Question: what subjects do you need to be a doctor and a scientist

Alex Haragan answered on 18 Jun 2018:

Hi Lusxz.
Well the first thing you need to decide is what route you are going down. Do you want to try science first or are you determined to get into medical school?
In both cases you will need strong science A-levels. It may have changed since I was at college – but I’m fairly sure medicine required a minimum of 3 A-levels, one of which had to be chemistry and the other 2 typically a science. You are encouraged to take 4 (or more) if you confident you will still achieve the best grades (so 3 “A”s are better than 2 As and 2 Bs) – but I would suggest if you are taking more than 3 make the 4th a non-science.
Make it interesting and different – art or philosophy or foreign language – it will stand you out in interviews and give you something memorable to talk about.
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If you then decide you want to do science – most medical schools will offer an integrated BSc degree of some sort (oxbridge offer integrated PhDs though I personally think thats the wrong stage for one) so you should say yes to that.
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But ultimately pick a few science subjects you like (and check to see if chemistry is necessary – ask your tutors), pick at least one non-science subject and, mostly importantly – make sure you like these things! If you don’t like them at college a lifetime of work make it any better!