Becoming a Doctor after the IB Program
*Updated for the new 2024 Sciences IB Re-Vamp
How to become a doctor after completing the IB program?
The dream of donning a white coat, making a difference in people's lives, and delving into the fascinating world of medicine is a goal shared by many. For those who have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, this aspiration can be transformed into reality with a strategic roadmap.
Despite medicine being one of the most sought-after professional careers coming out of high school the IB does not necessarily make this a simple prospect. If you are considering a career in healthcare do note that multiple standards are necessary. In general, following the three sciences is heavily recommended. However, the standard IB package requires one or two natural sciences. You may have to deviate from a "typical" IB diploma in order to sacrifice for a medical school approach.
Nonetheless please note that it is completely possible to choose a normal IB diploma with two sciences and still get into med school, but more on that later. From here on out we will lead you down the typical path towards studying medicine in the IB.
IB Biology
Usually, a heavy Biology backbone is something that is truly recommended. Biology HL allows |you to understand what happens from the cell to the macro scale in different organism bodies. Similarly to medical school, Biology requires a very keen memory. Med school is rigorous and a heavy amount of knowledge transfer is a must in order to succeed. Biology HL trains very similar neuro-cognitive impulse recognition i.e. short and long-term memory. With that being said some people can be very successful relying solely on short-term memory training methods such as mnemonics or memory training cards. You need to figure out what is the optimal learning method for yourself and it may take quite some trial and error before you know what allows for the optimal amount of procrastination to succeed at the IB exams!
IB Chemistry
Chemistry is the mother of science. Without this science, it is impossible to fully understand how different chemicals both within and outside the body link to one another. With stoichiometry as its pillar, most IB students do not end up spending enough time on the first chapter and tend to underestimate it. More often than not your path down chemistry will either be very smooth or extremely rugged only based on the first chapter alone. Once you understand stoich a whole world of other chapters tends to fall into place. Chemistry is fundamental when it comes to working on many therapeutics.
IB Physiscs
IB Physics is one of the most difficult subjects one may choose. Unless you have a mind built for the physical phenomenon. Whether it is Newton’s first law or astrophysics you do need to think outside of the box. It takes a very large amount of repetition to get this course down right, however, it is very much full of satisfaction if you do. Physics is probably the least valuable when it comes to med school, however, it does explain very many basic principles that further occur in the body.
Lastly when considering medicine in general take into account that a great deal of effort needs to be put in to get in. Furthermore, a even greater amount of energy and sacrifices usually follow in order to achieve your goals. Ask around to go and volunteer for a day in a hospital and see if it may be something for you early. It is good to take the extra steps before!
Dr. Michal Galek-Aldridge, M.D.
