What GCSE grades do you need to become a surgeon?

Answer 1

Well, if you are wanting to become a nuerosurgeon, you would obviously need to do good in Biology as 'nuerology' would consist biological sciences. You would need to be at a suitable standard in this particular science such as; being at an A grade in AS Biology. Also, chemistry would be an essential AS chosen science qualification, and many medicine schools require atleast an A in chemistry at A level / or AS level.

Answer 2

GCSEs:

You definitely need to have a majority of A*s. I'd say at least 7. Though it isn't specifically specified for Oxford, most candidates have 70% A*s. But you definitely need minimum an A grade in the sciences and maths.

A Levels:

Again, different for each uni. You definitely need biology and most universities require chemistry too, at least to AS level, as it will prove very useful. You do NOT need three sciences. Maths is very useful but not compulsory. It's better to take two sciences and then a subject you enjoy and is different to show you're well-rounded. For example - Biology, Chemistry and English Literature would be a great set of A Levels.

As for results, Cambridge is the only uni that is asking for an A*. It wants A*AA

But Oxford and Imperial and most others require AAA

Other:

You need work experience. Shadowing a surgeon or a doctor is excellent. You need be able to prove that you have a good understanding of medicine and know what you are getting yourself into. Also, volunteer at a local nursery or care home to show you've had experience in caring for others. This is all REALLY important for medicine and you will not be considered if you have no work experience or volunteer work. Check out the websites of your local hospitals as they will tell you about work experience and volunteering.

Interview:

In the interview, be prepared for rigorous and demanding questions. Make sure you're up to date with current health news and issues. You'll be asked about recent news...medical ethics... Above all, the interviewers want to see that you are really devoted and passionate about medicine. They admit students who have a real love for the subject and will be a joy to teach. So try and make this come across in your interview.

Okay once you get into med school...

UNIVERSITY COURSE - 5 or 6 years

It depends on whether you take a year out to do an intercalated degree (research in another field related to medicine, e.g. biomedical sciences)

In most unis, the course is split into two sections but in others it's all mixed together. But generally:

Pre-clinical: 3yrs

This is where you'll learn via lectures and textbooks. Also, some problem based learning.

Clincal - 2yrs

This is where you're placed in nearby hospitals and GP surgeries and you learn how to do things such as take patient history and various other medical procedures that take place in hospitals and surgeries.

FOUNDATION YEARS - 2 YRS

You leave university and are given a placement in a hospital as a junior doctor.

Foundation yr 1: You rotate around various specialties - surgery, general practise, paediatrics etc..

Foundation yr 2: You sit your exams and apply for a speciality (in your case, surgery)

SPECIALTY TRAINING - 3-6 YRS

You are now a fully qualified doctor. Your speciality training in surgery will be split into two parts.

Core training - 2yrs: This will be general surgery and you'll scrub in on all types of operations

Higher training - 6yrs: Higher training is usually 3yrs but, for neurosurgery, it's 6yrs. This is where you go deeper into neuroscience and learn about and practise neurosurgery.

Answer 3

If you want to become a surgen then your working hours will be 50 hours a week. Or 10 hour a day.