Should I become a medical researcher?

How can I become a medical researcher?

• I want to be a doctor that works in laboratories doing research. I want to develop forms of treatment, cures, and prevention. I'm pretty sure that I would do things like examine blood and other tissue samples, as well as pathogens and cancer cells. * I'm not sure if I need to go to medical school. I don't think I could handle all the blood and gore. I enjoy anatomy, science, and biology, but I want to deal with the specifics of disease function and such. On a cellular level. So I can handle examining blood, just not surgery or drawing blood...*_* * If I don't need to go to med school, I know I need a ph.D. Do I need it in Pathology? If so, can I specialize in Oncology or Infectious Disease? About how long would it take me to earn a phD in this subject? I know it's different for everyone, but what's the usual time it takes? * My other career choices would be: Dermatologist, Gastroenterologist, Oncologist, Pathologist, or Pediatrician. Including the Medical Researcher option, which choice would you advise? I'm aware that you'll probably think "pick whichever you enjoy most" but I'm equally interested in all of these fields. Which are more competitive and have harder, bloodier courses? Which have good paying salaries? * I'm planning on going to University of Chicago for college and majoring in Biology. Should I double major in Bio and Chem, or major in Chem instead of Bio? If I do major in either Bio or Chem, I think I'd like to minor in Journalism. I've always been very much interested in it. Would I have time for a minor with all the classes I need to qualify for med school? Thank you in advance! ^_^

• Answer:

  You're all over the place right now. To be a doctor (a physician), you will have to endure with many years in medical school. You will have to deal with blood and gore. You can be a scientist instead (not a physician). But many of them are both physician and scientist, you know (MD / PhD). Your third question is not really an option if you don't want to deal with blood and gore. Even a pediatrician deal with procedures - painful ones too, on patients. Why minor in journalism? Would you have time for that? Physical therapist is now a doctorate (DPT) level. Personal trainer - you work at a gym. I am guessing that they don't get paid very much but does not require very much school either.