4 answers
Alayna
Student
Decatur, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
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What is the best major to take in college if you want to be a surgeon?
I want to become a Pediatric or Neonatal Surgeon and am genuinely curious what major most people who take this pathway take.
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4 answers
Michael Cadra
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
25
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Alayna,
You didn't let us know what grade level you are in.
There are a number of things that you might consider. There are a number of medical schools that will contingently accept applicants directly out of high school. Assuming you complete the prescribed program of science and non-science classes with good grades, you will then move onto medical school in as little as three years. Competition for those programs is intense, but if you are focused, you could do it.
I have to agree with Devang and Martin, The major does not matter, as long as you fulfill the minimum requirements set by the American Association of Medical Schools. I made the mistake of taking too many upper division science classes in college. Since leaving college, I have not used the Physical Chemistry, Calculus, Botany or Environmental Science that I worked so hard to learn. The basic requirements set you up to be able to handle the science that they teach in medical school.
The way that schools look at applicants is changing. Please stay abreast of the news. There has been a lot of information in the press about the UCLA medical school recently. The articles have pointed out that the best scientists often do not make the best doctors. Communication is very important. Classes in writing and public speaking will help. By the time you are a third year medical student, you will be on a team of other students, residents and attending. You will be asked to do presentations of a patient and their situation./medical problems. The demographics of the United States are also changing, so cultural competence/sensitivity is important. Study of Social Science, Psychology, and History will help.
Finding a mentor in your community will also help. The medical centers that I worked in stopped allowing job shadowing in the OR many years ago due to patient privacy issues. However there are programs like the Candy Stripers that you can volunteer for and learn about the workings of a hospital. Some universities do have externship programs that allow higher level students to rotate through various medical specialties in a hospital setting. One such is UCLA. My son was lucky to land one of those externships although he was not a UCLA student. He is currently a doctor, just not in the specialty that he thought that he wanted when he started the externship program.
Best of luck on your journey,
Michael E. Cadra MD, DMD, FACS
You didn't let us know what grade level you are in.
There are a number of things that you might consider. There are a number of medical schools that will contingently accept applicants directly out of high school. Assuming you complete the prescribed program of science and non-science classes with good grades, you will then move onto medical school in as little as three years. Competition for those programs is intense, but if you are focused, you could do it.
I have to agree with Devang and Martin, The major does not matter, as long as you fulfill the minimum requirements set by the American Association of Medical Schools. I made the mistake of taking too many upper division science classes in college. Since leaving college, I have not used the Physical Chemistry, Calculus, Botany or Environmental Science that I worked so hard to learn. The basic requirements set you up to be able to handle the science that they teach in medical school.
The way that schools look at applicants is changing. Please stay abreast of the news. There has been a lot of information in the press about the UCLA medical school recently. The articles have pointed out that the best scientists often do not make the best doctors. Communication is very important. Classes in writing and public speaking will help. By the time you are a third year medical student, you will be on a team of other students, residents and attending. You will be asked to do presentations of a patient and their situation./medical problems. The demographics of the United States are also changing, so cultural competence/sensitivity is important. Study of Social Science, Psychology, and History will help.
Finding a mentor in your community will also help. The medical centers that I worked in stopped allowing job shadowing in the OR many years ago due to patient privacy issues. However there are programs like the Candy Stripers that you can volunteer for and learn about the workings of a hospital. Some universities do have externship programs that allow higher level students to rotate through various medical specialties in a hospital setting. One such is UCLA. My son was lucky to land one of those externships although he was not a UCLA student. He is currently a doctor, just not in the specialty that he thought that he wanted when he started the externship program.
Best of luck on your journey,
Michael E. Cadra MD, DMD, FACS
Devang Bhoiwala, M.D.
Ophthalmology
1
Answer
Bloomfield, New Jersey
Updated
Devang’s Answer
Hi Alayna,
So nice to hear of your interest in medicine/surgery. You don't have to major in anything in particular other than completing prerequisite classes for medical school (organic chemistry, biology, etc).
You can major in anything you find interesting such as history, arts, biology, literature. You can also major in "pre-med" and minor in a field such as history, etc.
I would recommend shadowing some of these surgical specialities by contact doctors in your community / level 1 trauma center / childrens hospital where they have these specialities.
Hope that helps,
Devang
So nice to hear of your interest in medicine/surgery. You don't have to major in anything in particular other than completing prerequisite classes for medical school (organic chemistry, biology, etc).
You can major in anything you find interesting such as history, arts, biology, literature. You can also major in "pre-med" and minor in a field such as history, etc.
I would recommend shadowing some of these surgical specialities by contact doctors in your community / level 1 trauma center / childrens hospital where they have these specialities.
Hope that helps,
Devang
Martin Schoen
APRN
283
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Choosing a major that you genuinely enjoy is the best way to go. Sure, you'll have to tackle the standard science, math, and other similar courses, but your major should primarily be something that truly piques your interest. There are several good reasons for this. Firstly, medical sciences might not be your cup of tea, so it's wise to have a fallback option. Plus, there's always the possibility that you might not make it into medical school. Additionally, it's beneficial for professionals to have a diverse background, not just for their own lives but also in their interactions with patients and colleagues. Follow the path that resonates with your heart. This will also make those late-night study sessions, filled with memorizing medical facts, a bit more bearable.
Karissa Helton
Teacher
203
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Most students get a bachelor degree in Biology or a pre-med program. Also, Chemistry and Physics are good majors. You will need prerequisite classes to get into medical school. These are all science classes. If you major in something else you will probably need a 5th year in college. Think about this carefully. If you make $300,000 a year as a physician then you are losing a year pay by not majoring in science.