Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 1/8/2010

Question
Dear Dr. Levy, my name is Luis, a current softmore student. I've been planning on becoming an anesthesiologist with a minor spec. in pediatrics. I'm skipping 11th and 12th grade so this is my last year, that's why I'm asking the following question. Now, I know you could major in just about anything and get into med-school (as long as you complete the proper pre-med courses.) But is there an ideal pre-med. (disregarding my choice of residency and specializations) If not, can you provide me with a few good/great suggestions. I really have no clue what to do before my ultimate goal of anesthesiology. So I'd settle for basically any suggestion by an experienced M.D.A. and proffesor such as yourself. Please and thank you, Luis Rivera an M.D. to be.  

Answer
There is no ideal pre-med. Most people major in Biology or Chemistry but it is not required or necessarily advantageous. The only suggestion I can give you is to major in a subject you enjoy. If that is Archeology, then major in that. You will have plenty of time to learn the sciences but you will never have a chance to learn the other stuff.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston