Future Doctor in the Family? A Simple Overview of Math in Medicine
Many students come to MEK Review with the intention of pursuing a medical career. Medical school is rigorous, and preparation starts early in a student’s education. A strong math foundation is vital. Here is an overview of how each level of math plays into a student’s educational development. You’ll also find out how MEK’s programs can help you master key math skills to prepare you for becoming a doctor:
Algebra
Algebra prepares students to study unknown variables in relation to a system. It is foundational to doctors understanding, for example, how molecules comprised of chemicals with numerical bases interact within the body. A typical student needs two years of Algebra in high school to progress to calculus, which doctors will study in college. An advanced math track will enable a student to hit Calculus their senior year, reducing the amount of study later on. Students can also take algebra in a middle school advanced class, which can also limit the amount of study.
With MEK this summer, start your middle schooler with our MEK Learning Circles Math program. Our Common Core-aligned curricula ensure students master concepts at each grade level.
If your student is in/going into high school in the fall, our H.S. Honors Algebra ll Prep course teaches 60+% of the material so students can learn key concepts before taking the class come fall.
Geometry and Trigonometry
Geometry helps doctors understand the shape and size of different cells, organs and body parts in relation to each other, and in relation to the size and shape of various medical devices. Trigonometry is an advanced form of geometry that focuses on triangles. Doctors use trig specifically to understand waves (radiation, X-ray, ultraviolet, and water). Trigonometry is vital to understand calculus.
Our H.S. Honors program offers courses for geometry and covers trigonometry concepts.
Calculus
Calculus deals with unknown variables in relation to a system over time. Doctors use this to understand chemical reactions that occur in the body over time. In particular, this helps doctors understand movements that may have caused injury. Most medical schools want college students to take a full year of calculus in college.
If you’re planning to take AP Calculus AB or BC this fall, take our corresponding AP Course Prep classes this summer. We offer AP Calculus AB prep as a group class with private tutoring options, and AP Calculus BC prep for private tutoring only.
Statistics
Statistics enables doctors to look at facts about a large group of data and analyze it to make decisions and predictions. Knowing how to interpret data and variable interactions also helps doctors read scholarly medical reports. Future doctors should take one semester of statistics in college to prepare for medical school. This Summer 2023, we offer AP Statistics prep as a group class with private tutoring options.
If your child is considering a career in medicine, mastery in mathematics is vital. Assess their progress in the different levels of math. Each level builds upon the previous one to form a “big picture” of required math skills.
Next Steps
This Summer 2023, take steps toward becoming a doctor by registering for our courses. Our Second Early Bird Discount ends on 6/3, so to get 10% off your registration, put down a $300 deposit and pay in full to get another 5% off. Plus, check out our new packaged course deals to build both academic and test prep skills.
Message us online and our academic counselors will send you a general survey to get you started with your academic needs!
