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1 - The Bradford (PA) Era - Doctor’s Day - Saturday, March 30, 2024

Perseverance is part of becoming a doctor Doctors aspire to keep their communities healthy and safe. According to the 2018 Survey of America’s Physicians Practice Patterns & Perspectives, the average primary care doctor sees 20.2 patients per day. Indeed, estimates suggest each doctor has roughly 2,000 people under his or her care and spends about 22 minutes with a patient during the average appointment. Medical students travel a long road of study and practical application before they become doctors. Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, illnesses and injuries. They also interpret

diagnostic tests and may counsel patients on preventive heath care and healthy living. This requires immense knowledge, so it should come as no surprise that the road to becoming a licensed doctor is so challenging and lengthy. There are few professions with higher stakes than the field of medicine, which is one reason why the process of becoming a doctor requires years of hard work and tremendous patience. Requirements for becoming a physician vary by country, so for the purpose of this article, the process outlined refers

to licensure in the United States. Undergraduate degree The path to being a doctor starts at a fouryear undergraduate program, says Indeed. Students may get their degrees in Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology, or even Nursing. Data assembled by the American Association of Medical Colleges showed that, in 2019, 58 percent of those who took the Medical College Admissions Test majored in biological sciences. Medical schools have a significant number of academic prerequisites and likely will require

premed classes in college, so it’s essential to find a college that can accommodate this career path. Participate in extracurricular activities The road to medical school is competitive, so applicants should set themselves apart with résumés that include activities that go beyond study. These activities will help candidates appear well-rounded. Take MCATs and get into school The Medical College Admission Test are akin to the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) for aspiring medical students. Med schools use ththe MCAT

March 30 is

to screen applicants, so it is essential for premeds to do well. Medical school is an additional fouryear commitment. Aspiring physicians can attend researchoriented institutions or those that focus on primary care. They also can choose between Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees. Both programs include a mix of clinical rotations and medical science courses. Residency The University of Medicine and Health Sciences says newly licensed doctors need to go through several additional years of post-graduate training

in specialties of their choosing, called medical residency, after graduating from medical school. This program takes place in a hospital or academic setting. Residency can be an additional three to seven years, depending on the specialty. Exam Following a residency, doctors need to take exams for the states in which they plan to practice medicine. It can take 11 to 15 years to become a physician. Patience, knowledge and perseverance is required to become a licensed doctor.

Doctors’ Day March 30th is

Doctors’ Day

Beacon Light Behavioral Health System and Beacon Light Adult Residential Services, affiliates of Journey Health System, are honoring and thanking their team of psychiatrists and psychologists for providing the highest standards of behavioral health to their consumers andServices, the communities Beacon Light Behavioral Health System andcare Beacon Light Adult Residential affiliates of they serve. We appreciate their untiring efforts and noble dedication especially during the past Journey Health System, are honoring and thanking their team of psychiatrists and psychologists year’s health crisis.for providing the highest standards of behavioral health care to their consumers and the communities they serve. We appreciate their untiring efforts and noble dedication especially during the past year’s health crisis.

Dr. Mary Anne Albaugh Dr. Dennis Borczon Dr. Mary Anne Albaugh Dr. Clarice Dixson Dr. Dennis Borczon Dr. Mark Fugate Dr. Clarice Dixson Dr. John JohnDr. Mark Fugate Dr. Charles Joy Dr. John John Dr. Craig Richman Dr. Charles Joy

Dr. Ernesto Roederer Dr. John Simora Dr. Ernesto Roederer Dr. Melissa Stokes Dr. John Simora Dr. Amanda Straub Dr. Melissa Stokes Dr. KimDr. Thurston Amanda Straub Dr. Dennis Valone Dr. Kim Thurston Dr. Dennis Valone

Dr. Craig Richman

Our gratitude lasts all year long!

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1-800-345-1780 • www.beacon-light.org • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

uggle from mental health challenges, don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today and start working on your path to recovery.

If you or a loved one struggle from mental health challenges, don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today and start working on your path to recovery.