7 answers
Sarah
Student
Peachtree City, Georgia
5
Questions
Asked
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Hi I'm planing to become a Emergency medicine physician but I have no idea were to start. What classes should I take? What ap's should I take? Also do I go into the surgery rooms and see the surgery to?
I'm a sophomore who want to become a Emergency medicine physician.
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7 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sarah !
Since you are in High School, where you "start" is where you're at.
You can begin doing volunteer work at your local Department of Health so that you can become familiar with various illnesses and health issues that people have. If you want to take AP classes while in High School, choose the life sciences like Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry. You should always talk this over with your High School Guidance Counselor who already knows you and has your record to refer to. In High School, your classes should be heavy on life sciences so that you would be prepared for college when you go for your Bachelors Degree.
If you do not know what subjects connect with becoming a doctor, start learning more about the work that doctors do. You can do a search online to learn more about the career. Also keep in mind that there is no standard answer to what classes you should take. Once you know the University you will attend, you can look up what would be required from high school. When you are doing your Bachelors Degree and know which Medical School you will apply to, read what courses from college the particular Medical School requires. Until you know what Medical School, it's too soon for anyone to say what that Medical School would require specifically. Take this step by step and focus on high school right now. Once you know the University, you would know what they require. All colleges and medical schools are different, but you'd be safe by taking a lot of life sciences in high school. Some require foreign language or other classes, so you'd have to know what University you intend to go to.
There are some times when emergency room doctors do have to perform surgery, but if it's complicated, the patient is sent to the hospital for surgery. It's going to depend and this you will learn during Medical School and more when you do your residency in Medical School. Some hospitals' protocol may be that you check on the surgery and some hospitals may just require a consultation for results. This is way too far advance for you to know that far in the future and not knowing what hospital you'd work at. During your medical training, you would get only a little training in surgery but as time goes on you can obtain more experience with surgery so that you can do certain surgeries. This will all be explained to you by your Medical School and what is traditional for them to do. Simple incisions are considered surgery.
Keep in mind that nothing about being a medical doctor can be generalized. The hospitals as well as the corporations that oversee the doctors make the guidelines and hospitals have to follow strict American Medical Association rules.
I hope this provides some insight and I wish you all the best. Remember, live in the moment and take steps for this career one step at a time !
Since you are in High School, where you "start" is where you're at.
You can begin doing volunteer work at your local Department of Health so that you can become familiar with various illnesses and health issues that people have. If you want to take AP classes while in High School, choose the life sciences like Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry. You should always talk this over with your High School Guidance Counselor who already knows you and has your record to refer to. In High School, your classes should be heavy on life sciences so that you would be prepared for college when you go for your Bachelors Degree.
If you do not know what subjects connect with becoming a doctor, start learning more about the work that doctors do. You can do a search online to learn more about the career. Also keep in mind that there is no standard answer to what classes you should take. Once you know the University you will attend, you can look up what would be required from high school. When you are doing your Bachelors Degree and know which Medical School you will apply to, read what courses from college the particular Medical School requires. Until you know what Medical School, it's too soon for anyone to say what that Medical School would require specifically. Take this step by step and focus on high school right now. Once you know the University, you would know what they require. All colleges and medical schools are different, but you'd be safe by taking a lot of life sciences in high school. Some require foreign language or other classes, so you'd have to know what University you intend to go to.
There are some times when emergency room doctors do have to perform surgery, but if it's complicated, the patient is sent to the hospital for surgery. It's going to depend and this you will learn during Medical School and more when you do your residency in Medical School. Some hospitals' protocol may be that you check on the surgery and some hospitals may just require a consultation for results. This is way too far advance for you to know that far in the future and not knowing what hospital you'd work at. During your medical training, you would get only a little training in surgery but as time goes on you can obtain more experience with surgery so that you can do certain surgeries. This will all be explained to you by your Medical School and what is traditional for them to do. Simple incisions are considered surgery.
Keep in mind that nothing about being a medical doctor can be generalized. The hospitals as well as the corporations that oversee the doctors make the guidelines and hospitals have to follow strict American Medical Association rules.
I hope this provides some insight and I wish you all the best. Remember, live in the moment and take steps for this career one step at a time !
Adeola Raji
Academic Research/Consultation
11
Answers
Ede, Osun, Nigeria
Updated
Adeola’s Answer
Hi, that’s amazing that you already know you want to be an emergency medicine physician—you’re way ahead by thinking about this as a sophomore! The best thing you can do right now is build a strong foundation in science and math. Classes like biology and chemistry are especially important, and if your school offers AP Bio, AP Chem, or later AP Physics, those will help you prepare for the tougher courses in college. Don’t stress if you can’t take every AP what matters most is doing your best and showing you can handle challenging classes.
You won’t be able to scrub into surgeries yet, but there are other ways to start getting experience. Look into volunteering at a hospital, joining health-related clubs at school, or even shadowing doctors if opportunities come up. Once you’re old enough, training as an EMT is an awesome way to see real emergency medicine up close.
Here’s the big picture path:
High school: Focus on strong grades, science classes, and extracurriculars.
College: Any major works, but you’ll need to complete pre-med courses (bio, chem, physics, math).
Medical school (4 years): You’ll take advanced science, learn clinical skills, and rotate in different specialties.
Residency in emergency medicine (3–4 years): This is where you get hands-on training in the ER.
It’s a long road, but many people start exactly where you are now—curious, motivated, and ready to learn. Keep your grades up, explore healthcare opportunities where you can, and don’t forget to also enjoy high school along the way. The fact that you’re planning this early is already a huge step in the right direction!. Goodluck
You won’t be able to scrub into surgeries yet, but there are other ways to start getting experience. Look into volunteering at a hospital, joining health-related clubs at school, or even shadowing doctors if opportunities come up. Once you’re old enough, training as an EMT is an awesome way to see real emergency medicine up close.
Here’s the big picture path:
High school: Focus on strong grades, science classes, and extracurriculars.
College: Any major works, but you’ll need to complete pre-med courses (bio, chem, physics, math).
Medical school (4 years): You’ll take advanced science, learn clinical skills, and rotate in different specialties.
Residency in emergency medicine (3–4 years): This is where you get hands-on training in the ER.
It’s a long road, but many people start exactly where you are now—curious, motivated, and ready to learn. Keep your grades up, explore healthcare opportunities where you can, and don’t forget to also enjoy high school along the way. The fact that you’re planning this early is already a huge step in the right direction!. Goodluck
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
103
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hi Sarah,
You've already got the steps to become an ER doctor. Here's another tip: think about getting your EMT certification and working towards becoming a paramedic. In Georgia, you need to be 18 to get your EMT certification, and then you can aim to become a paramedic. Being a paramedic gives you great hands-on experience and a solid base in patient care, which is helpful for your medical career.
If you haven't taken a CPR or First Aid class yet, you can do that now. These classes teach basic healthcare skills, like performing CPR or stopping bleeding, which can save lives in emergencies. This experience will give you a glimpse into the fast-paced world of ER work and is a good start while you're still in high school.
Good luck with your goal!
You've already got the steps to become an ER doctor. Here's another tip: think about getting your EMT certification and working towards becoming a paramedic. In Georgia, you need to be 18 to get your EMT certification, and then you can aim to become a paramedic. Being a paramedic gives you great hands-on experience and a solid base in patient care, which is helpful for your medical career.
If you haven't taken a CPR or First Aid class yet, you can do that now. These classes teach basic healthcare skills, like performing CPR or stopping bleeding, which can save lives in emergencies. This experience will give you a glimpse into the fast-paced world of ER work and is a good start while you're still in high school.
Good luck with your goal!
Caleb Harrison
Physician - Family and Hospital Medicine
1
Answer
Clinton, Indiana
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hi I'm planing to become a Emergency medicine physician but I have no idea were to start. What classes should I take? What ap's should I take? Also do I go into the surgery rooms and see the surgery to?
Hi! If you're a sophomore in high school and hoping to go into emergency medicine, here are some things you can consider.
1. Classes to take - The most helpful high school class that I took was Anatomy and Physiology. In your first year of medical school, you take Anatomy and Physiology. In medical school, this class can be challenging due to the vast breadth of information you need to learn. Having some preparation for this with a high school or college Anatomy and Physiology class will allow you to focus on the detailed stuff in medical school, rather than having to learn both the broad concepts and the detailed stuff.
2. AP classes to take - AP Biology and AP Chemistry would be a good idea. AP Biology sets up a lot of foundational concepts in biology that you will use all the way through medical school. AP Chemistry would also be helpful, as pre-medicine programs in college tend to require several chemistry classes (general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, etc.)
3. As an ER doctor, you do not go into surgeries. ER doctors do several procedures, which can be be very similar to minor surgeries. But typically these are done with local anesthesias (i.e. with a numbing shot rather than being put to sleep).
Hope this helps!
Hi! If you're a sophomore in high school and hoping to go into emergency medicine, here are some things you can consider.
1. Classes to take - The most helpful high school class that I took was Anatomy and Physiology. In your first year of medical school, you take Anatomy and Physiology. In medical school, this class can be challenging due to the vast breadth of information you need to learn. Having some preparation for this with a high school or college Anatomy and Physiology class will allow you to focus on the detailed stuff in medical school, rather than having to learn both the broad concepts and the detailed stuff.
2. AP classes to take - AP Biology and AP Chemistry would be a good idea. AP Biology sets up a lot of foundational concepts in biology that you will use all the way through medical school. AP Chemistry would also be helpful, as pre-medicine programs in college tend to require several chemistry classes (general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, etc.)
3. As an ER doctor, you do not go into surgeries. ER doctors do several procedures, which can be be very similar to minor surgeries. But typically these are done with local anesthesias (i.e. with a numbing shot rather than being put to sleep).
Hope this helps!
Joe L.
Program Manager
120
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
It's certainly a needed career in society but be prepared for stress levels much higher than normal for other medical profession jobs.
Here's a possible roadmap
Undergraduate Education (4 years)
Major: Most EM doctors major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, or health sciences, but you can major in anything as long as you complete the pre-med prerequisites (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, math, English, and often biochemistry + psychology/sociology).
Academics: Aim for a GPA of 3.5+ to stay competitive for medical school.
MCAT: Take the Medical College Admission Test (usually junior year). Strong scores (510+) help with med school admissions.
Activities:
Volunteer in hospitals, shadow physicians (especially in the ER).
Research experience is a plus, though less critical for EM compared to other specialties.
Leadership roles in clubs, sports, or community service.
Get EMT certification or volunteer with emergency response teams (looks excellent for EM interest).
Medical School (4 years)
Years 1–2: Classroom and lab work (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, clinical skills).
Years 3–4: Clinical rotations in different specialties (internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine, OB/GYN, and emergency medicine rotations).
Exams:
USMLE Step 1 (end of 2nd year).
USMLE Step 2 (during 4th year).
Residency Prep:
Do EM electives in different hospitals.
Build strong relationships for recommendation letters.
Apply through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service).
Emergency Medicine Residency (3–4 years)
Programs are either 3 years (PGY-1 to PGY-3) or 4 years (PGY-1 to PGY-4), depending on the institution.
Training focuses on:
Trauma, resuscitation, and critical care.
Toxicology, ultrasound, pediatrics, neurology, cardiology, and airway management.
High-volume, fast-paced clinical experience in emergency departments.
End of residency → sit for the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) certification exam.
Optional Fellowship Training (1–2 years)
Some EM doctors choose subspecialties:
Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Toxicology
Ultrasound
Sports Medicine
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Not required, but opens more career paths.
Practicing Emergency Medicine Physician
Work in community hospitals, academic medical centers, trauma centers, or urgent care settings.
Average salary (U.S.): $350K–$400K/year depending on location, shifts, and practice type.
Lifestyle: shift-based (nights, weekends, holidays), but also flexible compared to office-based specialties.
Timeline Overview
College (4 years) → Bachelor’s degree + MCAT.
Medical School (4 years) → MD or DO degree.
Residency (3–4 years) → Emergency Medicine training.
Optional Fellowship (1–2 years).
Total: ~11–13 years after high school.
Key Tips for Success:
Keep GPA and MCAT strong.
Get early exposure to emergency medicine (shadow, volunteer, EMT work).
Build resilience—EM is high-stress but also highly rewarding.
Network with mentors in EM during med school.
Good luck
Here's a possible roadmap
Undergraduate Education (4 years)
Major: Most EM doctors major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, or health sciences, but you can major in anything as long as you complete the pre-med prerequisites (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, math, English, and often biochemistry + psychology/sociology).
Academics: Aim for a GPA of 3.5+ to stay competitive for medical school.
MCAT: Take the Medical College Admission Test (usually junior year). Strong scores (510+) help with med school admissions.
Activities:
Volunteer in hospitals, shadow physicians (especially in the ER).
Research experience is a plus, though less critical for EM compared to other specialties.
Leadership roles in clubs, sports, or community service.
Get EMT certification or volunteer with emergency response teams (looks excellent for EM interest).
Medical School (4 years)
Years 1–2: Classroom and lab work (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, clinical skills).
Years 3–4: Clinical rotations in different specialties (internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine, OB/GYN, and emergency medicine rotations).
Exams:
USMLE Step 1 (end of 2nd year).
USMLE Step 2 (during 4th year).
Residency Prep:
Do EM electives in different hospitals.
Build strong relationships for recommendation letters.
Apply through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service).
Emergency Medicine Residency (3–4 years)
Programs are either 3 years (PGY-1 to PGY-3) or 4 years (PGY-1 to PGY-4), depending on the institution.
Training focuses on:
Trauma, resuscitation, and critical care.
Toxicology, ultrasound, pediatrics, neurology, cardiology, and airway management.
High-volume, fast-paced clinical experience in emergency departments.
End of residency → sit for the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) certification exam.
Optional Fellowship Training (1–2 years)
Some EM doctors choose subspecialties:
Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Toxicology
Ultrasound
Sports Medicine
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Not required, but opens more career paths.
Practicing Emergency Medicine Physician
Work in community hospitals, academic medical centers, trauma centers, or urgent care settings.
Average salary (U.S.): $350K–$400K/year depending on location, shifts, and practice type.
Lifestyle: shift-based (nights, weekends, holidays), but also flexible compared to office-based specialties.
Timeline Overview
College (4 years) → Bachelor’s degree + MCAT.
Medical School (4 years) → MD or DO degree.
Residency (3–4 years) → Emergency Medicine training.
Optional Fellowship (1–2 years).
Total: ~11–13 years after high school.
Key Tips for Success:
Keep GPA and MCAT strong.
Get early exposure to emergency medicine (shadow, volunteer, EMT work).
Build resilience—EM is high-stress but also highly rewarding.
Network with mentors in EM during med school.
Good luck
Mark Mudano
Orthopaedic Surgery
7
Answers
Evans, Georgia
Updated
Mark’s Answer
As far as what courses you should take , the answer is this : major in something you like and have a zest for and what you're good at, because the bottom line is, medical school admissions people really just look at what your GPA is . So do what you like and what you feel you're good at. You must have a high GPA to get accepted to medical school, remember that. If you like history or literature , major in that and take the required chemistry and biology courses as well.
Also do things outside of school work that will make your application unique and only about You. Do you play sports or practice and perform in the ballet, or cheerleader, or choir singing, or play a musical instrument, etc. If you have a physician personally , ask that person if you could shadow them when you have time and maybe develop a relationship with that doctor . He or she may write you a nice recommendation letter that might be helpful in the application process.
I hope this will help you.
God bless,
Mark Mudano, MD
Also do things outside of school work that will make your application unique and only about You. Do you play sports or practice and perform in the ballet, or cheerleader, or choir singing, or play a musical instrument, etc. If you have a physician personally , ask that person if you could shadow them when you have time and maybe develop a relationship with that doctor . He or she may write you a nice recommendation letter that might be helpful in the application process.
I hope this will help you.
God bless,
Mark Mudano, MD
babitha asha
Internal medicine physician
15
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
babitha’s Answer
Hi, take AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry.