What are the required pre-med classes to eventually become a doctor?

Hey everyone, as an aspiring doctor, I know that I'll need to follow a pre-med track in college, but I'm kinda lost about what that actually involves. What classes should I be taking in college to prepare myself for med school, and are there any specific high school classes that might help me get a head start? Thanks a lot!

In general, there is a set of core courses that nearly all medical schools require. The specific course numbers and names can vary by school, but they typically include:

- Biology, usually about a year with lab

- Chemistry, often including both general and organic chemistry with lab

- Biochemistry, one semester or quarter, sometimes with lab

- Physics, a year typically with lab

- Mathematics, usually a semester of calculus and/or statistics

- English or other writing-intensive courses, typically a year

These courses will prepare you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and provide a strong foundation for your medical education.

In recent years, many medical schools have also started to recognize the importance of a broad liberal arts education in developing well-rounded physicians. So, they might also recommend (but usually do not require) coursework in areas such as:

- Social and Behavioral Sciences (psychology, sociology)

- Humanities (literature, philosophy, ethics, foreign languages, etc.)

- Advanced biology courses (genetics, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, etc.)

Now as for high school, there's really no 'pre-med' track per se, but certain classes could be beneficial. Taking AP classes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics can provide you with a strong foundation in these subjects, but keep in mind they won't exempt you from taking these classes in college, as medical schools will want to see that you've taken them at the university level.

Additionally, 4 years of English in high school with a strong emphasis on writing will be helpful, as being able to clearly and efficiently communicate complex information is a crucial skill for doctors.

Keep in mind that pre-med is more of an intention than a strict curriculum path. You could major in English or History and still be on a pre-med track as long as you fulfill the medical school prerequisites.

Indeed, majoring in something unrelated to the sciences can sometimes help you stand out in the highly competitive med school admissions process, and give you a more interdisciplinary perspective on medicine. Just make sure you can stay organized, and are open to potentially taking some summer classes at some point to get everything done and graduate on time.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for medicine while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of medical internships and summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/. Participating in one could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!

Good luck in your pursuit of the noble profession of being a doctor!