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I am interested in becoming an Anesthesiologist. What majors would be recommended?
I am asking because I have talked to several doctors to see what college administrators are looking for and there is a divide in their answer. Some stay steer clear of any majors that have anything to do with science and others say focus mainly on the science aspect because it prepares you for pre-med. #college #doctor #premed #science #hospital-and-health-care #medicine
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Richard’s Answer
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. I chose to major in biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
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
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MICHAEL’s Answer
Courtney, Since an Anesthesiologist is an MD, I would focus on pre-med courses. I have worked in hospitals for many years, and often in the OR. watching the clinical staff. Anesthesiology is an art as much as a science. There are best practices, of course, but each patient can react a little differently to the anesthetic drugs. This makes for a long learning curve once your enter practice. For school, you would need top grades to get into Medical School, and a very positive outlook (drive) to become a doctor. Extra-curricular activities should include volunteering at hospitals. If you have the grades and the money, it can lead to a very rewarding career. Speak with your school counseilor about entry requirements, including the GMAT exam. Good luck, Michael