Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/15/2006

Question
I'm a senior in Highschool, and have just recently decided on a career path in anesthesiology, I haven't had any sort of advanced bio or chemistry yet, will this hurt me in my persuit to become an Anesthesiologist?  Also, I was a little confused, I can go to any 4 year school and just take the required courses that you listed?  And then, will that fulfill my requirements to get into medical school? What do you mean by four years Anesthesiology?  Is that the same as a residency?  Thank you!

Answer
Not having advanced courses in high school does not affect your chances of getting into anesthesia (but it will make learning the material a little harder in college). You can go to any college but you must fulfill all the requirements of your chosen major and in addition, complete the pre-requisite courses necessary for medical school. 4 years of anesthesiology (after medical school) is residency.

Good Luck,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston