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If I want to go into the medical field, should I major (undergrad) in organic chemisty or biology??

I am deciding what to major in going into my freshman year of college, and can't decide between getting a solid understanding in chemisty or biology. Which do you think?

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Raquel’s Answer

Both are good option for medical school. It’s important to work with a premed advisor who can help make sure you take all the prerequisite classes for medical school. But as far as choosing which major, it really comes down to what is a better fit for you. Are you more interested in one over the other? It’s easier to stay motivated and do well in classes that are interesting to you, so follow your interests. Best of luck!
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Cori’s Answer

It really depends on your interest in the medical field. My cousin chose chemistry as she wanted to go into medical research. For a while, I was biology/premed because I believed I wanted to be in pediatrics. During that time, I learned that your advisor can be a great help. Your first year aspirations may not stay the same. You may wind up with a TOTALLY different major as you grow and began to pursue your interests.
Get with your advisor to make sure you are getting your core courses addressed first, and then enroll on those shared courses that are required of both majors. After about a year of college, you will most likely develop a preference in what you are interested in learning about, and you will still be on track with whatever path you choose.
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Aimee’s Answer

There is also biochemistry.

But I agree with the above it comes down to preference, what medical field you're actually going into, and discussing with your advisor what classes are needed.

I also thought that you usually didn't declare your major until year 2 but that may be outdated information.
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Kess’s Answer

Hi Sofija!

This is a bit of a non-answer so.... sorry: do what you want. Seriously.

I have a bachelor's in biomedical science with minors in chemistry and sociology, and my friends in medical school have English, Russian history, and Psychology degrees. I have used more of the biology and sociology knowledge than the chemistry BUT when it comes to learning the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal systems, most of it is chemistry and physics.

It seems a lot of medical schools look for students with interests outside of medicine. They want well-rounded, interesting, and down-to-earth students.
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Immad’s Answer

I have seen trends of people choosing different majors to eventually get into medicine. I don't it matter much whether you choose a pure science major like Chemistry or Biology or something entirely different that may relevant to medicine.

Examples include Biomedical Engineering and Nursing (BS). That gives you an option to go into other possible career paths in the medical field in case you are unable to get into graduate school for medicine.
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Bether’s Answer

yes! engineering and nursing are great undergrad degrees for medical school applicants.
get a job as an emt in college and you will get an idea if you like medicine or not.
also you could be a medical assistant or medical scribe in college too. those jobs will foretell if you like medicine or not.
good luck.
bether
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