7 answers
Aliah
Student
Linton
2
Questions
Asked
3563 views
What is the best college to go to if you want to be a surgeon?
Like what do I need to get accepted to the college and what is the best college for this major? How should I prepare?
Login to comment
7 answers
Virginia Leandro
Technical Architect
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Virginia’s Answer
Choosing the best college for pursuing a career as a surgeon involves considering various factors such as the quality of medical programs, opportunities for clinical experience, research facilities, and reputation in the field of surgery. Here are some general recommendations:
Top Medical Schools: Institutions known for their excellent medical programs, like Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and Stanford University, are often considered among the best choices. These schools usually offer outstanding resources, renowned faculty, and extensive research opportunities.
Specialized Surgical Programs: Some medical schools might have specialized programs or tracks focusing on surgery. These programs can provide more targeted education and training in surgical techniques and patient care.
Clinical Experience and Residency Placement: Look for schools that offer extensive clinical experience and have a strong track record of placing graduates in reputable surgical residencies. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing surgical skills.
Research Opportunities: Engaging in research during your medical education can be particularly beneficial. Schools that offer ample research opportunities in surgical methods or medical technology can enhance your learning experience.
Location and Networking: Sometimes, the location of the school can play a role in your education and career prospects. Being near top hospitals or medical centers can offer additional opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to advanced surgical practices.
Personal Fit and Financial Considerations: Lastly, consider the overall environment of the school and its fit with your personal and financial situation. Medical school is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and money, so it's important to choose a place where you will thrive.
Remember, the best college for you will depend on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. It's also important to excel in your undergraduate studies and gain a strong foundation in sciences, as this will be crucial for medical school admissions.
Top Medical Schools: Institutions known for their excellent medical programs, like Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and Stanford University, are often considered among the best choices. These schools usually offer outstanding resources, renowned faculty, and extensive research opportunities.
Specialized Surgical Programs: Some medical schools might have specialized programs or tracks focusing on surgery. These programs can provide more targeted education and training in surgical techniques and patient care.
Clinical Experience and Residency Placement: Look for schools that offer extensive clinical experience and have a strong track record of placing graduates in reputable surgical residencies. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing surgical skills.
Research Opportunities: Engaging in research during your medical education can be particularly beneficial. Schools that offer ample research opportunities in surgical methods or medical technology can enhance your learning experience.
Location and Networking: Sometimes, the location of the school can play a role in your education and career prospects. Being near top hospitals or medical centers can offer additional opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to advanced surgical practices.
Personal Fit and Financial Considerations: Lastly, consider the overall environment of the school and its fit with your personal and financial situation. Medical school is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and money, so it's important to choose a place where you will thrive.
Remember, the best college for you will depend on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. It's also important to excel in your undergraduate studies and gain a strong foundation in sciences, as this will be crucial for medical school admissions.
Ismelda R. Correa (Isme)
Sales Engineer
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ismelda R.’s Answer
A good friend is a surgeon so I'll share what she did!
First she started by getting into a top ranked school (nationwide). While she was in undergrad school, she made sure to keep her GPA as close to a 4.0 as possible. Her major was in the social sciences and she took the required undergrad pre-reqs for medical school. She identified the medical school she wanted to go to pretty early on in undergrad and talked to students at that medical school to confirm it would be a good fit.
In preparation for the MCAT, she took an extensive prep course and must have taken the practice exams 20 times! The MCAT is an 8 hr exam. During medical school, you will get exposed to different specialties. This is where future doctors choose their specialty based on work/life balance, interest and residency expectations. During medical school you will take another big exam, STEP, and this exam is critical in placing you for residency.
Note: Texas has a lot of great medical schools and future doctors choose their medical school based on ranking and/or location preference.
Best of luck 🍀
First she started by getting into a top ranked school (nationwide). While she was in undergrad school, she made sure to keep her GPA as close to a 4.0 as possible. Her major was in the social sciences and she took the required undergrad pre-reqs for medical school. She identified the medical school she wanted to go to pretty early on in undergrad and talked to students at that medical school to confirm it would be a good fit.
In preparation for the MCAT, she took an extensive prep course and must have taken the practice exams 20 times! The MCAT is an 8 hr exam. During medical school, you will get exposed to different specialties. This is where future doctors choose their specialty based on work/life balance, interest and residency expectations. During medical school you will take another big exam, STEP, and this exam is critical in placing you for residency.
Note: Texas has a lot of great medical schools and future doctors choose their medical school based on ranking and/or location preference.
Best of luck 🍀
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Aliah !
One of the best medical schools that you can consider would be Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (link is provided below). Located on the U.S. East Coast with several locations, it ranks very high and is a very well supported university with excellent opportunities for you as a student. You will need to read all of their undergraduate application requirements (see the link below).
Another top ranked best school for medicine is Harvard University School of Medicine (see link below).
The best way for you to get an idea now about how you can prepare in any special way for admissions to a top university is to visit their websites now and than again when you are about to apply for any updated information. You will decide which college you'd like to go to best by reading up on and visiting some colleges and taking orientations on the campuses, no matter what college you decide upon.
No matter which college(s) you choose, I wish you all the best !
JOHN HOPKKINS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/about-us
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR JOHNS HOPKINS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE https://apply.jhu.edu/how-to-apply/
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-before-you-apply
One of the best medical schools that you can consider would be Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (link is provided below). Located on the U.S. East Coast with several locations, it ranks very high and is a very well supported university with excellent opportunities for you as a student. You will need to read all of their undergraduate application requirements (see the link below).
Another top ranked best school for medicine is Harvard University School of Medicine (see link below).
The best way for you to get an idea now about how you can prepare in any special way for admissions to a top university is to visit their websites now and than again when you are about to apply for any updated information. You will decide which college you'd like to go to best by reading up on and visiting some colleges and taking orientations on the campuses, no matter what college you decide upon.
No matter which college(s) you choose, I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Christina Pratt
College Consulting Expert
3
Answers
Saratoga, California
Updated
Christina’s Answer
The best college is one where you will thrive. You want to be a very successful student. Look for colleges that also provide opportunities for research, volunteering and community engagement. Research the pre-health advising at prospective colleges. Look up their acceptance rate to medical school. Also, consider geography. Some med schools have higher rate of acceptance based on the local context as they want to be assured that you will practice medicine in the community. As to major, any major can be pre-med; you just need to be able to take the desired science courses.
Ryan VanSickle
Physician
11
Answers
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Aliah,
In response to your specific inquiry, there isn't a singular "best college" to pursue if your aim is to become a surgeon. Much like the guidance you've previously received, the key is to have well-defined goals and ambitions. Begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of a "surgeon". Many youngsters are captivated by the glamour of the medical profession portrayed in media, but are often unaware of the sacrifices it demands.
If you firmly believe that medicine is your true calling, strive to excel in your undergraduate studies. This is a crucial step towards securing a place in a reputable medical school. But remember, this is just one part of the journey. To stand out, you'll need to engage in volunteer work or service in the medical field. This will not only enrich your understanding of the profession, but also serve as a valuable addition to your personal statement during the medical school application process.
Once you've made it to medical school, you'll discover that all specialties are within your reach. The medical school you attend doesn't necessarily dictate the quality or specialty of the residency program you'll get into. Your grades in medical school, the feedback and grades from your supervising physician during your medical rotations, and your board scores are the real determinants of the quality and specialty of your residency, and ultimately, your career path.
Wishing you the very best on your journey!
In response to your specific inquiry, there isn't a singular "best college" to pursue if your aim is to become a surgeon. Much like the guidance you've previously received, the key is to have well-defined goals and ambitions. Begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of a "surgeon". Many youngsters are captivated by the glamour of the medical profession portrayed in media, but are often unaware of the sacrifices it demands.
If you firmly believe that medicine is your true calling, strive to excel in your undergraduate studies. This is a crucial step towards securing a place in a reputable medical school. But remember, this is just one part of the journey. To stand out, you'll need to engage in volunteer work or service in the medical field. This will not only enrich your understanding of the profession, but also serve as a valuable addition to your personal statement during the medical school application process.
Once you've made it to medical school, you'll discover that all specialties are within your reach. The medical school you attend doesn't necessarily dictate the quality or specialty of the residency program you'll get into. Your grades in medical school, the feedback and grades from your supervising physician during your medical rotations, and your board scores are the real determinants of the quality and specialty of your residency, and ultimately, your career path.
Wishing you the very best on your journey!
polin kuer
aminh
1
Answer
Gresham, Oregon
Updated
polin’s Answer
It's important to note that becoming a surgeon requires not only attending a reputable medical school but also completing a residency program in surgery and obtaining proper licensing and certification. It's advisable to research each institution's specific curriculum, faculty, and opportunities for surgical training to determine which one aligns best with your goals and aspirations.
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
There is no right or wrong answer to this. I started my college years at a community college, then went to a poorly ranked state school. Now in a ivy league medical school. The journey is what is important. Biology tends to be the degree that people like to go for when they are looking at going to medical school, but you can pick any degree as long as you knock out the required prereq classes.