Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm 19 yrs old I have been in college for 1 year now an I am attending a Community College, I want to become an anesthesiologist so right now I'm studying Biology. I wanted to kno how old u were when u first decided, and which schools u attended and the process u went threw to become the successful Anesthesiologist you are today? I also wanted to kno if I made the right choice in my major an if was smart to start off at a Community College?

ANSWER: I had decided to be a doctor when I was a child but anesthesiology was a second choice. I was a surgeon for 5 yrs prior to going into anesthesiology. The schools you go to doesn't matter as it is related to where you live, finances, etc. As for community college, you will need to complete a 4 yr degree program at a college or university to get into medical school. If you were a weak high school student tehn community college is a good stepping stone to getting prepared for university studies. Biology is a good major but you could major in anything. The key is to get good grades, do well on your MCATs and your extracurricular activities.

Good Luck,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello, We spoke before and you gave me some good information. What i wanted to know is i have been doing my research and i wanted to know can i apply for med school my senior year in College? What did you mean by extracurricular activities? how long did it take you to go through school? And when should I register for my MCAT should i do it now or wait until the end of my Junior Year?

Answer
You apply to medical school during your senior year of college. Most people take the MCAT during the junior year after having completed all the prerequisite courses. This gives you another chance to take it in your senior year if you don't get a good grade. Extracurricular activities are meant to show a commitment to your chosen field (and for you...to make sure you really like what you are doing). I worked as a volunteer in a hospital, worked as an EMT on an ambulance, did research, etc. It takes 4 yrs college, 4 yrs medical school and 4 yrs of anesthesia residency.

Good Luck,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston