January 8, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR SUZAN SONG IN IL
I can't really answer about the marine biology, but I can write about becoming
a surgeon. To do so, you have to finish 4 years of college (majoring in
ANYTHING - from English to Science to anything). Then you do 4 years of medical
school (this is not easy. Let me repeat - it isn't easy. But it's definitely
worth it and one of the strangest, most valuable experiences you may have).
Then you do about 4 years of Surgery residency. Then it depends if you want to
specialize in something like Vascular or Thoracic, etc. If so, then you need to
do extra training. And if you want to do research, then you do a year
fellowship. It depends on why you want to do surgery (what do you like about
it) and what you think you want to do with it.

It might seem like the training is really long for surgery. It is. But it's
similar in length to any of the other medical fields. The difference is in the
personality of surgeons (which isn't all *that* bad) and the difference in how
physically and emotionally demanding the training is - it's not for everyone.
Right now, it's not that difficult to become a surgeon once you finish medical
school. The number of surgeons is decreasing, so it's easier to get a
residency, so the hardest part right now is just getting into medical school.

There are lots of things to consider: lifestyle is now a huge issue. Many women
(like myself) aren't going into surgery because it would be hard to dedicate the
time that I want to my family. It is definitely do-able though. But going into
surgery (or anything through medical school) is a huge commitment - you have to
make sacrifices, but in the end, I think they're 100% worth it :) Would love to
talk with you more about it :)