I would love to be a doctor, and I am working hard towards achieving that goal. One of the many steps one must take to even apply or get into medical school is to take the required coursework. This includes, at the very least, two semesters of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, English and some social sciences. When students say they are "pre-med," they mean they are taking these courses in the hopes of getting into medical school.
However, I, for one, never say "I am pre-med." Instead, I say "I am taking pre-med classes" or "I plan on applying to medical school." Personally, I don't call myself "pre-med" for a couple of reasons. For one, I never use it in lieu of my major, psychology. Most schools, including mine, do not offer "pre-med" majors; at most, they may offer a minor. Usually, what people mean when they say "I'm pre-med" when asked what their major is, they mean they're a biology, chemistry, or even exercise science major.
The truth is there is no required major for getting into medical school. All of the physicians I have spoken with have advised students to major in something they enjoy and can do well in. These days, admissions committees (ADCOMS) are looking for people who will become well-rounded physicians. While the life and physical sciences can prepare one for the rigor of medical school, ADCOMS are looking for those who empathize with patients and show good bedside manner, as well.
Another reason I don't refer to myself as "pre-med" is because it attaches a large amount of assumptions to your identity. Although I work hard and get good grades, I cannot ignore the fact that of all the people that apply to medical schools, less than half get in. Even ignoring the low matriculation rate, just getting to the point where one can apply for medical schools is more challenging than most people know. For one, classes such as organic chemistry have been known to be the end to the dreams of many aspiring physicians. If "pre-med" is truly incorporated into one's identity, failure in such subjects, which is not uncommon, can be very disheartening.
Maybe it's a matter of personality. I think there is a stereotype of "pre-med" students being Type A personalities who are ambitious, competitive, workaholics. Understandably, some people may have held onto their desire to be a physician since childhood, and perhaps they have no Plan B, so being "pre-med" and becoming a doctor truly is part of their identity in some ways. Even I, someone who is far from being a Type A and who lacks much of a competitive spirit, have felt twinges of rivalry when someone tells me they are "pre-med" because all I can think about is how they are another person I have to compete with. I've certainly met those Type A "pre-med students." I have also met the ones that are clearly in it for the wrong reasons, such as "My parents want me to be a doctor" or "I want to make a lot of money." ADCOMS can usually smell those people from a mile away, and wisely don't let them into medical schools because they know lack the tenacity and motivation it takes to be successful in medical school and make it to graduation.
It is important for aspiring physicians to contemplate their motivations for attending medical school and completing the rigorous "pre-med" course-load. Is it to impress family? Wealth? Or is it make a substantial impact on the lives of others?
I mean no offense to students who call themselves "pre-med." However, one should be aware of the potential assumptions and implications. No matter what, you are more than your major, grades, MCAT scores or career aspirations. Fulfilling "pre-med" requirements are stressful and the road to becoming a doctor is a long, arduous one, so don't forget to have fun and live life while you still can.
