2 answers
Ava
Student
New Bedford, Massachusetts
15
Questions
Asked
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What is the time line for becomeing a peds surgeon in detail step by step?
I need a how to check list how to become a surgeon I am a very visual person and it would help me so much I am a sophmore in highschool and I am willing to do any extra classes
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2 answers
Iweh Omotayo Abiodun
Scientific officers
3
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Iweh’s Answer
Pediatric surgeons are medical doctors who have completed: At least 4 years of medical school. Five years of adult general surgery training. Two additional years of fellowship training in pediatric surgery
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ava,
Great question! To become a pediatric surgeon, you'll need to follow a long and rigorous educational path. Here's a detailed step-by-step timeline with a checklist to guide you:
High School (Years 1-4)
1. Focus on Science & Math Courses: Take advanced courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math (especially AP or IB classes if available).
2. Extracurricular Activities: Join science clubs, health-related volunteer work, or pre-med programs.
3. Job Shadowing: Try to shadow a pediatric surgeon or work in a hospital setting to gain experience.
4. SAT/ACT Preparation: Prepare for and take the SAT or ACT exams, aiming for high scores in math and science sections.
5. Research Colleges: Look for colleges with strong pre-med programs and research opportunities.
6. Volunteer/Work Experience: Get involved in healthcare-related volunteer work or internships during summer breaks.
Undergraduate College (Years 1-4)
1. Major in a Science Field: Choose a major like Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.
2. Maintain High GPA: Aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher, especially in science courses.
3. Take Pre-Med Prerequisites:
- General Chemistry with Lab
- Organic Chemistry with Lab
- Physics with Lab
- Biology with Lab
- English
- Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
- Social Sciences (Psychology or Sociology)
4. Engage in Research: Get involved in medical or biological research projects.
5. Volunteer/Clinical Experience: Continue volunteering in healthcare settings, preferably with pediatric exposure.
6. Prepare for the MCAT: Start studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) during your junior year.
7. Take the MCAT: Take the MCAT in your junior or early senior year.
8. Apply to Medical Schools: Apply to medical schools in your senior year, focusing on those with strong surgery programs.
Medical School (Years 1-4)
1. Complete Core Medical Courses:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
2. Clinical Rotations (Years 3-4): During your 3rd and 4th years, rotate through various specialties, including:
- Pediatrics
- General Surgery
- Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Internal Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Family Medicine
- Elective in Pediatric Surgery
3. USMLE Step 1 & 2: Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 after your second year and Step 2 during your 4th year.
4. Research & Networking: Engage in research related to pediatric surgery and network with professionals in the field.
5. Apply for Residency Programs: In your 4th year, apply for a General Surgery residency program.
General Surgery Residency (Years 1-5)
1. Year 1 (Internship): Complete rotations in general surgery, trauma, critical care, and other areas.
2. Years 2-3: Continue developing your skills in surgery, taking on more complex cases.
3. Years 4-5: Focus on sub-specialties, and take on more leadership roles in the surgical team.
4. USMLE Step 3: Take and pass USMLE Step 3.
5. Research & Publish: Conduct research, preferably related to pediatric surgery, and publish your findings.
Pediatric Surgery Fellowship (Years 1-2)
1. Specialized Training: Focus exclusively on pediatric surgery, including neonatal surgery, congenital malformations, oncology, and trauma.
2. Research & Teaching: Continue research in pediatric surgery and contribute to teaching medical students and residents.
3. Board Certification: Prepare for and pass the Pediatric Surgery board certification exam.
Post-Fellowship (Year 1 and Beyond)
1. Join a Pediatric Surgery Team: Start working in a hospital or academic medical center as a pediatric surgeon.
2. Continuing Education: Continue learning through conferences, workshops, and staying updated with the latest research.
3. Build a Practice: If interested, you can build your own practice or become involved in medical education and research.
Visual Checklist for Becoming a Pediatric Surgeon
High School:
- [ ] Advanced Science & Math Courses
- [ ] Extracurricular Activities (Science/Health)
- [ ] Job Shadowing/Internships
- [ ] SAT/ACT Preparation
- [ ] College Research
- [ ] Healthcare Volunteer Work
Undergraduate College:
- [ ] Science Major (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
- [ ] Maintain High GPA
- [ ] Pre-Med Prerequisites
- [ ] Research Participation
- [ ] Clinical Volunteer Experience
- [ ] MCAT Preparation & Exam
- [ ] Medical School Applications
Medical School:
- [ ] Core Medical Courses
- [ ] Clinical Rotations
- [ ] USMLE Step 1 & 2
- [ ] Research & Networking
- [ ] Residency Applications
General Surgery Residency:
- [ ] Rotations in Surgery & Specialties
- [ ] USMLE Step 3
- [ ] Research & Publishing
- [ ] Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Applications
Pediatric Surgery Fellowship:
- [ ] Specialized Pediatric Surgery Training
- [ ] Board Certification
Post-Fellowship:
- [ ] Join a Pediatric Surgery Team
- [ ] Continuing Education
- [ ] Build a Practice or Research Career
This timeline spans approximately 14–16 years of education and training after high school, but it is a rewarding path for those passionate about pediatric surgery.
Best wishes!
Great question! To become a pediatric surgeon, you'll need to follow a long and rigorous educational path. Here's a detailed step-by-step timeline with a checklist to guide you:
High School (Years 1-4)
1. Focus on Science & Math Courses: Take advanced courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math (especially AP or IB classes if available).
2. Extracurricular Activities: Join science clubs, health-related volunteer work, or pre-med programs.
3. Job Shadowing: Try to shadow a pediatric surgeon or work in a hospital setting to gain experience.
4. SAT/ACT Preparation: Prepare for and take the SAT or ACT exams, aiming for high scores in math and science sections.
5. Research Colleges: Look for colleges with strong pre-med programs and research opportunities.
6. Volunteer/Work Experience: Get involved in healthcare-related volunteer work or internships during summer breaks.
Undergraduate College (Years 1-4)
1. Major in a Science Field: Choose a major like Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.
2. Maintain High GPA: Aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher, especially in science courses.
3. Take Pre-Med Prerequisites:
- General Chemistry with Lab
- Organic Chemistry with Lab
- Physics with Lab
- Biology with Lab
- English
- Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
- Social Sciences (Psychology or Sociology)
4. Engage in Research: Get involved in medical or biological research projects.
5. Volunteer/Clinical Experience: Continue volunteering in healthcare settings, preferably with pediatric exposure.
6. Prepare for the MCAT: Start studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) during your junior year.
7. Take the MCAT: Take the MCAT in your junior or early senior year.
8. Apply to Medical Schools: Apply to medical schools in your senior year, focusing on those with strong surgery programs.
Medical School (Years 1-4)
1. Complete Core Medical Courses:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
2. Clinical Rotations (Years 3-4): During your 3rd and 4th years, rotate through various specialties, including:
- Pediatrics
- General Surgery
- Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Internal Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Family Medicine
- Elective in Pediatric Surgery
3. USMLE Step 1 & 2: Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 after your second year and Step 2 during your 4th year.
4. Research & Networking: Engage in research related to pediatric surgery and network with professionals in the field.
5. Apply for Residency Programs: In your 4th year, apply for a General Surgery residency program.
General Surgery Residency (Years 1-5)
1. Year 1 (Internship): Complete rotations in general surgery, trauma, critical care, and other areas.
2. Years 2-3: Continue developing your skills in surgery, taking on more complex cases.
3. Years 4-5: Focus on sub-specialties, and take on more leadership roles in the surgical team.
4. USMLE Step 3: Take and pass USMLE Step 3.
5. Research & Publish: Conduct research, preferably related to pediatric surgery, and publish your findings.
Pediatric Surgery Fellowship (Years 1-2)
1. Specialized Training: Focus exclusively on pediatric surgery, including neonatal surgery, congenital malformations, oncology, and trauma.
2. Research & Teaching: Continue research in pediatric surgery and contribute to teaching medical students and residents.
3. Board Certification: Prepare for and pass the Pediatric Surgery board certification exam.
Post-Fellowship (Year 1 and Beyond)
1. Join a Pediatric Surgery Team: Start working in a hospital or academic medical center as a pediatric surgeon.
2. Continuing Education: Continue learning through conferences, workshops, and staying updated with the latest research.
3. Build a Practice: If interested, you can build your own practice or become involved in medical education and research.
Visual Checklist for Becoming a Pediatric Surgeon
High School:
- [ ] Advanced Science & Math Courses
- [ ] Extracurricular Activities (Science/Health)
- [ ] Job Shadowing/Internships
- [ ] SAT/ACT Preparation
- [ ] College Research
- [ ] Healthcare Volunteer Work
Undergraduate College:
- [ ] Science Major (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
- [ ] Maintain High GPA
- [ ] Pre-Med Prerequisites
- [ ] Research Participation
- [ ] Clinical Volunteer Experience
- [ ] MCAT Preparation & Exam
- [ ] Medical School Applications
Medical School:
- [ ] Core Medical Courses
- [ ] Clinical Rotations
- [ ] USMLE Step 1 & 2
- [ ] Research & Networking
- [ ] Residency Applications
General Surgery Residency:
- [ ] Rotations in Surgery & Specialties
- [ ] USMLE Step 3
- [ ] Research & Publishing
- [ ] Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Applications
Pediatric Surgery Fellowship:
- [ ] Specialized Pediatric Surgery Training
- [ ] Board Certification
Post-Fellowship:
- [ ] Join a Pediatric Surgery Team
- [ ] Continuing Education
- [ ] Build a Practice or Research Career
This timeline spans approximately 14–16 years of education and training after high school, but it is a rewarding path for those passionate about pediatric surgery.
Best wishes!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Ava