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i wanna know more about being a plastic surgeon
hi i’m a 14 year old 8th grade student and i really want to be a plastic surgeon but i don’t really know where to start. #surgeon #medicine #doctor #cosmetic #medical
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Suzanne’s Answer
Samara, good for you for starting to think ahead and plan for how to reach your goals. Eighth grade is a great time to start planning for a career in medicine because you want to be sure that the high school courses you take are ones which will prepare you well for college. Be sure to let your guidance counselor and teachers know what your goals are. It is important for college admission to take four years of English, four years of science and four years of math going through at least trigonometry, if possible. You will probably want a second language as well. The science should include biology and chemistry. If you are able to take honors or AP classes that's great...but if they are not offered at your school, it's okay. If you can take community college classes while you are still in high school that's also great but not required.
Try to get some exposure to health care careers either as a volunteer (check with your local hospital or clinic to see if you can start as a 14 or 15 year old) or as a job (some places will train 16 year olds as nursing assistants).
Once you are in college you can major in anything that interests you but you will need to take the pre-medical requirements to apply to medical school. College is typically four years, followed by four years of medical school. Then, if you are still interested in plastic surgery you will do a surgical residency and plastic surgery fellowship which take several more years.
As you can see it is a long road but it is do-able with advanced planning, hard work and focus. Good luck!
Contact your guidance counselor and let them know of your goal. Be sure you are taking the college prep classes.
Once you have had your COVID vaccinations, see if you can volunteer or work in a health care setting.
Write back to let us know how you're doing and what other questions you have.
Try to get some exposure to health care careers either as a volunteer (check with your local hospital or clinic to see if you can start as a 14 or 15 year old) or as a job (some places will train 16 year olds as nursing assistants).
Once you are in college you can major in anything that interests you but you will need to take the pre-medical requirements to apply to medical school. College is typically four years, followed by four years of medical school. Then, if you are still interested in plastic surgery you will do a surgical residency and plastic surgery fellowship which take several more years.
As you can see it is a long road but it is do-able with advanced planning, hard work and focus. Good luck!
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
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Briana’s Answer
Hey Samara,
Have you considered doing med school overseas? Medical School in Europe starts after high school and is 6years long and then you can do a residency. A residency over here is a bit longer than in the states but it gives you a great chance to have some wonderful and memorable experiences.
Have you considered doing med school overseas? Medical School in Europe starts after high school and is 6years long and then you can do a residency. A residency over here is a bit longer than in the states but it gives you a great chance to have some wonderful and memorable experiences.