3 answers
3
Updated 543 views

What majors should I choose from for my career path of becoming a Cardiovascular Surgeon?

I'm really focused on wanting to become a Cardiovascular Surgeon; however, I'm not sure which majors I have to choose from to ensure I am following this path.

majors choosing-a-major
Answer This
3

3 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Martha D.’s Answer

Hi Michelle - what a terrific first question and ambition! I am assuming that you mean a major for undergrad. If so, several sources recommend a science, such as Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry. Your college / university should have a pre-med advisor to tell you which specific courses you will need to pass to apply to medical school. A science major will cover many of them.

Please see the link below for more information about the career and the full educational journey. Wishing you good luck!

per Sharyn's question, cardiovascular and cardiothoracic are similar in that they refer to organs in the human chest. But cardiovascular refers to the heart and veins, in particular. I have added a link to training to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, and the suggested major there are biology, chemistry, or math.

Martha D. recommends the following next steps:

Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-a-vascular-surgeon?gclsrc=aw.ds&aceid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15513873562&gbraid=0AAAAADfh6_v3F_6tdcu7Ow41D-LtE0-L7&gclid=CjwKCAiAssfLBhBDEiwAcLpwfiX4_oTVkdcDHLFSRi9zF4Jj7oqUSqnwLW8MaBDgXNGEDySTYpp2wBoCAVQQAvD_BwE
Indeed.com for cardiothoracic - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-cardiothoracic-surgeon
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Andrew’s Answer

Hi Michelle! There are many different undergraduate majors which will prepare you well for medical school, and beyond. Theoretically, you can be accepted to medical school through any major; however, you must take pre-requisite classes (such as Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, etc.) during your undergraduate education to be considered for acceptance. Some majors, such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Health Sciences, Athletic Training, and other similar majors which fall into these categories, have all/most of these pre-requisites built in, so that if you graduate, you will automatically fulfill the pre-requisites of most medical schools. If you choose a major outside of the health sciences, such as English, Mathematics, Art, or Music, it is recommended to consult a Pre-Medical advisor at your school so you can come up with an academic plan to take the pre-requisite classes outside of the courses required by your major. This way, you can have the flexibility to choose a major that truly resonates with you - not just one you feel like you should take because it is "the standard." Below, I have attached some links which I hope will be helpful to you in your search.

Andrew recommends the following next steps:

Which majors are best for med school? (American Med. Association): https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/which-undergrad-majors-are-best-med-school
How to choose a Pre-Med major: https://www.princetonreview.com/med-school-advice/how-to-choose-a-pre-med-major
Think: Which majors would align best with my goals, giftings, and skillset?
Do: Come up with a short list of five (5) majors that you would be open to pursue.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Martha D.’s Answer

Hi Michelle - what a terrific first question and ambition! I am assuming that you mean a major for undergrad. If so, several sources recommend a science, such as Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry. Your college / university should have a pre-med advisor to tell you which specific courses you will need to pass to apply to medical school. A science major will cover many of them.

Please see the link below for more information about the career and the full educational journey. Wishing you good luck!

Martha D. recommends the following next steps:

Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-a-vascular-surgeon?gclsrc=aw.ds&aceid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15513873562&gbraid=0AAAAADfh6_v3F_6tdcu7Ow41D-LtE0-L7&gclid=CjwKCAiAssfLBhBDEiwAcLpwfiX4_oTVkdcDHLFSRi9zF4Jj7oqUSqnwLW8MaBDgXNGEDySTYpp2wBoCAVQQAvD_BwE
Thank you comment icon Hi Martha! Thank you for providing this resource to Michelle. I noticed that it is for vascular surgeon vs cardiovascular. I know they are related and the two can and do overlap. Do you have any resources specific to cardiovascular surgeon you can also provide Michelle? Sharyn Grose, Admin
Thank you comment icon Hi, Sharyn, and you're welcome, of course. Initially and now, I keep being referred to cardiothoracic when I look up cardiovascular. So I added a cardiothoracic reference. Martha D. Kramer
0