What does it take to be a surgeon?

Question

i had always have an interest in medical & have been determined to take it up (since my teachers have been nagging us like WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO). i would want to be a surgeon in ER or cardiac department. however i would like to know the path of it, like estimated of how many years it would take (internship & stuff) or what grades is very important.

i`m from singapore, in secondary 2 (like 14 DUHH) & would have to take streming this year~ i would like to know which sujects would fit best since i`m not too familiar with those kind of subjects.. i know science & mathematics are important but can anyone elaborate more?

Answer 1

In the US, this is how it works:

In college:

1-2 year(s) of bio (1 year = 2 semesters)

1 year general chem

1 semester or year of physics (sometimes basic physics is sufficient)

1 year of organic chemistry

Aim for nothing below a 3.6 and ideally stay above a 3.75 GPA or equivalent in college or secondary school. If you don't use a GPA rubric, it just translates to an 'A' average grade. You'll need at least a score of 30 on the MCAT or equivalent required medical school entrance exam. (I'm not sure what they use in Singapore, sorry.)

So here's how it works: after high school you go to college. That typically takes four years. Then you go to medical school for four years. Or you do a streamlined six-year program. Then you do post-grad, which entails one year of internship (first year after you graduate from medical school) and then about three more of residency (but this can vary a bit). You're a doctor after you graduate from med school but you aren't done until you complete your residency and an optional fellowship in a special field of particular interest to you (like endocrinology, to name just one). Then you have to maintain CME (continuing medical education) credits every 5 years. Though those can be somewhat fun because they are often held in vacation spots like Puerto Rico, Florida, Ireland, etc.

Including college, this is the progression:

4 years of college (5 is not uncommon)

4 years of medical school

1 year of internship (also called PGY 1)

3 years of residency (PGY 2... etc)

~2 years of an optional fellowship

Total: 12-14 years after you graduate from high school.

However, I understand that overseas institutions may work differently. If you intend on a 6 year program after graduating from your secondary school, plan to take biology, chemistry, physics, and any advanced maths (like calculus). Speak with an advisor or teacher about what they would recommend for you as an individual. They've seen other students go off to medical colleges and and can certainly help you.