I want to become a Surgical oncologist?

Question

ever since i was a kid i wanted to be a doctor. Im 15 now and i still want to be a doctor my mother passed-away 8 months ago from breast cancer and now i know thta i want to become a Doctor that removes the cancer. What grades do i need? and what schooling?

Also im to scared to tell my guidance consellor that i want to become that because this yaer since my mom passed-away i got low grades, because i was distracted and now i would be to embarrased to ask for help thye would just say im not smart enough. And i'm not telling my dad because he already told me im not smart enough.

Answer 1

Try very hard to improve your grades, good grades will help you get into a good school, but as others have said, schools take into consideration, circumstances. You will certainly want o be strong i science and math, especially Biology and Chemistry. Before you choose a college, make sure it has a reputable pre med program. Med school are extremely competetive, you will need good grades in college and/or someone with a lot of clout to get you in. If you want something bad enough you will succeed, but in the event you don't, there are always options. I work for a company that builds medical devices. I work in Oncology R&D and we are part of the battle against cancer as well. In fact, everything I have worked on there has been used on me on at least one occassion over the last 6 years as I am fighting late stage RCC.

Oh, I almost forgot. There are other types of doctors that fight cancer also, not just Surgical Oncologists. In fact, there is a growing trend toward Interventional Radiologists who use less invasive methods to treat people. If you like, Email me and I can fill you in some, but make the Subject line interesting enough so I don't delete it as Spam.

Answer 2

Don't be scared to tell the guidance counsellor! If anything, he/she's the one who can give you a good idea of what you can work on to achieve your goal.

It does take lots of hard work and good grades to make it to medical school. If you're a woman, it's a little harder (most schools deny being sexist, but the reality usually turns out that way). You sound like you have the determination - now find the guts!

Make sure you take biology and chemistry as early as you can. I'm not familiar with what school system you're in, but obviously your grades have to get you into university. Also, be prepared for the long, long journey from the time you start medical school to the time you actually become a specialist - it can take up to 10 years. But knowing exactly what you want definitely helps you. Don't worry too much now about what you should or shouldn't do - you'll figure out as each stage comes.

If your own father tells you you're not smart enough, he's an unsupportive nincumpoop. YOU decide if you're smart enough. Work hard and, even if you don't make it to being a surgeon, you'd have tried your best, and by that point, you would have discovered so many other potential jobs in the medical field where you can do as much good. You can go into research, nursing, pharmacology, counselling, social work, pharmacy, etc.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to hear about your mother.
It is very wonderful to hear you now have a career goal in mind. Let me warn you, though, the career you've chosen is extremely tough. Not impossible, but very difficult to attain. You DO have to get high grades, you DO have to take many tests and go through years and years (and years) of training. Plus med school is not cheap. Do you feel you are up for it?
It's never too early to start locating a mentor. If you can, volunteer at the hospital and ask if you can shadow a physician and observe what (s)he does on a daily routine. Ask your family doctor (obviously, cuz (s)he went through med school).
There are many, many alternate careers that still keep you in touch with oncology (the study of cancer) . As one person has already mentioned, you can be a scientific researcher; you can be a nurse or NP; you can be a counselor; you can be a science writer. Those are just a few options. Good luck!

Answer 4

If you have a passion for medicine and curing illness then you are already half way there.
I hate university cut off marks, pre-requisite subjects etc etc. so many people would make fantastic doctors/nurses/dentists but dont push themselves because they automatically think "im not smart enough".
Define the word smart for me? is it being able to get A+ marks on every subject?but not be able to communicate with people
Is it just making it through school with a C but your able to get along with everyone, hold a conversation, and have a passion for helping people?
I think you should just go for it, study hard, and be positive. You may not make it but at least you can look back and think, i gave that my best shot, nothing stopped me.
Life is full of choices, people who tell you "your not smart enough" know jack all! they are the type of people who have done nothing in life and haven't made a positive contribution to society.

Good Luck, i have faith in you.
Just remember if you dont make it, its not the end of the world. Have a plan B ready.

Answer 5

You would need to get a BS in Chem or Biology.

You seem smart enough to me to do it. You can spell and type well for a 15 year old. You will need to learn lots of MATH too. Get some books on math if you are serious about it. Go for a B average at least too and practice the SATS. Better scores and grades, more options later. The dummies math books are good.

Answer 6

go for it!! don't listen to other people. it's natural that your grades would fall because you went through a tough time. if you want it bad enough you'll be willing to work for it. med school requires very high grades and you'll have to get a bachelor's degree before you can be admitted. also consider volunteering in a hiospital to get an idea of what it's like to be a doctor. hope this helps.

Answer 7

First you're able to take premedical coursework - see first link under. then you definately could pass to scientific college. then you definately could do a surgical operation residency. then you definately could do a surgical oncology fellowship. See 2d link. i might advise talking to Dr. Grobner at CSU Stanislaus for suggestion on making plans your training. See first link.

Answer 8

I'm sorry about your mom. Don't give up your drems to become a doctor because I know you can do it. Pray to your mom and try to bring up those grades. Study hard to work your way up to the top. Good luck.