What to study to become a psychiatrist?

I'm really interested in pursuing a career as a psychiatrist, but I'm not sure where to start when it comes to courses and majors. Any advice on the right classes to take in high school, which college majors are best suited for this career path, and any recommended extracurriculars?

To become a psychiatrist, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree, followed by medical school and a psychiatric residency. Here's an outline of the steps you'll want to take in high school and college to prepare for this career path:

1. High School Courses: Focus on science and math courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus, to build a strong foundation for college pre-medical coursework. Additionally, take courses in psychology and related social sciences to familiarize yourself with the human mind and behavior.

2. College Major: While there's no specific "pre-psychiatry" major, many students interested in psychiatry choose to major in psychology, neuroscience, or biology. Regardless of your major, make sure to take the prerequisite courses required for medical school admission. These often include additional classes in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.

3. Extracurriculars: Participate in relevant extracurricular activities to demonstrate your passion for psychiatry. Volunteer at hospitals, mental health clinics, or nursing homes where you'll gain exposure to patient care and the healthcare environment. You might also consider joining an undergraduate psychology club or getting involved in mental health advocacy on campus.

4. Medical School: After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend medical school and earn your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. During medical school, you'll study a broad range of medical subjects before specializing in psychiatry during the latter years.

5. Residency: Finally, you'll complete a psychiatric residency, which typically lasts four years. This period is focused on clinical training in various aspects of psychiatry, such as adult, child and adolescent, geriatric, and addiction psychiatry.

As you navigate your pre-psychiatry journey, remember that success in the field requires a strong foundation in both the sciences and the humanities. Developing good communication skills and empathy will also be crucial for providing effective care to your future patients.