It is sometimes said that most doctors knew they wanted to go into medicine when they were kids. That is not always the case. For some students, there is a flicker of interest during the high school years, which doesn't develop fully until they are well into college. For others, a love of biology and physics, chemistry and math in high school, leads them to seriously consider a future in medicine.

To be a doctor means to have a career that is fulfilling, stimulating, and challenging. Students fascinated by the sciences and good at analyzing problems are well suited for medicine. But the decision to go into the medical field means a commitment of hard work, long hours, years of schooling, and major tuition costs. It is a choice that takes dedication and self-motivation.

After college come four years of medical school. Next, physicians go on to specialize in an area of medicine that sparks their interest, such as pediatrics or internal medicine. Don't worry if you haven't a clue as to what area of medicine intrigues you. Many students may not make that decision until a couple of years into medical school. The residency in the chosen specialization can mean three to seven years of additional training.

The next level is an even more concentrated study in a subspecialty. The Allergy/Asthma/Immunology subspecialty is a minimum two-year program, with an option of another year. Once completed, the doctor sits for an exam and becomes a Board Certified Doctor in Allergy-Asthma-Immunology.