There's a saying in cardiology—it isn't brain surgery. It's not, but you still need to have some serious brain power if you want to be a specialist. Medicine is an inexact science—meaning outcomes aren't always predictable. Here are a few points to consider when thinking about becoming a heart specialist.

• Study much? Good. Becoming a doctor means lots of studying. Becoming a specialist means lots more studying. Way more. Face it, school will end, but studying is forever.
• Pre-med is four years. Med school is four years. Residency is three to four years. Specialty is three to four years. Overnight success? That's an oxymoron.
• Costs for the first eight years of school average $180,000 (public and private schools). Residency is paid, starting at just over $50,000 (source). 
• Good doctors are professional. Great doctors know how to show they care, while still being professional. In other words—you need people skills, too.

It was brand new when I started med school. (Source)

It may be difficult for doctors to relate to their patients if they've never been sick or experienced the loss of a close family member. In general, doctors see people at the very worst and the very best times of their lives. It takes a special type of person to handle that professional roller coaster.

We know your grandmother thinks you're special. So, that's a start.

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