Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Doctors provide diagnoses, treatments, and counseling to individuals with illnesses, diseases, or injuries. Some of their responsibilities include examining patients, collecting patient information, performing diagnostic tests, and discussing test results. Physicians fall into two main categories: Medical Doctors (M.D.) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Both types of doctors treat patients, but D.O.s also use preventive medicine and holistic care methods. Within the medical field, doctors most often have an area of specialization.
Education
Required
Program
Length
Places of
Employment
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Bachelor’s Degree – a specific major is not required but need to have completed undergraduate coursework in biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics.
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​Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
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​Graduate from Medical School (4 years) – first 2 years classroom and laboratory work, last 2 years work directly with patients under supervision of experienced doctors.
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​Complete a Residency Program – you will work directly with patients in a specialty area of medicine. Depending on specialty, residency can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years.
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Bachelor's - 4 Years
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Medical School - 4 Years
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Residency - 3-7 Years
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Obtain licensure - MDs must pass the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) and DOs must pass the comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX-USA)
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Hospitals
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Physician offices
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Nursing homes
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Schools