Tammy
What are the first steps for an aspiring surgeon to take in college? Should I particularly be majoring in a biology related study?
I am currently a senior in high school, and it's the eve of college applications. Going though two surgical procedures myself, I was always intrigued by the willingness and determination of a surgeon's work ethic and I figured it was inevitable that I would want to pursue a career in that profession. So, I am inquiring on whether I should take a biology major this upcoming year and would like any notes or advice on this topic. #medicine #biology #surgeon
2 answers
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
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
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete 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.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years and are sometimes followed by an additional year or two of fellowship subspecialty training.
Todd Campbell, MD, FACS
Todd’s Answer
Tammy-
You don't need to be a biology or any other type of science major to get into med school. If you like biology fine, but don't limit yourself as there are many ways to gain entrance into medical school. Pick a major you are passionate about first then go from there. Many of my med school classmates were non-science majors but had no problem getting into medical school as longs as they took the med school prerequisites and scored well on the MCAT. Good luck!