Becoming a doctor is a challenging yet rewarding journey, demanding significant dedication and rigorous training. While all medical specialties require extensive study and commitment, some are known to be less competitive, potentially offering a somewhat “easier” path to becoming a doctor.
In this article, we will explore the steps to becoming a physician, delve into the specialization process, and rank medical specialties based on their competitiveness. This will shed light on some of the “easiest” types of doctors to become and what each of these specialties entails.
Navigating the Path to Becoming a Doctor
The journey to becoming a doctor is structured and involves several key stages, starting from high school and extending through residency.
High School Preparation
While high school doesn’t offer a “pre-med” track, strategic preparation is crucial. Aspiring doctors should focus on building a strong academic foundation, particularly in science and mathematics. Choosing challenging science courses and excelling in them demonstrates an early aptitude for the rigors of medical studies. Furthermore, engaging in extracurricular activities related to healthcare, such as volunteering at hospitals or clinics, can provide valuable early exposure to the medical field. When considering colleges, prospective medical students should research institutions known for their strong science programs, pre-med advising, research opportunities, and access to hospitals.
Undergraduate Studies: Building Your Pre-Med Foundation
Undergraduate studies are a critical phase for pre-med students. This is the time to complete pre-medical requirements and strengthen your application for medical school. A significant part of this stage involves fulfilling specific course prerequisites, typically including multiple semesters of biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, biochemistry, and mathematics.
Alongside coursework, excelling in the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is paramount. Dedicated MCAT preparation should be a significant focus during undergraduate studies, as medical schools heavily weigh MCAT scores in their admission decisions.
Medical School: Intensive Training and Exploration
Medical school marks the beginning of intensive medical training. The curriculum is demanding, encompassing a wide range of subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. This rigorous academic learning is complemented by hands-on clinical experiences. Clinical rotations are a crucial part of medical school, providing opportunities to explore different specialties and gain practical experience in various medical fields. These rotations are essential for making informed decisions about specialization and for residency applications.
Residency: Specialization and Advanced Training
After graduating from medical school, you achieve the title of “doctor,” but further specialized training is required. Residency involves working under the supervision of experienced physicians for three to seven years, depending on the chosen specialty. Residency is where doctors develop expertise in their chosen field. Successful completion of residency and passing a specialty-specific board exam are necessary to practice independently.
For a more detailed guide, refer to this comprehensive resource on the steps to becoming a doctor.
Specialization Timing and Factors
Medical students begin to consider specialization early in their medical school journey. The first two years are typically focused on preclinical training, encouraging students to explore various medical fields. Similar to choosing a major in undergraduate studies, specialization decisions are not immediate.
Clinical rotations, usually starting in the third year, play a significant role in shaping specialization choices. These rotations expose students to diverse medical specialties like general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more, allowing them to observe and participate in patient care. Clinical rotations are invaluable for networking and gaining insights into different medical career paths.
Several factors influence a doctor’s choice of specialty, including:
- Work-life balance: The demands and hours vary significantly across specialties.
- Income expectations: Different specialties have varying earning potentials.
- Specialty culture: The personality types and work environments within specialties can differ.
- Residency length: Residency duration ranges from three to seven years.
- Patient interaction: The level and type of patient contact vary.
- Work setting: Some specialties are primarily hospital-based, while others are office-based.
- Competitiveness: The level of competition for residency positions differs among specialties.
Residency applications, submitted in the fall of the fourth year of medical school, mark the formal specialization decision. Students who need more time for exploration can pursue subinternships or take an additional year to solidify their choice.
Exploring Less Competitive Medical Specialties
For medical students considering specialization, competitiveness is often a key factor. To identify less competitive specialties, we can analyze data such as average USMLE Step 1 scores and research output of first-year residents. Lower average USMLE Step 1 scores and fewer publications among residents can indicate a less competitive specialty.
Based on data from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores and the average number of abstracts, publications, and presentations of first-year residents by specialty in 2020-21, here are some of the least competitive medical specialties:
1. Family Medicine
Average Step 1 Score: 216.1
Average Number of Publications: 2.8
Family medicine is often considered one of the “easiest” doctor specialties to pursue in terms of competitiveness. Family physicians provide comprehensive care for individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Their broad training encompasses pediatrics, adult medicine, gynecology, and basic gastroenterology, enabling them to address a wide spectrum of health concerns within a family unit. Family medicine emphasizes preventative care, chronic disease management, and health education. The practice settings are typically office-based, focusing on outpatient care, including routine check-ups and managing common illnesses.
2. Psychiatry
Average Step 1 Score: 223.1
Average Number of Publications: 5.0
Psychiatry focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists use a variety of methods, including psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication management, and other treatments to help patients improve their mental health and well-being. Diagnosis in psychiatry heavily relies on patient interviews and psychological assessments. Psychiatry offers a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of the human mind and make a significant impact on patients’ lives by improving their mental and emotional well-being.
3. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Average Step 1 Score: 224.2
Average Number of Publications: 4.7
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, is another less competitive medical specialty. PM&R physicians, or physiatrists, focus on restoring function and improving the quality of life for patients with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury, illness, or congenital conditions. Their approach emphasizes non-surgical treatments, utilizing physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, pain management techniques, and assistive devices. PM&R aims to maximize patients’ physical abilities and independence, enabling them to participate more fully in life.
4. Pediatrics
Average Step 1 Score: 226.4
Average Number of Publications: 4.7
Pediatrics is dedicated to the health and well-being of children, from infancy through adolescence (typically up to age 18). Pediatricians address a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, and social health issues specific to children. A deep understanding of child development is crucial in pediatrics to ensure healthy growth and identify any developmental delays or concerns. Pediatricians play a vital role in preventive care, vaccinations, and managing childhood illnesses, contributing significantly to the health of future generations.
5. Emergency Medicine (EM)
Average Step 1 Score: 231.1
Average Number of Publications: 3.9
Emergency Medicine is a fast-paced and dynamic specialty focused on providing immediate medical care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries in the emergency room setting. Emergency medicine doctors must possess a broad range of medical knowledge and skills to handle diverse medical situations, from common ailments to life-threatening emergencies. EM physicians are often described as “jacks of all trades” in medicine, requiring adaptability, quick decision-making, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a high-stakes environment.
6. Internal Medicine (Categorical)
Average Step 1 Score: 231.4
Average Number of Publications: 5.2
Internal Medicine focuses exclusively on adult health and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting adults. Internal medicine physicians, or internists, possess comprehensive knowledge of adult organ systems and medical conditions. They manage a wide spectrum of illnesses, from common colds to complex chronic diseases. Internists are often the primary point of contact for adult patients, providing ongoing care, health maintenance, disease screening, and referrals to specialists when needed.
7. Anesthesiology
Average Step 1 Score: 232.7
Average Number of Publications: 5.3
Anesthesiology is a specialty focused on pain management and perioperative care. Anesthesiologists are best known for administering anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety. They manage patients’ vital functions during operations and provide pain relief. Beyond the operating room, anesthesiologists also specialize in pain management for chronic conditions and acute pain situations, improving patients’ quality of life through effective pain control.
For deeper insights into various medical fields, explore CollegeVine’s comprehensive guide to medical specialties, which offers detailed information about each specialty’s responsibilities and salary expectations.
Top Pre-Med Schools: Setting the Stage for Success
While “pre-med” isn’t a major itself at most universities, choosing the right undergraduate institution can significantly enhance your chances of medical school admission. These top pre-med schools are renowned for their rigorous science curricula, excellent pre-med advising, abundant research opportunities, and strong track records of medical school acceptance.
Find out more about pre-med requirements here.
Here are some of the best pre-med schools known for preparing students for medical careers:
1. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, MA
Undergrad Enrollment: 13,100
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1480-1580 SAT/33-36 ACT
Graduating from Harvard University, a prestigious and historically significant institution, significantly strengthens a student’s medical school application. A 2013 article from The Harvard Crimson estimated that approximately 17% of each Harvard class applies to medical school. Notably, in 2012, Harvard pre-med applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher had an impressive 93% medical school acceptance rate.
Harvard offers extensive resources for pre-med students, including dedicated advisors at the Office of Career Services who provide guidance on health-related fields. The office also publishes a newsletter with information on workshops and medical school visits. Student groups like the Harvard Pre-Medical Society and Harvard Alumni in Healthcare further support students pursuing medical careers.
2. Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Undergrad Enrollment: 7,000
Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1490-1560 SAT/33-35 ACT
While Duke University doesn’t offer a formal pre-med major, it provides all the necessary coursework for medical school prerequisites and even suggests courses for health-related careers. Duke’s pre-health advisors offer specialized support to pre-med students. Duke University reports a medical school acceptance rate between 70% and 80% for its students, significantly higher than the national average.
Beyond academics, Duke provides numerous opportunities for pre-med students to gain experience through research, volunteering at local hospitals and health centers, and shadowing healthcare professionals. On-campus organizations like the American Medical Women’s Association and Duke Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students offer further support and community.
3. University of Pennsylvania | UPenn
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Undergrad Enrollment: 13,000
Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1480-1570 SAT/33-35 ACT
UPenn attracts pre-med students with its Ivy League status and the prestigious Perelman School of Medicine, the oldest medical school in the United States, founded in 1765. UPenn boasts an impressive medical school acceptance rate; 82% of UPenn students and alumni applying for medical school in 2022 were accepted, nearly double the national average of 43%.
UPenn caters to diverse pre-med backgrounds. The Pre-Health Core Studies program assists students with limited science backgrounds, while the Pre-Health Specialized Studies program supports students with science backgrounds in strengthening their credentials. Professional pre-health advisors with healthcare, research, and higher education experience guide students in course selection, application preparation, and interview skills.
4. Washington University in St. Louis | WashU
Location: St. Louis, MO
Undergrad Enrollment: 13,000
Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1480-1570 SAT/33-35 ACT
Washington University in St. Louis sends more students to medical school than any other college on this list, with 372 WashU students applying in 2022-2023. WashU also demonstrates high success rates, with a 76% first-time medical school acceptance rate between 2017 and 2021.
The MedPrep Program is unique to WashU. This two-part program includes lectures on the path to becoming a doctor and real-world medical experience through shadowing at Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s emergency and trauma center. WashU offers extensive research opportunities and programs like the Washington University Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (BioSURF) to enhance medical school applications and provide funding.
5. Rice University
Location: Houston, TX
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,300
Acceptance Rate: 9.48%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1490-1570 SAT/34-35 ACT
Rice University is a popular choice for pre-med students; 30% to 40% of incoming students express interest in pre-health studies. Rice’s location near the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, is a significant advantage, offering unparalleled access to medical resources.
Rice provides strong pre-med support, including specialized advising for course selection and medical school applications. The Rice Pre-Medical Society (RPMS) offers resources, advice, and opportunities, including the Big Owl/Little Owl Program (BOP) connecting undergraduates with medical professionals.
6. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA
Undergrad Enrollment: 7,800
Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
SAT/ACT:
- 94.4% scored between 1400 and 1600 on the SAT
- 96.1% scored between 30 and 36 on the ACT
A degree from Stanford University, a highly prestigious institution, significantly benefits medical school applicants. Stanford provides extensive resources for pre-med students, despite not having a pre-med major.
Pre-med advisors assist students with course selection, long-term planning, and gaining relevant experience. A former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford University School of Medicine offers meetings to discuss the medical school application process, school selection, and interview preparation. Stanford pre-med students have access to numerous opportunities, including physician shadowing, volunteering, and research, both on and off campus.
7. Northwestern University
Location: Evanston, IL
Undergrad Enrollment: 9,900
Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
SAT/ACT: 1490-1550 SAT/33-35 ACT
Northwestern University has consistently placed students in top medical schools, including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and UPenn. Health Professions Advising (HPA) at Northwestern guides students through medical school pathways, required courses, and the application process. The Pre-Health Professional Student Group further supports students’ medical career aspirations.
The Northwestern Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program (NUPSP) is a unique program offering early MD acceptance to Northwestern undergraduates committed to the Feinberg School of Medicine. NUPSP waives the MCAT requirement and admits a select number of students annually.
8. Brown University
Location: Providence, RI
Undergrad Enrollment: 7,100
Acceptance Rate: 5.5%
SAT/ACT: 1470-1550 SAT/33-35 ACT
Brown University consistently achieves high medical school acceptance rates, often exceeding 80%. In 2021, 81% of Brown applicants were accepted to medical school. Brown offers healthcare career advising and health career peer advisors (HCPA) to support first-year students.
Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), an eight-year combined undergraduate and medical school program, is unique within the Ivy League. Nearly one-third of Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School class of 2026 were admitted through PLME, allowing students to enter medical school directly from high school and pursue diverse undergraduate degrees.
9. Amherst College
Location: Amherst, MA
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,800
Acceptance Rate: 7.2%
SAT/ACT: 1450-1520 SAT/33-34 ACT
Amherst College, a leading liberal arts institution, boasts a strong track record of medical school placement, with an average 75% to 80% acceptance rate.
Amherst provides comprehensive pre-health advising and mentoring throughout and beyond undergraduate studies. The college emphasizes a holistic pre-med approach, encouraging students to pursue their passions while fulfilling pre-med requirements. Amherst offers various resources, including pre-health guides, newsletters, advising sessions, mentors, and research, volunteer, and shadowing opportunities.
10. Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,500
Acceptance Rate: 27%
SAT/ACT: 1420-1520 SAT/32-33 ACT
Case Western Reserve University’s location, near nationally ranked hospitals and healthcare professionals, coupled with abundant research opportunities, attracts pre-med students. Case Western undergraduates have achieved a 64% medical school acceptance rate over the past five years, significantly exceeding the national average. Graduates matriculate to top medical schools like Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
The Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) is a highly competitive eight-year program offering combined undergraduate and medical school admission. Forbes reported a 1% acceptance rate for PPSP in 2021, highlighting its selectivity.
Explore more top pre-med schools for further research. Utilize a free admissions calculator to assess your admission chances at various universities by inputting your academic profile and extracurricular activities.
Conclusion
While the path to becoming any doctor is demanding, understanding the varying levels of competitiveness among specialties can be beneficial. Specialties like Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are generally considered less competitive, potentially offering a more accessible route to a medical career. Choosing a top pre-med school can also significantly enhance your preparation and chances of medical school admission, regardless of the specialty you ultimately choose. Careful planning, diligent effort, and strategic choices throughout your education are key to achieving your goal of becoming a doctor.
