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Is it possible to do Medicine without A level biology?
Hello, My name is Yaw and I am year 13 student from London. I have applied to do pharmacy next year at UCL and King'c College London. My original aim however was to study medicine. I do A level Physics, Chemistry and Maths. Would it be possible to study medicine later on in life or not? #medicine #doctor
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Alireza’s Answer
Dear Yaw,
I hope you are doing well. I am a physician in the field of pediatrics and neurology with more than 20 years clinical experiences. I think gaining skills and knowledge in any field of science will one day be useful for you. So don't worry if you start a non-medical profession, you can't continue medicine in the future. My experience shows that a doctor who has learned the digital sciences, mathematics, poetry, and history, along with medicine, is a physician who has been able to communicate more and better with her/ her patients. So practicing in pharmacology would be very helpful for you as a physician in the future.
Good luck for you.
I hope you are doing well. I am a physician in the field of pediatrics and neurology with more than 20 years clinical experiences. I think gaining skills and knowledge in any field of science will one day be useful for you. So don't worry if you start a non-medical profession, you can't continue medicine in the future. My experience shows that a doctor who has learned the digital sciences, mathematics, poetry, and history, along with medicine, is a physician who has been able to communicate more and better with her/ her patients. So practicing in pharmacology would be very helpful for you as a physician in the future.
Good luck for you.
Updated
David’s Answer
In order to study in Medicine or Medical, you are requires to take A Level Biology along with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and etc. in order to be on track for Medicine or Medical field. It is possible to study medicine later on in life but you may need to take some refresh courses in order to go into this path, because the school would want to make sure you are understanding what you have learn and fresh off then wasting time trying to take the course(s) and move on, just to make sure you are on track. You can think about what I say or ask your college department adviser to see what they say as well if you are planning to chose this pathway of career or study.
Great answer! Definitely upvoting as A-levels are important for studying medicine in the UK! You don't need a pre-med track in the UK, since you already have the requirements for medicine covered!
Aun
Updated
Cara’s Answer
Hi Yaw
I am a medical doctor in the US. I did major in a biologic field in my undergraduate studies but you most certainly don't need to major in any particular subject to enter medical school or become a physician. Most likely if you are studying math, chemistry and physics in your undergraduate studies you have already completed the prerequisites to apply for medical school.
Several of my colleagues majored in subjects 180 degrees different from any science subject and graduated from some of the most esteemed medical schools in the country! In fact, some advisors encourage undergraduates to study subjects that aren't in the science or math field as you will spend your entire life studying math, biology, physics, etc if you go to medical school. If you are interested in English, literature, foreign languages, religious studies, etc. it is definitely worthwhile doing as much of this as possible prior to dedicating your life to science.
Many medical school admission committees appreciate this and it shows that you are versatile, well rounded and don't have a one track mind.
As long as you complete the prerequisite courses to apply to medical school, you can major in nearly any area of study you are interested in.
I also recommend this and always encourage spending time studying and experiencing things that you won't once you are dedicated to science and medicine! You will be a well rounded doctor and competitive medical schools will be excited to have you!
Best!
Cara Oliver
I am a medical doctor in the US. I did major in a biologic field in my undergraduate studies but you most certainly don't need to major in any particular subject to enter medical school or become a physician. Most likely if you are studying math, chemistry and physics in your undergraduate studies you have already completed the prerequisites to apply for medical school.
Several of my colleagues majored in subjects 180 degrees different from any science subject and graduated from some of the most esteemed medical schools in the country! In fact, some advisors encourage undergraduates to study subjects that aren't in the science or math field as you will spend your entire life studying math, biology, physics, etc if you go to medical school. If you are interested in English, literature, foreign languages, religious studies, etc. it is definitely worthwhile doing as much of this as possible prior to dedicating your life to science.
Many medical school admission committees appreciate this and it shows that you are versatile, well rounded and don't have a one track mind.
As long as you complete the prerequisite courses to apply to medical school, you can major in nearly any area of study you are interested in.
I also recommend this and always encourage spending time studying and experiencing things that you won't once you are dedicated to science and medicine! You will be a well rounded doctor and competitive medical schools will be excited to have you!
Best!
Cara Oliver
Updated
Riley’s Answer
I'm not sure if colleges work exactly the same there as they do in the United States, but I can share with you what my experience was. I took around 10 AP/AICE courses, and this was great at giving me a boost of knowledge as well as looking good on my application. However, once I got to college and met with my advisor I realized the full benefit of taking college-level courses was being able to use them to fill in credits from courses that you have technically already taken. I think if you are already taking this many AICE classes (AS and A levels), missing the A level in biology will go unnoticed. Your transcript sounds impressive as it is and you will already have several courses covered, missing one biology credit will not hurt too much in the long run.