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If I want to become a pediatrician, what classes should I take in highschool?

My name is Chastity V. and my goal in life is to become a pediatrician. I am doing research about pediatricians and have a lot of unanswered questions. I hope this website will help me--I hope you will be able to help me.

#pediatrician #doctor #pediatrics #medicine #pediatric-nursing

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Richard’s Answer

Take all the STEM courses you can. As a bonus try to get as many AP or IB credits toward college that you can. This can help make sure you graduate on time and can save you money on college tuition.
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Julie’s Answer

Depending on your school, most schools have a dual enrollment which allows highschool students to complete their core classes while still in highschool. If start soon enough some students comes out with an associate degree. Good luck to you
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Chasity:

Thank you for your question. I support the advice already provided by medical CV Professionals on your question thread. From another perspective, here are the steps my son took while on his Pediatrician journey for your consideration. He's currently in the last phase, a three-year fellowship program.

1) Make high scores on the SAT & ACT exams
2) Select a college/university that offers at least "Biological Science" courses (you don't have to major in Pre-Med, Math, etc). Select STEM courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, calculus
3) Score well on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) the "first time". Retake the exam if necessary
4) Apply to "all" the Medical Schools of your interest
5) Medical School = 4 years
5 a) Find an Internship Program (paid or volunteer) over a summer
5 b) DO NOT limit yourself to where you would like to get residency Matched (simply because you may get put on a "wait-list" and then you're competing all over again with the newest college graduates. It happened to a family member and they are now interviewing again waiting to get matched)
6) Residency = average is 3 to 4 years (this comes after Medical School)
6 a) Fellowship = average is 3 to 4 years (this is where you Specialize in, which is after Residency)

Best of luck to you!

Sheila recommends the following next steps:

Taking the MCAT Exam • https://students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/taking-mcat-exam
Steps to Become a Pediatrician • https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/how-to-become-a-pediatrician-a-step-by-step-guide/
Thank you comment icon Great advice! Do you have any recommendations for classes this student can take in high school to prep for being a pediatrician/taking college bio classes? Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Estelle’s Answer

I would try to take biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus (AP classes if they are available at your school). Good luck!
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Hwal’s Answer

Chastity,

It's great that you're thinking ahead! I support Tosin's advice in that you would do well by start building solid, foundational knowledge in basic sciences, such as general biology and general chemistry, along with general/introductory psychology. Physics would certainly be a consideration, because prerequisite courses for most medical school applications would include two semesters of physics. One way to prioritise what to study could be looking at the prerequisite courses for one or more medical schools in your geographical area, to get an idea of what you would be expected to have completed before applying to medical schools. I hope this helps.

Good luck!

Hwal
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Rachel’s Answer

I agree, take biology, chemistry, physics and calculus. However, remember that you will be in school for over a decade after high school, so also remember to mix in fun, entertaining classes that you will enjoy.
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Tosin’s Answer

To start preparing yourself for a career in medicine it is crucial to have a good foundation in the sciences chemistry, physics, biology are all subjects you will see over and over again as you move through school. If you have the opportunity to take anatomy and physiology I would take advantage of this as well. You will continue to build on your knowledge in these classes through college and medical school but getting early exposure cannot hurt.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Tosin Oladeinde, I will keep this in mind. Chastity
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