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Would there be any benefit in a philosophy minor as a pre-med?

As a high school student wanting to pursue medicine but also having a love for humanities, particularly an interest in philosophy. i have considered doing a minor but with the demands of being a pre-med student I do not know if this would be the right decision as it could be a "waste of time".

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Dr’s Answer

Hey there! Love that you’re thinking about a philosophy minor—it’s not just deep thoughts and existential crises; it’s actually super useful in medicine!

Albert and Marcos made solid points: a philosophy minor can boost your med school app and make you a better doctor. Why? Because medicine isn’t just science; it’s people, ethics, and tough decisions. A philosophy background helps you think critically, communicate better, and handle those tricky "should we or shouldn’t we?" medical moments.

Now, should you do it? That depends. Pre-med is already a beast, and organic chemistry doesn’t care about your love for Aristotle. If you can handle the extra load without tanking your GPA, go for it! If not, you can still get the benefits—take a few electives, read on your own, or join a bioethics club. Heck, even debating random moral dilemmas with friends counts.

My biggest advice to you is.... Follow what excites you, but keep an eye on the workload. Passion makes you stand out, but burnout makes you sit out. Keep it balanced, and you’ll be golden! 🤗

Dr recommends the following next steps:

Now, if you’re leaning toward adding philosophy but worried about the workload, here’s a way to test the waters without overcommitting: Start with one philosophy class—something like ethics, bioethics, or logic. These directly connect to medicine and will give you a taste of how it fits into your schedule. If you love it and can handle it, go for the minor! If it’s too much, no stress—you still gained valuable insight without the extra credits. Or you cna eve join a philosophy or bioethics club, or even start one if your school doesn’t have one. Talking about deep topics with others keeps your brain sharp without the pressure of exams. And if you really love it, you can even integrate it into your med school personal statement. Bottom line—test, don’t stress! You can have the best of both worlds without overloading yourself.
Another fun way to dive into philosophy without committing to a minor—start a reading or discussion group! Pick a book like When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (a neurosurgeon reflecting on life and death) or Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (on the philosophy of aging and healthcare). You can meet with friends, classmates, or even professors to discuss big ideas that connect philosophy and medicine. This keeps your interest alive, gives you something unique to mention in med school applications, and helps you develop critical thinking—without the stress of grades. Plus, it makes you stand out as someone who thinks beyond just science. Soo Yea, You don’t have to choose between passion and practicality—you can mix them in a way that works for you!
Also here is a little thing I do wanna tell you and final one: Why not apply philosophy directly to patient care by getting hands-on experience? 😏 Look for volunteer opportunities in hospice care, crisis hotlines, or patient advocacy programs. These roles put you in real-life situations where ethical dilemmas, empathy, and human nature—core philosophical topics—play out daily. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how people think, suffer, and find meaning, which will make you a more compassionate and insightful future doctor. Plus, med schools love applicants who can demonstrate emotional intelligence and ethical reasoning in action. Trust me, It's like philosophy class, but with real stakes—and real impact! Guess you aren't the only one who thought of this, some students have carried it out but remember it comes with its own stakes! 🤗
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Gena
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! M.
Thank you comment icon Dr H brilliantly highlights the practical value of philosophy in medicine, making a compelling case for its role in ethical reasoning and patient communication. His advice to test the waters with a single class before committing is both pragmatic and reassuring—precisely the sort of level-headed approach needed for a rigorous pre-med path. Uran James
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your support! God puts the right people in the right places, and this community is proof of that! It’s like we’re all part of a divine group project—except, for once, everyone actually does their part… and does it amazingly! Dr H
Thank you comment icon I'm so happy to hear that you're excited to put this advice into action, M! You've got this—taking that first step is huge, and I believe in your ability to make amazing things happen. And You too G grateful for your comment dear, Keep that positive energy going, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need more support along the way. The journey ahead is full of possibilities! 🌟 Dr H
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Marcos A.’s Answer

I personally and professionally see anyone pursuing a minor in philosophy or psychology can significantly enhance their medical school application or their candidacy for any allied health profession they might be considering. These fields of study provide anyone with a broader perspective on the world, helping them develop a more balanced and comprehensive outlook on life. Such a well-rounded worldview is incredibly valuable in the healthcare field, where understanding diverse perspectives and human behavior is imperative and can improve patient care and communication. By integrating these disciplines into your education, you'll not only strengthen your application but also enrich your personal and professional development, preparing anyone for a rewarding career in medicine or allied health as well.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Gena
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. M.
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Albert’s Answer

The pre-med curriculum is kind of demanding, in particular I remember organic chemistry as "sink or swim". Having said that, if you feel you can handle it, I think having a philosophy or a psychology minor will enhance your application to medical school. In medicine we deal with people of all types and having a more worldly view can be helpful in that regard.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Gena
Thank you comment icon Albert Giannone, M.D., gave the best advice: if you can handle the workload, a philosophy minor will enhance your med school application and help you understand people better—an essential skill in medicine. Nothing to add. Good luck. Mr. Trish
Thank you comment icon Albert Giannone, M.D., offers a concise yet profound take, rightly pointing out that a broader perspective is invaluable in medicine. His mention of organic chemistry as "sink or swim" is a reality check, but his endorsement of philosophy as an asset to medical school applications reinforces its worth. Uran James
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Uran’s Answer

Absolutely splendid insights from Dr H and Albert Giannone, M.D.!

Final suggestion? If the workload permits, a minor could be a fantastic addition, but if it proves too much, taking a few well-chosen electives or engaging in philosophical discussions will still sharpen critical thinking and ethical reasoning—skills indispensable in medicine. The key is balance: intellectual enrichment without compromising academic performance. Bravo to both mentors for their sound advice!
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