What's the difference between BS/MD and BA/MD and other combined degree programs?

Pre-Med & Medical School Multiple Degree Programs
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<p>I'm currently a high school sophomore but I'm very confused with all the different combined degree programs. My parents, especially, want me to try to apply for a BS/MD or BA/MD program because they think just going to normal undergrad college and trying to go to med. school from there is too much of a risk to take.</p>

<p>Also, is it necessary to have lots of hospital service hours in order to apply to a BS/MD or BA/MD program? And finally, for those of you who have gone through med. school or a BS/MD or BA/MD program, what would you recommend for me? Thank you so much!</p>

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<p>If I understand your question correctly...</p>

<p>A BS/MD is a dual degree program where you receive a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine.</p>

<p>A BA/MD is a dual degree program where you receive a Bachelor of Art and a Doctor of Medicine.</p>

<p>The difference between an Art degree and a Science degree varies at ever school, but a Science degree tends to be more specialized. There is less focus on the liberal arts. When choosing a program, I don't think this is the focus of most.</p>

<p>You will also find programs that are BS/DO, which is for Doctor of Osteopathy (search that on wikipedia for more info). There are also dentistry programs and physical therapy programs.</p>

<p>You don't need lots of hours, but it doesn't hurt. You need to show that you are ready to give back to your community, so any community service work is good. I would recommend that if you are interested in applying to programs that you begin volunteering at your hospital...that will give you "clinical experience" and show that you care about your community. You should also shadow a doctor to see if medicine is something you want to do.</p>

<p>As for if a program is right for you...only you can decide that. The programs can be very intense academically if they are accelerated. They are not just an easy way into medical school. Most importantly, you may go to a school just for the sake of the program and then later find that you want to do some other subject and be stuck at that school. You have to confident medicine is what you want to do.</p>

<p>There are several threads on this subject:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=379469%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=379469&lt;/a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=298878%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=298878&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I am in a program (will not mention what it is)...I find it a relief personally. There is not much stress on me. Also, I didn't really care where I went to undergrad school and I liked the school I'm at, so I was glad to go there. I also liked the medical school, so that obviously factored into my decision.</p>

<p>Some extra reading:
<a href="http://www.medicalhelpnet.com/content/view/10/28%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.medicalhelpnet.com/content/view/10/28&lt;/a>
<a href="http://www.acceleratedmd.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.acceleratedmd.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>You are a sophomore, so you have time. It doesn't hurt to start planning early. As Dr. Kat Cohen says, the application process starts in the freshman year.</p>