What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Doctor

Key Takeaways

• • • Core sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) are essential throughout high school, pre-med, and medical school
    • Mathematics through calculus or statistics strengthens analytical skills needed for medical practice
    • Pre-med coursework typically includes organic chemistry, biochemistry, and behavioral sciences to prepare for the MCAT
    • Medical school curriculum focuses on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical rotations
    • Additional helpful subjects, like psychology and English, improve communication and critical thinking
    • Not all subjects are necessary, foreign languages and advanced mathematics beyond calculus are optional for most medical school applicants

If you’re wondering what subjects are needed to become a doctor, you’re taking an important first step toward medical school. The path from high school through pre-med and into medical school requires specific coursework that builds the scientific foundation for patient care.

Doctors spend years studying different subjects before they can practice medicine. The courses you take in high school prepare you for undergraduate pre-med requirements, which then lead to medical school admission. Each stage builds on the previous one, creating a clear academic pathway.

Understanding which subjects matter most, and which ones you can skip, helps you plan your education strategically. This guide breaks down the essential courses at each level and explains how they prepare you for a medical career.

Subjects To Choose In High School To Be A Doctor

While medical schools often focus more on your undergraduate performance and MCAT scores, choosing the proper subjects in high school can provide a solid foundation for your medical career. If you’re committed to pursuing medicine, consider the following subjects to prepare yourself for pre-med coursework:

Core sciences

1. Biology – Forms the foundation for advanced topics in medical school, such as biochemistry, genetics, and pathology.
2. Chemistry – Essential for pharmacology, biochemistry, and understanding bodily functions at the molecular level.
3. Physics – Useful for understanding medical technologies, such as imaging and radiation therapy.

Mathematics

1. Algebra and Calculus – Critical for data analysis, medical research, and understanding the quantitative aspects of medicine.
2. Statistics – Important for research, understanding medical studies, and making evidence-based decisions.

Additional helpful subjects

1. Psychology – Valuable for patient interaction, understanding mental health, and pursuing specialties like psychiatry.
2. English – Crucial for patient communication, writing research papers, and navigating medical literature.
3. Health Sciences – Prepares you for more complex health-related topics and practical applications in medicine. 

Subjects You Should Take in Pre-Med to Become a Doctor

Pre-med refers to the undergraduate years when you complete requirements for medical school admission. Most students major in biology, chemistry, or related sciences, though medical schools accept applicants from any major who complete the prerequisite courses.

Usually, the majority of medical school applicants major in biological sciences, while fewer come from other fields, including humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences.

The goal of pre-med coursework is to build toward success on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and prepare for the intensity of medical school. Required pre-med subjects typically include:

• Biology 
• General chemistry 
• Organic chemistry 
• Physics 
• Biochemistry
• Mathematics
• English or writing
• Psychology and sociology

These courses directly align with MCAT content. The exam tests your knowledge across biological sciences, chemical sciences, psychological and social foundations, and critical analysis. Strong performance in pre-med coursework translates to better MCAT scores, which significantly impact your admission chances.

Subjects To Opt for In Medical School

Medical school is a combination of classroom lectures, lab work, and clinical experience. The first two years will focus on gaining theoretical knowledge through classroom learning in subjects including anatomy, psychology, biochemistry, pharmacology, medical ethics, genetics, immunology, cell biology, human development, foundation of cells and molecules, epidemiology, critical care, health laws, and communication and soft skills.

The final two years of medical school focus on gaining practical experience in hospitals or clinics, in different departments, including internal medicine, obstetrics, and gynaecology, pediatrics, general surgery, psychiatry, neurology, and more.

To earn the license to practice medicine, you will have to take the first two stages of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Taking courses in these subjects will help you prepare for the exam:

• Principles of medicine
• Clinical skills and patient care
• Bodily systems like the respiratory system
• Genetic disorders and birth defects
• Biostatistics and population health

Subjects You Can Skip

While building a strong academic foundation is important, not every subject is necessary for medical school admission or success as a doctor.

You can typically skip:

• Foreign languages: Unless you plan to serve specific patient populations, foreign language coursework is optional. Medical schools do not require language proficiency for admission.

• Advanced mathematics beyond calculus: While calculus and statistics are valuable, higher-level mathematics like differential equations or abstract algebra are not necessary for most medical careers. Focus instead on sciences and patient-centered coursework.

• Computer science or programming: Basic computer literacy is sufficient. Specialized programming skills are not required unless you’re interested in medical research or informatics.

• Arts and humanities electives unrelated to healthcare: While these courses enrich your education, they won’t strengthen your medical school application as much as science coursework or healthcare volunteering.

Instead of spreading yourself across unnecessary subjects, use that time to strengthen your core science courses, gain clinical experience through volunteering or shadowing, or participate in research. These activities demonstrate your commitment to medicine more effectively than unrelated coursework.

Additional Requirements for Medical School Admissions

Beyond completing the right subjects, medical schools evaluate several other important components in your application:

• MCAT scores: This standardized exam tests your knowledge across biological sciences, chemical sciences, and behavioral sciences. Competitive scores typically range from 510-515 or higher. Prepare thoroughly by using your pre-med coursework as the foundation.
  
• Clinical experience: Medical schools want to see that you understand what practicing medicine involves. Volunteer at hospitals, shadow physicians, or work as a medical scribe to gain exposure to patient care.

• Research experience: Participating in scientific research demonstrates critical thinking and contributes to medical knowledge. Many pre-med students work in university research labs during undergraduate studies.

• Letters of recommendation: Strong recommendations from science professors and physicians who know you well carry significant weight. Build relationships with mentors who can speak to your capabilities and character.

• Personal statement: Your application essay should explain why you want to become a doctor and what experiences shaped that decision. Be specific and authentic about your motivation.

Starting your preparation early, from high school through undergraduate studies, gives you the best chance of admission to your preferred MD program.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a doctor requires careful academic preparation from high school through medical school. And what you learn in medical school matters.  Focus on core sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics, along with mathematics and behavioral sciences. Complete your pre-med requirements with strong grades, prepare thoroughly for the MCAT, and gain meaningful clinical experience.

At AUA College of Medicine, we provide a U.S.-modeled curriculum with early clinical exposure and pathways to residency in all 50 states. Our students benefit from clinical training at FIU-affiliated hospitals and comprehensive support throughout their medical education. If you’re ready to start your medical school experience, explore how AUA can help you reach your goals.

Ready to take the next step? Request information about AUA’s MD program and learn how our global doctor pathways can prepare you for a successful medical career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do medical schools care about my high school subjects?

While medical schools primarily focus on your undergraduate performance and MCAT scores, having a strong background in relevant high school subjects can make your undergraduate studies easier and more successful.

What should I major in during my pre-med years?

During your pre-med years, you should major in subjects like biology, chemistry, or physics. It’s also advantageous to take courses in psychology, sociology, and calculus, as these are relevant to the MCAT and medical school coursework.

How can I prepare for the MCAT?

To prepare for the MCAT, take psychology, sociology, microbiology, epidemiology, pharmacology, genetics, human anatomy, and psychophysiology courses. The test covers these subjects and will help you achieve a competitive score.

What is the easiest major to become a doctor?

There is no “easiest” major for medical school. Success depends on your strengths and interests rather than your major. Some students find science majors easier because pre-med requirements overlap with their major coursework. Others excel in non-science majors while completing pre-med courses separately. Choose a field where you can achieve a strong GPA and develop skills valuable to medicine.