To become a doctor, certain subjects are essential both at the high school (or pre-university) level and during undergraduate and medical school studies. Here is a detailed overview:

Key Subjects Needed to Become a Doctor

High School / Pre-University (A-Levels or equivalent):

• Chemistry: Almost universally required by medical schools; foundational for understanding pharmacology and biochemistry

• Biology: Highly recommended and often required; forms the basis for anatomy, physiology, and pathology

• Physics: Often required or recommended; important for understanding medical technologies like imaging

• Mathematics (Algebra, Calculus, Statistics): Important for data analysis and research; sometimes required or recommended

• Psychology and Sociology: Helpful for understanding patient behavior and mental health; beneficial for medical school and MCAT preparation

Undergraduate Degree (Pre-Med):

• Biology: Core subject for medical school preparation

• Chemistry: General and organic chemistry with labs are essential

• Physics: Required to understand physiological processes and medical equipment

• Mathematics (Calculus, Statistics): Important for medical research and evidence-based medicine

• Additional helpful courses: Psychology, sociology, microbiology, genetics, pharmacology, anatomy, epidemiology, and medical ethics

Medical School Coursework:

• Anatomy: Study of human body structure, essential for diagnosis and treatment

• Physiology: Understanding how body systems function and interact

• Biochemistry: Molecular basis of health and disease, important for drug therapies

• Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their effects

• Genetics, Immunology, Cell Biology: Important for understanding disease mechanisms

• Medical Ethics, Health Law, Communication Skills: Critical for patient care and professional practice

• Clinical subjects: Internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics, gynecology, family medicine, etc.

Summary Table of Required Subjects by Stage

Stage| Core Subjects| Additional Recommended Subjects
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High School / A-Levels| Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics| Psychology, Sociology
Undergraduate (Pre-Med)| Biology, Chemistry (General & Organic), Physics, Mathematics (Calculus, Statistics)| Psychology, Sociology, Microbiology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Anatomy, Epidemiology, Medical Ethics
Medical School| Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Genetics, Immunology, Cell Biology| Medical Ethics, Health Law, Communication, Clinical Medicine (various specialties)

This combination of subjects provides a strong foundation for medical education and practice, covering the sciences needed to understand the human body and diseases, as well as the social sciences and ethics necessary for patient care