3 answers
Ava
Student
New Bedford, Massachusetts
16
Questions
Asked
880 views
What should i major in if i want to become a surgeon?
I want to know what i should major in when i go to college I am a sophmore in highschool and i want to know what Ap classes i should take in highschool becuse i am taking AP lang this year
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3 answers
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
341
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Ava:
Physicians and Surgeons are similar in their responsibilities and duties in taking care of patients and in dealing with hospital staff and medical personnel. The main difference between the two professionals is that Surgeons operate on patients whereas Physicians do not. Physicians diagnose patients and treat their medical conditions. Operations performed by Surgeons can be treating injuries like broken bones, removal of diseases like tumors and cancers, deformities, etc.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be a Physician or a Surgeon. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physician or a Surgeon, communication is essential and critical when dealing with hospital staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
To become a Physician or a Surgeon, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a doctorate degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 14 years to become a Physician or a Surgeon. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years.
Being a Physician or a Surgeon can be a demanding and rewarding profession, especially depending if there is a specialized field or concentration. Remember, as a Physician or a Surgeon, you are the professional who saves lives. Your patients are impacted by you.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Physician or a Surgeon:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is an overview of pursuing medical school:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Medical School:
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Stanford University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Cornell University (Weill)
- New York University (Grossman)
- Yale University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Physician or a Surgeon!
Physicians and Surgeons are similar in their responsibilities and duties in taking care of patients and in dealing with hospital staff and medical personnel. The main difference between the two professionals is that Surgeons operate on patients whereas Physicians do not. Physicians diagnose patients and treat their medical conditions. Operations performed by Surgeons can be treating injuries like broken bones, removal of diseases like tumors and cancers, deformities, etc.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be a Physician or a Surgeon. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physician or a Surgeon, communication is essential and critical when dealing with hospital staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
To become a Physician or a Surgeon, a Bachelor Degree in Biology, pre-med or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, a doctorate degree from an accredited medical school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through a medical residency as well as medical certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 14 years to become a Physician or a Surgeon. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4-5 years. Medical school will be another 4-5 years. Medical residency, medical certification and licensing can take up to 3-4 years.
Being a Physician or a Surgeon can be a demanding and rewarding profession, especially depending if there is a specialized field or concentration. Remember, as a Physician or a Surgeon, you are the professional who saves lives. Your patients are impacted by you.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Physician or a Surgeon:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is an overview of pursuing medical school:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Medical School:
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Stanford University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Cornell University (Weill)
- New York University (Grossman)
- Yale University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Physician or a Surgeon!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ava,
Good question! To become a surgeon, you'll need to complete a pre-medical undergraduate program before attending medical school. Here’s what you should consider:
College Major:
- Biology: A common major for pre-med students, as it covers the basic sciences you'll need for medical school.
- Chemistry: Another solid choice, especially if you're interested in understanding the chemical processes in the body.
- Biochemistry: This combines biology and chemistry, providing a strong foundation for medical school.
- Neuroscience: If you're particularly interested in brain-related surgery, this could be a great option.
- Biomedical Engineering: If you're interested in the intersection of medicine and technology, this could also be a strong choice.
You don’t have to major in a science to go to medical school, but you do need to complete the required pre-med courses, which typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
Advanced Placement Classes:
Since you’re already taking AP Language and Composition, here are some other AP classes that would be beneficial:
- AP Biology: This will give you a strong foundation in biological sciences.
- AP Chemistry: Important for understanding the chemical basis of biology and medicine.
- AP Physics: Helps with understanding the physical principles that apply to the human body.
- AP Calculus: Useful for medical school admissions and understanding statistics and research methods.
- AP Psychology: Good for understanding the basics of human behavior, which is relevant for patient care.
- AP Statistics: Useful for medical research and understanding data.
Taking these classes will not only prepare you for college but also help you stand out in the college admissions process.
Best wishes!
Good question! To become a surgeon, you'll need to complete a pre-medical undergraduate program before attending medical school. Here’s what you should consider:
College Major:
- Biology: A common major for pre-med students, as it covers the basic sciences you'll need for medical school.
- Chemistry: Another solid choice, especially if you're interested in understanding the chemical processes in the body.
- Biochemistry: This combines biology and chemistry, providing a strong foundation for medical school.
- Neuroscience: If you're particularly interested in brain-related surgery, this could be a great option.
- Biomedical Engineering: If you're interested in the intersection of medicine and technology, this could also be a strong choice.
You don’t have to major in a science to go to medical school, but you do need to complete the required pre-med courses, which typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
Advanced Placement Classes:
Since you’re already taking AP Language and Composition, here are some other AP classes that would be beneficial:
- AP Biology: This will give you a strong foundation in biological sciences.
- AP Chemistry: Important for understanding the chemical basis of biology and medicine.
- AP Physics: Helps with understanding the physical principles that apply to the human body.
- AP Calculus: Useful for medical school admissions and understanding statistics and research methods.
- AP Psychology: Good for understanding the basics of human behavior, which is relevant for patient care.
- AP Statistics: Useful for medical research and understanding data.
Taking these classes will not only prepare you for college but also help you stand out in the college admissions process.
Best wishes!
Rita Chuang
Physician
189
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
Your major doesn't matter. You just need a high GPA, great MCAT scores, great resume. I think you need to have a passion for your major. If you major in Chemistry just because you think it will get you into a medical school but you do not get good grades, it won't matter. If you have a passion for your major and do well, that is more important. I've known several medical students who were English, Philosophy, Psychology majors. When you get to medical school, you start all over again.
The advantage of a science major is that it may help you on the MCAT test and during your first year of medical school.
The advantage of a science major is that it may help you on the MCAT test and during your first year of medical school.