What does learning physics have to do with learning medicine or becoming a doctor??

Question

I don't understand why I have to take physics in order to study medicine later on!!

How is physics involved with medicine?

Answer 1

I use physics in understanding partial pressures of gases, flow through tubes (bronchi and arteries, for example), and concepts related to blood pressure and resistance.

Other specialties use physics a lot more - orthopedics, ophthalmology and radiology come to mind.

I hated physics, too, but you need it. Sorry.

Answer 2

I am in medical school, and I will be honest with you. The only thing I have used in physics has been vectors, and that was back in anatomy. We had to be able to add vectors to understand the movement of muscles etc... very easy. There is one field in medicine that relies heavily on physics though, radiology. It is all about magnets and magnetic fields. IN the end, physics is just another hoop to jump through in the annoying medical school application process. Don't blow it off though, you will need it for the MCAT. Good luck.

Answer 3

Once again, Pangolin steals my thunder. But she is absolutely correct.

Physics is also important in Forensic Medicine, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine, and even in the child abuse clinic. How could that femur break from a fall off the sofa?