Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/11/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear, Dr.Levy

    I am going to be beging my senior year of high school in a couple of weeks. I have been giving deep thought into what I would like to do when I am through with school. I have came to the conclusion that I want to become and anesthesiologist. I had a several questions that I would greatly appreciate being answered by a specialist like yourself. First, I was wondering what college you would recommend in southern california? I was thinking about UCLA or SDSU. As for college, what courses would I have to take? I know you must take organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, calculus, biology and biochem. But I was wondering if there were any other couses that are needed. When in college what exams do you need to take to gain admittance into med school? And If you do not mind could you tell me what your scores were? Once I complete four years of college I was wondering if a branch of the military could put me through med school. What do you think of this route? How did you become an anesthesiologist? Was it a rough road to become what you are today? What would you say is the most difficult part of your job? What first inspired you?

Thank you very much for your time.

         Sicerly,
         Robbie, A

ANSWER: That's alot of questions. I'll try to answer as best I can.

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I was wondering what college you would recommend in southern california?

I don't know colleges specifically but any good university or college should be fine. UCLA and SDSU are both good.

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what courses would I have to take? I know you must take organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, calculus, biology and biochem. But I was wondering if there were any other couses that are needed.

You should probably take genetics and cell biology but they are not required.

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When in college what exams do you need to take to gain admittance into med school?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

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And If you do not mind could you tell me what your scores were?

My memory is not that good but it wouldn't matter as they have changed the scoring systerm since I took it.

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Once I complete four years of college I was wondering if a branch of the military could put me through med school. What do you think of this route?

The military would help you pay for school and might give you an advantage to get into one of the military med schools but your grades, etc will still decide if you get in.

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How did you become an anesthesiologist?

Just what I described to you. 4 yrs college, 4 yrs med school and 4 yrs anesthesia training.

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Was it a rough road to become what you are today?

Yes, for a number of reasons not specifically related to the profession, but it was rewarding at the same time.

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What would you say is the most difficult part of your job?

It can be very stressful at times.

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What first inspired you?

Actually it was watching medical TV programs when I was a kid.


Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston


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

QUESTION: Dear, Dr. Levy

     Thank you for answering my questions. But I do have more if you do not mind. Well first, While in high school what courses did you take? When you went through college did the schedule that you had allow you to have a social life? How difficult was the MCAT for you when you took it? How often did you study for it? Did it include everything you have learned in college? What was your average GPA in high school and college? I was thinking about volunteering over at the hospital near my house to see if I would be good for the medical field. What do you think? How did you pay for your tuition ? Did you have any jobs in college and in med school? if so which would they be? After med school is it guaranteed that you will have a job either at a private practice or a hospital? Is the anesthesiology program difficult? What did you have to do? I heard you might have to work upwards of 70 hours a week. Is this true? Do you get paid during a residency?
         Sincerly,
         Robbie, A.
ANSWER: You are full of questions...

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While in high school what courses did you take?

Same as most people; science, math, history, english.

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When you went through college did the schedule that you had allow you to have a social life?

Not much...too much studying.

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How difficult was the MCAT for you when you took it?

It is a difficult exam. You need to know your stuff.

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How often did you study for it?

A lot. Months.

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Did it include everything you have learned in college?

No it is very specific to Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc.

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What was your average GPA in high school and college?

About a 3.2. That's very low in today's competitive market. You need more than a 3.5.

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I was thinking about volunteering over at the hospital near my house to see if I would be good for the medical field. What do you think?

Excellent idea. It may tell you if you really have an interest.

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How did you pay for your tuition ?

Mostly loans and summer jobs.

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Did you have any jobs in college and in med school? if so which would they be?

Both.

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After med school is it guaranteed that you will have a job either at a private practice or a hospital?

Nothing is guaranteed but you will find a job somewhere. They always need physicians.

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Is the anesthesiology program difficult?

All specialties are difficult in their own way. There is a lot of material to learn in a short time.

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What did you have to do? I heard you might have to work upwards of 70 hours a week. Is this true?

Actually, when I did my residency I worked over 100 hrs/week (sometimes 130 hr/week) but now you are not allowed to work more than 80 hr/wk.

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Do you get paid during a residency?

Yes. It's a decent salary but not as much as when you graduate.


Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

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

QUESTION: Dear, Dr.Levy
    I want to thank you for again for the insight you have given me. But, as it is, the more we learn, the more we want to know. First,I was wondering during a residency who is responsible for you? So is the residency still part of your schooling or is it the use of what you have learned?  About how many hours a night did you devote to studying for the MCAT? How much time do they allow you to prepare for the MCAT? During the MCAT was there an essay question or any type of writing portion? Is there a set amount of time for the MCAT? What were your SAT scores going into college? What were your grades through college? Being an anesthesiologist, are you on call at night like some doctors? What kind of work do you do with the patients? During surgery what are your main duties? Do you interact with the patient before or after the operation? What would you say was the most unpleasant aspect of your job, if any? What is the most fulfilling part of your job? If I decided to have a family would it work out, or are the hours you have to hectic?
         Sincerely,
         Robbie, A

Answer
I realize you have lots of questions but this is the last time I can answer them

First,I was wondering during a residency who is responsible for you?

Our faculty are responsible for what we do.

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So is the residency still part of your schooling or is it the use of what you have learned?  

It is part of schooling because it is the specialty we are now learning.

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About how many hours a night did you devote to studying for the MCAT? How much time do they allow you to prepare for the MCAT? During the MCAT was there an essay question or any type of writing portion? Is there a set amount of time for the MCAT?

I don't remember how long I studied but you have to make your own time to study. I don't know if they have an essay now but I doubt it. Like all standardized tests, there is a time limit.

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What were your SAT scores going into college?

The scoring system has changed since the 70's so it doesn't matter any more.

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What were your grades through college?

My final GPA was a 3.25 but if you want to get into med school now you probably need a 3.5 or better.

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Being an anesthesiologist, are you on call at night like some doctors?

Yes. during you residency you are on call about every 4th to 5th night. Once you are done it can be more or less frequent.

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What kind of work do you do with the patients? During surgery what are your main duties? Do you interact with the patient before or after the operation?

We provide anesthesia for all surgical procedures. We also monitor their vital signs throughout the operation. We do interact with them before and after but no long term relationship.

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What would you say was the most unpleasant aspect of your job, if any?

Threat of medical malpractice and governmental regulations.

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What is the most fulfilling part of your job?

Knowing that I helped people through a stressful time.

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If I decided to have a family would it work out, or are the hours you have to hectic?

I have a family so I guess it works out but the hours are long.


Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston