Throughout my educational journey, I discovered that one can pursue medicine irrespective of their major. While the conventional route is through biology, as long as the proper prerequisites are fulfilled, one can qualify to apply. Over time, I pondered, “Why isn’t there a standardized pre-med major?” Such a program would prepare students to tackle the demanding coursework of medical school. Moreover, if students opt not to enter the medical field, they would earn a degree in pre-medical studies, enabling them to explore various other professions within healthcare. The subsequent inquiry we must consider is, “What subjects would comprise this major?” The response hinges on another philosophical query: “Should we envision physicians as community cornerstones or merely another profession?” I advocate for the former.

To begin addressing this foundational question, we should examine the origins of the term. The word “physician” is derived from the ancient Greek term ἰατρός (iatros), which signifies “healer” or “doctor.” The word “doctor” originates from the Latin “docere,” which translates to “to teach.” The convergence of healer and educator is deeply connected to the essence of being a physician. Physicians serve as trusted individuals within the community who provide care to all. By engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, they ought to be adept at connecting with anyone. Establishing rapport with patients and knowing even a single fact about their lives significantly enhances patient comfort, resulting in improved medical care. If we aspire for physicians to be community pillars, we have to educate them accordingly.

The initial two years of the pre-med major would consist solely of general education courses and science prerequisites:

– One year of biology + lab
– One year of general chemistry + lab
– One year of English
– One semester of psychology
– One semester of sociology
– Two years of foreign language
– One year of organic chemistry + lab
– One year of physics + lab
– One semester of calculus
– One semester of statistics
– One year of anthropology
– One semester of U.S. history
– One semester of humanities

The final two years would focus on preparing for the MCAT and medical school. Below is a sample schedule designed using ChatGPT (including major courses along with sample general education courses):

4-year undergraduate plan: pre-health track

Year 1: Core sciences + gen ed breadth

Fall semester

– General biology I + lab
– General chemistry I + lab
– Intro to psychology (gen ed + major)
– Foreign language I (global gen ed)

Spring semester

– General biology II + lab
– General chemistry II + lab
– Intro to sociology (gen ed + major)
– Foreign language II
– Calculus I (quant gen ed)

Year 2: Core sciences + gen ed breadth

Fall semester

– Organic chemistry I + lab
– Physics I + lab
– English composition I (gen ed)
– U.S. history or civics (gen ed)
– Foreign language III

Spring semester

– Organic chemistry II + lab
– Physics II + lab
– English composition II (gen ed)
– Humanities elective (philosophy, art, etc.)
– Foreign language IV

Year 3: Upper division + test prep

Fall semester

– Biochemistry
– Research course
– MCAT/DAT/GRE prep course

Spring semester

– Upper-level science elective (e.g., genetics or cell bio)
– Research course
– Interview prep course
– MCAT/DAT/GRE self-study or practice exams

Year 4: Medical school preparation + finishing general education

Fall semester

– Anatomy I
– Physiology I
– Bioethics or public health
– Intro to anthropology (soc sci gen ed)
– Global/diversity gen ed (e.g., world religions)

Spring semester

– Anatomy II
– Physiology II
– Humanities elective (ethics, literature)
– Oral communications / speech (gen ed)
– Advanced writing (writing-intensive gen ed)
– Medical anthropology
– Medicine-related elective

For the first three years, there is minimal variation since core science courses must be completed before undertaking the MCAT, DAT, or GRE. However, the fourth year offers greater flexibility.

I hope that universities embrace this major and curriculum, as I believe it will positively impact medical students and, consequently, society at large.

Devin Behjatnia is a medical student.