Suggestions if you are considering medical school:

• Be sure this is what you want to do. Have you worked in hospitals, medical offices, or related fields? Do you have a concept of the physician’s lifestyle? It is definitely not golf on Wednesdays any longer!
• Be certain your family is prepared for a major change. The support of your spouse and family is your most important asset.
• Be sure you are ready to give up whatever work in which you are currently engaged. Medical school is a full-time occupation. You may be able to work a bit, but it is definitely not recommended.
• Complete all entrance examinations (MCAT) and most of your pre-requisite courses before you apply. The MCAT is essential at most medical schools. Composite scores around 27 are the usual expectation. You need not be a 4.0 student, but there is a relatively high expectation of previous academic achievement.

last updated 9/21/98

All comments are welcome.

Send comments to Charles W. Powell, MD