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Physicians diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests.

Careers within medicine are diverse and provide many opportunities for challenging and rewarding service. Most physicians are general practitioners, handling a variety of health needs. Other physicians practice in a variety of other specialty areas:

• Anesthesiology
• Family and general medicine
• General internal medicine
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Surgery

Allopathic Medicine

A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, and Western medicine.

Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic physicians differ in the philosophy of medicine learned during their training — a holistic approach that focuses on "finding health" rather than only treating illness. Their education also includes extensive additional training on the role of the neuromusculoskeletal system (bones, muscles and nerves) as the foundation upon which the body's overall health depends.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the body has an innate capacity to fight disease and heal itself. Naturopaths improve health and treat illness by treating the person holistically, tapping a person's own internal body, mind, and spirit resources. Naturopathy comprises a blend of different therapies, all attempting to restore the body to health in the most natural, noninvasive way possible by stimulating the body's own healing powers.

Admission Requirements for Medical School

The common path to practicing as a physician requires 8 years of education beyond high school and 3 to 8 additional years of internship and residency. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories require licensing.

From the time you begin college, you are assembling a complete universal application to apply to these professional schools. Medical schools will review your application as a whole; you can work with your advisors to provide a competitive application.

GPA

Keep in mind these numbers are averages and various schools can have their own averages that are higher or lower. Also, these averages are climbing higher each year and admission to a medical school is more competitive than ever. Be sure you take your studies seriously and put in the proper time for reading, studying, and review for each course.

Allopathic Medical Schools
Overall: 3.7+
BCMP (Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics GPA): 3.6+

Osteopathic Medical Schools
Overall: 3.5+
BCMP: 3.4+

Naturopathic Medical Schools
Overall: 3.4+
BCMP: 3.3+

MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)

A high score on the Medical College Admissions Test is essential for entrance into medical school because acceptance is highly competitive. The test, required by most medical and osteopathic schools, is usually administered in April and August. It is strongly suggested that you plan on taking this test in April, just prior to the beginning of the application process.

A minimum MCAT score of 25 is typical with the average for matriculates for allopathic medical schools as 31/45 and for osteopathic medical schools 26/45. You should aim to have a score between 27-32 in order to stay competitive.

In order to register for the MCAT you will need to complete the following:

• Create an AAMC user account by clicking here
• Register for MCAT by clicking here
• Take the test

For more information on the MCAT: Medical College Admissions Test

Quick Look at the current MCAT

Quick look at the 2015 MCAT

 

Where is the MCAT administered?

On CMU's campus and in several locations throughout Michigan

What is the cost of the MCAT?

$240

How should you prepare for the MCAT?

• Begin at least 3 months before your test date
• Questions emphasize problem-solving abilities, not rote memorization
• Essential to obtain practice tests
  
  

Experience in Medicine

It is expected by most Medical schools that candidates will exhibit a confirmed interest and motivation in a medical career by participating in career-related activities such as job shadowing, community service and other volunteer opportunities. Having strong career experiences and life accomplishments will allow you to validate your professionalism and maturity, which are strongly considered in the application process.

Other qualifications. Physicians must have a desire to serve patients, be self-motivated and be able to survive the pressures and long hours of medical education and practice. You must be willing to study throughout your career to keep up with medical advances.

Michigan Medical Schools

• Central Michigan University – College of Medicine
• Michigan State University – College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Michigan State University – College of Human Medicine
• University of Michigan – Medical School
• Oakland University – William Beaumont School of Medicine
• Wayne State University – School of Medicine
  
  

Applying to Medical Schools

Most medical schools use the one of the application services websites.

Allopathic Medicine
Most allopathic medical schools participate in AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). Remember that regardless of the number of AMCAS schools to which you apply, you submit just one application to AMCAS.

• To apply follow the steps in the AMCAS website.
• Submit your application accurately but early if possible.

Osteopathic Medicine
Most osteopathic medical schools participate in AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service). Remember that regardless of the number of AACOMAS schools to which you apply, you submit just one application to AACOMAS.

• To apply follow the steps on the AACOMAS website.
• Submit your application accurately but early if possible.

Naturopathic Medicine

The AANMC (Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges) offers seven affiliated North American schools to choose from. These superior colleges are accredited and meet both federal and academic standards. In order to apply to these programs you will need to contact each school individually.

Course Requirements

Many pre-med students choose to major in biology or chemistry, but this is not required. The choice of an undergraduate major while preparing for medical school is not especially critical for successful admission, but the selection of certain coursework and the right combination of sciences, social and behavioral sciences and electives is important.

Certain basic requirements must be fulfilled before you can be accepted to medical school. These requirements include:

• 1 year Inorganic Chemistry with labs
• 1 year Organic Chemistry with labs
• 1 year Physics with labs
• 1 year Biology with labs
• 1 year English
• 1 year Behavioral Sciences

Below are the CMU courses we recommend to meet these requirements:

Some medical schools may have additional courses required or recommended. Review the admission requirements of the medical schools you plan on applying in advance.

All required courses must be taken for a grade. Each school has its own policy regarding AP credit. Usually, AP credit in these areas should be followed with additional upper level work in the discipline including labs.

Additional Courses

To further strengthen you application and your ability to succeed in medical school, here are some additional CMU courses you could take:

 

Pre-Med and Osteopathic Society

The Pre-Med and Osteopathic Society at CMU enables students interested in the medical field to learn more about the different areas of medicine. Activities include guest speakers, tours of various medical schools, volunteering, fundraising and social gatherings.

The club meets Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Brooks Hall 176.

For more information, contact the club at medical@cmich.edu.

Job Outlook

Physicians held about 691,000 jobs in 2010. Many physicians work in private offices or clinics, often helped by a small staff of nurses and administrative personnel.

Employment of physicians is projected to grow 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth will occur because of continued expansion of healthcare-related industries.

 

Earnings

Earnings of physicians are among the highest of any occupation. According to the Medical Group Management Association's Physician Compensation and Production Survey, median total compensation for physicians varied by their type of practice. In 2010, physicians practicing primary care had total median annual compensation of $202,392, and physicians practicing in medical specialties earned total median annual compensation of $356,885.

Self-employed physicians—those who own or are part owners of their medical practice— generally have higher median incomes than salaried physicians.

 

Online Resources

For a list of medical schools and residency program:

• Association of American Medical Colleges, Section for Student Services

For information on licensing:

• Federation of State Medical Boards

For general information on physicians:

• American Medical Association – Becoming a Physician
• American Osteopathic Association
• The Student Doctor Network

For information about various medical specialties:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
• American Board of Medical Specialties
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• American College of Surgeons
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Society of Anesthesiologists

Advisors

Pre-Health Professions Academic Advisor

Pre-Health Professions advising is available to assist and support students in a holistic process of education and preparation for medical school. Students are encouraged to meet with the pre-health advisor before meeting with a faculty advisor to learn the basics in preparing for medical school.

Lisa E. Snider
Emmons Hall 136B
(989) 774-2711
snide1le@cmich.edu

Biology Faculty Advisors

Chemistry Faculty Advisor

Engineering and Technology Faculty Advisor

Mohamad S. Qatu
ET Building 102
989-774-3063
m.qatu@cmich.edu