2 answers
Regan
Student
Buhler, Kansas
1
Question
Asked
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I've always wanted to be a Pediatric Oncologist, what should I major in?
I've been looking into what majors I should pick and I'm confused. Send Help!
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2 answers
Erica Ford
Career Coach
1
Answer
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hello Regan,
Any major can be pre-med but it’s often easier and more time and cost-effective to pick one of the sciences that include all or most med school prerequisite courses in their major requirements. Some of these are Biology, Biochemistry, and Biomedical Engineering. The rigor of these programs can also help prepare you for the rigor of medical school. If you would like to connect with a mentor to support you along your pre-med to med school journey, check out https://www.nprema.org/ and, once you begin your freshman year, schedule a time to meet with your school’s pre-med office to make sure you’re starting off on the right foot.
As you apply to colleges, you can also ask the Admissions officers which majors are best for pre-med students at their institution. Doing so will allow you to learn of majors that include common med school prerequisites or have their own pre-med track or concentration. Across colleges & universities, the curriculum for typical science majors will be very similar, but there may be some specialized programs that are more medically focused. For example, Biology generally requires the same or similar courses no matter where you study but there may be a unique program whose advanced coursework is highly specialized for students interested in medicine and even includes some form of clinical experience such as shadowing doctors, anatomy and physiology labs, or medical research experiences.
Bonus tip: It’s important to consider electives and experiences that will boost your understanding of child development (e.g. child psychology, sociology, or early education coursework). Experiences that help you deepen your confidence working with children (e.g. tutoring at a school, working at a daycare, babysitting, etc.) will also be extremely valuable in building your soft skills. As you interact with parents, you’re also acquiring relevant skills to help you build rapport with parents in the future. Remember that, as you treat children, parents will always be involved and you’ll need to navigate those working relationships well.
Check out https://www.nprema.org/
Chat with the admissions office to ask about pre-med oriented majors
Start volunteering or working with children and parents
Check out the curriculum and course options at universities of interest
Identify some pediatric oncology programs of interest and write down what makes them interesting to you. Consider keeping a pre-med journal to track your evolution and stay focused on your goals
Any major can be pre-med but it’s often easier and more time and cost-effective to pick one of the sciences that include all or most med school prerequisite courses in their major requirements. Some of these are Biology, Biochemistry, and Biomedical Engineering. The rigor of these programs can also help prepare you for the rigor of medical school. If you would like to connect with a mentor to support you along your pre-med to med school journey, check out https://www.nprema.org/ and, once you begin your freshman year, schedule a time to meet with your school’s pre-med office to make sure you’re starting off on the right foot.
As you apply to colleges, you can also ask the Admissions officers which majors are best for pre-med students at their institution. Doing so will allow you to learn of majors that include common med school prerequisites or have their own pre-med track or concentration. Across colleges & universities, the curriculum for typical science majors will be very similar, but there may be some specialized programs that are more medically focused. For example, Biology generally requires the same or similar courses no matter where you study but there may be a unique program whose advanced coursework is highly specialized for students interested in medicine and even includes some form of clinical experience such as shadowing doctors, anatomy and physiology labs, or medical research experiences.
Bonus tip: It’s important to consider electives and experiences that will boost your understanding of child development (e.g. child psychology, sociology, or early education coursework). Experiences that help you deepen your confidence working with children (e.g. tutoring at a school, working at a daycare, babysitting, etc.) will also be extremely valuable in building your soft skills. As you interact with parents, you’re also acquiring relevant skills to help you build rapport with parents in the future. Remember that, as you treat children, parents will always be involved and you’ll need to navigate those working relationships well.
Erica recommends the following next steps:
Syed Muhammad Hassan ✍️
Copywriting
3
Answers
Wazirabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Syed Muhammad’s Answer
Here's your enhanced action plan to kickstart your journey:
Undergraduate Majors:
1. Biology: Opt for biology as it's a favored choice among pre-med students. It offers a thorough knowledge of living organisms, genetics, and molecular biology.
2. Chemistry: Choose chemistry to build a robust base in organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
3. Biochemistry: Select biochemistry as it fuses biology and chemistry, offering an in-depth insight into the chemical processes within living organisms.
4. Pre-Med or Pre-Professional: Consider pre-med or pre-professional programs offered by some universities, tailored specifically for students aiming for medical careers.
Coursework:
Besides your major, ensure to enroll in the following courses:
1. Biology: Courses like cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
2. Chemistry: General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
3. Physics: General physics, biophysics, or medical physics.
4. Mathematics: Calculus, statistics, and biostatistics.
5. Psychology: Introduction to psychology, developmental psychology, or abnormal psychology.
Extracurricular Activities:
1. Volunteer: Offer your time at hospitals, cancer centers, or organizations supporting pediatric cancer patients.
2. Research: Get involved in research projects, internships, or fellowships related to pediatric oncology.
3. Clinical experience: Gain practical experience by shadowing pediatric oncologists, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.
4. Leadership roles: Step up and take leadership roles in student organizations, volunteer groups, or research teams.
Medical School and Residency:
1. Medical School: Enroll in an accredited medical school to secure your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
2. Pediatrics Residency: Undertake a pediatrics residency program that spans 3-4 years.
3. Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship: Engage in a pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship program for another 3-4 years.
Certification and Licensure:
1. Medical Licensure: Acquire a medical license in your state.
2. Board Certification: Aim to get certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Undergraduate Majors:
1. Biology: Opt for biology as it's a favored choice among pre-med students. It offers a thorough knowledge of living organisms, genetics, and molecular biology.
2. Chemistry: Choose chemistry to build a robust base in organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
3. Biochemistry: Select biochemistry as it fuses biology and chemistry, offering an in-depth insight into the chemical processes within living organisms.
4. Pre-Med or Pre-Professional: Consider pre-med or pre-professional programs offered by some universities, tailored specifically for students aiming for medical careers.
Coursework:
Besides your major, ensure to enroll in the following courses:
1. Biology: Courses like cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
2. Chemistry: General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
3. Physics: General physics, biophysics, or medical physics.
4. Mathematics: Calculus, statistics, and biostatistics.
5. Psychology: Introduction to psychology, developmental psychology, or abnormal psychology.
Extracurricular Activities:
1. Volunteer: Offer your time at hospitals, cancer centers, or organizations supporting pediatric cancer patients.
2. Research: Get involved in research projects, internships, or fellowships related to pediatric oncology.
3. Clinical experience: Gain practical experience by shadowing pediatric oncologists, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.
4. Leadership roles: Step up and take leadership roles in student organizations, volunteer groups, or research teams.
Medical School and Residency:
1. Medical School: Enroll in an accredited medical school to secure your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
2. Pediatrics Residency: Undertake a pediatrics residency program that spans 3-4 years.
3. Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship: Engage in a pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship program for another 3-4 years.
Certification and Licensure:
1. Medical Licensure: Acquire a medical license in your state.
2. Board Certification: Aim to get certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).