to become a doctor are the steps: undergrad, med school, then residency or what is

[Jmike]

it? like could I apply to an undergrad at JHU, or NYU, or another university... complete 4 years of college... then start med school... and after ____________ apply for a residency?.... I am really wanting to be in a division of infectious disease & immunology (diagnosing &treating)--- what are the actual steps I should take- and the pathway like for example
1st- 4 years of basic college
2nd- blah blah blah
3rd
4th.........................

[Rhonda]

You can major in anything as an undergraduate, as long as you take chemistry, biology w/lab, math, physics and the other pre-requisites necessary for med school. Then you study (like your life depended upon it) and take the MCAT exam. You make an application and wait to hear back. After interviews, you will be notified as to your acceptance.

Medical school is very fast paced. You will study pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology; you will observe three autopsies; you will dissect a corpse.

After you earn your M.D. degree, you will take a state board exam, become licensed, and do an internship and residency. If you choose to specialize, that requires additional training (ie, surgery, psychiatry, pediatrics).

Best wishes.