My dream, since I was 7 years old was to become a surgeon in the United States. Me and family have emigrated to us 6 years ago, and that dream is closer then ever. Problem is, I am not great in chemistry. I have an A- in the class, but It is not a class that I enjoy the most(the least would be more accurate). I do like biology and physics though. I am prepared to not have a social life in college, and be on top of my class. I am very ambitious and motivated, and I wouldnt even mind working 80 hour weeks.
2007-01-08 10:04:31 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Certainly, you *can*. However:
First things first!
You need to complete a pre-med program in college and maintain a good gradepoint while doing the required coursework.
You need to take the MCAT and score well.
You need to be accepted by a medical school.
Then, after 3 years of a 4 year program, you can decide on which specialty you wish to train. If, at that point, you still want to be a neurosurgeon (unlikely, but possible), you must apply to programs offering residency training for 6-7 years to get certified.
At your stage, you must focus upon the next juncture: pre-med!
Here is what an excellent US medical college expects of its applicants:
http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/Osac/admissions/Apply/apply_reqs.htm
You should know that the specialties actually chosen by graduating medical students often are completely different from what they thought when entering med school. You learn a *lot* in med school, and getting actual in-hospital perpective of what various specialties actually *do* is critical to an informed decision.
Good luck.
.
2007-01-08 10:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lucky for you that surgery isn't a whole lot of chemistry. I didn't really "get" chemistry until I took medicinal chemistry. Then, all of a sudden, it all made sense. Organic chemistry, physiology, biochemistry and anatomy are the big ones you must do very well in.
You sound like a smart guy...you will do fine.
Oh, by the way, you better be prepared to work MORE than 80 hours a week. Neurosurgeons have the highest divorce rate in the medical profession...take a guess why.
2007-01-08 21:33:58 · answer #2 · answered by Dixie Dingo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting good grades is just the beginning. After you do well in college (at least a 3.5 GPA), you will need good scores on your MCAT (at least 30 total points). After getting accepted to a Medical Program that has Neurology as a specialty, you must be in the top 5% of your class to be considered for surgery. After you complete Medical School (approx. 4 years), then you must complete a rigorous 7-10 years of residency where you will need to be on top of your game, since one mistake can mean life and death. To be realistic, you are looking at being around 36 before you conduct your own surgeries. That is why I went another route and I am much happier, and will retire soon (I am only 33).
2007-01-08 20:33:22 · answer #3 · answered by Todd W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're worried about an A-, then I'm going to assume the rest of your classes are all As. Don't sweat it. Most schools will count an A-, an A, and A+ as 4 points on your GPA. (Could be 5 if you are in AP or Honors classes).
What you need to concerned about is getting into a good undergrad school that will lead you to a good grad school. Research which schools in your price range are best.
2007-01-08 18:14:20 · answer #4 · answered by Joe L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You got medical school to worry about buddy. The Board Exams should determine whether you can go the surgery route and then you can specialize in neurosurgery.
By the way, I made a few C's in college and I got accepted to medical school. So you are not in trouble. When you calculate the AMCAS the A- will be a 4.0 gpa. The AMCAS is a special GPA that medical schools look at...they don't look at what your school gives you as your GPA. Keep up the good grades!
2007-01-08 18:25:13 · answer #5 · answered by Jimmy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pursue ur dream.get a tutor and study chem like crazy.i had problems with chem in nursing school,but an A in everything else.yes,med shool chem is harder than nursing school chem,but the point im trying to make here is that,all other grades being high,u have the capacity to eventually improve in chem,as i did.if u had B averages,i might have said,maybe not,but since u enjoy and are talented in comparably difficult subjects like physics,then u will certainly approve with alittle bit of help and extra application! u sound like a dedicated and talented individual who loves medicine,and i think u will do wonderfully!!!! best of luck and congratulations,its a fascinating and exciting career !!!!!
2007-01-08 18:17:09 · answer #6 · answered by Lyn K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like you have the desire and drive to be a neurosurgeon. An A- is a passing grade, but if it bothers you, I'm sure you can change that if you put your mind to it. Best of luck to you future Dr. Maciek!
2007-01-08 18:20:05 · answer #7 · answered by margarita 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do need to get good grades in your science classes in college to get into medical school. I don't think you have to love chemistry to enjoy being a doctor. Good luck.
2007-01-08 18:14:00 · answer #8 · answered by TaDa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that if you have an A- in a class you dislike and you have the desire you will become a neurosurgeon, good luck.
2007-01-08 18:08:38 · answer #9 · answered by notaxpert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be a neurosurgeon -- depending on what you do in college. Good luck. Good thing you're not planning on being an anesthesiologist.
2007-01-08 18:07:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋