As we approach Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence, we look at one of the most respected professions. Medicine is one of the most challenging but rewarding career fields that a student can pursue. However, before deciding whether or not being a doctor is the appropriate career choice for you, you must understand each step you should take along the route.
Becoming a doctor is perceived to be among the most prestigious professions globally. They must go through a lengthy training program before being allowed to practice professionally in every country. Is becoming a doctor one of your lifelong ambitions? If you answered yes, this site is for you! We’ll walk you through every step of the process of becoming a doctor right here.
Additionally, Jam Sixty sat down with Doctor O’Danielle O’Sullivan, who was kind enough to highlight aspects of her own journey from high school to completing her medical degree.
Jam Sixty: What is your current role /title?
Dr. O’Sullivan:
I am a medical doctor: Senior Resident in Internal Medicine
Jam Sixty: Do you enjoy your job and why?
Dr. O’Sullivan: I enjoy my job most days as it is a humbling profession and I am able to help others at a very vulnerable time in their lives as they recuperate to their former/better state of health. I get the opportunity to serve others and make the lives of others better which is very important for me.
Jam Sixty: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Dr. O’Sullivan: The most fulfilling aspect is the gratitude expressed by patients/relatives as the patients leave the hospital better than they came with a new zeal for life and them leaving more educated about their disease processes and how to slow progression/prevent complications.
Jam Sixty: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job?
Dr. O’Sullivan: The most frustrating aspect is the lack of resources (both human and physical resources) that are required to deliver effective and quality patient care.
Jam Sixty: When did you decide to become a doctor and why?
Dr. O’Sullivan: For years I had found myself preoccupied with trying to figure out what it is that I wanted to do with my life. The answer came in my final year at high school, it was then that I chose Medicine as the career path I would have taken.
I was drawn to the medical field because of its dualistic nature of combining hard-core science with the softer side of helping people.
I believed at that time that becoming a doctor was the best shot I had at removing my mask to let my light, true potential and honest heart shine through and gave me the best opportunity to effect the change I wish to see in the delivery of health care.
I also chose medicine because most of my closest friends were choosing it too (smh).
Jam Sixty: What are the academic pre-requisites?
Dr. O’Sullivan: Academic Requirements as outlined on:
https://www.mona.uwi.edu/fms/bachelor-medicine-bachelor-surgery-mbbs-0
- Mininum of five CXC, CSEC or GCE O-level subjects in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics;
- Passes in two two-units of Biology, Chemistry and one other two-unit CAPE or A-level subject;
- A Basic Sciences degree with credits obtained in Biology and Chemistry and one other subject. Applicants MUST complete both units to be considered eligible.
Jam Sixty: What are good personality traits to have for this career?
Dr. O’Sullivan: Good personality traits for medicine include but are not limited to:
- Team Player
- Confidence
- Integrity
- Decisiveness
- Compassion
- Attentiveness
- Respect
- Fairness
- Discipline
- Dedication
Jam Sixty: What was the application process like and what does it entail?
Dr. O’Sullivan: Application process is simple and efficient.
- The degree being applied for is the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB,BS) degree
- Create an account on the UWI SAS admissions portal at: https://sas.mona.uwi.edu/banndata1-srv_mona/uwm_adm.p_index
- Ensure all academic and non-academic requirements are met
- Prepare all necessary documents for the process including:
- Birth Certificate/Passport
- Marriage certificate
- Transcripts
- Exam Results
- References
- Police record
- Fill out the forms on the UWI admission portal and upload all supporting documents
- Submit application on the onine portal
- Await Acceptance Letter
Jam Sixty: Briefly explain the studying process: how many years required, internship etc.
Dr. O’Sullivan: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB,BS) degree programme is a 5 year programme. After being awarded the degree, to obtain a licence/certificate to practice from the Medical Council of Jamaica a 1 year period of internship is required
– After completing the one year internship a physician will be registered as a Medical Doctor in Jamaica
– After internship some doctors move on to do a year of Senior House Officer (SHO) at the Hospital and Clinics
(N.B. SHO is mandatory if persons are interested in applying for residency/specialty training in Jamaica)
– Residency training for specializing in a given area (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics&Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology etc) may span 4 – 7 years
– Sub-specializing/fellowship Programmes may span an additional 2- 4 years
Try it. Most people only get 5 out of 7 on this quiz about Jamaica
Jam Sixty: What advice and words of encouragement would you give to someone who aspires to be a doctor?
Dr. O’Sullivan: Ensure you have explored other career options and be open to non-traditional careers as well. Ultimately, you need to follow your passion. Medicine is not for the faint hearted. It is a career path to think about seriously before pursuing same as some days can be extremely difficult and it will be your passion for the profession and God that will sustain you. Ensure you’re passionate about doing medicine and by extension passionate about serving others.
With that said, it is a very rewarding profession of service. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
Medicine provides the perfect vehicle to be great by offering service.
Remember nothing is set in stone, life is dynamic and the world is yours for the taking.
Jam Sixty: Can you name a few resources that can aid in providing information for someone who plans to enter this career path in Jamaica?
Dr. O’Sullivan: Some of the resources are already mentioned above, however, please peruse the following:
https://www.mona.uwi.edu/fms/bachelor-medicine-bachelor-surgery-mbbs-0
https://sas.mona.uwi.edu/banndata1-srv_mona/uwm_adm.p_index
- It may be helpful to talk to medical doctors you know personally
- Volunteer at a hospital/clinic/Private physician’s office to see doctors/medical team in action
That being said, we are grateful that Doctor O’Danielle O’Sullivan could provide some inspiration for high school students who are considering a career path as a medical doctor.
Below is additional information that will shed more light on the profession.
What Does A Doctor Do?
A doctor communicates with patients and examines their problems. A doctor will make a diagnosis based on their assessment of the patient’s symptoms. They also collaborate with assistants to oversee practice operations, ensuring that patient appointments and medical information are accurately documented.
A doctor can prescribe medication to manage a patient’s medical problem and can refer them to another physician if further consultation is required. Keeping up with current medical technology and research is also critical for doctors to provide the finest diagnosis and treatments for their patients.
The following is a breakdown of the various sorts of medical professionals:
- Family physician or General practitioner
A family physician treats patients of all ages with a wide range of illnesses. The first doctor you should see if you are sick is your family physician. Doctors specializing in family medicine can diagnose and treat the most severe health issues.
- Internal medicine physician
In primary care, an internal medicine doctor only deals with patients over 18. If they choose to create a private practice, they will focus on a particular area of medicine because of their extensive experience working in hospitals.
- Pediatrician
Doctors that specialize in pediatrics are called pediatricians. In addition to yearly physicals and immunizations, they also treat minor ailments like a sore throat or the flu.
- Gynecologist/Obstetrician
OBGYNs are doctors who specialize in reproductive and women’s health issues. They also take care of a woman’s medical needs throughout pregnancy from conception to delivery.
- Surgeon
A surgeon performs surgery on a patient to remove diseased or damaged organs and tissue. To guarantee that the surgery goes as planned, they meticulously plan everything out. Surgeons must have at least ten years of medical experience before performing on patients.
Academic Requirements
You need to begin laying the groundwork for a career in medicine as soon as you graduate from primary school. Start by enrolling in a science program in high school. Knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics is required for students pursuing a medical degree. In addition, you must meet the basic requirements for admission to medical school and have a strong academic record.
Candidates for admission to the (MBBS) degree must be a minimum of 18 years of age in the calendar year during admission. Before being evaluated for admission, applicants must meet the minimal entrance requirements.
- English language, biology, chemistry, and physics must all be completed at O-level on the CXC or CSEC, or GCE scale.
- Biochemistry, Chemistry, and one additional two-unit CAPE or A level topic are required to pass.
- A bachelor’s degree in the basic sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, and at least one other topic. To be considered for the program, students must pass both required courses.
All other non-academic obligations:
- An autobiographical narrative detailing the motivations behind one’s career decision must be submitted by all applicants (no more than 300 words).
- The previous year’s participation in relevant extracurricular/co-curricular activities, community service projects, and socially conscious endeavors must also be documented by applicants.
- MPH, Nursing, and Medical Technology degrees, for example, are not accepted as prerequisites for admission to the MBBS program.
The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) programme is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate course of study.
Get Licensed as a Physician
Upon completion, get licensed as a physician as a doctor in your country in order to practice.
- Choosing a Specific Area of Study
After earning your MBBS, you have the option of continuing your education in medicine by pursuing a master’s or doctorate-level degree in a topic of interest to you. As a doctor of medicine, you have the option of studying general medicine or specializing in an area such as cardiology, neurology, or obstetrics, or you can pursue a master’s degree in surgery to become a medical surgeon with particular training in those fields.
- Choose between working for a hospital or going it alone
It’s up to you whether you want to join a hospital or work for yourself as a doctor or specialist after graduating from medical school. Alternatively, you can begin your professional life by starting your own medical practice at a facility and treating people there.
How Long Is MBBS In Jamaica?
A 5-year MD curriculum is available to all medical students in Jamaica.
Jam Sixty hopes that this information will provide some insight on what it takes to become a doctor in Jamaica and that you will be more confident and knowledgeable about the decisions that you need to make.
You May Also Like
