5 answers
Labiba
Student
Bronxville, New York
1
Question
Asked
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I'm a junior in high school wanting to be an oncologist. I want to take the BS/MD path but I'm not sure what the process and steps are?
Hi, I'm really lost and don't have anyone that has gone through the american education system. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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5 answers
srushti vaishnav
Student
1
Answer
Erie, Pennsylvania
Updated
srushti’s Answer
It is wonderful that you already have a goal set in your mind. It is a very good field. But the path is long. Once you finish high school, you Have get into college or University for a Bachelor degree. After which you will have to Give a MCAT exam for med school! After you pass that exam you study in med school for a MD for about 4 years. Then you give another exam for your medical licence. After which you become an intern for another year followed by 3 years of residency. And after you finish your residency you will need to meet certain requirements to be an oncologist!
As I said... A long path. But if you are determined enough you can do it. There will come times when you will doubt your choices, but never forget why you first started on this journey and how far you have already came!
As I said... A long path. But if you are determined enough you can do it. There will come times when you will doubt your choices, but never forget why you first started on this journey and how far you have already came!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
350
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Labiba,
That's fantastic that you're thinking ahead about your future in oncology! Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine programs can be a great way to streamline your path to becoming a doctor. Here's a breakdown of the process and steps to get you started:
About BS/MD Programs:
What they are: BS/MD programs allow you to apply to both undergraduate studies (Bachelor's degree) and medical school simultaneously while still in high school. If accepted, you'll have a guaranteed spot in the medical school after completing your bachelor's degree, assuming you meet certain requirements.
Steps to take:
1. Research Programs: Not all schools offer BS/MD programs. Look for schools with programs specifically designed for aspiring medical professionals, sometimes called "early assurance programs" or "combined degree programs." You can find lists of these programs online.
2. Strong Academics: BS/MD programs are competitive, so focus on excelling in your high school coursework, especially in science (biology, chemistry), math, and English. These subjects will prepare you for the rigors of medical school and the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
3. Standardized Tests: While not always required for application, doing well on the PSAT (preliminary SAT) and/or ACT can show your academic potential.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Highlight experiences that demonstrate your commitment to medicine. Consider volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors (especially oncologists), or participating in research programs.
5. Application Process: Applications typically involve strong essays showcasing your passion for medicine, letters of recommendation, and sometimes interviews. Start researching deadlines and requirements early in your junior year.
Additional Resources:
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website has a helpful section on BS/MD programs: [https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-school-admission-requirements/medical-schools-offering-combined-baccalaureate-md-programs-state-and-program-length-2023-2024](https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-school-admission-requirements/medical-schools-offering-combined-baccalaureate-md-programs-state-and-program-length-2023-2024)
MedEdits offers a comprehensive guide on BS/MD program admissions: [https://mededits.com/medical-school-application/direct-bsmd-programs-what-does-it-take-to-get-in/](https://mededits.com/medical-school-application/direct-bsmd-programs-what-does-it-take-to-get-in/)
No One in the System? No Problem!
It's completely understandable if you don't have someone familiar with the US education system. Don't let that discourage you! Here are some resources that can help:
High School Counselor: Your counselor is a valuable resource for navigating the college application process and understanding BS/MD programs.
Pre-med Advisors: Many colleges have pre-med advisors who can guide students through requirements and steps for medical school.
Online Resources: Websites like the AAMC and Khan Academy offer free resources and guidance for aspiring doctors.
Remember, the path to becoming an oncologist is a long but rewarding one. Keep your passion strong, focus on your studies, and don't hesitate to seek help from the resources available.
Best wishes!
That's fantastic that you're thinking ahead about your future in oncology! Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine programs can be a great way to streamline your path to becoming a doctor. Here's a breakdown of the process and steps to get you started:
About BS/MD Programs:
What they are: BS/MD programs allow you to apply to both undergraduate studies (Bachelor's degree) and medical school simultaneously while still in high school. If accepted, you'll have a guaranteed spot in the medical school after completing your bachelor's degree, assuming you meet certain requirements.
Steps to take:
1. Research Programs: Not all schools offer BS/MD programs. Look for schools with programs specifically designed for aspiring medical professionals, sometimes called "early assurance programs" or "combined degree programs." You can find lists of these programs online.
2. Strong Academics: BS/MD programs are competitive, so focus on excelling in your high school coursework, especially in science (biology, chemistry), math, and English. These subjects will prepare you for the rigors of medical school and the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
3. Standardized Tests: While not always required for application, doing well on the PSAT (preliminary SAT) and/or ACT can show your academic potential.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Highlight experiences that demonstrate your commitment to medicine. Consider volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors (especially oncologists), or participating in research programs.
5. Application Process: Applications typically involve strong essays showcasing your passion for medicine, letters of recommendation, and sometimes interviews. Start researching deadlines and requirements early in your junior year.
Additional Resources:
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website has a helpful section on BS/MD programs: [https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-school-admission-requirements/medical-schools-offering-combined-baccalaureate-md-programs-state-and-program-length-2023-2024](https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-school-admission-requirements/medical-schools-offering-combined-baccalaureate-md-programs-state-and-program-length-2023-2024)
MedEdits offers a comprehensive guide on BS/MD program admissions: [https://mededits.com/medical-school-application/direct-bsmd-programs-what-does-it-take-to-get-in/](https://mededits.com/medical-school-application/direct-bsmd-programs-what-does-it-take-to-get-in/)
No One in the System? No Problem!
It's completely understandable if you don't have someone familiar with the US education system. Don't let that discourage you! Here are some resources that can help:
High School Counselor: Your counselor is a valuable resource for navigating the college application process and understanding BS/MD programs.
Pre-med Advisors: Many colleges have pre-med advisors who can guide students through requirements and steps for medical school.
Online Resources: Websites like the AAMC and Khan Academy offer free resources and guidance for aspiring doctors.
Remember, the path to becoming an oncologist is a long but rewarding one. Keep your passion strong, focus on your studies, and don't hesitate to seek help from the resources available.
Best wishes!
Thank you, this is extremely helpful!
Labiba
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
470
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
By consistently achieving a high GPA, excelling in AP courses, and acing your SAT or ACT, you stand a strong chance of securing pre-med admission at a college or university. Remember, it's crucial to take courses that align with medical admissions, like Math, English, and Biology. Don't hesitate to seek advice from your school guidance counselor; they're there to help you.
Even if you don't secure a pre-med spot, don't lose heart. You can still pursue an undergraduate degree in Science, focusing on subjects like Biology or Chemistry. Aim to graduate with a high GPA. In your third or junior year, take the MCAT exams. A good score here can significantly boost your chances of getting admission to pursue an MD.
Bear in mind that medical teaching schools often set the terms based on their needs, which means you might not always get your first choice of residency. But with hard work and determination, you can excel in all areas and set your own terms. You could even find yourself in a position to pursue a specialty like Oncology.
Take note that many prestigious universities, such as NYU and Johns Hopkins, offer free tuition to those who secure admission. So, keep pushing, keep striving, and remember: your potential is limitless.
Even if you don't secure a pre-med spot, don't lose heart. You can still pursue an undergraduate degree in Science, focusing on subjects like Biology or Chemistry. Aim to graduate with a high GPA. In your third or junior year, take the MCAT exams. A good score here can significantly boost your chances of getting admission to pursue an MD.
Bear in mind that medical teaching schools often set the terms based on their needs, which means you might not always get your first choice of residency. But with hard work and determination, you can excel in all areas and set your own terms. You could even find yourself in a position to pursue a specialty like Oncology.
Take note that many prestigious universities, such as NYU and Johns Hopkins, offer free tuition to those who secure admission. So, keep pushing, keep striving, and remember: your potential is limitless.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Labiba
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1698
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Labiba !
Since you live only 15 miles from New York City in Bronxville, Westchester County, you are blessed to have access to some of the best medical schools that would give you prime internship and residency experiences while you are in undergraduate and medical school. This is very fortunate.
I would like to share some advice about streamline education for medical careers although you are free to choose what you'd consider is best for you.
I would not advise future doctors to take any streamline or quickie course of study, especially for Oncology. There are several reasons why it may be beneficial to consider this. You will be expected to have an exceptionally high GPA from high school, which is very possible, but since you are not familiar with the program, I wanted to mention it. Since the purpose of this type of education bypasses applying to medical school, and combines your Bachelors Level studies with SOME medical curriculum, I do not advise this because you will need accurate, full education and practicums to be a well educated and trained doctor - especially for Oncology which is very diverse and ever changing.
To think that some BS/MD programs do not require an SAT or ACT score, I don't know, it seems as though the quality of this path takes going into the Medical field less seriously. That's just how it looks to me. And considering that the acceptance rate for the BS/MD programs are very low at 4 to 5%, I'm not sure that it would be better than going to a four year college for a Bachelors Degree and then full medical school, again, especially for Oncology. You should also think about how it would limit you if you attend two years, decide to go to a different college, can't finish the commitment, have to move for some reason and what it may mean to end the program. In other words, you've made a commitment before you even know what your life is going to be like three or four years from now. I advise taking things in the time it takes to do it because you will want the appropriate progress that undergraduate college and full medical school can offer. You will need full medical curriculum in Medical School.
You will be working around colleagues in the future that did take the regular course of study to become an Oncologist and having a shortcut to this career may affect competitive opportunities for you. Sure, you may get hired, but you may feel the difference when you are actually working in this most critical serious specialty. Just something to consider for your own benefit.
If you have definitely decided to do the fast track for this, visit or call Brooklyn College with Downstate College of Medicine, the City College of New York with CUNY School of Medicine, and two in Albany to which you'd have to relocate for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with Albany Medical College and Albany Medical College with RPI, Union College, or Siena College. Find out what the commitment is, what happens if you change your mind and want the regular medical school path, what their requirements are and any specific questions pertaining to the quick path of study. You can visit their websites for information.
It is good to receive a variety of advice about this so that you can consider the options and decide what the best path will be for your future as a medical professional.
I wish you all the best in whatever you decide !
Since you live only 15 miles from New York City in Bronxville, Westchester County, you are blessed to have access to some of the best medical schools that would give you prime internship and residency experiences while you are in undergraduate and medical school. This is very fortunate.
I would like to share some advice about streamline education for medical careers although you are free to choose what you'd consider is best for you.
I would not advise future doctors to take any streamline or quickie course of study, especially for Oncology. There are several reasons why it may be beneficial to consider this. You will be expected to have an exceptionally high GPA from high school, which is very possible, but since you are not familiar with the program, I wanted to mention it. Since the purpose of this type of education bypasses applying to medical school, and combines your Bachelors Level studies with SOME medical curriculum, I do not advise this because you will need accurate, full education and practicums to be a well educated and trained doctor - especially for Oncology which is very diverse and ever changing.
To think that some BS/MD programs do not require an SAT or ACT score, I don't know, it seems as though the quality of this path takes going into the Medical field less seriously. That's just how it looks to me. And considering that the acceptance rate for the BS/MD programs are very low at 4 to 5%, I'm not sure that it would be better than going to a four year college for a Bachelors Degree and then full medical school, again, especially for Oncology. You should also think about how it would limit you if you attend two years, decide to go to a different college, can't finish the commitment, have to move for some reason and what it may mean to end the program. In other words, you've made a commitment before you even know what your life is going to be like three or four years from now. I advise taking things in the time it takes to do it because you will want the appropriate progress that undergraduate college and full medical school can offer. You will need full medical curriculum in Medical School.
You will be working around colleagues in the future that did take the regular course of study to become an Oncologist and having a shortcut to this career may affect competitive opportunities for you. Sure, you may get hired, but you may feel the difference when you are actually working in this most critical serious specialty. Just something to consider for your own benefit.
If you have definitely decided to do the fast track for this, visit or call Brooklyn College with Downstate College of Medicine, the City College of New York with CUNY School of Medicine, and two in Albany to which you'd have to relocate for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with Albany Medical College and Albany Medical College with RPI, Union College, or Siena College. Find out what the commitment is, what happens if you change your mind and want the regular medical school path, what their requirements are and any specific questions pertaining to the quick path of study. You can visit their websites for information.
It is good to receive a variety of advice about this so that you can consider the options and decide what the best path will be for your future as a medical professional.
I wish you all the best in whatever you decide !
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Labiba
You are welcome, Labiba !
Michelle M.
Michael Cadra
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
16
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Labiba, I caution you to not take information given on this website from those not employed in the profession as fact.
Given the cost of higher education, you should consider several options including the "fast track" programs directly out of high school. You indicated that you are interested in oncology, however you did not define a particular area such as medical oncology, surgical oncology, or radiation oncology. I will assume that you are thinking medical oncology.
Did you know that there are 47 allopathic BS/MD programs and 12 osteopathic BS/DO programs with 7 combined programs in New York state alone?
If you are applying to a combined program in either allopathic or osteopathic medicine (M.D. or D.O. programs), each has a pathway to medical oncology and some D.O. graduated to match to allopathic medicine residencies)) you will be asked to provide a personal statement along with essays regarding certain prompts. You might see if a book "Writing About Me" by Barbara Huntington is available in a local library. Written and oral communication is very important for all physicians no matter which path, or specialty that you chose. You will be expected to provide SAT scores that are "strong", many combined programs have minimum scores set in the 1400-1500 range. You will also need recommendations from your current teachers, the more they know about you the better the recommendation that they can give. Most likely, you will need to interview, either in person or via Zoom. There are many sites for aspiring medical students that share questions that were asked on interviews, consider looking at and preparing for those questions.
If you are not accepted to a combined BS/MD or BS/DO program there are other options to fast track. In my career, I have had three partners that did not receive Bachelors Degrees. Two entered professional school after three years of college, one entered dental school after two years of undergraduate work at the University of the Pacific on their 2+3 program. There is no real need to meet more than the minimal criteria set by the medical schools as that is what is tested for on the MCAT. I damaged my GPA taking advanced classes such as Calculus 2, Physics for Physics majors, instead of for Biology majors, Physical Chemistry, and Psycho-Neuro-Endocrinology. I never used any of that information again after entering professional school.
The content of the MCAT is constantly changing, here is a current breakdown:
The MCAT exam tests you on the following topics and skills:
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Sociology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Introductory Physics
First-Semester Biochemistry
Introductory Biology
Basic Research Methods and Statistics
Reading Comprehension
Critical Analysis and Reasoning
Additionally, the MCAT will test you on the following four scientific inquiry and reasoning skills:
Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles
Scientific Reasoning and Problem-Solving
Reasoning About the Design and Execution of Research
Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning
With the core subjects, you will need to perform at a high level and then prove retention of the material on the MCAT. The easiest way is to do this is to study along for the MCAT as you go. Some students wait to take a crash course just before the exam. There are ANKI decks available for most MCAT subject areas for free on the internet. You can use premade decks or create your own.
Even if you have AP Classes in the core areas, I do recommend taking the material again at the college level, the rigor will be higher and you will be more likely to retain the knowledge. Additionally, some medical schools will not recognize AP advanced placement in core subjects.
I know several students that took Organic Chemistry over the summer between 1st and 2nd year of college. It was an intense course, but full time attention to that one course did allow mastery of the topic, and all scored well on the MCAT or DAT.
Take advantage of leadership opportunities. As an oncologist you will lead a team of other health care professionals, such as nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other medical specialists. Again verbal and written communication between professionals is important, Take public speaking courses, join Toast Masters, take an acting class. Toast Masters has both communication and leadership tracks. It allows practice in a non-threatening, supportive environment and is self paced.
Follow your dream!
Michael Cadra, MD, DMD, FACS
Start journaling- refine your personal statement, most students write about what motivated them to become a physician. Do you have someone in the family that had cancer? Did you like the oncologist? What do you know about the path to becoming an oncologist?
Take courses in ethics if your schedule allows.
Get to know yourself. You will not cure or "save" all your patients. You will extend lives and improve quality of life for many. How will you handle death and dying?
READ! For a future oncologist, I would highly recommend "Being Mortal" by Atul Gwande, MD his books "Complications" and "Checklist Manifesto" are also recommended.
Have I made it clear the communication is important? You may be treating your patient, but you will be caring for all the loved ones in addition. Empathetic, compassionate communication is critical.
Given the cost of higher education, you should consider several options including the "fast track" programs directly out of high school. You indicated that you are interested in oncology, however you did not define a particular area such as medical oncology, surgical oncology, or radiation oncology. I will assume that you are thinking medical oncology.
Did you know that there are 47 allopathic BS/MD programs and 12 osteopathic BS/DO programs with 7 combined programs in New York state alone?
If you are applying to a combined program in either allopathic or osteopathic medicine (M.D. or D.O. programs), each has a pathway to medical oncology and some D.O. graduated to match to allopathic medicine residencies)) you will be asked to provide a personal statement along with essays regarding certain prompts. You might see if a book "Writing About Me" by Barbara Huntington is available in a local library. Written and oral communication is very important for all physicians no matter which path, or specialty that you chose. You will be expected to provide SAT scores that are "strong", many combined programs have minimum scores set in the 1400-1500 range. You will also need recommendations from your current teachers, the more they know about you the better the recommendation that they can give. Most likely, you will need to interview, either in person or via Zoom. There are many sites for aspiring medical students that share questions that were asked on interviews, consider looking at and preparing for those questions.
If you are not accepted to a combined BS/MD or BS/DO program there are other options to fast track. In my career, I have had three partners that did not receive Bachelors Degrees. Two entered professional school after three years of college, one entered dental school after two years of undergraduate work at the University of the Pacific on their 2+3 program. There is no real need to meet more than the minimal criteria set by the medical schools as that is what is tested for on the MCAT. I damaged my GPA taking advanced classes such as Calculus 2, Physics for Physics majors, instead of for Biology majors, Physical Chemistry, and Psycho-Neuro-Endocrinology. I never used any of that information again after entering professional school.
The content of the MCAT is constantly changing, here is a current breakdown:
The MCAT exam tests you on the following topics and skills:
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Sociology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Introductory Physics
First-Semester Biochemistry
Introductory Biology
Basic Research Methods and Statistics
Reading Comprehension
Critical Analysis and Reasoning
Additionally, the MCAT will test you on the following four scientific inquiry and reasoning skills:
Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles
Scientific Reasoning and Problem-Solving
Reasoning About the Design and Execution of Research
Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning
With the core subjects, you will need to perform at a high level and then prove retention of the material on the MCAT. The easiest way is to do this is to study along for the MCAT as you go. Some students wait to take a crash course just before the exam. There are ANKI decks available for most MCAT subject areas for free on the internet. You can use premade decks or create your own.
Even if you have AP Classes in the core areas, I do recommend taking the material again at the college level, the rigor will be higher and you will be more likely to retain the knowledge. Additionally, some medical schools will not recognize AP advanced placement in core subjects.
I know several students that took Organic Chemistry over the summer between 1st and 2nd year of college. It was an intense course, but full time attention to that one course did allow mastery of the topic, and all scored well on the MCAT or DAT.
Take advantage of leadership opportunities. As an oncologist you will lead a team of other health care professionals, such as nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other medical specialists. Again verbal and written communication between professionals is important, Take public speaking courses, join Toast Masters, take an acting class. Toast Masters has both communication and leadership tracks. It allows practice in a non-threatening, supportive environment and is self paced.
Follow your dream!
Michael Cadra, MD, DMD, FACS
Michael recommends the following next steps: