Anna
Majors as pre-med?
So I'm going to be a freshman in college this upcoming year, and I am majoring in dietetics. I am really interested in health and medicine especially when it is food related. I love the idea of being a dietitian, but I don't think that it will be challenging enough for me to be happy. I especially am interested in endocrine problems, but don't want to overwhelm myself. As I said, I'm majoring in dietetics but will be doing a two year internship while in college to become a registered dietitian and experience clinical work while taking classes; however, I also will be completing this in three years instead of four (since I already have 47 credits from dual enrolled classes in high school). I almost think that doing research as a doctor or being an endocrinologist would be the best fit for me, but I also want to learn as much as I can about dietetics. This would be extremely fast paced and am not sure if I would be better off to full on commit to one or the other? #doctor #science #medicine #health #nutrition
3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embracing Pre-Med and Dietetics: A Harmonious Journey
As a freshman embarking on your college journey, you're in a fantastic position to delve into your passions for health, medicine, and dietetics. Your enthusiasm for tackling food-related health matters and your readiness to challenge yourself have led you to contemplate a major in dietetics and a future as a registered dietitian. Simultaneously, your fascination with endocrine issues has sparked an interest in potentially becoming a doctor or an endocrinologist. This essay will illuminate the advantages of integrating pre-med and dietetics, the hurdles you may encounter, and the possible routes to realizing your aspirations.
Pre-Med and Dietetics: A Synergistic Pathway
Choosing to major in dietetics while on a pre-med track can beautifully harmonize your interests in both areas. Dietetics equips you with a robust foundation in nutrition, food science, and clinical practice, invaluable assets for medical school and subsequent medical careers. Moreover, grasping the impact of diet on health and disease can deepen your medical knowledge, enabling you to offer more holistic care to your patients.
Alongside your dietetics major, consider enrolling in pre-requisite courses for medical school, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. These subjects will fortify your scientific foundation and enhance your competitiveness as a medical school applicant.
Internship and Clinical Exposure
During your college years, strive to undertake a two-year internship to qualify as a registered dietitian. This practical experience will empower you to utilize your dietetics and nutrition knowledge in tangible clinical scenarios. As a registered dietitian, you'll have the privilege of working with patients, educating them about proper nutrition, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. This experience will not only hone your skills but also deepen your understanding of the healthcare system and the integral role of dietetics in patient care.
Harmonizing Challenges and Aspirations
Simultaneously pursuing pre-med and dietetics can be demanding, requiring a substantial commitment of time and energy. However, it's crucial to find a balance between your academic endeavors and personal well-being. Set achievable goals for yourself and lean on the support of friends, family, and academic advisors.
Additionally, venture into other healthcare opportunities, such as research or public health, to acquire further experience and knowledge. This will not only diversify your skills but also offer you a more comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.
Reliable Reference Resources
American Dietetic Association (ADA) - The ADA is a dedicated organization that supports registered dietitians and offers resources for those intrigued by the field of dietetics.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - The AAMC is a respected organization representing medical schools and offering resources for aspiring medical students.
American Medical Association (AMA) - The AMA is a professional organization for physicians and serves as a resource for those charting a career in medicine.
In conclusion, merging pre-med and dietetics can be an outstanding strategy to explore your health and medicine interests while accruing invaluable knowledge and experience. With careful academic planning and balanced goal-setting, you can successfully navigate both fields and ultimately discover a fulfilling career that resonates with your passions.
Remember to check out my autobiography section for a list of nutrient-rich foods that support academic performance, brain activity, and physical endurance. Thank you very much!
May God Bless You Abundantly!
James.
Laura Macedo del Razo
Laura’s Answer
If this is really what you are passionate about then go for it. You are young and good news is a career can develop over time into something else. I started as an economics major in college then did graduate work in Asian Studies, worked for non-profits for several years and by happenstance ended up in telecom. Study what you like you may find it leads you into other interesting fields.
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
You will also have to make time to study for the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.