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Classes for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade for someone who wants to go into medicine?

I'm deciding my career path for the rest of high school and I want to go into medicine, preferably pediatrics, psych , or emergency med. What classes should I choose ?

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Natalie’s Answer

Most pre-med programs in college should set you up for the right prerequesite classes for medical school, but I can't stress how helpful it is for college to NOT be the first time you are exposed to many of these subjects. Medical school admissions are highly competitive, so you'll need to get top marks when you take the college class. So, I recommend getting exposure to these classes in High School. Major kudos to you for thinking ahead and planning for your best success. I recommend making sure you have exposure to Chemistry, Calculus and Physics. These are often the most competitive classes in college, where scoring an A is quite difficult. If you can get into AP Calc and AP Physics curriculum in Highs School, that should set you up quite well for the rigor and level of difficulty you will encounter in college.

You got this!!!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Siya !

When thinking about high school classes for the remainder of your high school years, it is always best to consult with your guidance counselor first because the guidance department knows just what classes are offered at your school and just what you need in order to obtain your high school diploma.

Since you want to become a doctor of some sort, I guess you already know that in high school, it would be interesting for you to take human sciences. But your subjects in high school do not relate to Medical School admissions or attendance. You should be taking classes in high school that your undergraduate University will require for admission for your Bachelors Degree. That means you will need to know which undergraduate university you'll be attending and read their admission requirements.

Taking human sciences in high school will give you a great foundation for the college version of those subjects. In undergraduate school, if you Major in one of the human sciences you will learn most of them while in college. In Medical School, you will learn how to become a doctor. There is no need to push yourself to limits in high school. University and Medical School will be challenging enough. It is good to get the knowledge and understanding of a subject in high school, but you should gauge your classes and take some fun classes too while you are in high school. You'll be at college soon enough.

Again, what you take in high school is connected to what the university expects for admissions to their college regardless of your future Major. This is why, when you pick a college for your Bachelors Degree, go to the Guidance Office and your counselor will tell you exactly which classes will be required for admission to that college and which classes are needed in high school.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
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David’s Answer

Isabel's answer above gives you good advice, "focus on science classes like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, these build a strong foundation for medicine." I would also suggest advanced mathematics (truly foundational) and computer science.
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Siya!

That’s an awesome career path—you’ve got some exciting options in mind! For someone interested in medicine, especially pediatrics, psychiatry, or emergency medicine, here are some classes to focus on for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade:

1. Science Classes:
- Biology (AP if available): This is a must, as it’s the foundation of medicine.
- Chemistry (AP or honors if you can): Super important, especially for understanding how the body works and for future pre-med courses.
- Physics: It’s required for most pre-med tracks, and it helps with problem-solving skills.
- Anatomy & Physiology (if offered): This is really helpful for getting a head start on understanding the human body.

2. Math Classes:
- Algebra & Geometry (if you haven’t done them yet)
- Pre-Calculus & Calculus: Many colleges require calculus, and it helps with analytical thinking.
- Statistics: Great for understanding data, which is important in fields like psychiatry and emergency medicine.

3. Social Sciences:
- Psychology (AP if available): Especially helpful if you’re leaning toward psychiatry.
- Sociology: Helps you understand how social factors affect health.

4. English & Communication:
- Strong writing and communication skills are key in medicine, so take advanced English classes if you can.

5. Health & Medical Electives:
- If your school offers health science, medical terminology, or EMT courses, go for it!

6. Extracurriculars:
- Volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, joining health-related clubs, or doing science fairs can really strengthen your future college applications.

You’ve got time to explore, so pick classes that challenge you but also keep you excited about learning. You’ve got this!

Best wishes!
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Isabel’s Answer

Hey Siya!
That’s an exciting path! For 10th-12th grade, focus on science classes like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, these build a strong foundation for medicine. Take Advanced Placement (AP) or honors versions if available. Math is key too, especially Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics. Consider Psychology if your school offers it, plus Health Science or Anatomy & Physiology. Strong communication is vital, so don’t skip English. Volunteer or join health-related clubs for hands-on experience. Stay curious, work hard, and believe in yourself—you’re building the future one class at a time! You’ve got this!
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Bright’s Answer

Hey there . This should help

To pursue a career in medicine, particularly pediatrics, psychiatry, or emergency medicine, focus on these subjects in high school:

### 10th Grade:
- **Biology** (Foundation for medical sciences)
- **Chemistry** (Essential for understanding medical concepts)
- **Physics** (Important for understanding medical equipment, diagnostics)
- **Mathematics** (For calculations and data analysis in medicine)

### 11th Grade:
- **Advanced Biology** (Study of human body systems)
- **Chemistry** (Organic and inorganic, essential for biochemistry)
- **Physics** (Continued study for medical applications)
- **Mathematics or Statistics** (Helps with data analysis in medical research)

### 12th Grade:
- **Advanced Biology** (Focus on human physiology and genetics)
- **Chemistry** (Organic chemistry is especially important for medicine)
- **Physics** (Critical for medical technology understanding)
- **Psychology** (Helpful for psychiatry and understanding human behavior)

### Additional Recommendations:
- **Health or Anatomy classes** (If available, focus on human health, first aid, etc.)
- **Volunteering/Internships** in healthcare settings (Great for experience)
- **AP/IB classes** (if offered, for college credit and more rigorous preparation)

This will prepare you for college pre-med programs and eventually medical school.
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Bright’s Answer

Hey there . This should help

Breaking into **AI governance** with your background in **Philosophy** and **Human Factors Engineering** is not only possible but also highly advantageous. Your interdisciplinary perspective is increasingly valuable in a field that requires balancing technical, ethical, and human-centered considerations. Here’s a more detailed roadmap to help you navigate this transition:

---

### 1. **Leverage Your Unique Background**
- **Human Factors Engineering**: Your expertise in understanding how humans interact with systems is critical for designing AI systems that are safe, ethical, and user-friendly. Highlight this in your applications and conversations.
- **Philosophy**: Your training in ethics, critical thinking, and reasoning is a strong foundation for addressing the moral and societal implications of AI. Use this to position yourself as someone who can bridge the gap between technical teams and policymakers.
- **AI Ethics Blog & Book**: These demonstrate your proactive engagement with the field. Use them as proof of your thought leadership and commitment to AI governance.

---

### 2. **Expand Your Knowledge**
- **Online Courses & Certifications**: Continue with the BlueDot Impact AI governance course and explore other resources like:
- **AI Safety Fundamentals** (by BlueDot Impact or EA Cambridge)
- **AI Ethics and Policy** (offered by institutions like Stanford or MIT OpenCourseWare)
- **Policy Analysis** (e.g., through Coursera or edX)
- **Technical Literacy**: While you don’t need to be a programmer, understanding the basics of AI/ML (e.g., through courses like Andrew Ng’s ML course) will help you communicate effectively with technical stakeholders.

---

### 3. **Network Strategically**
- **LinkedIn**: Connect with professionals in AI governance, ethics, and policy. Engage with their content and share your insights.
- **Conferences & Events**: Attend events like the **AI Governance Workshop**, **NeurIPS AI Ethics Sessions**, or **Effective Altruism Global**. These are great places to meet people and learn about opportunities.
- **Communities**: Join forums like the **AI Alignment Forum**, **Effective Altruism Forum**, or **AI Policy Exchange**. Participate in discussions and share your blog posts or ideas.

---

### 4. **Gain Practical Experience**
- **Internships & Fellowships**: Apply to programs at organizations like:
- **Future of Humanity Institute (FHI)**
- **Center for AI Safety (CAIS)**
- **Partnership on AI**
- **AI Now Institute**
- **OpenAI’s Policy Research Team**
- **Volunteer Work**: Offer to help with research or writing for AI governance initiatives. Many organizations are open to volunteers, especially in emerging fields.
- **Policy Research**: Use your paralegal training to explore roles in policy analysis or regulatory compliance related to AI.

---

### 5. **Build a Strong Portfolio**
- **Writing**: Publish articles, case studies, or white papers on AI governance topics. For example:
- Analyze existing AI policies or regulations.
- Propose frameworks for ethical AI deployment.
- Explore the intersection of human factors and AI governance.
- **Open-Source Contributions**: Contribute to projects like **AI Governance Research** or **AI Safety Support**.
- **Speaking Engagements**: Offer to speak at local meetups, webinars, or conferences to share your insights.

---

### 6. **Tailor Your Job Search**
- **Roles to Target**:
- **AI Policy Analyst**
- **AI Ethics Consultant**
- **AI Governance Researcher**
- **Regulatory Compliance Specialist (AI focus)**
- **Human Factors Specialist (AI systems)**
- **Industries to Explore**:
- Think tanks and research institutes
- Government agencies (e.g., OSTP, NIST)
- Tech companies with AI ethics teams (e.g., Google DeepMind, Microsoft, Anthropic)
- Nonprofits focused on AI safety and ethics

---

### 7. **Highlight Transferable Skills**
- **Critical Thinking**: Your philosophy background equips you to analyze complex ethical dilemmas.
- **Interdisciplinary Communication**: Your ability to translate between technical and non-technical stakeholders is a rare and valuable skill.
- **Project Management**: If you’ve managed projects in your paralegal or human factors work, emphasize this experience.

---

### 8. **Stay Persistent and Adaptable**
- AI governance is still an emerging field, so opportunities may not always be obvious. Be open to unconventional paths, such as starting in a related role (e.g., policy research or tech ethics) and transitioning into AI governance over time.
- Keep learning and adapting as the field evolves. Follow thought leaders, read research papers, and stay updated on AI policy developments.

---

### Example Career Path
1. **Short-Term (6-12 months)**:
- Complete your AI governance course and a technical AI/ML course.
- Publish 2-3 articles or case studies on AI governance topics.
- Secure an internship or volunteer role at an AI ethics or policy organization.

2. **Medium-Term (1-2 years)**:
- Build a portfolio of writing and projects.
- Network extensively and attend 2-3 conferences or workshops.
- Land a full-time role in AI policy, ethics, or governance.

3. **Long-Term (3-5 years)**:
- Establish yourself as a thought leader in AI governance.
- Potentially pursue a Master’s degree (if needed) to deepen your expertise or specialize further.

---

By combining your unique background, proactive learning, and strategic networking, you can carve out a meaningful career in AI governance without needing a Master’s degree. Your interdisciplinary perspective and passion for the field will be your greatest assets.
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Sneha’s Answer

Hi Siya! It's great that you're considering a career in medicine! To set a strong foundation, focus on science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics, as they are crucial for any medical field. Advanced math classes will also help develop your analytical skills. Also enrolling in health or psychology electives if available, as they can offer insights into pediatrics and emergency medicine. Remember to balance your academics with extracurricular activities, such as volunteering at healthcare facilities, to gain valuable experience. Good luck!
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Shannon’s Answer

Unpopular opinion coming!
First, I love that you are considering medicine. I LOVE being a physician.
Next, the answer to your question is, it depends on your goal.
Yes, taking the sciences exposes you to science. And you'll definitely need to take those courses in college.
But, when it comes time to apply to medical school, literally no one will be looking at what courses you took in high school, unless you end up applying to one of those 6-year combined BS/MD schools. I don't necessarily recommend those - I'm a BIG fan of living life and understanding life experience as an education.
You'll need a good GPA to get into college, and then the courses you take in college are important, and your GPA there is even more important.
What's my point? If you're an artist, take art classes. If you are a musician, nurture that talent. If you are a writer, or love reading, then take those classes. Please don't miss out on those opportunities. Some of hte best doctors and surgeons I have trained were professional pianists and college athletes. You have plenty of time ahead of you to decide on a career.

All that said, I DO recommend you do some volunteer work (or even paid positions) in the healthcare field, to get exposed to it and understand whether you like it as much as you think. These extracurriculars are very important for experience AND getting in to medical school.

Good luck!
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Dr’s Answer

Okay, so you want to go into medicine? First of all, high five for picking the path to become a real-life superhero! 💪

Now, onto the classes not like i am giving any classes but if i was I had be my own student 😅. Oh man not to say You’re gonna need a mix of brain-busting science, mind-blowing math, and a sprinkle of things to keep you sane during those late-night study sessions cause man they are killing (though not killing for me, I usually kill the late nights!!)

Remember if you are apssioante and love to do it you will do it, exhaustion, boredom will not get you Jo matter what.

1. Biology (10th Grade): You’ll want to learn how the body works. Imagine you’re the detective, and biology is your magnifying glass to unlock all the mysteries of human anatomy. Bonus: You'll get to say "I know all about cells!" and sound super smart. 🧬


2. Chemistry (11th Grade): Time to bond with molecules! Chemistry is like the recipe book of life—minus the cupcakes (unless you're making cupcakes for a science project, in which case, yes). Get comfy with the periodic table, because you’ll need it for everything from medicine to... well, maybe making a mad scientist potion one day. 💥


3. Physics (11th/12th Grade): Don’t panic, it’s not just about falling apples! You’ll need this to understand things like how your muscles move and why that patient’s heart is beating faster than you’d like. It's like learning the "rules" of the universe, but with a stethoscope.


4. Anatomy and Physiology (12th Grade): If you want to be a pediatrician or emergency med doc, this is your ultimate cheat code. You’ll learn about bones, muscles, organs—basically, everything that makes humans tick. You’ll be like "yep, that’s the liver" before anyone else even knows where the liver is. 🏃‍♀️


5. Psychology (11th/12th Grade): Since you’re into pediatrics and psych, understanding the brain is crucial. Plus, it's an easy way to impress people when you start talking about Freudian theory or how the brain loves dopamine. 😎


6. Math (Algebra/Calculus) (10th-12th Grade): As much as you really want to avoid math, trust me, you’ll need it. Medicine involves a lot of calculations (and not just figuring out how much sleep you can survive on). Trust me, math will help you later when you’re calculating dosages or interpreting medical stats. 📐


7. English/Composition (10th-12th Grade): You’ll need to write. A lot. And no, I'm not just talking about text messages. As a doctor, you’ll need to write patient notes, communicate with colleagues, and maybe even write a scientific paper one day. So, writing skills = important.


8. Health/Medical Terminology (12th Grade): If your school offers this, take it! You'll feel like a medical linguist, tossing around phrases like “hypotension” and “intravenous” like it’s no big deal. And the best part? You’ll know exactly what it means when someone says, “I need a tetanus shot.”

Also, don’t forget to join clubs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) to get your hands dirty with real-world med stuff and network with other future medical heroes. Its the one I hear slot about so take the opportunities you find kido.

Get ready to put on your lab coat, your stethoscope, and maybe even a cape (because why not? The first time my proffesor caught me with my cape he ended up asking why its white.)! You're on the road to saving lives, one class at a time. 🌟
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