Road Map
to becoming a physician
PRE-MED (Intermediate, High School & College) • Develop strong study habits & get involved with the community. Various pipeline programs & pathways are available to help jump start your interests (STEM, AHEC, NHH). • Be sure to complete prerequisite science courses in biology, physics, general & organic chemistry, cell & molecular biology & biochemistry (JABSOM-specific requirements). • Study hard to take the MCAT & prepare medical school application. Be sure to list all extracurricular activities, clinical & community service projects to demonstrate your experiences & attributes. http://jabsom.hawaii.edu/edprograms/
THE MATCH (During Final Year of Medical School) Students choose a specialty on the basis of personal interests, clinical experiences & other factors & apply to residency programs. Interview season begins! Most students are matched through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). On “Match Day” in March, students learn where they will complete their residency training. http://jabsom.hawaii.edu/ed-programs/gme/
CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE, & CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (Ongoing after residency/fellowship) Physicians must obtain licensure in the state(s) they will practice their chosen specialties. Twenty-four specialty boards establish criteria that physicians must meet to be certified. The rapid pace of change in medicine makes continuing medical education programs essential. Specialty boards require recertification on a regular basis, a process called maintenance 1010/17* of certification. http://jabsom.hawaii.edu/faculty/cme/
6 | Creating Future Physicians for Hawai‘i
