Top 5 Degrees: Medicine in the US
In this edition of Top 5 Degrees, we look at the best undergraduate programs to prepare for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the US.
Why Study Medicine in the US?
Gaining acceptance to prestigious universities helps to pave the way for a career as a physician, surgeon, researcher or biotech pioneer. The first step is to complete a 4-year Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate), such as specific prerequisite science courses required by medical schools. Students will also need to gain clinical and research experience. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for acceptance.
Top Universities for Studying Medicine in the US
1. Harvard University
Ranking: #1 in in the World and US
Program: Pathways (to an MD degree) and Health Sciences & Technology (offered jointly with MIT)
Known for: Prestige and a history of groundbreaking medical breakthroughs
Highlights: Access to affiliated hospitals like Mass General and Brigham & Women's, cutting-edge research in labs led by Nobel laureates
Entry: highly selective (~4% acceptance rate)
2. Johns Hopkins University
Ranking: #2 in the US
Program: BSc in Molecular & Cellular Biology or Biomedical Engineering, BA in Public Health Studies
Known for: World-leading medical research and hospital system, dual MD degree
Highlights: Unmatched undergraduate research opportunities at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Applied Physics Lab
Entry: very selective (~7% acceptance rate)
3. Stanford University
Ranking: #3 in the US
Program: BS in Biology, Biomedical Computation, or Bioengineering
Known for: Blending medicine with technology and entrepreneurship
Highlights: Proximity to Silicon Valley fosters innovation in health tech and biotech startups, offers research grants exclusively for undergraduates
Entry: highly selective (~4% acceptance rate)
4. University of Pennsylvania
Ranking: #5 in the US
Program: BS in Biology or Biochemistry
Known for: "One University" philosophy integrating a top liberal arts degree and medical school, leader in biomedical research
Highlights: access to cutting edge research with affiliated institutes like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, flexible curriculum, vibrant pre-med community
Entry: very selective (~5% acceptance rate)
5. Columbia University
Ranking: #8 in the US
Program: BS in Biological Science or Chemistry
Known for: a rigorous core curriculum that produces well-rounded scientists and critical thinkers, centrally located in NYC with direct access to a global hub of medical and clinical facilities
Highlights: NY city advantage with internships at world-renowned hospitals and research institutions, strong research focus
Entry: highly selective (~4% acceptance rate)
Career Prospects
Graduates from these programs are in high demand as future Medical Doctors with careers in research, biomedicine and public health. They will develop a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and critical thinking setting them on a path to transform patient care and advance human health.
Stay tuned for the next degree in our Top 5 series!
Surgeons in action
最适合攻读医学的五大本科专业：美国院校篇
在本期推荐中，我们将介绍美国最适合为医学博士（MD）学位做准备的顶尖本科专业。
为什么在美国学医？
进入名校就读为成为医生、外科医生、研究人员或生物技术先驱铺平道路。第一步是完成四年制本科学位，并修完医学院要求的特定科学先修课程。学生还需积累临床和研究经验。申请需提供医学院入学考试（MCAT）成绩。
美国医学预科顶尖大学
哈佛大学
排名：全球及美国第1位
推荐专业：医学预科路径、与麻省理工学院合办的健康科学与技术
特色：享有盛誉，拥有开创性医学突破的历史
亮点：可进入麻省总医院、布莱根妇女医院等附属医院，有机会在诺贝尔奖得主领导的实验室进行前沿研究
录取：极挑剔（约4%录取率）
约翰斯·霍普金斯大学
排名：美国第2位
推荐专业：分子与细胞生物学理学学士、生物医学工程理学学士、公共卫生研究文学学士
特色：世界领先的医学研究和医院系统，提供双MD学位机会
亮点：在约翰斯·霍普金斯医学院和应用物理实验室享有无与伦比的本科生研究机会
录取：非常挑剔（约7%录取率）
斯坦福大学
排名：美国第3位
推荐专业：生物学、生物医学计算或生物工程理学学士
特色：将医学与技术、创业精神相融合
亮点：毗邻硅谷，推动健康科技和生物技术初创公司的创新，为本科生提供专属研究经费
录取：极挑剔（约4%录取率）
宾夕法尼亚大学
排名：美国第5位
推荐专业：生物学或生物化学理学学士
特色："一体化大学"理念融合顶尖文理教育与医学院，生物医学研究领域的领导者
亮点：可进入费城儿童医院等附属机构参与前沿研究，课程灵活，拥有活跃的医学预科社区
录取：非常挑剔（约5%录取率）
哥伦比亚大学
排名：美国第8位
推荐专业：生物科学或化学理学学士
特色： rigorous核心课程培养全面发展的科学家和批判性思考者，位于纽约市，直接接触全球医学与临床设施中心
亮点：利用纽约市优势，可在世界知名医院和研究机构实习，注重研究
录取：极挑剔（约4%录取率）
职业前景
这些项目的毕业生作为未来的医生，在研究、生物医学和公共卫生领域需求旺盛。他们将奠定坚实的科学探究和批判性思维基础，踏上改善患者护理、推动人类健康的道路。
敬请期待本系列的下一个专业推荐！