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Ridwan
Student
Inglewood, California
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if im interested in being a doctor what should i get my bacheolors in?
I want to be a specific type of doctor. #medical-field
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2 answers
Justina Pongonis
42
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Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Justina’s Answer
Pre-med. The names of the B.S. degrees vary per college. I was pre-med and my degrees were Biochemistry and Microbiology. Traditionally, specialization into a specific field (e.g. neurosurgeon) does not begin until medical school.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ridwan,
Mapping Out Your Pre-Med Bachelor’s Degree Path
Embarking on the journey to become a doctor, Ridwan, necessitates a strategic selection of your bachelor’s degree. It's the cornerstone of your future medical education. Although there isn't a designated "pre-med" major, certain fields of study tend to attract aspiring medics. Here's a rundown of some viable choices:
1. Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences, with its emphasis on living organisms ranging from animals and plants to microorganisms, is a favored pick among pre-med students. It equips you with a robust understanding of cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology. You can expect to delve into general biology, cellular biology, genetics, and microbiology.
2. Physics
Physics, the study of matter, energy, and their interactions, is another viable option. As a physics major, you'll grasp the mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and waves, all vital for comprehending the human body's workings and the principles behind medical imaging and treatment technologies. The curriculum typically includes calculus-based physics, modern physics, and thermodynamics.
3. Chemistry
Chemistry, focusing on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances, is a common choice for pre-med students. A solid foundation in chemistry will aid in understanding the intricate biochemical processes in the human body. Standard courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry.
4. Mathematics
Mathematics, indispensable for comprehending complex medical concepts and quantitative analysis in medicine, can boost your critical thinking skills and problem-solving prowess, prerequisites for medical school. The curriculum usually covers calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and differential equations.
5. Psychology
Psychology, ideal for those leaning towards psychiatry or neurology, can enhance your understanding of human behavior and cognition, crucial when interacting with patients. The curriculum generally includes general psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology.
6. Humanities or Social Sciences
Though not as directly linked to medical education, majors in humanities or social sciences can still equip future doctors with invaluable skills. Fields like philosophy, sociology, or English can hone your critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity, all vital when dealing with diverse patient groups.
### Additional Considerations
Regardless of your chosen major, ensure to fulfill the following pre-medical prerequisites:
General Biology with laboratory: A year-long sequence covering cellular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and diversity of life, crucial for grasping basic biological principles applicable to medicine.
General Chemistry with laboratory: A year-long sequence covering inorganic chemistry principles like chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and equilibrium, essential for understanding body chemistry and how pharmaceuticals function at the molecular level.
Organic Chemistry with laboratory: A year-long sequence covering organic chemistry principles like chemical reactions involving carbon-based compounds, vital for understanding drug synthesis and metabolism.
Biochemistry: A course covering biochemistry principles like metabolism at the molecular level will aid in understanding the underlying biochemical processes within the human body.
Physics: A year-long sequence covering classical mechanics (kinematics), electricity & magnetism, crucial for grasping basic physical principles relevant to medical education (e.g., imaging techniques).
Mathematics: Completing at least one year of mathematics (preferably calculus) is crucial for understanding quantitative analysis in medicine (e.g., epidemiology).
English: Proficient English language skills are essential for effective communication with patients; completing at least one year of English composition or literature is recommended to enhance these skills.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Mapping Out Your Pre-Med Bachelor’s Degree Path
Embarking on the journey to become a doctor, Ridwan, necessitates a strategic selection of your bachelor’s degree. It's the cornerstone of your future medical education. Although there isn't a designated "pre-med" major, certain fields of study tend to attract aspiring medics. Here's a rundown of some viable choices:
1. Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences, with its emphasis on living organisms ranging from animals and plants to microorganisms, is a favored pick among pre-med students. It equips you with a robust understanding of cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology. You can expect to delve into general biology, cellular biology, genetics, and microbiology.
2. Physics
Physics, the study of matter, energy, and their interactions, is another viable option. As a physics major, you'll grasp the mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and waves, all vital for comprehending the human body's workings and the principles behind medical imaging and treatment technologies. The curriculum typically includes calculus-based physics, modern physics, and thermodynamics.
3. Chemistry
Chemistry, focusing on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances, is a common choice for pre-med students. A solid foundation in chemistry will aid in understanding the intricate biochemical processes in the human body. Standard courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry.
4. Mathematics
Mathematics, indispensable for comprehending complex medical concepts and quantitative analysis in medicine, can boost your critical thinking skills and problem-solving prowess, prerequisites for medical school. The curriculum usually covers calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and differential equations.
5. Psychology
Psychology, ideal for those leaning towards psychiatry or neurology, can enhance your understanding of human behavior and cognition, crucial when interacting with patients. The curriculum generally includes general psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology.
6. Humanities or Social Sciences
Though not as directly linked to medical education, majors in humanities or social sciences can still equip future doctors with invaluable skills. Fields like philosophy, sociology, or English can hone your critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity, all vital when dealing with diverse patient groups.
### Additional Considerations
Regardless of your chosen major, ensure to fulfill the following pre-medical prerequisites:
General Biology with laboratory: A year-long sequence covering cellular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and diversity of life, crucial for grasping basic biological principles applicable to medicine.
General Chemistry with laboratory: A year-long sequence covering inorganic chemistry principles like chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and equilibrium, essential for understanding body chemistry and how pharmaceuticals function at the molecular level.
Organic Chemistry with laboratory: A year-long sequence covering organic chemistry principles like chemical reactions involving carbon-based compounds, vital for understanding drug synthesis and metabolism.
Biochemistry: A course covering biochemistry principles like metabolism at the molecular level will aid in understanding the underlying biochemical processes within the human body.
Physics: A year-long sequence covering classical mechanics (kinematics), electricity & magnetism, crucial for grasping basic physical principles relevant to medical education (e.g., imaging techniques).
Mathematics: Completing at least one year of mathematics (preferably calculus) is crucial for understanding quantitative analysis in medicine (e.g., epidemiology).
English: Proficient English language skills are essential for effective communication with patients; completing at least one year of English composition or literature is recommended to enhance these skills.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.