* Biology: This is a very popular choice, providing a strong foundation in the sciences relevant to medicine.
* Chemistry: Similar to biology, a strong chemistry background is essential for understanding the human body and disease processes.
* Biochemistry: Combines aspects of biology and chemistry, focusing on the chemical processes within living organisms.
* Neuroscience: If you're particularly interested in neurology (a related field), this is a relevant major.
* Psychology: While not directly related to the medical aspects, understanding human behavior and psychology can be helpful in emergency medicine.
Important Note: The major is less important than the *pre-med requirements*. You'll need to take specific courses (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and often calculus) regardless of your major to be eligible for medical school. Check the pre-med requirements of the medical schools you're interested in – these vary slightly.
Where to find information about the job:
* The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP): This is the primary professional organization for emergency physicians in the US. Their website (acep.org) has a wealth of information on the career, training, and specialty.
* The American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA (ama-assn.org) provides general information about medicine as a career.
* Medical school websites: Look at the websites of medical schools you might consider. They often have detailed descriptions of the emergency medicine residency program.
* Shadowing or informational interviews: The best way to learn about the job is to shadow an emergency physician or interview one. Reach out to local hospitals or emergency rooms.
Colleges to attend:
There's no single "best" college for pre-med. The most important factors are:
* Strong science programs: Look for schools with excellent biology, chemistry, and other science departments.
* High MCAT scores from graduates: Check the average MCAT scores of graduating pre-med students—this indicates the school's effectiveness in preparing students for medical school.
* Pre-med advising: A good pre-med advising program can guide you through the challenging pre-med curriculum and application process.
* Overall academic rigor: Medical schools look for strong academic performance.
* Fit: Consider the college's overall culture and whether you feel it's a good fit for you.
Many excellent universities offer strong pre-med programs. Research schools based on your academic strengths, financial resources, and location preferences. You'll find strong pre-med programs at Ivy League schools, large public universities, and smaller liberal arts colleges. Use college ranking websites (US News & World Report, for example) as a starting point, but remember rankings are just one factor.