Do you need to study physics to apply to medical school? The answer is usually yes, as physics is usually a prerequisite class that you'll have to take. Most American medical schools require one year of class credit (and lab work) to satisfy their admission boards. However, there are several schools in the United States that don't require physics, so it's important to research what classes you need to complete for medical school. Your cumulative GPA takes into account all your courses, while your GPA in science depends on your courses in biological sciences, such as Biology and Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics (BCPM).
Many students find physics difficult because they have to compete with different representations, such as experiments, formulas and calculations, graphs, and conceptual explanations at the same time. One of the most important roles a doctor plays is that of a teacher in imparting information to patients and teaching them to play a more active role in their own health care. To become a successful doctor, it's important for future physicians to study mathematics and physics. Taking calculus is also beneficial for developing problem-solving skills and will strengthen your overall understanding of physics and chemistry.
Gaining clinical experience will help you further validate your interest in medicine and give you an idea of the reality of working as a doctor. As a physician, your work will involve research, either to determine the medical conditions of your patients or through the continuing education process, in which you read and study the published findings of research groups. Medical schools will want to see that you can manage your time effectively, as well as manage the stress that will be imposed on you as a medical student and doctor. The minimum course requirements include one year of biology, general chemistry (inorganic), organic chemistry, physics, and related laboratory work for each.
If you can, I strongly recommend that you at least take grade 11 in physics, even if that means taking it in grade 12. Teachers should understand students' opinions on physics and their comprehension difficulties. Having been a graduate with a double major in social sciences and one language (economics and Russian), I can quite confidently say that the basic science curriculum required a different kind of thinking from other subjects. In conclusion, it's important for medical school applicants to understand that physics is usually a prerequisite class that they'll have to take. Although several schools in the United States don't require physics, most American medical schools do require one year of class credit (and lab work) to satisfy their admission boards.
It's also important for future physicians to study mathematics and physics in order to become successful doctors.
