4 answers
Karina
Student
2
Questions
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What should I study in college if I want to become a pediatrician?
12th grade, first generation, medicine, college
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4 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
727
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Karina,
There is no specific undergrad degree that is required, but you need to cover the pre-requisite courses for medical school. Many students choose a major in the bio/chem/health field, i.e. biology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry or health sciences which cover all or many of the required courses.
As an aspiring pediatrician, childhood development or psychology would be excellent foundations for your career, but you would need to take additional science classes to cover the pre-requisites for med school.
Historically, students with a sciency undergraduate degree don't fare better in the MCAT than those in non-sciency majors. But it certainly requires extra effort (and time) to be well prepared.
Check out the entry requirements for some medical schools you would consider and compare with the curricula of undergraduate programs.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
There is no specific undergrad degree that is required, but you need to cover the pre-requisite courses for medical school. Many students choose a major in the bio/chem/health field, i.e. biology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry or health sciences which cover all or many of the required courses.
As an aspiring pediatrician, childhood development or psychology would be excellent foundations for your career, but you would need to take additional science classes to cover the pre-requisites for med school.
Historically, students with a sciency undergraduate degree don't fare better in the MCAT than those in non-sciency majors. But it certainly requires extra effort (and time) to be well prepared.
Check out the entry requirements for some medical schools you would consider and compare with the curricula of undergraduate programs.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Jane Doe
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi, Karina! While there isn’t a single required major to pursue medical school, many students find that studying biology, chemistry, or health sciences helps cover the prerequisite courses you’ll need. That said, it’s also possible to choose other majors—including psychology or non-science fields—as long as you complete the necessary pre-medical coursework.
As a first-generation student, it could be especially helpful to connect with a pre-health or pre-med advisor at your college. They can offer guidance on course planning, preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and finding volunteer or internship opportunities in healthcare settings. Gaining experience working with children or shadowing doctors can provide valuable insights and strengthen your medical school applications. Some colleges also offer mentor programs specifically designed to support first-generation students, which may be a great resource.
Since becoming a pediatrician involves completing medical school followed by a pediatric residency, building a strong academic foundation and seeking support early on can make this process more manageable. Additionally, pursuing minors or complementary studies might help broaden your knowledge and skills in relevant areas.
All in all, staying curious and proactive will help you navigate this journey successfully. Best of luck!
As a first-generation student, it could be especially helpful to connect with a pre-health or pre-med advisor at your college. They can offer guidance on course planning, preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and finding volunteer or internship opportunities in healthcare settings. Gaining experience working with children or shadowing doctors can provide valuable insights and strengthen your medical school applications. Some colleges also offer mentor programs specifically designed to support first-generation students, which may be a great resource.
Since becoming a pediatrician involves completing medical school followed by a pediatric residency, building a strong academic foundation and seeking support early on can make this process more manageable. Additionally, pursuing minors or complementary studies might help broaden your knowledge and skills in relevant areas.
All in all, staying curious and proactive will help you navigate this journey successfully. Best of luck!
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
31
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Karina,
My understanding is that most medical schools have a competitive approach to specialization, and "Pediatric Care" is a specialization.
Going out on a limb, learn how to study first. The ability to sustain an incredibly diverse and complex learning path for more than ten (10) years is much easier if you get good habits and processes working before being faced with the demands of college, med-school, residency rotations, and the like. You will need to be AHEAD of everything, or you will be unable to Catch-up. Recovery is not an option - do not fall behind. Learn how you learn best in all situations, and know your limitations intellectually so you can apply strategies to mitigate the impact. Learn how to memorize effectively, either by route (ugh!) or through team participation (yay!).
From a true subject set, Organic Chemistry is typically the largest barrier to undergraduate success. Start early in high school with AP introductions to understand the in-organic and organic relationships. after all, our bodies are nothing more than a loose bag of chemicals (water is simply a chemical!) operating as a complex interdependent machine without sentience; the loss of sentience doesn't kill us.
In reality, pre-med programs offer little "choice" in the course of study - you will take what they give you. If you want to get to Med School, pre-med programs are really the primary channel.
Finally - Don't commit to a specialty until you get near or into residency. You never know what you might learn in those years, even if today's dream is Pediatrics. Focus on "Doctor" first or you may miss your true calling. Keeping good grades is what makes all the difference when specialization selection arrives (what? You thought it was all YOUR choice?). If you have the passion and talent (and the money...), that dream may be yours.
Good Luck,
Tony
My understanding is that most medical schools have a competitive approach to specialization, and "Pediatric Care" is a specialization.
Going out on a limb, learn how to study first. The ability to sustain an incredibly diverse and complex learning path for more than ten (10) years is much easier if you get good habits and processes working before being faced with the demands of college, med-school, residency rotations, and the like. You will need to be AHEAD of everything, or you will be unable to Catch-up. Recovery is not an option - do not fall behind. Learn how you learn best in all situations, and know your limitations intellectually so you can apply strategies to mitigate the impact. Learn how to memorize effectively, either by route (ugh!) or through team participation (yay!).
From a true subject set, Organic Chemistry is typically the largest barrier to undergraduate success. Start early in high school with AP introductions to understand the in-organic and organic relationships. after all, our bodies are nothing more than a loose bag of chemicals (water is simply a chemical!) operating as a complex interdependent machine without sentience; the loss of sentience doesn't kill us.
In reality, pre-med programs offer little "choice" in the course of study - you will take what they give you. If you want to get to Med School, pre-med programs are really the primary channel.
Finally - Don't commit to a specialty until you get near or into residency. You never know what you might learn in those years, even if today's dream is Pediatrics. Focus on "Doctor" first or you may miss your true calling. Keeping good grades is what makes all the difference when specialization selection arrives (what? You thought it was all YOUR choice?). If you have the passion and talent (and the money...), that dream may be yours.
Good Luck,
Tony
Tiarra Hill
Teacher
44
Answers
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Updated
Tiarra’s Answer
Good morning Karina! There are multiple majors you can study: biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, public health. There are some more choices, which could help narrow down your search based on what you specifically want to do. Other choices: psychology for mental health and health sciences for a broader selection.
Also, I was a first-generation and had the same questions as you. Reach out to some local or nearby colleges even if you’re thinking of going away for college. Look on some college website directories or maybe a simple google for a recruiter or advisor at a college to get more the specifics of what their programs offer and what type of classes those programs may offer to see if they align with your interests or help you further shape what it is you want to study. Remember, there may be local or state scholarships or grants, which would be very beneficial during your undergraduate years, allowing you to save for other expenses and graduate school. Try to hone in on exactly what kind of medical doctor you want to be.
You got this Doctor! You're on the right track!
Also, I was a first-generation and had the same questions as you. Reach out to some local or nearby colleges even if you’re thinking of going away for college. Look on some college website directories or maybe a simple google for a recruiter or advisor at a college to get more the specifics of what their programs offer and what type of classes those programs may offer to see if they align with your interests or help you further shape what it is you want to study. Remember, there may be local or state scholarships or grants, which would be very beneficial during your undergraduate years, allowing you to save for other expenses and graduate school. Try to hone in on exactly what kind of medical doctor you want to be.
You got this Doctor! You're on the right track!