How to Become a Doctor and Practice in the USA?

Over the decades the United States has garnered the best reputation for medical education as US medical graduates are highly sought after, with employability rates exceeding 94%. USA universities offer exceptional academic programs, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse clinical rotation experiences.

Why many students choose to pursue their medical degrees in the US

Fostering Personal Growth

Students can develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills by early patient contact.

Diverse Clinical Experiences

Students gain exposure to various patient populations and medical specialties, ensuring comprehensive training during clinical rotations.

Research Excellence

USA has made some groundbreaking discoveries & made contributions including Smallpox vaccines, Kidney transplants, Anaesthesia, and many more.

Global Recognition

US medical degrees are highly respected worldwide, and countries like Australia, the UK, UAE & New Zealand may exempt board-certified consultants of the USA from any licensing exam in these countries.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

US medical schools have access to modern equipment and facilities where concepts are trained using AR and VR technologies. Alongside they also learn on telemedicine concepts which is very new to our world.

Students can develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills by early patient contact.

Students gain exposure to various patient populations and medical specialties, ensuring comprehensive training during clinical rotations.

USA has made some groundbreaking discoveries & made contributions including Smallpox vaccines, Kidney transplants, Anaesthesia, and many more.

Requirements to pursue Medicine

Build Profile while Pursuing High School

Strong Academic Foundation

Focus on acing in core science and mathematics courses (biology, chemistry, physics, calculus).

Explore Your Passion

Doctor shadowing, volunteer at hospitals or clinics, and engage in relevant extracurricular activities like science clubs. NGO or research projects. These experiences will help you gain valuable insights into the medical field and demonstrate your commitment.

Selection of the Right Undergraduate Degree Program

Select a Pre-Med Major

Popular pre-med majors include biology, biochemistry, and chemistry which align and build a strong foundation for the MD program.

Shortlisting Universities

Look for universities that can prepare you to increase your chances of admission in the MD program For example The University of Chicago gives early access to their pre-med students to Chicago Medical Centre to obtain research and clinical experience.

Prepare for the MCAT

Start preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) early in your pre-med degree. As per experts, it can take 300 to 500 hours of preparation. This rigorous exam evaluates critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and problem-solving abilities

Build a Competitive Application

Maintain a high GPA of 3.3 or above, participate in research, and gain meaningful clinical experience.

The Application Process

Entrance Tests

The SAT is vital in gaining admission to undergraduate pre-med programs in the United States. A competitive score, generally around 1200, is typically required. However, the primary determinant for medical school acceptance is the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) after a Pre-med degree. A strong MCAT score, exceeding 510, significantly enhances the likelihood of admission to top-tier medical schools.

Personal Statement and University Essays

Craft a compelling personal statement / essays that highlights your unique motivations for pursuing medicine, your personal and professional goals, and the experiences that have shaped your desire to become a physician.

Letters of Recommendation

Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or physicians who can attest to your academic abilities, character, and potential.

Extracurricular Activities

Community work experience and contributions in volunteer work, research, or leadership roles illustrate well-roundedness and commitment to the field.

Interviews

Prepare for potential interviews by practicing your communication skills and researching the medical schools you're applying to.

Key Considerations for International Students

English Proficiency

If English is not your first language, demonstrate your proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS with scores of 6.5 to 7.

Financial Planning

Cost of Education: Pursuing a medical degree in the US is a significant financial investment. Consider these major expenses

1. Cost of Tuition

Tuition fees at US medical schools can vary widely, ranging from 85,000 USD per year.

2. Living Expenses

Accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses can add up quickly and it's based on where you live some students choose to stay in university dorms and some in student hostels outside the campus.

3. Books and Supplies

Medical textbooks and other learning materials can be expensive.

Financial Resources

Explore various resources to cover these costs

1. Scholarships

Each university has listed scholarships for international students which can be explored and applied accordingly.

2. Financial Aid

Investigate federal and institutional financial aid programs.

3. Education Loans

Consider education loans as a last option, and only borrow what you need.

Student Visa

Start preparing for your student visa at least four months before your course begins to prevent any potential delays.

1. Visa Requirements

Learn about the visa requirements for international students studying in the US.

2. Student Visa (F-1 Visa)

International students need to obtain an F-1 visa to study in the US.

3. Visa Application Process

The visa application process can be lengthy and time-consuming as it requires applicants to fill out visa forms, submission documents, and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate.

4. Maintaining Visa Status

It's important to follow the conditions of your F-1 visa and to maintain full-time enrolment to meet immigration regulations.

The Pathway Ahead

After completing four years of pre-med, you will need another four years of MD to obtain your medical qualification before advancing to a specialty.

1. Medical School

The stringent four-year medical school curriculum will involve classroom instruction, laboratory work, and extensive clinical rotations.

2. Residency and Beyond

Upon completing MD, Medical graduates apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to secure a residency position in a hospital. Residency is a crucial step in your medical training and specialization.

Info of Universities with Pre-Med Plus 4 Years of MD Route

University Name

Entry Requirement

Fees UG/year (Tuition) $

Min. IB Score

Min. British Curriculum

Admission Test (MD)

Total Fees MD/year (Tuition) $ GPA

Harvard University

SAT

$ 61,676

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 80,729

Stanford University

SAT

$ 65127

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 67305

Johns Hopkins University

SAT

$ 66,670

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 72,590

Yale University

SAT

$ 67250

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 80,762

Columbia University

SAT

$ 71,170

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 73,501

University of Pennsylvania

SAT

$ 63,204

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 74,687

Duke University

SAT

$ 33162

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 77,100

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

SAT

$ 51000

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 50168

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

SAT

$ 61,870

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 62,782

University of Michigan

SAT

$ 60,946

36+

A*AA

MCAT

$ 75,822

Global Recognition and Career Opportunities: A Bright Future

Globally Recognised Degrees

MD and DO degrees earned from accredited US medical schools are highly admired and accepted worldwide.

A Diversified Career Choices

Graduates have a wide range of career options, including primary care, specialized medical fields, research, academia, public health, and many more.

Outstanding Career and Competitive Salaries

The demand for skilled doctors in the US remains high, offering excellent job prospects and competitive salaries.

Professional Growth: Continuing Medical Education

Throughout their professional careers, physicians are required to participate in ongoing courses known as Continuing Medical Education (CME). Its to maintain their licenses and stay at a level of the latest medical advancements.

BS/MD Program in the US

A BS/MD program is a combined degree that integrates an undergraduate institution with a medical school. This structure offers eligible high school seniors conditional acceptance to medical school upon successful completion of their undergraduate education.