Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/9/2010

Question
Hi.  I'm going to be a junior this fall, and lately I have been extremely confused about what classes that I need to take to become an Anesthesiologist.  At my school, our guidance counselor is not the best.  I have tried to ask him questions about classes, but he has made me even more confused.  So my question is what kind of classes do I need to take my next two years of schooling.  So far I have taken geometry, biology, and this year for my math and science classes I'm going to be taking calculus, anatomy, and chemistry.  I'm wondering if I'm on the right track of classes and if I even need to take higher math classes.
Also, a quick college question.
Would I first need to go to a pre-med school?  And if so, can I go to any school that's high in pre-med and change to a school more for Anesthesiology?  Since I have been doing everything for schooling by myself, I would love to get help from someone who knows what they are talking about!
Thank you for taking your time to read my questions! I highly appreciate it.

Answer
First of all, you don't go to college for anesthesiology. You need 4 yrs of college, then 4 yrs of medical school and then 4 yrs of anesthesiology residency. Your courses in HS are fine but you have a lot more to take in college.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston