Undergraduate Education (4 years):
1. Choose a Major: Select a major that provides a strong foundation in science and prepares you for medical school. Common majors include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related science fields.
2. Complete Prerequisite Courses: During your undergraduate studies, you will need to complete specific prerequisite courses required for medical school. These typically include courses in biology, chemistry (both general and organic), physics, math (calculus and statistics), English, psychology, and social sciences.
3. Maintain a High GPA: Strive to maintain a high grade point average (GPA) as medical schools consider GPA as a key factor in admissions.
4. Gain Experience: Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer in healthcare settings, and gain clinical experience to demonstrate your interest in medicine.
Medical School (4 years):
5. Apply to Medical School: After completing your undergraduate degree, you can apply to medical school by taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and submitting your application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
6. Complete Medical School: Medical school typically lasts four years and involves rigorous coursework in various medical disciplines, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical rotations in different specialties, including pediatrics.
7. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2: These exams assess your medical knowledge and skills and are required for medical licensure.
Pediatric Residency (3 years):
8. Match for Residency: After medical school, you will participate in the National Residency Match Program to match with a pediatric residency program.
9. Complete Residency: During your pediatric residency, you will receive hands-on training in pediatrics, working under the supervision of experienced pediatricians. You'll gain experience in diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses, providing preventive care, and managing complex medical conditions.
By completing a four-year undergraduate program, four-year medical school, and three-year pediatric residency, you will be eligible to become a pediatrician and obtain board certification in pediatrics by passing the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certification exam.