This is the first step on the road to becoming a doctor. Classes like biology, physics, and chemistry will prepare you for the type of coursework you will be studying in medical school. How you perform in these types of courses will be a good indicator of whether medicine is the right field for you. If you dislike science courses like biology and chemistry, or find that you struggle to keep up with the classes, you might want to consider getting a private tutor to help you. If you are still having trouble even with the help of a tutor, then you should reconsider pursuing medicine and explore your other interests. Getting good grades in high school will be important when it come to applying to a four-year university. The grades you receive during your sophomore and junior years are important. Be sure to complete assignments on time, study for tests and quizzes, and keep up with reading assignments. You should apply to several different universities and choose the most prestigious one, as this will increase your chances of getting into medical school. Most students who pursue medicine choose pre-med majors like Biology or Chemistry, but you don't necessarily have to graduate with a Bachelor of Sciences (BS). Students who graduate in social sciences and humanities can also be accepted to medical school. Even if you don't graduate in sciences, you may need to complete certain requirements in chemistry, physics, general biology, and calculus. The specific requirements will vary between schools, so check around with the various medical schools you plan on applying to. Increase your chances of being accepted to a top medical school by volunteering or working in an environment that deals with public health. Volunteer at a hospital or nursing home, or find a job working in a pharmacy. The MCAT is a standardized multiple-choice test that is required for admission to medical school. The topics covered in the test include physical sciences, biological sciences, and verbal reasoning. Prepare for the test by buying an official MCAT handbook, taking practice tests, hiring a private tutor, and/or taking an MCAT preparatory class. Most medical school programs are four years long. During the first two years, you will study broader subjects like physiology, chemistry, human anatomy, and pharmacology. During your second two years, you will narrow down your focus to a specialized field, including family practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Annual fees for medical school average at $25,000 for state residents and $48,000 for non-residents. Consider getting a loan, grant or scholarship to help you pay for medical school. Once you have graduated from medical school, you will need to complete a three-year pediatric training program at a hospital before you can start your own practice. During this time, you will be given hands-on training and develop your skills in treating and dealing with sick patients. Over the course of the three years, you will be given an increasing amount of responsibilities and learn how to properly interact with patients. The training program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Residencies are the most challenging part of becoming a doctor. You will be working very long hours (80-100 hours per week) and will be paid a minimum wage. Expect to devote all of your time to completing your residency; you will have very little time to spend with friends and family. You will need to receive and maintain a certification to practice pediatric medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP). There is a limit of seven years that can pass between the time you finish your pediatric training and become board certified. Certifications expire on December 31 of the specified year of expiration, and doctors will have to renew their certifications to continue practicing.

Summary: Obtain a high school diploma or pass the General Education Development (GED) test. Graduate from a four-year university. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Finish medical school. Complete a residency at a hospital. Get board certified.

Dogs should be groomed every day, but bathed just once a month. Before beginning the bathing process, get the tub ready for your canine companion. Place a rubber bathmat on the bottom of the tub so your dog can keep his footing, and fill the tub with 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 13cm) of lukewarm water. Make sure the water is comfortable to the touch as water that is too hot or too cold causes your dog undue distress. If possible, use a sink or bathtub with a spray attachment. This is easier to handle than a faucet or bucket, and more comfortable for your dog. Spray your dog's back and legs with water until he is damp but not dripping wet. Spray his underbelly, neck, and chin. When wetting the head, avoid getting water in your dog's eyes or ears. You can place cotton balls in a dog's ear before a bath to prevent water contamination and cover the dog's eyes with your hand when spraying his head. This process may take awhile with a longhaired dog, so be patient. A good 5 to 10 minutes is necessary to get your dog completely wet. Working from head to tail, gently massage the shampoo into your dog's coat until it forms a thick lather. When washing the head, be especially careful not to get soap in your dog's eyes. Tilt his head up so the soap flows away from his eyes. Lather his scalp and ears. You can apply a line of shampoo along the dog's back and lather the product into his back, hips, shoulders, and legs. Use your fingers to comb the shampoo in, as this can help remove unwanted dirt and debris from your dog's fur. Work the suds down and under the dog's tail, his underside, his legs, and paws. Remember to clean under your dog's neck, in facial wrinkles, and in ear flaps. Use the spray attachment, faucet, or bucket to thoroughly rinse any soap residue from your dog. When dealing with the head, make sure to tilt your dog's head back again to avoid getting soap in his eyes. Rinse until the water runs clear when poured over the dog. Leaving soap in can cause dry skin and irritation for your dog as well as allergic reactions. The dog can also ingest soap when licking, so do not stop rinsing until the water is clear. You can knead the dogs coat to work the soap out. With a longhaired dog, it can take a particularly long time to rinse so be patient and don't hesitate to use your hands. Conditioner makes your dog's coat easier to brush out after a bath and makes the coat softer and adds shine. Using a small amount of conditioner in the palm of your hand, smooth the conditioner over the top of the neck to the end of the tail. Cover the outside of the ears, the legs, the chest, feathering and the rest of the body. Different conditioners have different requirements, so follow the instructions on the bottle to see how long to leave it in before rinsing. Some conditioners are leave-in, so you do not need to rinse them out. Dry your dog with a large towel until he is damp. Allow your dog to shake. With longhaired breeds, this lifts and separates the fur and makes the drying process faster. If needed, squeeze excess water from your dog's fur using your hands. If you placed cotton balls in your dog's ears during the bathing process, remove them now. Be especially diligent when drying around your dog's ears. Wetness can make ear infections more likely. Avoid heavy rubbing, as this can tangle the fur of a long-haired dog. Instead, try to blot dry. When you finish drying your dog, give him a quick brush over with a bristle brush until his fur is smooth and tangle-free.
Summary: Prepare the tub. Place your dog in the tub and get him wet. Massage shampoo into your dog's fur. Rinse your dog. Condition your dog's coat. Dry and brush your dog.