steps becoming a doctor and salary and what is the best medical school in san diego?

Answer 1

College

Most college programs have a "premed" track. This is usually not a Major in itself. At most schools, this simply means you will be taking certain prerequisites (Bio, Chemistry, Organic Chem, and Physics). Other than that, you are free to major in another subject. Many end up Biology majors, however, this is not necessary (and may not even be that helpful). I was a Computer Science major.

Medical School

Depending on your medschool, you might have a different schedule. But basically, Medical School is 4 years.

Years 1 & 2: Classroom work.

You're pretty much in the classroom the entire first two years. This takes a lot of time and it's a lot of material. Courses include Biochemistry, Gross Anatomy, Histology, Microbiology, Cardiology, Renal, Endocrine etc...

Year 3: Rotations

Your third year of medical school, you actually start doing "doctory" stuff. You go to the hospital (the "wards") and work with a team of other students and doctors. You see patients, follow their progress in the hospital, and learn what you can. You'll also be in clinics/private offices doing the same thing.

You will "rotate" through a lot of different required topics for 1-2 months at a time. (Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn, Surgery, Family Practice...)

Year 4: Electives

Similar to Year 3, except you get to choose rotations that interest you.

Residency

So, once you graduate medical school, you need to enter a Residency Program. This is what's best described as "on the job training". You are a doctor, and get paid (approx. $33,000+/year)

Residency Programs are specific to certain fields. ie. there are Psychiatry residencies, Pediatric residencies, Surgery, etc...

First year is considered your "internship" year.

The number of years a residency lasts is dependant on what field you are studying. (for example, Surgical residencies are generally longer than Internal Medicine residencies) Usually at least 3 years minimum.

Once you graduate from your Residency program (and pass your exams), you're a full fledged doctor. You apply for jobs, start a practice, etc...

Answer 2

I'd arrange a meeting with your careers advisor (if there's not one attached to your school then ask the education department to point you to one) who will discusss any work experience preferred as well as what different universities are asking for in terms of grades and which is the best uni for you to attend if you wish to study medicine.