Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-179).
Preface; Chapter 1 Exploring the Field; A real-life case history; Some major considerations; The plus factors in medicine; Chapter 2 Medicine from Ancient to Modern Times; History of medicine; Medicine in ancient days; Medicine in medieval times; Jenner's work in smallpox: a turning point; Modern developments; Recent developments; Medicine becomes organized; The AMA is established; The doctor's training today; The changing nature of medicine; The trend toward specialization; The resurgence of general medicine; Changes in how medicine is practiced.
A question of maldistribution or oversupplySalaried jobs are on the rise; Malpractice: a growing trend; Women: a growing force in medicine; Health-care costs are booming; Cyberspace: the here and now of medicine; Corporations get into the act; So where does medicine stand?; Chapter 9 Conversations with Medical Professionals; Third-year resident in urology at a large private hospital; Veteran urologist and associate professor of urology at a large private medical school; Professor of medicine and director of clinical pharmacology.
Chapter 3 Getting into Medical SchoolDeciding which schools to apply to; Medical school requirements; Additional medical school admission requirements; What medical schools look for; The all-important personal interview; Integrating the basic science years: a problem; Clinical years: a chance to study patients; Alternative medical programs; Canadian medical school requirements; Chapter 4 Paying for Medical School; Trimming expenses comes first; The school's financial aid package; Federal and state aid; Other sources of aid; Federal loan programs; Private loan sources; Loan repayment aid.
Chapter 6 A Look at Osteopathic MedicineWhere D.O.s and M.D.s differ; What it takes to become a D.O.; Why two branches of medicine?; The beginning of osteopathy; How osteopathy works; The future of osteopathic medicine; Chapter 7 Launching a Practice and Getting Ahead; Taking a paid position; The downside in starting a solo practice; Salaried versus solo practice; Starting a solo practice; Working in a group practice; The popularity of group practice; Other practice options; Working for an HMO; Hours and income; Getting started; Chapter 8 A Glimpse of the Future.
Scholarships: a primary source of aidChapter 5 Selecting a Specialty and Landing a Residency; The big question: which specialty to select; How to get a handle on your likes; Of prime consideration: earning a good salary; An important consideration: demand; The next step: gaining information and experience; Getting a residency; How to get the residency that suits you best; The licensing exam and other factors; Finding out about residencies; What to look for in a residency; How and where to apply; Interviews; How well you do under pressure; It's a match; Certification and licensure.