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My goal in the future is to become a pediatrician, how should I prepare?

I am in 11th grade, and want to work in the medical field #pediatrics #pediatrician #nursing #medicine #pediatrician

nursing pediatrics pediatrician
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Richard’s Answer

Take as many AP or IB courses in high school. You have a lot of years of education in front of you and getting college credit in high school can save you time and money.
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
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Sheila’s Answer

Hello Melina:

Great to hear that you want to become a Pediatrician. The journey is a long and expensive one but, it is achievable. My son is currently a resident Pediatrician. Here are some key steps to consider:

1) Make high scores on the SAT & ACT exams while in High School

2) Select a college or university that offers at least "Biological Science" (you DO NOT have to major in Pre-Med, Math, etc.)

3) Score well on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) the "first time". Retake it if necessary

4) Apply to "all" the Medical Schools of interest

5) Medical School = 4 years

5 a) Find an Internship (paid or volunteer) over a summer

5 b) DO NOT limit yourself to where you would like to get residency Matched

6) Residency = 3 to 4 years (this comes after Medical School)

6 a) Fellowship = 3 to 4 years (this is where you Specialize in, which is after Residency)

Good Luck to You!
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