Course Selection for 10th Grader Dreaming of Surgeon Career

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around course selection for a tenth grader aspiring to become a plastic surgeon. Participants explore the necessary academic background, particularly in the sciences, and the implications of different educational pathways, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about whether to take physics next year, citing it as a weaker subject, while also considering the IB program, which limits the number of science courses.
  • Some participants suggest that taking all three sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) is essential for medical school prerequisites in Canada, as well as for the MCAT.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of understanding the educational system in the poster's current location, with a participant noting the difference in terminology used in Canada compared to the US.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of taking all science courses for medical school preparation, but there is uncertainty regarding the best approach for the original poster, particularly concerning their weaker subject, physics.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's uncertainty about their course choices and the potential impact of moving to Korea on their educational path. The discussion does not resolve the specific course selection dilemma faced by the poster.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in medicine, particularly those in high school evaluating their course options, as well as educators advising students on academic pathways in the sciences.

Emma Hong
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Hi I'm in the tenth grade and I have always had the dream of becoming a surgeon. I realized I would like to be a plastic surgeon since grade 8. I plan to eventually move to korea and specialize there. I was wondering what courses should I take? I have already taken science 10 in the summer and am taking bio and chem 11 right now. I am not sure to take physics as well next year as it is one of my weaker subjects. Or should I go into the IB programme but they only allow two sciences. I am not sure what to take? I am also a life guard, swimming coach and teacher and trained in first aid. I joined all the first aid clubs and plan to volunteer at the local hospital soon.
 
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Emma Hong said:
I plan to eventually move to korea
Where are you now? Someone who is familiar with the educational system in your country is more likely to give useful responses. I suspect you're not in the US because you say "grade 8" instead of "8th grade", and I've never seen a US student talk about "science 10".
 
jtbell said:
Where are you now?
Vancouver, Canada
 
If you're planning to stay in Canada for your education, medical schools commonly required prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry and physics at the first year university level. Fundamental aspects of these subjects are also commonly tested on the MCAT - the "medical college admission test" that is required by most medical schools. So there's no getting around it. You need to take all of the sciences through high school if you want to get into medicine.
 

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