Currently a Physics major at Northeastern but I am slowly discovering that I am more interested in chemistry, perhaps even Biochemistry. Most of all, I wish I could begin my journey towards my medical degree now, as it seems like majoring in something for 4-5 years only to begin all over again is somewhat inefficient if I am already sure that I want to be a surgeon. What’s the general consensus about Biochemistry?
Northeastern has as a default a five-year program which includes three semesters of work called Co-op. I want to do a four-year program that would mean more summer classes and only two co-ops. Would this be a sensible idea?
In terms of the timeline - Yes, absolutely. Some people even do 3 years/1 co-op if they want to get to grad school, though that takes some level of incoming credit. A 4 year / 2 co-op pattern would be a good choice if you intend to go to medical school.
As far Biochemistry goes, I would default to others here.
Unfortunately I only have an AP Latin and AP Calc BC coming in and I don’t know if that’s enough for three-years. What do you mean about Biochem?
You mention majoring in something 4-5 years - do you mean that you are a senior in college majoring in Physics? If so, I would not change majors since you major has little to do with medical school admissions - adding time to your undergraduate career is not very useful for pursuing medicine.
You mention that you are sure you want to be a surgeon. Remember, at one point you were sure you wanted to major in physics. So I would keep an open mind about specialty and follow the path of least resistance to medical school. You will get plenty of biochem in medical school. If it really compels you, then do an MD/PhD.
Its never too late to fulfil the medical school requirements. There are many options even if you are in the 4 th year of your college. However, you need a high GPA to make it. What is your GPA now? You can make up all the other science requirements after you graduate with your physics degree.
It appears from another thread that OP is a first semester freshman.
@premedstudent I’m not familiar with Northeastern and coops, but why can’t you go in this week, talk to advisor, and find out what’s involved in changing majors. Most premeds choose some flavor of bio (eg neuro, biochem, etc) partly out of interest, and partly because it satisfies their major reqs and many premed reqs at same time, whereas a physics or chem major may have to find time to schedule in a year long bio seq and lab into their schedule. If you’re serious about med, consider changing to the major that you are more interested in as you’re more likely to do well GPA wise which is something med schools will care a great deal about. Also consider a Plan B with your new major as most med premeds will never apply to med school, even fewer will get an acceptance to any med school. If you’re thinking that med schools will look more favorably at a biochem major, the answer is no. If you’re thinking that being a biochem major will give you a head start once in med school, the answer is very,very little, probably none. And as a general surgery residency is 5 years after you complete 4 years of med school, just focus on getting into med school for now. Good luck.
I am going mostly on what interests me, and I think Chem or Biochem will be most interesting to me, while also helping me to have more prerequisites built in.