So… You Have Decided to Become a Physician

Dimitrios Linos, M.D., FACS is Emeritus Professor of Surgery at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Lecturer in Surgery at Harvard University. He is married to Dr. Athena Linos, a professor of Epidemiology. Together, they raised five children, all of whom were accepted at Harvard University.

• ForewordsIntroductionBe the Best Woman Physician in the WorldA Word to ParentsA Word to TeachersA Good Medical SchoolPreparing for Medical Schools in the USAPreparing for Medical Schools in the UKYou Are Now a Medical StudentYou Are Now a Medical Doctor: Your Next StepsPrerequisites for Specializing in the USAYou Are Now a ResidentThe Physician-Patient RelationshipYou Are Now a Board Certified PhysicianThe “Other” MedicineThe Danger of BurnoutFind TimeAn Alternative Piece of AdviceAfterword by Fotis PavlatosAbout the Author

Professor Linos has eloquently delivered his advice for aspiring physicians. To Dr. Linos’ exhortations, I will add my own: Do not measure your own success using someone else’s ruler … We owe it to ourselves,our patients, our trainees, and our families to wisely choose our professional expectations. Dr. Linos’ advice will help those interested in medicine to understand the established pathways of education andtraining, and to position themselves to then chart their own course.""- Gerard M. Doherty, M.D., Moseley Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Surgeon-in-Chief, Brigham Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Crowley Family Distinguished Chair, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital;""… full of insights and pearls from his own extensive experience with the Europe and American systems of medical training and practice. The book emphasizes the best programs and the common pathways, but also discusses the alternatives … It is an excellent practical guidebook not only for students who want tobecome physicians, but also for medical students, residents and fellows who are in training and for those who teach them.""- Quan-Yang Duh, M.D., Professor and Chief of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco;""An inspirational “must read” for those contemplating or pursuing a career in medicine! Unique is the scope of what is covered: What it means to be a physician, the nuts and bolts of applying to medical school, and understanding specialty training. All delivered with a global perspective. The book is a string of pearls, succinctly and warmly written. The personal reflections on how to balance a successful career with a fulfilling life apply to any profession.""- Allan Siperstein, M.D., Chair of Endocrine Surgery Department, Cleveland Clinic.