
Total Content Time		4 hours, 20 minutes
Total Test Time		4 hours, 45 minutes
Total Appointment Time		5 hours, 5 minutes

 Can I go back and change answers? 

You will be able to review and make changes to answers to earlier questions until you reach the time limit for that individual section. However, once you have completed a section and begun another (e.g., to VR from PS) you will not be able to view or change the previous section.

Will the computerized MCAT be available in multiple languages?  

No. The MCAT will be offered only in English.

When will my scores be ready? 

Starting in 2007, scores will be released approximately 30 days after completion of the exam. In the future, it is anticipated that the score release process will be even shorter.

When should I plan to arrive at the testing center? 

You should report to the test center 30 minutes prior to your appointment time to check in and get acclimated to your surroundings.

What do I need to bring to the testing center? 

One valid and current form of government-issued identification containing both a photo and a signature will be required. A valid and current driver's license or passport is acceptable. Please note: Any expired form of identification will not considered valid and therefore will not be accepted.

What are acceptable forms of identification? 

Any current and valid government issued photo identification containing both a photo and a signature may be used. Typically, examinees bring their driver's license or passport.

Will I be allowed to bring anything into the testing lab?

You are not allowed to bring anything into the testing lab other than your clothes and a watch. If the test proctor permits you to wear a sweater or jacket into the testing room, it may not be removed in the testing room.