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What high school classes should I take if I want to be a NICU surgeon, should I take ap, what about SS? Help me.?
I am in 7th grade an d I KNOW I want to be a NICU Surgeon when I grow up what should I take for all subjects?
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Johnson’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about this in 7th grade! If you want to be a surgeon for newborns, start strong in math and science in high school.
Look for these classes:
- Science: Take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If available, take Anatomy or Physiology.
- Math: Complete Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus. Try Calculus if you can.
- English: Don't skip English classes. Good communication and writing are important for doctors.
- Social Studies: Take standard college-prep courses. AP history or government are good for your brain but not as crucial as science and math.
If your school offers AP classes and you can handle them, focus on AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. Also, choose some subjects that interest you.
Outside of class, join health or science clubs, volunteer when you're old enough, or explore summer programs in medicine.
Note: "NICU surgeon" isn't a specific job title. These doctors are usually Pediatric Surgeons working with the NICU team. The path is: High School → College (Pre-med) → Med School → General Surgery Residency → Pediatric Surgery Fellowship.
For now, focus on doing well in science, math, and English, and keep asking questions. You're already ahead, so you're in a great position. Good luck!
Look for these classes:
- Science: Take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If available, take Anatomy or Physiology.
- Math: Complete Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus. Try Calculus if you can.
- English: Don't skip English classes. Good communication and writing are important for doctors.
- Social Studies: Take standard college-prep courses. AP history or government are good for your brain but not as crucial as science and math.
If your school offers AP classes and you can handle them, focus on AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. Also, choose some subjects that interest you.
Outside of class, join health or science clubs, volunteer when you're old enough, or explore summer programs in medicine.
Note: "NICU surgeon" isn't a specific job title. These doctors are usually Pediatric Surgeons working with the NICU team. The path is: High School → College (Pre-med) → Med School → General Surgery Residency → Pediatric Surgery Fellowship.
For now, focus on doing well in science, math, and English, and keep asking questions. You're already ahead, so you're in a great position. Good luck!
Updated
James’s Answer
The good news is that all physicians need to have a broad, balanced education. You will certainly need to be good at math and science, but you should consider all areas of study useful. To interact with patients and their families, it helps to be good at communication, sociology, music, art, foreign language... So at your age you should simply work hard to get good grades and allow yourself to enjoy learning all sorts of things.
Medical schools look not only for smart people, but also for those who have leadership skills and who can demonstrate they care about others. Think about how you might help in your community to make things better for those less fortunate. How might you demonstrate leadership ability? Being an elected school officer, sports team captain, community organizer, ...
Medical schools look not only for smart people, but also for those who have leadership skills and who can demonstrate they care about others. Think about how you might help in your community to make things better for those less fortunate. How might you demonstrate leadership ability? Being an elected school officer, sports team captain, community organizer, ...
Updated
Ann Marie’s Answer
If you want to become a NICU Surgeon, start by taking AP or IB courses in high school. Focus on subjects like biology, science, language, and communications. If available, consider programs like Running Start, which let you take community college courses while still in high school. These courses can be more focused on pre-med topics. Also, reach out to mentors in your community for guidance and support.
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
It is wonderful that you are already setting your sights on a medical career in 7th grade!
In medicine, surgeons who operate on newborns and infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are called Pediatric Surgeons. Because operating on infants requires years of specialized training, your goal in middle school and high school is to build a strong academic foundation, excel in college, and get into medical school.
Here is a recommended high school subject roadmap:
1. High School Subject Recommendations
Sciences (Highest Priority):
Biology & Chemistry: Take foundational courses first, then advance to honors or advanced placement level (such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry) if offered.
Physics: Helps build critical thinking and physical principles used in medicine.
Anatomy & Physiology: If your high school offers this as an elective, it will give you a head start on learning body systems.
Mathematics:
Work your way through Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus.
Aim for Calculus (AP Calculus AB/BC) or Statistics (AP Statistics) during your senior year. Statistics is especially helpful for reading medical research.
Social Studies (SS):
Standard requirements like World History, U.S. History, and Civics/Government are essential for a well-rounded education.
Taking AP Psychology or AP Human Geography can be useful because understanding human behavior, development, and social structures plays a major role in patient care and communication.
English & Communication:
Strong writing and verbal communication skills are vital for physicians, who must write detailed clinical notes and explain complex procedures to worried parents.
2. Should You Take AP Classes?
Yes, taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes is beneficial, but balance is key:
Demonstrates Academic Rigor: Taking AP courses shows colleges that you are willing to challenge yourself with college-level material.
Prioritize STEM APs: Focus primarily on AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics.
Protect Your GPA: It is better to earn an "A" in an Honors or standard course than a low grade in an AP class. Take AP classes only in subjects where you feel confident and ready for the workload.
3. The Path Ahead (High School to Pediatric Surgeon)
Becoming a pediatric surgeon is a long journey, but taking it step-by-step makes it manageable:
High School: Focus on strong grades, build good study habits, and participate in science clubs, volunteering, or health-related extra-curriculars.
Undergraduate College (4 Years): Earn a bachelor's degree (in pre-med, biology, chemistry, or another field of choice) while taking prerequisite medical courses and preparing for the MCAT exam.
Medical School (4 Years): Earn your MD or DO degree.
General Surgery Residency (5–7 Years): Complete hands-on surgical training in a hospital setting.
Pediatric Surgery Fellowship (2 Years): Receive specialized training in operating on newborns, infants, and children.
Focus on building strong study habits now, enjoying your middle school years, and staying curious about science and medicine
In medicine, surgeons who operate on newborns and infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are called Pediatric Surgeons. Because operating on infants requires years of specialized training, your goal in middle school and high school is to build a strong academic foundation, excel in college, and get into medical school.
Here is a recommended high school subject roadmap:
1. High School Subject Recommendations
Sciences (Highest Priority):
Biology & Chemistry: Take foundational courses first, then advance to honors or advanced placement level (such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry) if offered.
Physics: Helps build critical thinking and physical principles used in medicine.
Anatomy & Physiology: If your high school offers this as an elective, it will give you a head start on learning body systems.
Mathematics:
Work your way through Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus.
Aim for Calculus (AP Calculus AB/BC) or Statistics (AP Statistics) during your senior year. Statistics is especially helpful for reading medical research.
Social Studies (SS):
Standard requirements like World History, U.S. History, and Civics/Government are essential for a well-rounded education.
Taking AP Psychology or AP Human Geography can be useful because understanding human behavior, development, and social structures plays a major role in patient care and communication.
English & Communication:
Strong writing and verbal communication skills are vital for physicians, who must write detailed clinical notes and explain complex procedures to worried parents.
2. Should You Take AP Classes?
Yes, taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes is beneficial, but balance is key:
Demonstrates Academic Rigor: Taking AP courses shows colleges that you are willing to challenge yourself with college-level material.
Prioritize STEM APs: Focus primarily on AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics.
Protect Your GPA: It is better to earn an "A" in an Honors or standard course than a low grade in an AP class. Take AP classes only in subjects where you feel confident and ready for the workload.
3. The Path Ahead (High School to Pediatric Surgeon)
Becoming a pediatric surgeon is a long journey, but taking it step-by-step makes it manageable:
High School: Focus on strong grades, build good study habits, and participate in science clubs, volunteering, or health-related extra-curriculars.
Undergraduate College (4 Years): Earn a bachelor's degree (in pre-med, biology, chemistry, or another field of choice) while taking prerequisite medical courses and preparing for the MCAT exam.
Medical School (4 Years): Earn your MD or DO degree.
General Surgery Residency (5–7 Years): Complete hands-on surgical training in a hospital setting.
Pediatric Surgery Fellowship (2 Years): Receive specialized training in operating on newborns, infants, and children.
Focus on building strong study habits now, enjoying your middle school years, and staying curious about science and medicine