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What college major and classes should I take if I want to become a neurosurgeon ?
When I’m in college what major should I decide to do if I want to become a neurosurgeon and what classes should I take in so it’ll be more helpful in the future
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4 answers
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Mustafa’s Answer
While no specific major is mandatory for medical school admission, it's crucial to begin cultivating the mindset and habits necessary for medical school success, and beyond, to clinical training and proficient medical practice. Choosing a major in hard sciences like chemistry, physics, or biology can aid in developing a scientific thought process, beneficial for making diagnoses. It also instills the value of hard work, a key attribute throughout a medical career.
Setting a specific medical specialty goal is beneficial, but maintaining an explorer's perspective is equally vital. The journey to becoming a doctor and living that life demands unwavering focus, dedication, and the ability to manage high-stress situations.
Understanding the history of medicine, studying the lives of renowned physicians and surgeons, and spending time shadowing doctors from various specialties, particularly neurosurgery for those interested, can provide invaluable firsthand insights into the life and work of a doctor.
Setting a specific medical specialty goal is beneficial, but maintaining an explorer's perspective is equally vital. The journey to becoming a doctor and living that life demands unwavering focus, dedication, and the ability to manage high-stress situations.
Understanding the history of medicine, studying the lives of renowned physicians and surgeons, and spending time shadowing doctors from various specialties, particularly neurosurgery for those interested, can provide invaluable firsthand insights into the life and work of a doctor.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Zachary - What an amazing goal! A good starting point is to speak with Neurosurgeons. A lot of that specialty will happen during and post medical school. However, for undergrad, a biology or biochem major and psychology minor may be a good combo for your goal. Additionally, during undergrad seek out clinical and research opportunities to add to your resume. Good luck!
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Mary’s Answer
What a great goal! Having had recent encounters with my own neurosurgeon, I have some perspective on this. I'm sure my neurosurgeon would have event deeper perspective on this query! Try this information from the Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22364-neurosurgeon#:~:text=To%20be%20qualified%20to%20perform%20neurosurgery%2C%20a%20person,degree.%20One%20year%20of%20internship%20in%20general%20surgery.
In my case, my Dr. A. is a quiet, calm, pensive individual. Understand that the long process of becoming a specialist of this caliber is daunting. It takes 16 or more years to get there. One would undoubtedly begin in premed courses. Having a grasp of how to maintain financial resources would be helpful. If you consider the relationship of our nervous system to our bodies' functioning, you would have to focus on the pathways to learn about how our nervous system sends and receives messages. Biology, Anatomy and Physiology would be of significance. Chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, psychology, and additional science and math would be indicated. Understanding the myriad ways disease and neurology interplay , pharmacology, medical terminology are also considerations.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22364-neurosurgeon#:~:text=To%20be%20qualified%20to%20perform%20neurosurgery%2C%20a%20person,degree.%20One%20year%20of%20internship%20in%20general%20surgery.
In my case, my Dr. A. is a quiet, calm, pensive individual. Understand that the long process of becoming a specialist of this caliber is daunting. It takes 16 or more years to get there. One would undoubtedly begin in premed courses. Having a grasp of how to maintain financial resources would be helpful. If you consider the relationship of our nervous system to our bodies' functioning, you would have to focus on the pathways to learn about how our nervous system sends and receives messages. Biology, Anatomy and Physiology would be of significance. Chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, psychology, and additional science and math would be indicated. Understanding the myriad ways disease and neurology interplay , pharmacology, medical terminology are also considerations.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Great field of study and plenty of job opportunities. Students should focus on coursework in anatomy, microbiology, physiology and chemistry.