Many areas of mathematics show up routinely in medicine and medical school. Physiology involves basic algebra and calculus. Statistics comes up in both running experiments of your own and in reading any medical journal article. Genetics uses combinatorics for models of inheritance. Pharmacokinetics relies heavily on differential equations.

In addition to the specific applied mathematical techniques that are used throughout medicine, mathematical thinking is at the heart of a good diagnosis. On both medical school exams and while seeing real patients, Danielle is required to go from a differential diagnosis—a list of potential diagnoses—to the most likely diagnosis. The reasoning involved mirrors a proof. Start with the given signs and symptoms. Using the relevant medical knowledge, see what the signs and symptoms imply. Then see which of the potential diagnoses are ruled out or supported.

A major in mathematics certainly can take you to medical school. Both the skills and logical thinking that mathematics instills will be useful throughout a future in medicine. Right from the first year of medical school, you'll see that math has a place in medicine when you're finding certain concepts or problems to be easy while other classmates are finding them difficult. If you do choose a math major, however, be prepared—in nearly all of your medical school interviews, you will be asked to explain how a major in mathematics can help you in medicine. Be firm in your answer and stand up for your major. The vast majority of doctors were not math majors, and they seem to overlook the important roles applied math and logic play in their own field.

Hayley writes, "it's funny how people look at me like I am crazy when I tell them that I prepared for medical school by majoring in mathematics! I think only a true mathematically minded person can understand that the logic and thought processes needed to do math can help in virtually every aspect of life. I am sure that is the case in my field . . . medicine is just one big word problem!"

How does she use math in her job? She says, "On a daily basis, I calculate doses of medications, fluid infusion rates, dietary needs, and urine output. Additionally, we use graphing methods to assess appropriate weight gains and appropriate levels of antibiotics."

Hayley was a Mathematics Major, graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in May 2000. The skills she uses on the job--such as problem solving and application of basic formulas--come from courses she took in statistics, mathematical modeling, logic, and discrete math. In addition to those mathematical skills, Hayley says that medical residents need to have a strong science background, social skills, the ability to work long hours, and the ability to teach, to lead, and to mentor.

Hayley notes, "Math can be used in virtually every profession, because it provides people with a way to think in a logical and structured manner. This structure can lay the foundation for a future in many endeavors. My advice to High School students is to get involved in as many activities as you can during college because you will never know how much you enjoy things until you try them. Finally, alway reach for the stars . . . a lot of hard work, or a lucky break, may give you the push you need to reach them."