So I was accepted to Vanderbilt ED1 and I’m really excited- but conflicted because I’m not sure what major to pick based on my interests.
I’m passionate about using engineering and design to innovate the medical field. My hope is to be a doctor, but also be involved in research using a design/engineering background and creating devices/programs/other tech I can use for my medical research. So I guess my goal is to be a physician-scientist.
Anyways, because of this really niche intersection I’m interested in, I applied as a biomedical engineering major, but I’ve heard this is a really tough major to have as a pre-med, especially at Vandy. does anyone have any suggestions on other major/minor combos I could do to get some engineering and design education blended with bio / med stuff?
I was thinking doing a double major in comp sci and neuroscience with the nanoscience/nanotech minor might work, but I haven’t had a lot of exposure to neuroscience. I think I’d like it but how could I be sure? Or maybe a comp sci + bio double major? I’ve also heard that the ChemE major gives more wiggle room and freedom and is easier to use for premed than BME so maybe that’s a possibility?
I’m just trying to find a way that will get me adequate exposure to engineering and design/creation concepts that will be key to doing research while still having enough science / bio. If anyone has any advice at all please let me know I’m open to any and all suggestions.
Any engineering/CS major will reduce you likelihood of getting into medical school. I certainly know a few who have done it, and they are good physicians, but engineering is hard. Superstars in HS are often brought to their knees GPA wise. At several schools where it’s highly competitive to get in, average graduating GPAs are below 3.0. The hardest course for a chemistry major (Physical Chemistry) will be an average course for most engineers. You might do fine, and engineering might not be as tough at Vandy as elsewhere, although I doubt that, but it will make your path more challenging if you choose engineering. Good luck and congrats!
I would stick with Biomedical Engineering (Chemical engineering is not easier and doesn’t align with your interests; CS is even farther away from your stated goals). I have worked as a researcher/scientist in the medical field and most of my coworkers were PhDs not MDs. We were Physicists, Biologists, Chemists, Biomedical, Materials and Mechanical Engineers. It was a wonderfully multidisciplinary field to work in. There were a few MD/PhDs but they were more involved in the design and management of trials rather than engineering design and development of medical innovations. And they did not deal very much with patient care. It was a small segment of my career however, so I might be missing vital information. It doesn’t make much sense in this country to become an MD if medical engineering research is what you’re interested in. An MD degree is a lot more expensive than a (usually) funded PhD. Start of with engineering and you might find yourself more inclined to joining the caring side of medicine rather than the innovation and engineering design. You have time and ample opportunity to explore your interests. Work hard and enjoy the wonderful learning opportunities that your undergraduate institution affords you. In four years time you might find your stated goals and interests have changed. Congratulations on your acceptance and good luck with your undergraduate studies.
Wow thank you that’s very insightful. I guess I hoped to not just have to do one or the other- to be involved in the caring side of medicine along with the innovation and engineering aspect too. But you’re right, I could potentially end up preferring one over the other with time and further exploration. Or I could head for an MD/PhD route. I guess I’ll use my undergrad to figure that out and I’ll stick with BME for now and see what feels right. Thank you!