Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/1/2008

Question
Hi,
My name is Jon, and I am in college. I really want to become a doctor, but I HATE BLOOD.
1) Did you ever hate blood? and how can I get over my fear of blood?
2) What does one have to major in if he/she wants to become a doctor?

Thank you so much

Sincerely

Jon S.

Answer
I never hated blood but that could certainly make medical school a problem for you. There are certainly specialties that don't see much blood (Pathology and Radiology come to mind) but in medical school you'll have to see a lot of it. I can't tell you how to get rid of the fear other than desensitization therapy. As for a major, you can  major in anything you want as long as you take the required courses for medical school.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston