How to become a doctor? What you need to know

For young people up and down the country, there will become a time in their life when they need to start thinking about their future career. For many it may begin with a professional footballer, actor or popstar. In fact, these days it’s more likely to be influencer. But of course, for most, it doesn’t quite end up that way.

However, many also dream of entering the healthcare profession and becoming a doctor or nurse and today, more than ever, there’s a real drive for healthcare recruitment from the top down.

As young people start to hit the end of secondary school, it can be a good time to start exploring the journey of becoming a professional in an area and if your child has shown an interest in becoming a doctor, here’s what they need to know about starting that pathway…

Understanding the Educational Pathway

The journey to becoming a doctor does usually start in secondary education, so it is important to make young people aware of this. You generally need to achieve good GCSE results, particularly in sciences, while that’s also the case at A-level too, with the likes of biology, chemistry and mathematics all relevant subjects to study.

A medical degree is required to become a doctor, with medicine often the most common way to become a General Practitioner. Securing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery provides a good route, albeit a competitive one. In many cases, people also take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test or BioMedical Admissions Test as part of their application for university and medical degrees too.

Completing Medical School

Once a student is in medical school, hard work and dedication is a must. It’s a rigorous process that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Students learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and ethics, with hands-on training that prepares them for the real world.

Importantly, there’s also a strong emphasis on communication too, this includes with colleagues, as well as the likes of bedside manner and interacting with patients and family members.

Foundation Training

After successfully completing your medical degree, you will enter the Foundation Programme, which lasts for two years. This structured training is designed to provide newly qualified doctors with essential skills and experience across various specialities.

During the Foundation Programme, you will rotate through different medical disciplines, allowing you to gain practical experience and develop your clinical competencies. The first year, known as F1, focuses on basic clinical skills and patient care, while the second year, F2, offers further responsibilities and opportunities to explore specialities. At the end of this stage, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of patient management and the healthcare system.

Specialisation and Further Training

After completing your Foundation Programme, you can choose to specialise in a particular area of medicine, such as surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry, or general practice. To enter a specialty training programme, you will typically need to apply through a competitive process, which may involve interviews and assessments.

Specialty training can take anywhere from three to eight years, depending on the field. During this time, you will receive in-depth training and further develop your skills and knowledge in your chosen speciality. You will also be required to undertake assessments and examinations, ultimately leading to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

Essential Skills and Qualities

While the educational pathway is critical, personal attributes also play a vital role in becoming a successful doctor. Essential qualities include:

• Empathy and Compassion: Understanding patients’ feelings and perspectives is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
• Strong Communication Skills: Being able to convey information clearly and listen to patients is key to building trust and rapport.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The medical field can be demanding, so being able to cope with stress and adapt to changing circumstances is essential.
• Attention to Detail: Medical professionals must be precise in diagnosing and treating patients, as small oversights can have significant consequences.
• Teamwork: Doctors often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, so collaboration and cooperation with other healthcare professionals are vital.

Staying Informed and Engaged

Once you become a doctor, the learning doesn’t stop. Medicine is an ever-evolving field, and it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and best practices. Participating in continuous professional development (CPD), attending conferences, and engaging with professional bodies will help you remain current and enhance your skills throughout your career.