To correct damage from trauma, a genetic condition, or a disease, is one of the reasons why children's surgeons perform surgery on infants and children.It is difficult to become a pediatric surgeon, but it can be rewarding if you work hard.If you want to become a doctor, you need to complete the required degrees, residencies and certifications.
Step 1: Before choosing a major, meet with your advisor.
Your advisor can help you find a major that will prepare you for medical school.Since the program will be tailored to prepare students for medical school, this may be beneficial to you.If you want to apply to medical school, you have to choose a major that meets the core requirements.There are advantages to each type of major.Pick one that suits your interests and strengths.
Step 2: Core courses are required.
If you want to go to medical school, you have to take a range of science courses, so make sure you choose a major that covers those pre-requisites.To determine their pre-requisites, check with the schools you plan to apply to.The required courses for entry into medical school include:
Step 3: You need to take the MCAT before applying.
The Medical College Admissions Test is used to assess your knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social sciences as well as your ability to think critically and solve problems.Before taking the exam, begin studying for at least 3 months.The exam tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physical sciences, along with your ability to use logical reasoning and analysis.You have 95 minutes to complete each section of the exam, so a lot of concentration is required.If possible, get a study guide or enroll in a course.If you score high on the MCAT, you will have a better chance of getting into medical school.The applicants who were accepted to top ranked medical schools in the United States had a median score of 512 out of a maximum of 528.
Step 4: You should only apply to medical schools that you want to attend.
If you want to attend a medical school, you need to research it before you apply.Look at each school's website, read about the program, and look into the factors that might affect your decision.It is possible to visit your top choices or any schools that are within a reasonable driving distance.Consider applying to schools with DO degrees if you want to attend a school that offers MD degrees.Most applicants don't get accepted on their first application, so applying to several schools is a good idea.
Step 5: Fee assistance programs can help pay for applications.
You can find out if you qualify for help with the cost of applications by looking into the AAMC's application Fee Assistance Program.Doctors who apply to medical schools are more likely to be accepted.Many people cannot afford the cost of applying to medical school.The American Medical College Application Service charges a fee of $170 for the first application and $40 for each additional application, which is what most schools in the U.S. require.The cost to apply to 16 schools is $770.
Step 6: Study.
Depending on where you live, you can immerse yourself in your studies for 3-4 years.Plan to treat medical school like a full-time job.Don't cut study blocks short or skip them.You are in danger of not passing your courses if you skip study blocks.You can join a study group that meets regularly for academic socializing and extra motivation to stay on task.Don't use social media or internet browsing during study hours.You can take a break once every 1-2 hours.
Step 7: Prepare for a career in surgery by taking additional courses.
While in medical school, you may want to take courses that will help you build your specialty.There may be courses that emphasize surgical topics.Discuss what courses to take with your advisor.During your residency, you will gain the majority of your clinical expertise, which will not begin until after you graduate from medical school.
Step 8: You need to complete your residency in general surgery.
A 5-year residency in general surgery is required to focus on children's surgery.If you want to interview for residency positions over the next 3 months, you have to complete your residency application by the end of September.You will be matched with a program on the 3rd Friday in March based on how you ranked the programs and what program selects you.It is recommended that you take a break during your general surgery residency in order to do research in your area of specialization.Make sure that you indicate your desire to become a doctor when you apply for a residency match.Pick a program that is a good match for your career in medicine.If you apply for a program that will allow you to take a research break and match you up with a fellowship, you will be able to do both.
Step 9: Transfer to a residency in surgery.
If you want to become a pediatric surgeon, you need to complete an additional 2-year residency after your 5-year general surgery residency.Follow the same process as before to apply for this residency.You can watch your match on Match Day.
Step 10: Sub-specialties of surgery for children.
There are other areas you might consider if you want to go deeper into a sub-specialty.This will involve more training.There are some surgery sub-specialties you might consider.
Step 11: You need to pass the licensing exam in your country.
You have to pass the licensing exam before you can practice in your country or state.You should find out as much as you can about the exam before you take it.In the United States, the exam includes a written and oral portion to test the extent of your surgical knowledge overall and your ability to manage a wide range of surgical issues with children and infants.
Step 12: You have to renew your certification in surgery for children.
You need to maintain your credentials after you pass your test and get your certification to practice as a doctor.You should check with your state or country to find out what you have to do.If you want to demonstrate your competency, you may need to take the exam every 10 years.