3 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Lynn, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
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How to best prepare to become a surgeon?What are some advice and tips I should know, and what steps should I be taking to stand out more?
I'm a junior in high school and I want to become a surgeon. I'm taking AP classes in both math and science and plan to continue doing so. #high-school #surgeon #surgery #doctor #medical-school
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3 answers
Jennifer Hoang
46
Answers
Germantown, Maryland
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
I would recommend talking to some surgeons in your area and getting a sense of what they think the field is like, considering it might be difficult to shadow during COVID. If you find yourself being set on medical school, definitely look into the timeline and see what requirements you will need (certain science classes, volunteer hours, shadowing hours, etc.). I highly recommend picking a school that will have great volunteer opportunities nearby (medical centers, hospitals, etc.). I, unfortunately, attended a school that had very limited medical centers in the area so the competition to get clinical experience in was very high.
I would recommend talking to some surgeons in your area and getting a sense of what they think the field is like, considering it might be difficult to shadow during COVID. If you find yourself being set on medical school, definitely look into the timeline and see what requirements you will need (certain science classes, volunteer hours, shadowing hours, etc.). I highly recommend picking a school that will have great volunteer opportunities nearby (medical centers, hospitals, etc.). I, unfortunately, attended a school that had very limited medical centers in the area so the competition to get clinical experience in was very high.
Thank you so much, that's very helpful to know! I'll start looking into that more.
Elizabeth
Mary Jane Shroyer
Director of Health Professions Career Community
120
Answers
Grinnell, Iowa
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
You're off to a great start! In high school, you want to take rigorous math and science courses to lay a strong foundation for college.
Academics are only part of the picture. When you apply to medical school, they will want to know about your college activities and experiences rather than your high school ones, so right now, the best thing you can do is explore your non-academic interests and passions. The better you understand what you like and are good at, the easier it will be to prioritize your time in college. In college, you'll want to engage in activities like clubs, leadership, research, and community service. You'll want to try some new things (You'll almost certainly discover something new that you love in college!) but you can also extend on activities that you know you enjoyed and were good at in high school.
Here is a link to the AAMC's Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/core-competencies/. You can see that only a small fraction relates to the sciences. That means right now you can be developing things like reliability, ethical responsibility, oral communication, teamwork, social skills, service orientation, and cultural competence. Put yourself out of your comfort zone to work with people in your community who come from different age groups, backgrounds, socio-economic levels, etc. and learn to listen with humility and respect. I think if you start building on those pre-professional competencies now, you'll go into college ready to take full advantage of the experiences and opportunities that will really prepare you to be a caring, culturally competent medical school applicant.
Academics are only part of the picture. When you apply to medical school, they will want to know about your college activities and experiences rather than your high school ones, so right now, the best thing you can do is explore your non-academic interests and passions. The better you understand what you like and are good at, the easier it will be to prioritize your time in college. In college, you'll want to engage in activities like clubs, leadership, research, and community service. You'll want to try some new things (You'll almost certainly discover something new that you love in college!) but you can also extend on activities that you know you enjoyed and were good at in high school.
Here is a link to the AAMC's Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/core-competencies/. You can see that only a small fraction relates to the sciences. That means right now you can be developing things like reliability, ethical responsibility, oral communication, teamwork, social skills, service orientation, and cultural competence. Put yourself out of your comfort zone to work with people in your community who come from different age groups, backgrounds, socio-economic levels, etc. and learn to listen with humility and respect. I think if you start building on those pre-professional competencies now, you'll go into college ready to take full advantage of the experiences and opportunities that will really prepare you to be a caring, culturally competent medical school applicant.
Thank you for your time and insight. I will definitely be working on developing those skills. I appreciate your help!
Elizabeth
I really want to be a Neurosurgeon, so I'm really trying to focus on math and science in high school along with other classes. Thank you for that really complex and helpful advice.
Nevaeh
Ummer Majeed
Paramadical technician
5
Answers
Srinagar
Updated
Ummer’s Answer
First clear your 12th examination
Focus on it.
Then prepare for NEET,CET,AIIMS Or PGI examination.
After qualifying any one examination you will get
Admission inMBBS.
Do Ms in and subject you can become surgeon and there is no other way directly to become surgeon😋😋😂😂
Firstly Focus on your studies especially Physics Chemistry &mostly Biology.
Focus on it.
Then prepare for NEET,CET,AIIMS Or PGI examination.
After qualifying any one examination you will get
Admission inMBBS.
Do Ms in and subject you can become surgeon and there is no other way directly to become surgeon😋😋😂😂
Firstly Focus on your studies especially Physics Chemistry &mostly Biology.