A Guide to Medical School and Residency Programs
Medical is a vast field that encompasses all aspects of health care and treatment. A physician may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, and even within that field there are many subfields and specialties. A career in the field of medicine requires dedication, grit and a strong desire to help people in need. There are a wide variety of careers in the field of medicine, and the qualifications and aptitudes of each individual will determine the most suitable area for him or her.
Medical professionals work in a number of different fields, including anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and physiology. The field of physiology deals with the normal function and processes of the body, while the discipline of anatomy studies the structure of the body and its parts. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effect on human beings. Immunology is the study of how the immune system defends against disease.
The modern era of scientific biomedical research began with Edward Jenner’s successful development of the smallpox vaccine in the late 18th century and Robert Koch’s discovery of bacteria in the early 1900s. This marked the beginning of the separation of modern clinical medicine from traditional practices based on herbalism and the Greek concept of the four humours.
Contemporary medicine is conducted within health care systems, which are governed by national and international laws, credentialing frameworks, financing mechanisms, and the characteristics of local populations. Health care systems differ significantly from country to country, and the way they are managed has a direct impact on the quality of healthcare delivered.
During medical school, students have the unique opportunity to learn on real-life human cadavers and meet and treat patients under the supervision of expert physicians. It is important for students to enjoy this time, to take in as much as they can and to remember that if they are in it for the right reasons, then all of the hard work and sacrifice will be worth it.
The fourth year of medical school is when things really start to ramp up. Students will complete their USMLE Step 2 exams and start the process of applying for residency programs. This can be a nerve-wracking process, as students wait to find out where they will be placed on Match Day in March.
During this time, it is crucial that students seek assistance if needed and to know that it is not a sign of weakness or failure to ask for help. Quality med schools anticipate that students will struggle academically at times and have systems in place to provide support. It is essential that students are aware of these resources and utilize them. Medical school is not for everyone, but if you are driven by a passion to help others, then it can be one of the most fulfilling careers in the world. Good luck on your journey!
Medical is a vast field that encompasses all aspects of health care and treatment. A physician may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, and even within that field there are many subfields and specialties. A career in the field of medicine requires dedication, grit and a strong desire to help people in need. There are a wide variety of careers in the field of medicine, and the qualifications and aptitudes of each individual will determine the most suitable area for him or her. Medical professionals work in a number of different fields, including anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and physiology. The field of physiology deals with the normal function and processes of the body, while the discipline of anatomy studies the structure of the body and its parts. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effect on human beings. Immunology is the study of how the immune system defends against disease. The modern era of scientific biomedical research began with Edward Jenner’s successful development of the smallpox vaccine in the late 18th century and Robert Koch’s discovery of bacteria in the early 1900s. This marked the beginning of the separation of modern clinical medicine from traditional practices based on herbalism and the Greek concept of the four humours. Contemporary medicine is conducted within health care systems, which are governed by national and international laws, credentialing frameworks, financing mechanisms, and the characteristics of local populations. Health care systems differ significantly from country to country, and the way they are managed has a direct impact on the quality of healthcare delivered. During medical school, students have the unique opportunity to learn on real-life human cadavers and meet and treat patients under the supervision of expert physicians. It is important for students to enjoy this time, to take in as much as they can and to remember that if they are in it for the right reasons, then all of the hard work and sacrifice will be worth it. The fourth year of medical school is when things really start to ramp up. Students will complete their USMLE Step 2 exams and start the process of applying for residency programs. This can be a nerve-wracking process, as students wait to find out where they will be placed on Match Day in March. During this time, it is crucial that students seek assistance if needed and to know that it is not a sign of weakness or failure to ask for help. Quality med schools anticipate that students will struggle academically at times and have systems in place to provide support. It is essential that students are aware of these resources and utilize them. Medical school is not for everyone, but if you are driven by a passion to help others, then it can be one of the most fulfilling careers in the world. Good luck on your journey!