Quick recap Alexander, an anesthesiologist, shared his experiences and insights about the physician career path, emphasizing the extensive education and training required, varying income levels, and job opportunities. He also discussed his personal journey to becoming a physician, the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a teacher to a physician, and the competitiveness of medical school applications. Lastly, he discussed the demanding nature of being a physician, the privilege and job security that come with the profession, and encouraged attendees to consider their path seriously and evaluate their interest in pursuing a career in medicine. _ Next steps - High school students to focus on maintaining good grades and gaining clinical exposure through volunteering or shadowing opportunities. - High school students to research and plan their undergraduate coursework to meet pre-medical requirements if interested in pursuing medicine. - High school students to consider taking advanced coursework like AP classes to prepare for college-level studies. - PCR team to share Dr. Alexander Eng's email with attendees who requested further information. - PCR team to upload the recorded session to their YouTube channel for future access. _ Summary Physician Career Path and Specialty Insights Alexander, an anesthesiologist, shared his experiences and insights about the physician career path. He highlighted the extensive education and training required, which can take over 11 years to complete. He also discussed the varying income levels and job opportunities depending on the chosen specialty. Alexander emphasized that the highest annual mean wage and employment of physicians are found in North Dakota, Wyoming, and South Carolina, and Texas, California, and Pennsylvania, respectively. He concluded by introducing himself as a general anesthesiologist with a broad range of responsibilities, including pediatrics, obstetrics, and regional anesthesia. Becoming a Physician: Long Journey and Flexibility Alexander discussed his personal journey to becoming a physician, highlighting the long and well-defined pathway in the United States. He emphasized that there are no shortcuts, and one must complete undergraduate studies, premedical coursework, medical school, and residency. Alexander noted that the entire process can take up to 15 years, with the shortest residency being 3 years and the longest being 7 years. He also warned against shortcuts like attending international medical schools, as they may not lead to a United States residency. Alexander stressed the importance of setting long-term goals and being flexible in one's career path, as the journey to becoming a physician can be arduous. Anesthesiologist's Role and Responsibilities in Surgery Alexander, an anesthesiologist, shared his personal experience and responsibilities in the medical field. He explained that his role is to keep patients asleep and in a comatose state during surgery, monitoring their vitals and administering medications. He also discussed the varying levels of responsibility and expectations depending on the type of surgery and patient condition. Alexander emphasized the importance of trust between a doctor and their patient, particularly in pediatric cases. He also touched on managing difficult cases and dealing with burnout, attributing these challenges to experience and understanding the nature of their job. Transitioning From Teaching to Medicine: Challenges and Rewards Alexander discussed the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a teacher to a physician. He emphasized the significant time and financial investment required for medical education, with average costs ranging from $40,000 to $74,000 per year. Alexander also highlighted the importance of scholarships and attending state schools to reduce costs. He shared his personal experience of working long hours as an anesthesiologist, including being on call during weekends and holidays. He noted that salaries vary depending on the specialty's demand and the physician's workload. Alexander also addressed a question about the transition from teaching to medicine, stating that it was a significant change but one he was prepared for. Lastly, he briefly touched on the topic of BS-MD programs, though he did not provide detailed information. Alexander's Journey From Teacher to Anesthesiologist Alexander discussed his journey from being a teacher to becoming an anesthesiologist. He revealed that his parents, who are physicians, suggested he take basic science courses to explore his interests. This led him to consider a career in medicine, eventually settling on anesthesiology. He explained that he found the broadness of inpatient medicine challenging, preferring the focused approach of anesthesia where he is fully responsible for one patient at a time. Alexander also highlighted the unique aspects of his specialty, emphasizing the need for quick decision-making and the ability to stand by those decisions. Navigating Medical School Applications and Alternatives Alexander discussed the challenges of medical school applications, emphasizing the competitiveness and the importance of good grades and advanced coursework. He shared his personal experience of not having completed premedical coursework during his undergraduate degree, which required him to take additional science courses at Hunter College. Alexander highlighted the need for high MCAT scores (above the 80th percentile) to be competitive for USMD schools. He also suggested considering alternative healthcare professions if struggling with medical school applications. He advised the high schoolers to focus on their undergraduate studies, plan their coursework, and start early on volunteer and clinical work. Alexander reassured them that it's not necessary to be spooked by the challenges now, but to start the pathway and see how things progress. BSMD Program and Physician Life Experience Alexander discussed the BSMD program, a combined bachelor's and medical school program in New York. He explained that it's highly competitive and requires maintaining a certain GPA and passing the MCAT to be automatically admitted into medical school. Alexander also shared his experiences as a physician, describing his typical day and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. He also touched on the concept of call, which varies depending on the specialty and responsibilities. Alexander emphasized that being an EMT, scribe, or having clinical experience can be valuable for gaining exposure and experience in the medical field. The Demands and Rewards of Being a Physician Alexander discussed the demanding nature of being a physician, highlighting the long hours and high responsibility. He shared his personal experience as a resident, working 50 to 80 hours a week, and the sense of fulfillment that comes with making a difference in people's lives. Alexander also emphasized the privilege and job security that come with being a physician, noting the high demand for healthcare services. He encouraged the attendees to consider their path seriously and to keep evaluating their interest in pursuing a career in medicine. Alexander also agreed to share his contact information with those who have further questions.