<p>Physics is required. You have to take a semester of E&M and a semester of mechanics. If you get AP</a> credit for physics, you won't have to take 8.01 (mechanics) and you can move straight to 8.02 (E&M). The obvious advantage of this is that you'll finish the physics requirement under pass/no record, so it doesn't really matter if you get an A or a C.</p>
<p>I have heard, though, that medical schools prefer that you take required med school courses in college rather than through AP. Not being premed, however, I am clearly not the greatest source for that -- you might want to check into it somewhere more reliable.</p>