4 answers
Mia
Student
Dracut, Massachusetts
1
Question
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What should I major in if I want to be a Pediatrician?
I'm a highschool junior and I don't know what I should major in to be a pediatrician.
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4 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
283
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
The good news is that you can major in anything that interests you! You do need to take the pre-requisite classes most medical schools require, but beyond that anything goes. Medical schools and pediatric residencies prefer people to be well-rounded. They like to see leaders who have a passion to keep learning and helping others. It is helpful to speak more than just English. Knowing about different cultures and practicing working beyond your usual social sphere is helpful. Certainly working with infants and children and adolescents is helpful. That can be done in sports, arts, music, community service...
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thank you for your help and your answer! I currently work with kids year round at the YMCA.
Mia
Anna Ick
30
Answers
Turek, Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Anna’s Answer
To become a pediatrician in the United States, you don't need a specific major in college. Medicine is studied after you finish your undergraduate degree. What's important is completing the "pre-med" track and meeting the required courses.
Medical schools in the U.S. look at your GPA, MCAT scores, and whether you've completed the necessary courses, not your specific major.
Popular Majors for Aspiring Pediatricians
Many future pediatricians pick majors that fit well with medical school requirements:
- Biology, Biochemistry, or Biomedical Sciences: These majors cover anatomy, genetics, and physiology.
- Chemistry: Includes important courses like organic and inorganic chemistry.
- Child Psychology or Human Development: Offers valuable insights into psychology and human growth.
- Public Health: Gives a broad view of healthcare and preventive medicine.
What is the Pre-Med Track?
Before applying to medical school, you need to complete certain courses, usually over a year with exams and labs:
1. General Biology
2. General and Organic Chemistry
3. General Physics
4. Biochemistry
5. Math, including Statistics
6. Basics of Psychology or Sociology
Medical schools in the U.S. look at your GPA, MCAT scores, and whether you've completed the necessary courses, not your specific major.
Popular Majors for Aspiring Pediatricians
Many future pediatricians pick majors that fit well with medical school requirements:
- Biology, Biochemistry, or Biomedical Sciences: These majors cover anatomy, genetics, and physiology.
- Chemistry: Includes important courses like organic and inorganic chemistry.
- Child Psychology or Human Development: Offers valuable insights into psychology and human growth.
- Public Health: Gives a broad view of healthcare and preventive medicine.
What is the Pre-Med Track?
Before applying to medical school, you need to complete certain courses, usually over a year with exams and labs:
1. General Biology
2. General and Organic Chemistry
3. General Physics
4. Biochemistry
5. Math, including Statistics
6. Basics of Psychology or Sociology
Iris Garcia
Certified Medical Assistant
30
Answers
Pasadena, Texas
Updated
Iris’s Answer
Hi Mia,
If you're aiming to become a pediatrician, it's a good idea to consider majoring in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a similar science field. But remember, you don't have to stick to science. You can choose any major you like, as long as you complete the necessary pre-med courses.
After you get your bachelor's degree, you'll need to go to medical school for four years. Then, you'll do about three years of pediatric residency training.
Since you're still in high school, try to focus on your science classes and see if you can volunteer at hospitals or clinics. Working in healthcare has been very rewarding for me, and it's great to help others. Most importantly, pick a major that you love and can do well in, while keeping your grades up. Best of luck on your journey!
If you're aiming to become a pediatrician, it's a good idea to consider majoring in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a similar science field. But remember, you don't have to stick to science. You can choose any major you like, as long as you complete the necessary pre-med courses.
After you get your bachelor's degree, you'll need to go to medical school for four years. Then, you'll do about three years of pediatric residency training.
Since you're still in high school, try to focus on your science classes and see if you can volunteer at hospitals or clinics. Working in healthcare has been very rewarding for me, and it's great to help others. Most importantly, pick a major that you love and can do well in, while keeping your grades up. Best of luck on your journey!
Swetha Maddali
2
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Swetha’s Answer
You don't need a specific major — Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Neuroscience, or even another subject can work.
-Complete pre-med requirements — You'll typically need college courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and other sciences.
-Do well in high school and college — Strong grades and challenging courses will help prepare you for medical school.
-Go to medical school after college — Medical school usually takes about 4 years, followed by residency.
-Complete a pediatrics residency — Typically 3 years after medical school. Then you can become a practicing pediatrician.
-Complete pre-med requirements — You'll typically need college courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and other sciences.
-Do well in high school and college — Strong grades and challenging courses will help prepare you for medical school.
-Go to medical school after college — Medical school usually takes about 4 years, followed by residency.
-Complete a pediatrics residency — Typically 3 years after medical school. Then you can become a practicing pediatrician.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Mia