If I want to end up being an anestesiologist or cardiologist, what would be a good college undergrad major?

Answer 1

Take it from someone who is in med school right now. The BEST undergrad major is the one you are most interested in. Everybody likes to say science majors, and someone went so far as to say chemistry "because you take a lot of chemistry in med school." Not real sure where they got their info, but beyond biochemistry in the first semester, there are no more chemistry classes.
Why the major you are most interested in? Because you will perform better and you will enjoy your college life more. Even if the field you are most interested in is biology, by all means do that, but DO NOT do it because you think it will help you get into med school because it wont.
I majored in Industrial Engineering (just about as far from science as I could get), took all my pre-med requirements, and was accepted into med school just like all the science majors. I was the only IE to apply to my school ever, so I received many questions in my interview on how I ended up in IE with aspirations for med school. And I had original answers for every question. My interview was a breeze because they were interested in how I had gotten where I was. The same cannot be said for science majors. What is interesting about another biology student? The main problem with science majors is that students get really diluted. You have to go above and beyond to stand out in the crowd because everyone is the same. Everybody has a 3.8-4.0 and has research and joined the science and premed club, so there is nothing to compare when everyone is the same.
And to conclude, the extra biology or chemistry classes you take in getting a biology or chemistry degree dont help you at all once you get to med school. Everyone starts with a clean slate, and med school does that for the same reason they administer multiple choice tests. To make everyone start from scratch and learn the way and the info doctors need, not the way and the info biologists and chemists need. I had PhD and Masters students of biochem and microbiology struggling in biochem and microbiology last semester. So in other words, do as well as you can in your chosen major and then forget it all when you get to med school because it will be worthless. good luck.

Edit: And forget about doing an MD/PhD unless you dont really want to be a doctor anytime soon or have no other way of getting into school...

Answer 2

You will need a degree in Science, a BS this is your pre-med. you will need to go to medical school. there are two different routes that you can follow in Medical school. You can attain your M.D. or you can attain your M.D. PHD. I would recommend the later for your chosen field (s). After medical school you will need to do a internship and a residency. I will add that you may feel like one of those that you have listed is where you want to be but many people change their minds in about the third year of Medical School.

A very common saying in Medical School is; What is the best Medical School? The professor will answer them by saying the one that accepts you. Good Luck

Edit note; As some of the others have stated you don't need a degree in Science, but you will find out that it sure helps and by far and large the majority of other students, like 90% do have a degree in science.

Edit note; you might say, been there, done that, got the tee shirt.

Answer 3

Something related to the biological sciences.Courses like basic anatomy,physiology.A basic study of chemistry and then a lower division course in biochemistry would be helpful too.Have you had an interest in animals and other living creatures since you were a childf you need some help make an appointment with an adviser and she or he can help you define what specific degree you should have before you enter medical school.Good luck.

Answer 4

Sadly, biology or chemistry or bio chem would make the ideal major. Just make sure your minor gives you good balance, history, psych, basket weaving, to show you are versatile. that helps you get in to med school, same as a diverse course load helps you get into undergrad.

Answer 5

You have to go to med school. It doesn't matter what you study in undergrad as long as you take the core sciences classes to get into med school.

Answer 6

Chemistry-you end up taking lots once you get to med school

Some schools offer Pre-Med or Pre-Professional Zoology majors that are appropriate as well


You can go to medical school with any major, though.

Answer 7

Biochemistry. Or any biological/chemical science. But I think medical schools really welcome people who have excelled at any major. However, your life will be easier with a solid science foundation.

Answer 8

cardiopulmonary sciences, medical sciences, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry.

Answer 9

biochemistry or molecular biology.