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What do i have to major in to become an anesthesiologist?

I am a senior in high school and i want to become one, i just don't know what i need to study. I have looked it up before but i could never really find the answer.

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Michael’s Answer

Hi Raissa,

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Anesthesiology. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be anatomy, physiology, computer applications and food and nutrition. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As an Anesthesiologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.

According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Anesthesiology:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/anesthesiology-rankings

- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- Duke University
- University of California - San Francisco
- Columbia University
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- University of Pennsylvania - Perelman
- University of California - Los Angeles (Geffen)
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (Alix)
- Vanderbilt University

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Anesthesiology!
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Prativa’s Answer

To become an anesthesiologist, you need to be ready for a long and tough journey that demands a deep dedication to learning medicine and caring for patients. Keep your grades high all through your studies and get hands-on experience while at medical school to boost your chances of getting into a top-notch anesthesiology residency program. Also, don't forget to ask for help from mentors and advisors to successfully steer through the challenging road to becoming an anesthesiologist.
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Nicholas’s Answer

Simply put you can study anything. You will need to go to medical school so you will need to figure out what those requirements are (usually 1 year of physics, general chemistry, biology, math, and maybe organic chemistry). I studied religion, I went to medical school with someone who studied art and my mother is a physician who studied psychology. Study what you like and you will be more in the right mindset to properly shape your career.

Nicholas recommends the following next steps:

Look at a school with varied educational opportunities
Look for an anesthesiologist near you to shadow or at least talk to
Find pre-med resources at whatever university or college you attend
Don't give up
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Hany’s Answer

Physicians who specialize in anesthesiology begin their academic careers with an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, typically majoring in pre-med or science.
https://www.studyusa.com/en/article/what-should-i-major-in-to-become-an-anesthesiologist
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Rita’s Answer

It doesn't matter what you study. You just need to get into medical school and go through the training.

This is your timeline:
4 years high school
4 years college
4 years medical school
4 years in Anesthesiology (internship and residency)
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MARY’s Answer

To become an anesthesiologist in Georgia, you'll need to follow these general steps:

1. **Bachelor's Degree**: Start by completing a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or pre-med. Ensure you take the necessary pre-med coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

2. **Medical School**: After earning your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend medical school. In Georgia, you can consider schools like Emory University School of Medicine or the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. To get into medical school, you'll need to perform well academically and score well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

3. **Medical Residency**: Following medical school, you'll need to complete a residency program in anesthesiology, which typically takes four years. During your residency, you'll gain hands-on experience and specialized training in anesthesia.

4. **Licensure**: After completing your residency, you'll need to obtain a medical license in Georgia. This typically involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) and meeting other state-specific requirements.

5. **Optional Fellowship**: Some anesthesiologists choose to pursue fellowship training in a subspecialty like pediatric anesthesia or pain medicine, which can take an additional year or more.

6. **Board Certification**: Becoming board-certified through the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) is often required or preferred by employers. This involves passing the ABA's certification exams.

7. **Continuing Education**: Anesthesiologists are required to engage in continuing medical education (CME) to maintain their licenses and stay current in their field.

Remember that the specific requirements and programs may vary slightly from one institution to another, so it's essential to research the medical schools and residency programs you're interested in for their specific admission criteria and curriculum. Additionally, seek guidance from your high school's career counseling services and consider speaking with a local anesthesiologist for mentorship and advice. Good luck on your journey to becoming an anesthesiologist!
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