4 answers
Reese
Student
Boise, Idaho
1
Question
Asked
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What classes do i have to take in high school if i want to be a surgeon.
I want to become a surgeon or a nurse but i want to stick with being a surgeon. #surgeon #surgery
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4 answers
Megan App
Physician
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hello -
I too grew up wanting to be a doctor.
High school does not necessarily help you get into medical school. But what it does do is help you learn how to study. Study skills and discipline are very important. Though having classes in all the sciences and math helps the college courses be a little easier at least in the beginning.
In high school you want to focus on getting the best grades and GPA that you can in order to get into a college or university.
Then you want to pick (if you have choices) one that has a well-established Pre Med program.
There you will find counselors and classmates to help guide you in picking a major. You don't have to necessarily have to have a science major - you could be an English major but have to take at the same time the prerequisites for medical school. The prerequisites will prepare you for the MCAT that everyone else is talking about.
Having had medical students for over 20 years and having struggled initially in my own choice in specialty realized there are a lot of components that go into picking a specialty.
The initial one is choosing to be a surgeon you can't really know until you are in the operating room. I have seen students determined to do surgery but then realize they don't like being in the operating room. And I have seen the opposite, students vehemently opposed to doing surgery, get in the operating room and realize they LOVE it.
First things first, get into medical school if you want to be a surgeon. You have plenty of time to decide if that's ultimately what you want to do.
I too grew up wanting to be a doctor.
High school does not necessarily help you get into medical school. But what it does do is help you learn how to study. Study skills and discipline are very important. Though having classes in all the sciences and math helps the college courses be a little easier at least in the beginning.
In high school you want to focus on getting the best grades and GPA that you can in order to get into a college or university.
Then you want to pick (if you have choices) one that has a well-established Pre Med program.
There you will find counselors and classmates to help guide you in picking a major. You don't have to necessarily have to have a science major - you could be an English major but have to take at the same time the prerequisites for medical school. The prerequisites will prepare you for the MCAT that everyone else is talking about.
Having had medical students for over 20 years and having struggled initially in my own choice in specialty realized there are a lot of components that go into picking a specialty.
The initial one is choosing to be a surgeon you can't really know until you are in the operating room. I have seen students determined to do surgery but then realize they don't like being in the operating room. And I have seen the opposite, students vehemently opposed to doing surgery, get in the operating room and realize they LOVE it.
First things first, get into medical school if you want to be a surgeon. You have plenty of time to decide if that's ultimately what you want to do.
Ryan Nolte, MD
Vascular surgery
9
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Reese,
Study what interests you and continue looking for opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Medicine is generally science oriented, with both natural and social sciences represented. There are requirements starting in college. MCAT scores are important (or have been historically). My advice is to feed your curiosity and pursue your questions. Best of luck!
Study what interests you and continue looking for opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Medicine is generally science oriented, with both natural and social sciences represented. There are requirements starting in college. MCAT scores are important (or have been historically). My advice is to feed your curiosity and pursue your questions. Best of luck!
Hi Ryan, are you suggesting that the student take science classes during their high school years? Are there any specific courses that you recommend?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Wendy Rentschler
Corporate Social Responsibility
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Hi!
Anatomy Physiology
Biology
Ethics
I would also suggest and business classes.
Another great option as you speak about a dream job is a Physician Assistant. The opportunity cost of your time over the duration of your life is worth it. https://www.thepalife.com/infographic-pa-vs-md-understanding-the-differences/
Anatomy Physiology
Biology
Ethics
I would also suggest and business classes.
Another great option as you speak about a dream job is a Physician Assistant. The opportunity cost of your time over the duration of your life is worth it. https://www.thepalife.com/infographic-pa-vs-md-understanding-the-differences/
Nathan Ewing
Data Analyst
6
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Hi Reese,
My wife is currently in medical school and recently completed an orthopedic surgery rotation.
While she took chemistry, bio, etc. in high school, the main purpose of doing so was to gauge interest in the subject matter.
The university level is where course selection matters. You'll get a more in-depth understanding of the material/better preparation for the MCAT.
Even then, there isn't once specific course or major that will push you on a path to becoming a surgeon. That path doesn't begin until after you start medical school.
My advice is to relax and discover your interests while in high school, then major in something like bio chem or human physiology, find research opportunities, and gain clinical experience by shadowing physicians/volunteering while in college.
Hope that helps!
My wife is currently in medical school and recently completed an orthopedic surgery rotation.
While she took chemistry, bio, etc. in high school, the main purpose of doing so was to gauge interest in the subject matter.
The university level is where course selection matters. You'll get a more in-depth understanding of the material/better preparation for the MCAT.
Even then, there isn't once specific course or major that will push you on a path to becoming a surgeon. That path doesn't begin until after you start medical school.
My advice is to relax and discover your interests while in high school, then major in something like bio chem or human physiology, find research opportunities, and gain clinical experience by shadowing physicians/volunteering while in college.
Hope that helps!