Doctors have different duties as per their specializations, however, some basic duties are performed by all doctors such as,
- Asking patients’ about their medical history
- Performing appropriate tests to figure out the right course of treatment
- Prescribing suitable medicines and so on
Should I Become a Doctor in Hawaii?
| Education Required | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Major Requirement | An MD or other related specialization |
| License/Certification | State issued license is mandatory |
| Experience/Training | Residency (3-7 years) |
| Key Skills | Dexterity, Patience, Physical Stamina, Compassion, Decision-making, Communication, Problem-solving, Leadership and Organizational Skills etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary – US (2020) | $218,850 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Annual Mean Salary – Hawaii (2020) | $263,200 (Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric) |
| Job Outlook – Hawaii (2018-2028) | 5% (Physicians, All Other) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online
Career Requirements
In addition to the required education and training, doctors require patience, stamina, dedication, compassion, excellent communication and decision-making skills. Doctors are supposed to be very quick on their feet since they take difficult decisions throughout the day.
Steps to Become a Doctor in Hawaii
If becoming a doctor is your life’s goal, then follow this detailed guide to get started.
- Get Your Bachelor’s Degree and Clear the MCAT
To begin this career you can complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree in any of the biological science subjects. Then take and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to enroll in a medical school.
- Get into Medical School
Completing bachelor’s degree and clearing the MCAT allows you to enroll in a medical school which also takes 4-years to complete. The John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa offers numerous medical programs such as, the 4-year MD program.
- Complete Your Residency
Graduating from medical school makes you eligible for a residency program to acquire hands on experience in a particular specialization at a hospital. It may take anywhere between 3 to 7 years for you to complete it.
- Get Your Licensure
It is mandatory for all doctors in the US to be licensed. You will need to apply for a license with the Hawaii Medical Board after completing the following requirements.
- The U.S. Medical License Examination (USMLE) is a 3 part exam which has to be taken by all doctors at different intervals.
- Doctors who have completed their medical degrees from abroad must also obtain the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Certification (ECFMG). Without it they will not be able to enroll in a residency program in the US.
- After completing these requirements, doctors must also complete the National Resident Matching Program (NMRP). This program matches medical graduates with a residency program at a hospital.
After completing all these requirements, doctors can file an application with the Hawaii Medical Board with complete documents and get their license.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in Hawaii?
Becoming a doctor in Hawaii may take 10 to 12 years or may be more as it is a lengthy task. It requires a 4-year bachelor’s degree, a 4-year MD, a 3 to 7 year residency, multiple exams and acquisition of a state issued license to become a doctor in Hawaii.
What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Doctor in Hawaii?
To become a doctor in Hawaii, all candidates must complete the following to apply for a license:
- Medical School Degree
- Residency
- National Examination Scores (USMLE or other related exams)
- AMA or AOA Profile
- Action Disciplinary Report from FSMB Board
- Employment records for the past 3 years
- ECFMG Certification
- File an application with the Hawaii Medical Board
How Much Can I Make as a Doctor in Hawaii?
In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric employed in the state of Hawaii earned an annual mean salary of $263,200 in 2020. Moreover, Maine was named as the top paying state for this particular occupation with an annual mean salary of $279,700.
Career Outlook
As per the projections made by O*Net Online, Physicians, All Other will experience a 5% increase in employment in Hawaii between 2018 and 2028.