So You Want to Be a Doctor?: A Guide for the Student From High School Through Retirement - Softcover

George H. Rawls; Robert D. Patterson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 097644433X ISBN 13: 9780976444336

Publisher: Hilton Pub, 2007

Synopsis

Describes the educational and intellectual steps to take when considering and preparing to be a doctor, and includes personal accounts from medical school students and doctors on their own choices to become medical professionals.

About this title

About the Author

Rawls is the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Emeritus and a Clinical Professor of Surgery, Emeritus at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Review

One of the most difficult tasks we are faced with is to be all things to all people. This concise book offers itself as "a guide for the student from High School through retirement." Incredibly, it is all that and much more.

Drs. Rawls, Patterson and their contributors have interspersed their personal narratives with concrete suggestions and advice to achieve success at every level throughout a medical career and after. The book contains material helpful for students of all descriptions but is especially pertinent for African American and other minority students. The book is organized into four Sections that consider (1). The Road to the M.D., (2). Reflections of Students, Residents and other Physicians, (3). Being a Doctor and (4). Social Issues and Solutions. A usual limitation of a book of this size is the inability to deal in depth with issues and offer alternative suggestions for complex issues. This book is enhanced by the judicious use the personal arbitrative of the contributors. These narratives lend an almost conversational style that should appeal especially to young readers. The material presented is very well covered and offers a roadmap to success for students at all levels. Especially compelling was the chapter by Dr. Patterson entitled "Overcoming Obstacles." Dr. Patterson's describes confronting academic difficulties by self assessment and development of a realistic plan of action. The lessons learned by Dr. Patterson are given in plain talk are important for all those attempting to master new knowledge. While, overtly geared to the student in academic difficulty this essay should be required reading for all who are about to become engaged in any new academic pursuit.

There are many books intended for those interested in pursuit of a medical degree and most are more similar than distinct. Few pay attention to the family issues of physicians or to the special status of women as medical students and as physicians that are extremely well covered here. It's very fitting that the related sections were authored by Bettye-Jo Elvan Rawls Lloyd, MD and Lula P. Rawls, daughter and wife of Dr. Rawls. George H. Rawls, MD is the overarching presence throughout the book. His narrative interspersed with his personal wisdom gives cohesion and single-mindedness to the project. As a vital mentor in his community he speaks with the wisdom earned in decades of clinical and academic practice and in medical administration. The format of the book which identifies the highlights of each chapter and is called "In a nutshell" stresses points considered most vital. The reader may quibble with specific points (the argument for Affirmative Action is moot in Public California Programs where it is forbidden by law). Taken as a whole the book contains much to motivate students, especially minority students to seek and succeed in medical education. The other group very likely to benefit from this fine text is those who mentor those students. The book is well worth the money!

Reviewed by Theodore Miller, MD Los Angeles, CA theodoremillermd@yahoo.com -- Journal of the National Medical Association

Edition details

• Publisher: Hilton Pub
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 097644433X
• ISBN 13: 9780976444336
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 164