Pre-Med Track
Your Path to a Career in Medicine
Brooklyn College offers advising, support, and resources that will help you explore and prepare for a career in medicine.
What a Physician Does
Physicians diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).
Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they work in all specialties.
Typical Duties
- Take a patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam.
- Document and update charts and patient information to show findings and treatments.
- Order tests and consultations for other physicians or health care staff to perform.
- Review test results to identify abnormal findings.
- Recommend, design, and implement a treatment plan.
- Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being.
- Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook
What a Pre-Medical Student Studies
- One year of general chemistry (lecture and lab)
- One semester of pre–organic chemistry
- One year of organic chemistry (lecture and lab)
- One year of biology
- One year of physics
- Math (precalculus or calculus)
- One year of English composition
For more details on coursework, download the Pre-Health Professions Handbook (PDF).
What Are Medical School Degree Options
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Learn more about allopathic medical school. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Learn more about osteopathic medical school.
When to Apply to Medical School
Apply to medical school in spring or summer, a year before your intended start date. Complete prerequisites, take the MCAT, and gather clinical experience and recommendations beforehand. Early applications improve your chances.
How to Prepare for the MCAT
Preparing for the MCAT exam takes time and dedication.
The MCAT exam tests concepts in the natural, social, and behavioral sciences and critical analysis and reasoning skills that are essential to entering students’ success in medical school.
Visit the AAMC MCAT prep center.
What to Expect in Medical School
Medical school spans four years, split into preclinical and clinical phases. The first two years cover foundational coursework in sciences, while the final two focus on hands-on learning through specialty rotations. Students engage in patient care, preparing for residency based on clinical performance, evaluations, and exam scores. Balancing intense academics with personal well-being is essential for success.
For the Greater Good
Dr. Lawrence Brown Jr. ’74 saw the need to share his expertise as an addiction specialist beyond his own Brooklyn community.
A Cultural Representative
Alumna and medical student Ruqayyah Batts will address healthcare disparities, while bolstering the representation of physicians of color.
A Global Impact
How the Global Medical Brigades program helps students understand and address global health care inequities.
Contact Information
Benjamin N. Stewart
Director of Pre-Health Program Advisement/Director of Coordinated B.A.-M.D. Program
2231 Boylan Hall
P: 718.951.4706
Mickaël Déjean
Pre-Health Advisor
1122 Boylan Hall
P: 718-951-3360