| How to Become a Doctor Posted: 28 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT A career as a doctor is a prestigious, challenging, and altruistic path! To become a doctor, you need to study hard, stay focused, and progress effectively through about 11 to 15 years of higher education and training. This includes a Bachelor's degree, 4 years of medical school, and a residency program lasting from 3 to 7 years. After you have completed all of these requirements and become board certified, you will be allowed to practice medicine independently. EditBuilding Your Skill Set for Medical School - Take Advanced Placement tests if they will satisfy a prerequisite. AP credits are offered to high school students who have demonstrated advanced competency in a subject area. However, keep in mind that Advanced Placement credits may satisfy some of the prerequisite requirements, but they may not work for others.[1]
- For example, Harvard Medical School will accept AP credits in Chemistry in place of 1 semester of college-level chemistry, but they will not accept AP credits in place of the biology or writing requirements.
- Earn a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college. You need to earn a Bachelor's degree before you can enter medical school. Many medical school bound students choose to complete a degree in one of the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, to ensure that they obtain all of the required prerequisites for entry to medical school. However, you may complete a different degree as long as you complete the required prerequisite courses.[2]
- The required prerequisites may vary from school to school, but they usually include 1 year of biology with labs, 2 years of chemistry with labs, 1 year of physics with labs, 1 year of math including calculus and statistics, and 1 year of writing courses.
- Make sure that you check with the universities to which you are applying to determine their prerequisites.[3]
- Participate in extracurricular activities to build diverse skills and develop a work-life balance. In addition to the intellectual capacity for rigorous work, students will require strong emotional health to deal with the human aspect of medicine. This is why medical schools look at students' applications holistically, which means that they consider what you do in your free time in addition to your performance in the classroom. To show that you have developed the broad skill-set necessary to succeed in medical school – and the kind of work-life balance that fosters a healthy temperament in the workplace – engage in a range of extracurricular activities. Some good choices include:[4]
- Sports, such as soccer, hockey, track and field, or volleyball
- Language clubs, such as a Latin, Russian, or Spanish club
- Political clubs, such as College Republicans or College Democrats
- Special interest groups, such as women's student union, black student union, or LGBTQ student union
- Volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. Doing volunteer work is another excellent way to diversify yourself and also gain experience in a medical setting. Volunteer at your local hospital or health clinic for a few hours on 1 day per week.[5]
- Volunteering in a medical setting may also give you an opportunity to meet and talk to doctors. You can ask them about their path to medicine, how they chose a specialty, and what advice they have for someone who aspires to be a doctor.
EditApplying to Medical School - Take the MCAT by the September before you submit your application. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for entry into medical school. The latest you can take this exam is in September of the year you plan to submit your applications. Plan accordingly and start studying at least 6 months before the test.[6]
- You may submit MCAT scores that are up to 3 years old, so you may consider taking the test a couple of years early. This way you can retake it if you don't do as well as you hoped.[7]
- Research medical schools to choose the best one for you. Medical schools are not all alike in terms of their program and their admission requirements. Most medical school applicants apply to around 16 schools to maximize their chances of being accepted by at least 1 school. Make a list of the schools that interest you and compare their programs and requirements to help you decide where to apply.[8]
- Use the American Association of Medical Colleges' website to help you compile your list: https://apps.aamc.org/msar-ui/#/landing. It provides a complete list of medical schools along with details about their program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition costs.[9]
- Write your medical school application essay 1 to 2 months before applying. Medical schools require applicants to write an essay that describes why they want to pursue a career in medicine. Give yourself plenty of time to craft this essay. The personal statement essay is your chance to show the admissions committee how you will add to their program in ways that are not evident elsewhere on your application, such as any obstacles you have overcome that may enhance your ability to be a good physician.[10]
- Make sure that your essay responds to the essay prompt or question and that it is well-organized and polished.
- Try asking your college advisor or a trusted professor to read over your essay for you before you submit it. Use their feedback to revise and improve your essay.
- Submit your application to the medical schools of your choice. Complete all required fields for the applications you submit. Make sure to double check your responses to ensure that everything is correct before you submit them. Applications for medical school are usually accepted in the fall about 1 year before you plan to start your program.[11]
- Be aware that each school may have a different deadline for their application, so you may want to keep a log of the dates.
EditCompleting Medical School and Residency Training - Attend medical school and complete all of the required coursework. Once you have been accepted to a medical school, register for and complete all of the required courses in the recommended sequence. You will be assigned an advisor who can help you to navigate this process. Make sure to ask them questions if you are unsure about how to progress through the program.[12]
- Many classes will be required as part of the core program, but you may have the opportunity to take special seminars on subjects that interest to you.
- Identify your specialty in the final year of medical school. Near the beginning of the last year of medical school, you will choose a specialty based on your interests, performance in the program, and professional goals. This will determine where you complete your residency and what you specialize in as a physician.[13]
- For example, if you are interested in cardiology, then you might pursue a specialty as a cardiologist.
- If you were most interested in neurology in your studies, then becoming a neurologist might be the best option for you.
- Go through a 3 to 7 year residency program. Near the end of your last year of medical school, usually in March, you will be assigned to a residency program in your chosen specialty. Most of these programs are through teaching hospitals, which will provide you with a combination of an actual medical setting and doctors who also teach.[14]
- For example, if you chose to specialize in cardiology, then you would be assigned to train and work in a cardiology wing of a hospital for the majority of the time. You would also participate in medical rotations that help build your skills within other departments, such as primary care or radiology.
EditGetting Certified as a Doctor - Complete your board certification in your area of specialization. Once you have completed your residency, you will need to obtain your board certification. Board certification requires taking a test that demonstrates your competency in your specialty. This will allow you to practice medicine in a specific state or region, set you apart as an expert in your field, and instill confidence in your patients.[15]
- For example, if you wish to be board certified in dermatology, then you would need to take the corresponding exam.
- Some specialties require that you work for a year and accumulate a case log before you sit for the full board exam. Be sure to confirm whether your specialty requires this. If so, you will need to work at a hospital or a private practice for a year before you are fully board certified. For this period of time between your residency and your certification, you will be "board-eligible" as opposed to board certified.[16]
- You may be board certified in more than 1 area if you are qualified to do so.
- Find a job to use your medical degree. Once you have completed your medical degree, finished your residency, and become board-eligible, you can begin working as a physician in the specialty you have chosen. There are many opportunities for doctors to work. You can go with a more traditional setting, such as a hospital or doctor's office, or opt for work in the military, a prison, or doing medical research.[17]
- Search for jobs online and apply directly to organizations you want to work for.
- Continue building knowledge and expertise throughout your career. Learning never stops when you are a doctor! After you complete medical school, it is important that you stay up to date on medical advances in your field. To do this, you will need to read medical journals in your chosen specialty, attend conferences, and take continuing education seminars.[18]
- Staying up to date on medical advances is important for every field of medicine since new discoveries, treatments, and techniques are being developed all the time.
- Start your own medical practice. Starting a medical practice can be extremely rewarding, and may turn out to be a great career move for you. However, by starting a practice, you will have much more to manage than you would if you went to work for someone else. Secure financing for your practice, such as by getting a small business loan, then set up your practice.[19]
- Make sure to keep your costs down to ensure that your practice will be profitable.
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| How to Clean Melted Plastic Out of an Oven Posted: 27 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT Plastic dishware and ovens don't mix, but everyone makes mistakes. If you accidentally forgot a plastic cutting board or bowl in the oven and switched it on, you're likely left with a melted plastic nightmare. Don't fret, you can clean the oven yourself with materials you likely already have at home. If you have a gas or electric oven, cooling the oven is the best method. Heating works better for electric and self-cleaning ovens. Either way, you'll have your oven back in commission in no time. EditCooling the Plastic - Remove the oven rack and put it into the freezer. You can leave it in there for a few hours to ensure that it is adequately cooled. This will make the hardened plastic more brittle and it will be easier to scrape off.
- Alternatively, you can fill a bag with ice to cool the plastic. This works for the rack, the coils, and the bottom of the oven.[1] Leave the ice on the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Scrape the brittle plastic. Once you remove the rack from the freezer or have cooled it thoroughly with the ice, you can begin to scrape the plastic. Using a razor blade or scraping tool, gently scrape at the melted plastic.[2] You may have to apply some pressure to peel it away from the metal. Continue scraping until you have removed the plastic from the rack, coils, and bottom of the oven entirely.
- The plastic may be sharp, so take care to wear gloves and use caution to avoid cuts.
- Sweep the plastic remnants into the trash. You'll be left with plastic shavings and pieces on the bottom of the oven. Carefully sweep these out using gloves or a brush.
- You may also choose to put a bowl or pot under the rack when scraping to catch the plastic as it falls.
- Clean the oven as usual. Before you use the oven again, be sure to wipe it with your usual oven cleaner to ensure the plastic residue is completely removed.
EditUsing Heat to Remove the Plastic - Heat your oven. Be sure to use the lowest setting, usually no hotter than . Stay nearby to turn it off before it starts to smoke. Plastic fumes are not only unpleasant, but they're also toxic.[3] Once you can smell the plastic melting, turn off the oven.
- Use a heating gun or hair dryer to heat the plastic. This is a great alternative to using the oven's heating element. Warming the plastic directly with these tools may take longer but will make it easier to avoid burns or overheating.
- Scrape the warm plastic on the rack. Using a wooden spoon to scrape the now malleable plastic will avoid scratching the surface of the oven and racks. If the plastic hardens again as you're working, simply shut the oven and warm it again.[4]
- To avoid burns, wear long sleeves and don gloves or oven mitts while you work.
- If possible, remove the rack entirely using oven mitts and scrape over your sink.
- Be sure to cover the drain to avoid plastic clogging your pipes and causing a whole new problem.
- If you cannot remove the rack, consider putting an oven-safe pot under the rack to catch the scrapings as you work.
- Remove the warm plastic from the heating element. Using the same process as above, scrape the warm plastic off the bottom of the oven and from the heating element.
- Be sure to use a scraper that will not melt while touching the warm coils, so avoid plastic or wood for this step. Instead, opt for a razor blade or scraping tool.[5]
- Remove the plastic scrapings. Ensure the oven and heating element are completely cool before you start this step.
- Use gloves or a brush to avoid cutting yourself on the potentially sharp plastic.
- Wipe the oven clean. Using your regular oven cleaner, wipe out any of the remaining residue before using it to cook.
- Open the windows when cleaning the oven to avoid inhalation of fumes.
- Wear gloves and/or oven mitts to protect from burns or cuts.
EditReferences
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| How to Plant Orchids in a Pot Posted: 27 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT Orchids are beautiful plants with bright, colorful flowers. Planting and caring for orchids can be tricky though because they are very different from most other houseplants. However, with a bit of knowledge about your specific orchid and some patience, you will be able to see the flowers bloom! Choose a small, snug pot for the orchid and then pick the right growing medium for your particular type. Keep the orchid happy by providing it with plenty of sunlight, high humidity, and water once per week. EditPotting Orchids - Pick a cattleya, moth orchid, or venus slipper orchid if you're a beginner. Orchids can be finicky plants and are difficult to keep alive. The cattleya, moth orchid, and venus slipper varieties are all relatively common and are great for learning how to grow these special plants. Ask at the gardening center or nursery what type of beginner orchid is suitable for the climate in your location.[1]
- Try to pick a plant that is blooming so that you know what the flowers look like.
- Choose a small plastic or clay pot for the orchid. Check that there are slats or holes in the pot so that the growing medium will be well-drained. The roots should fit snugly into the pot without needing to bend or twist, and they shouldn't have too much excess space.[2]
- Tolumnias and dendrobiums prefer clay pots, while cattleyas, moth orchids, and venus slipper orchids all prefer either clay or plastic pots.
- Choose the right growing medium for your type of orchid. There are over 30,000 types of orchids and a huge variety of growing mediums. Common types include fir bark, tree fern, peat moss, and perlite. Ask your local gardening center or orchid growing society about the best medium for your type of orchid. You can also look it up online.[3]
- Cattleya orchids prefer coarse fir bark.[4]
- Medium fir bark is best for moth orchids.[5]
- Bark or a fluffy moss is ideal for venus slipper orchids.[6]
- Fill the bottom of the pot with of foam peanuts. One of the most important aspects of planting the orchid in a pot is ensuring it has good drainage. Use foam packaging peanuts to help drain excess water away from the roots and the growing medium. This prevents the roots from rotting.[7]
- Remove the orchid from the original container. Hold the orchid stalk firmly and gently wiggle the container to loosen it. When the container is loose, carefully pull the orchid out without breaking any of the roots. If the container feels stubborn, don't force it off as this could harm the orchid. Instead, use scissors to carefully cut the container off the plant.[8]
- Some orchids are sold bare-rooted, which means that the roots are free. There is no container to remove in this instance.
- Orchids are most commonly sold in plastic pots.
- Hold the orchid in the pot. Grasp the orchid gently around the stalk and suspend it inside the container. Make sure that none of the roots need to bend or break to fit inside the pot.[9]
- Always support the orchid as you are planting it to prevent root damage.
- Fill the pot with the growing medium. Gently pack the pot with the growing medium, being careful not to crush or damage the roots. Stop filling the pot when the crown of the orchid is just below the growing medium.[10]
- The crown is where the roots meet the stalk.
EditCaring for Potted Orchids - Let the orchid get 12-14 hours of light per day. Wild, tropical orchids often grow high up in trees, which means that they thrive with plenty of sunlight. Pick a sunny spot for your orchid such as a south or east-facing windowsill. North-facing windows tend to be too dark for orchids and west-facing windows tend to be too warm. Check the specific sunlight requirements for your type of orchid to find the ideal number of sunlight hours.[11]
- If your home doesn't have suitable natural light, use artificial lights instead. Place the orchid away from a fluorescent bulb and keep the light on for the specified number of hours.[12]
- Orchids with leathery or few leaves like cattleyas and the dancing lady type tend to do best in high-light environments such as a south-facing windowsill.
- Orchids with limp or soft leaves like the moth and lady slipper types tend to grow best under more sensitive light conditions. Try an east-facing windowsill.
- Water the orchid approximately once per week. Less water is definitely more where orchids are concerned. Orchid roots can easily rot if there is too much water in the growing medium, as the roots need good air flow to function properly. Simply hold the pot under running water for a few seconds and let the water drench the growing medium. Make sure that the growing medium has dried out fully before you water it again.[13]
- Orchids cope much better with drought than overwatering.
- Maintain a humidity level of 60-80% to keep tropical orchids happy. Most homes have humidity levels that are too low to sustain orchids, especially in winter. Keep the orchid in a place away from cold drafts and heating vents, as the plant needs warm, moist air to survive. Orchids tend to grow well in bathrooms where the humidity is high or near humidifier devices.[14]
- If you don't want to place the orchid in the bathroom or use a humidifier, you can use a dry well instead. To make a dry well, get a plastic tray and either fill it with pebbles or place a plastic lattice on top. Fill the tray with water to the top of the pebbles or the lattice, and keep the orchid pot on top. This helps to boost the humidity.[15]
- Give the orchid liquid fertilizer each summer. Orchids bloom especially well using a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Visit your local gardening center and purchase a liquid fertilizer that is suitable for orchids. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully and dilute the specified amount of liquid fertilizer in the water. Then pour the water over the orchid as you normally would.[16]
- Try to get a liquid fertilizer that is specifically for orchids. If you get a general fertilizer, use only half the amount that is recommended.
- Water the orchid regularly each week whenever you don't use the liquid fertilizer.
- Prune the orchid when the flowers fall off to encourage healthy growth. Trim the flowering stem away from main stalk. You may even get a second bloom! If you notice any yellowing or browning on the stems or leaves, remove these with a sterile knife to allow the orchid to grow back healthy shoots.[17]
- Only moth orchids can rebloom without being trimmed.
- Repot the orchid if the roots are exposed beyond the pot. Although orchids don't do well with repotting, sometimes it is necessary to keep the plant alive. If you spot the roots creeping out of the pot or if the growing medium has broken down too much and is preventing aeration, then it's time to repot the orchid.[18]
- Some orchids need to be repotted each year and others can stay in the same pot for several years.
- Don't repot the plant until it has stopped blooming for the year.
- Orchids don't grow in soil like most other plants. Instead, they are epiphytes which means that they grow in the air on substrates that provide plenty of circulation around the roots.[19]
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