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Hello, So I'm about to be a junior and I was contacted by my school and they said I have the choice to graduate early. I was thinking about double majoring. I wanted to become an anesthesiologist but I also want to study veterinary medicine. I was wondering what steps should I take to do that and if I do graduate early, what next I already take college courses early but I still wonder what college courses AM I supposed to take. I wanted to get general courses out of the way but I don't really know what they are. ?
Is it even possible for me to double major in veterinary medicine and in regular medicine?
Are there scholarships that cover stuff like this?
What med or vet schools do you recommend?
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Updated
Dr. Danuta’s Answer
The advice given by your colleagues is indeed comprehensive and I concur with them. It's important to understand that medical schools place significant emphasis on a student's proficiency in college-level biology and chemistry courses. This indicates that even if you've completed numerous biology courses (like AP courses) that are transferable to college, enabling you to earn your undergraduate degree a year or two earlier, medical schools, especially those in the US, might prefer candidates who have taken advanced courses at college.
Given the escalating competition for medical school admissions across the US, roughly half of all graduates opt to take a gap of one to three years post-graduation. This trend is particularly noticeable in Ivy League schools and other higher education institutions, where over 80% of students take a gap year after graduation.
Comparing vet school and medical school is like comparing apples to oranges - they are two distinct schools with different objectives and different focuses on treating humans and animals. I'm not aware of any students attending both med and vet school concurrently. However, after completing your first professional program, you can certainly consider pursuing either med or vet school.
Another crucial aspect to think about is RESIDENCY. Typically, medical school graduates spend four years post-graduation honing their skills to practice medicine responsibly and earn the trust and respect of patients and other medical professionals.
Given the escalating competition for medical school admissions across the US, roughly half of all graduates opt to take a gap of one to three years post-graduation. This trend is particularly noticeable in Ivy League schools and other higher education institutions, where over 80% of students take a gap year after graduation.
Comparing vet school and medical school is like comparing apples to oranges - they are two distinct schools with different objectives and different focuses on treating humans and animals. I'm not aware of any students attending both med and vet school concurrently. However, after completing your first professional program, you can certainly consider pursuing either med or vet school.
Another crucial aspect to think about is RESIDENCY. Typically, medical school graduates spend four years post-graduation honing their skills to practice medicine responsibly and earn the trust and respect of patients and other medical professionals.
Thank you so much for your comment! It is very helpful, and I'll make sure to consider it when making my decision. I'd have to say that I'm going for medical school, because it's a priority and vet school is something sort of personal. Medical school will satisfy my family, and I can just volunteer at an animal shelter. Also, my community college offers a program for veterinary assistance as an internship so I may just do that instead of completely double majoring. Thanks so much!
Remi
My Pleasure, Remi. I would like to invite you to do some self-reflection on your future career decision. When you think of your 4-year academic, med, or vet school career journey, it is a time of professional identity formation. This time should be an investment in yourself rather than satisfying the wishes of your family (parental pressure) and social circles that expect you to become a physician for financial, prestige, or social status reasons. Please follow your heart. You want to return home after a long day at work feeling satisfied and fulfilled; not unhappy because you do not like your job. An undergraduate study allows you to experiment with course choices and electing extracurricular activities. These factors will help you finalize your decision to pursue medical or vet school.
Dr. Danuta Charland, PhD, MCJ, CAGS
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Remi !
Wow, I am impressed with how your high school path has made it possible for you to graduate early. I also graduated high school early and it was great.
Right from the start, let me give some advice: do not double major in college. It's not necessary and will cost more, plus take longer and be a very demanding and heavy load and you'll want to get good grades in college so you'll have a good GPA for Medical School. Your first step would be to choose between either becoming a medical doctor anesthesiologist or a Veterinarian. One or the other. To be an anesthesiologist you would have to become a medical doctor which means four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school which includes rotations, four years of anesthesiology residency training, pass the American Board of Anesthesiology exam and obtain your Certification and obtain your License to practice in the state you want to work in. This takes about 12 years of school if you do not also go for a fellowship.
Becoming a Veterinarian takes eight years. You'd go for your Bachelors Degree, go to Veterinary School and obtain your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree and then apply for your license. If you wanted to go for a specialty at that time that would be 3 - 4 more years and passing the specialty exam.
Both careers involve intensive study and practical work, lab hours, projects and take up a lot of time. It wouldn't be good to try to do both.
I am so sorry that you hadn't read your college's course catalog which every college provides. They all have websites that explain exactly which courses one needs to take for their General Ed Requirements. Have you been reaching out at your high school and college ? I would say to definitely do so as soon as possible. It's great that you've already taken some of the college general ed courses already, but it's not a matter of choosing any courses, you need to know exactly which courses to take and how many your college requires for you to obtain a Bachelors Degree. At this time, it would be a good idea to think about what your undergraduate major would be. If you choose medical doctor or Vet, you would do well to major in the sciences, something like Biology or Chemistry. I repeat that it is better to not double major. Take things slow and give yourself time and room to achieve good grades by taking a reasonable course load for your Bachelors Degree with one major.
I also did want to mention because you said that you wanted to become both a Medical Doctor and a Vet and asked how you could do this. Once you obtain your Bachelors Degree, you will apply to Medical School to pursue the anesthesiology doctorate. A Veterinary School will see that you are in Medical School and it's not a scenario for which you'd be able to be accepted into a Veterinary School. It's not done at the same time. It's the same if you apply to a Veterinary School first, the Medical School would not be able to accept you if you're at a Veterinary School. I have come to the conclusion that right now, you need to study what is entailed with going to Medical School and what the demands are for Veterinary School.
When you are ready to practice as an M.D. Anesthesiologist, the last thing on your mind will be going for more years of schooling for Veterinary. You are going to want to start working and earning a salary to support yourself. The same if you do the Veterinary Program as a choice first. The best thing that you can do right now is read a lot about what it takes to study and be a doctor and what it takes to study for Veterinary and work as a Veterinarian. Your first step would be to have an in depth conversation with both your high school guidance counselor as well as the academic counselor at the college at which you are taking dual enrollment courses. First develop an understanding of why you will need to choose one between the two. You may also hear that besides being a long duration of study, they are both expensive and you can cover some of the costs with undergraduate Federal Financial Aid and Scholarships and Grants. Becoming well informed will save you time and money. You can explore scholarships and grants by doing a search online.
So, no, you can't do both at the same time and my advice is to not double major for your Bachelors Degree, especially if you want high grades in college to help you get into either Medical School or Veterinary School. Consult with in-person guidance and academic counselors to have a long, detailed conversation so you will be able to make a choice as to what to do and why you'd need to choose one or the other.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Wow, I am impressed with how your high school path has made it possible for you to graduate early. I also graduated high school early and it was great.
Right from the start, let me give some advice: do not double major in college. It's not necessary and will cost more, plus take longer and be a very demanding and heavy load and you'll want to get good grades in college so you'll have a good GPA for Medical School. Your first step would be to choose between either becoming a medical doctor anesthesiologist or a Veterinarian. One or the other. To be an anesthesiologist you would have to become a medical doctor which means four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school which includes rotations, four years of anesthesiology residency training, pass the American Board of Anesthesiology exam and obtain your Certification and obtain your License to practice in the state you want to work in. This takes about 12 years of school if you do not also go for a fellowship.
Becoming a Veterinarian takes eight years. You'd go for your Bachelors Degree, go to Veterinary School and obtain your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree and then apply for your license. If you wanted to go for a specialty at that time that would be 3 - 4 more years and passing the specialty exam.
Both careers involve intensive study and practical work, lab hours, projects and take up a lot of time. It wouldn't be good to try to do both.
I am so sorry that you hadn't read your college's course catalog which every college provides. They all have websites that explain exactly which courses one needs to take for their General Ed Requirements. Have you been reaching out at your high school and college ? I would say to definitely do so as soon as possible. It's great that you've already taken some of the college general ed courses already, but it's not a matter of choosing any courses, you need to know exactly which courses to take and how many your college requires for you to obtain a Bachelors Degree. At this time, it would be a good idea to think about what your undergraduate major would be. If you choose medical doctor or Vet, you would do well to major in the sciences, something like Biology or Chemistry. I repeat that it is better to not double major. Take things slow and give yourself time and room to achieve good grades by taking a reasonable course load for your Bachelors Degree with one major.
I also did want to mention because you said that you wanted to become both a Medical Doctor and a Vet and asked how you could do this. Once you obtain your Bachelors Degree, you will apply to Medical School to pursue the anesthesiology doctorate. A Veterinary School will see that you are in Medical School and it's not a scenario for which you'd be able to be accepted into a Veterinary School. It's not done at the same time. It's the same if you apply to a Veterinary School first, the Medical School would not be able to accept you if you're at a Veterinary School. I have come to the conclusion that right now, you need to study what is entailed with going to Medical School and what the demands are for Veterinary School.
When you are ready to practice as an M.D. Anesthesiologist, the last thing on your mind will be going for more years of schooling for Veterinary. You are going to want to start working and earning a salary to support yourself. The same if you do the Veterinary Program as a choice first. The best thing that you can do right now is read a lot about what it takes to study and be a doctor and what it takes to study for Veterinary and work as a Veterinarian. Your first step would be to have an in depth conversation with both your high school guidance counselor as well as the academic counselor at the college at which you are taking dual enrollment courses. First develop an understanding of why you will need to choose one between the two. You may also hear that besides being a long duration of study, they are both expensive and you can cover some of the costs with undergraduate Federal Financial Aid and Scholarships and Grants. Becoming well informed will save you time and money. You can explore scholarships and grants by doing a search online.
So, no, you can't do both at the same time and my advice is to not double major for your Bachelors Degree, especially if you want high grades in college to help you get into either Medical School or Veterinary School. Consult with in-person guidance and academic counselors to have a long, detailed conversation so you will be able to make a choice as to what to do and why you'd need to choose one or the other.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Hello Michelle!
Thank you so much for your response. I've though it over and I think I'd have to go with becoming an anesthesiologist. My main reason for that option was doing it for my mother who wanted to become a doctor but couldn't because she had me, so I think that's more important to me. Thanks so much for the advice.
Remi
You are welcome. I am sure you will be a wonderful anesthesiologist ! I wish you much happiness !
Michelle M.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Remi,
I also graduated HS early. At the time, I hated my school, and was in a hurry to get out. I did nothing to prepare for college - just got the minimum requirements and that was it. In retrospect, I wish I had done more to take advantage of the free education and broaden my knowledge base.
I know you are in a hurry to get out and get going, but, ask yourself if there are any more HS classes that would benefit you at this point. If there is an area you are weak in, anything you've avoided, even if it is something like accounting or the history of ancient civilizations. If you feel you are truly ready to start college, then, go for it!
I concur with Michelle. No double major. Especially with labs! You will want to get into some extracurriculars, volunteer with nonprofits, or whatever else medical schools look at in making their decisions. You need time for a life! in the meantime, find out what medical (or veterinary) schools look for in their decision-making on admissions, and make sure you have all the boxes checked.
Best of luck!
Kim
I also graduated HS early. At the time, I hated my school, and was in a hurry to get out. I did nothing to prepare for college - just got the minimum requirements and that was it. In retrospect, I wish I had done more to take advantage of the free education and broaden my knowledge base.
I know you are in a hurry to get out and get going, but, ask yourself if there are any more HS classes that would benefit you at this point. If there is an area you are weak in, anything you've avoided, even if it is something like accounting or the history of ancient civilizations. If you feel you are truly ready to start college, then, go for it!
I concur with Michelle. No double major. Especially with labs! You will want to get into some extracurriculars, volunteer with nonprofits, or whatever else medical schools look at in making their decisions. You need time for a life! in the meantime, find out what medical (or veterinary) schools look for in their decision-making on admissions, and make sure you have all the boxes checked.
Best of luck!
Kim
Hi Kim!
Thank you so much for your advice. I will take it into deep consideration. I was thinking of graduating early, but I may stay if it benefits me. I took so many AP classes already and they have put a cap on how many I can take so that might be an issue. It will boost my GPA but I may not get credits for it since they won't cover the costs of the exam anymore. Thank you so much
Remi
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Remy!
Understanding Your Path to Becoming an Anesthesiologist and a Veterinarian
Embarking on a journey to become both an anesthesiologist and a veterinarian is ambitious and requires careful planning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this path.
1. Early Graduation Considerations
Graduating early can provide you with additional time to complete your undergraduate studies or gain experience in your fields of interest. However, it’s essential to consider the following:
Consult with Academic Advisors: Speak with your school counselor or academic advisor about the implications of graduating early, including how it may affect your college applications and readiness for advanced studies.
Plan Your Coursework: Ensure that you have met all high school graduation requirements before making the decision to graduate early.
2. Double Major Feasibility
Pursuing a double major in veterinary medicine and anesthesiology is challenging but possible. Here are some key points:
Undergraduate Degree Requirements: Most medical schools (including those for anesthesiology) require a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry. Veterinary schools also require specific coursework.
Time Commitment: Completing two degrees will likely extend your time in college beyond the typical four years due to the rigorous nature of both programs.
Consider Dual-Degree Programs: Some universities offer dual-degree programs that allow students to pursue both paths more efficiently.
3. Recommended College Courses
To prepare for both medical and veterinary schools, focus on these general courses during your undergraduate studies:
Biology (with lab)
Chemistry (General and Organic, with lab)
Physics (with lab)
Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
English Composition
Psychology or Sociology (helpful for understanding patient care)
Additionally, consider electives related to animal science if you’re leaning towards veterinary medicine.
4. Next Steps After Early Graduation
If you choose to graduate early, here are steps you should take:
Enroll in College Courses: Look for community colleges or online courses where you can take introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and other relevant subjects.
Gain Experience: Volunteer at hospitals or veterinary clinics to gain hands-on experience in both fields.
Prepare for Entrance Exams: Familiarize yourself with the MCAT (for medical school) and GRE (for veterinary school), as preparation will be crucial.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are scholarships available specifically for students pursuing careers in medicine and veterinary medicine:
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships for students who commit to working in underserved areas after graduation.
Veterinary Medicine Scholarships: Organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Foundation offer scholarships specifically for aspiring veterinarians.
Check with individual colleges for their scholarship opportunities as well.
6. Recommended Medical and Veterinary Schools
When considering schools, look at their accreditation, curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and clinical rotations:
For Medical School:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Stanford University School of Medicine
For Veterinary School:
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
University of California—Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Conclusion
Pursuing dual careers as an anesthesiologist and veterinarian is ambitious but achievable with careful planning and dedication. Focus on completing necessary coursework while gaining practical experience in both fields.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine - Provides information on medical education pathways.
American Veterinary Medical Association - Offers resources regarding veterinary education requirements.
U.S. News & World Report Education - Ranks medical and veterinary schools based on various criteria including research activity and student satisfaction.
God Bless You!
JC.
Understanding Your Path to Becoming an Anesthesiologist and a Veterinarian
Embarking on a journey to become both an anesthesiologist and a veterinarian is ambitious and requires careful planning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this path.
1. Early Graduation Considerations
Graduating early can provide you with additional time to complete your undergraduate studies or gain experience in your fields of interest. However, it’s essential to consider the following:
Consult with Academic Advisors: Speak with your school counselor or academic advisor about the implications of graduating early, including how it may affect your college applications and readiness for advanced studies.
Plan Your Coursework: Ensure that you have met all high school graduation requirements before making the decision to graduate early.
2. Double Major Feasibility
Pursuing a double major in veterinary medicine and anesthesiology is challenging but possible. Here are some key points:
Undergraduate Degree Requirements: Most medical schools (including those for anesthesiology) require a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry. Veterinary schools also require specific coursework.
Time Commitment: Completing two degrees will likely extend your time in college beyond the typical four years due to the rigorous nature of both programs.
Consider Dual-Degree Programs: Some universities offer dual-degree programs that allow students to pursue both paths more efficiently.
3. Recommended College Courses
To prepare for both medical and veterinary schools, focus on these general courses during your undergraduate studies:
Biology (with lab)
Chemistry (General and Organic, with lab)
Physics (with lab)
Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
English Composition
Psychology or Sociology (helpful for understanding patient care)
Additionally, consider electives related to animal science if you’re leaning towards veterinary medicine.
4. Next Steps After Early Graduation
If you choose to graduate early, here are steps you should take:
Enroll in College Courses: Look for community colleges or online courses where you can take introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and other relevant subjects.
Gain Experience: Volunteer at hospitals or veterinary clinics to gain hands-on experience in both fields.
Prepare for Entrance Exams: Familiarize yourself with the MCAT (for medical school) and GRE (for veterinary school), as preparation will be crucial.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are scholarships available specifically for students pursuing careers in medicine and veterinary medicine:
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships for students who commit to working in underserved areas after graduation.
Veterinary Medicine Scholarships: Organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Foundation offer scholarships specifically for aspiring veterinarians.
Check with individual colleges for their scholarship opportunities as well.
6. Recommended Medical and Veterinary Schools
When considering schools, look at their accreditation, curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and clinical rotations:
For Medical School:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Stanford University School of Medicine
For Veterinary School:
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
University of California—Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Conclusion
Pursuing dual careers as an anesthesiologist and veterinarian is ambitious but achievable with careful planning and dedication. Focus on completing necessary coursework while gaining practical experience in both fields.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine - Provides information on medical education pathways.
American Veterinary Medical Association - Offers resources regarding veterinary education requirements.
U.S. News & World Report Education - Ranks medical and veterinary schools based on various criteria including research activity and student satisfaction.
God Bless You!
JC.
Hello James!
Thanks so much for your comment! I am planning on taking AP Bio and AP Calculus this coming school year and I have just completed my Psychology class with my community college via the early college option. I just need to complete AP Chemistry, AP Psychics, and an AP English course. I've already met my high school graduation requirements and I've already done more than what was needed. I was planning on going for Biochemistry as a major, but should I switch to either Biology or Chemistry? Thanks so much for all the help and the resources you provided! I'm really dedicated to trying to do both and this is really helpful. If I don't get to do both then I'll let you know what I choose!
Remi
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Choosing a career in veterinary medicine means dedicating a few more years to college compared to standard medical doctor programs. However, consider becoming an anesthesiologist first and then pursuing your additional degrees part-time. This strategy can help you manage and even pay off your college debt before retirement. It's a smart and practical approach to achieving your dreams without financial stress. Keep going, you've got this!
Thank you so much Mark! That is a great idea! I never thought of that. A lot of people recommended doing one but you suggested another great idea. Thank you so much!
Remi