2007-04-11 04:38:48 · 24 answers · asked by Constantine 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
No, there are some limits.
The person needs to have the basic physical capacities for their practice. That doesn't mean that diabilities are automatically a disqualification--I knew a really fine pediatrician once who used a wheelchair--but in some cases they would be.
Secondly, there are some age and health limitations. I'm an AARP member, and 30 years ago if I'd decided to go for a med. degree I'd have had a shot. At this point, I would not be able to hold up under the physical demands of the internship.
Thirdly, there are some affective issues that are quite important. If you don't have the temperament to be a doctor, you are unlikely to make it through med school. Note that the profession of doctor often is quite different from what people imagine it will be, and reality often is much less pleasant than imagination.
2007-04-11 04:46:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's very easy to give a "put your mind to it and you can do anything" response to an answer like this, but it's just not true. To become a doctor, you need a certain level of intelligence. You need to have aptitude in the science field. You need to have a decent education. You need to get a great score on the MCAT test. You need to be okay with being exposed to things that many people would find disgusting. You need to be in good mental and physical health to make it through the grueling medical school and residency process.
So, while MANY people can become a doctor if they put their mind to it, it's not true that anyone can. It's always worth pursuing your dreams, but it's also good to be realistic and have other options. Good luck.
2007-04-11 12:21:58 · answer #2 · answered by kimpenn09 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, many people cannot make it through the grinder that is Med School. They make it very hard in order to weed out those who would not make good doctors. You have to have a certain amount of intelligence and drive. I have friends who had one but not the other. None of them made it through.
Certain areas have different requirements. For example, if you don't have steady hands and incredible manual dexterity, you could never be a surgeon.
Or if you don't like working a taxing job for little pay or recognition, you won't last long as a nurse! (my wife is one)
2007-04-11 11:42:45 · answer #3 · answered by yodadoe 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For the most part, I would say yes.
Putting your mind to it is a huge part of it. You need to have the passion to do it. If you have the drive and are ready to make to sacrifices to put your education first, you can do it.
I was the first person to finish college in my family and jumped right to graduate school. I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I am glad I did it. I'm not a medical doctor, but I have my PhD. I worked my butt off for it and am very proud of my accomplishment.
There were some people in the same program that didn't make it. They didn't have the focus or the drive to finish. They wanted the title, but not what it took to earn it. I was required to work long hours in the lab (60 to 80 a week). That cuts out a lot of social time, but if you want it, you accept that.
I've had friends go to medical school too and they were in similar situations. Work hard and you can do it!
Good Luck!
2007-04-11 11:48:29 · answer #4 · answered by Doc 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If they are smart enough, yes. I have two friends who were going for medical school. One got it, the other didn't. You have to have almost a perfect grade point average to get into most schools. You need extra curricular activies on your resume, and being a female or a minority doesn't hurt. (My friend who got in was female, my other friend who didn't was a male... both had straight As). Having worked in a hosptial for 2 years and focused on my nursing degree for 4 years, I want to say that it is extremely difficult. If you are determined, and are young, you need to start setting the course now and not wait until the last minute. Having straight As isn't necessarily a guarantee, so don't think it is all you need.
2007-04-11 11:43:32 · answer #5 · answered by NowayJose 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but no.
There are many people in this world who do not have the capacity to learn all of the technical knowledge required no matter how hard they try.
Honestly, would you want to be operated on by a person who has an IQ of 50?
2007-04-11 11:43:38 · answer #6 · answered by lunatic 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if you have the mind to do it, and know what you are capable of, then yes. This is the main difference between someone who WILL become a Doctor, and one who will not.
2007-04-11 11:42:36 · answer #7 · answered by Samurai X 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well if they make through med school..they sure know more than the "average person" Does that make them smarter? Sit back and watch me get it
2014-04-01 10:01:04 · answer #8 · answered by Shawn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough question... I would have liked to gone into the medical field, but I seem to have a reading comprehension problem, that would intimidate me with all of the techincal reading involved. I would say MOST anyone could.
2007-04-11 11:41:17 · answer #9 · answered by LARGE MARGE 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I sure hope not. I want my doctor to be smarter than the average person.
2007-04-11 11:58:33 · answer #10 · answered by Ranto 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋