Admissions

Preparation for Medicine

The undergraduate experience should not be considered primarily as preparation
for entrance to medical school. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the diverse educational opportunities provided at their college or university and are urged to pursue that course of study in which they are particularly interested.

Irrespective of the major area of study, it is essential that students begin their medical studies with a firm foundation in the biological and physical
sciences. In addition to completing the minimal requirements in these subjects (see Reqturements), it is recommended that students take at least another year of instruction in molecular, cell or neural biology. Acquisition of a knowledge base in these subjects is not only beneficial to the effective learning of biomedical science during medical school; it also provides a basis for appreciating and understanding the numerous remarkable advances in clinical medicine that depend on such knowledge.

In order for medical students to learn many important concepts of biological
science, especially in physiology and pathophysiology, an adequate preparation in mathematics is necessary, including experience with graphic representations of data and functions. Additionally, a working knowledge of statistics and
understanding of the concepts of probabilistic science are recommended as a basis for medical school studies in epidemiology, principles of clinical decision
making and evaluation of new diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies.

The continuing rapid growth in volume and complexity of medical information is beyond the range of human cognitive abilities. It is becoming increasingly necessary, therefore, for students of medicine and practicing physicians to be acquainted with computer based information systems and use computers to manage and access information. Students should acquire as much experience as possible with computerbased methods of organizing and retrieving information prior to starting medical school.

The education of students seeking careers in medicine should also include courses in the social and behavioral sciences, the reason being that physicians need to focus no less attention on preventing illness and promoting health than on diagnosis and treatment. Successful practice of clinical prevention and health promotion requires knowledge of the sociocultural and behavioral factors that increase the risk of illness and influence the course of disease.

A strong knowledge base in the sciences and mathematics is not sufficient for successful outcome of the physician-patient encounter; equally important are the physician's communication and interpersonal skills. The quality of such skills determines to a large extent whether the physician is able to conduct a proper history, change a patient's maladaptive behavior or obtain a patient's compliance with therapeutic advice. Although students will have ample opportunity to develop and practice these skills in medical school, it is advisable for students to start this process earlier. To this end, students interested in medicine should seek out extracurricular and workplace activities that enable them to interact with people in various ways. Examples of such experiences include teaching, tutoring and counseling or leadership roles in Student organizations.
Health care institutions can provide opportunities for students to interact with patients and their families during situations in which the ability to communicate information or to express empathy and compassion are severely tested.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are needed for aspects of educational and professional life besides encounters with patients. This medical school, like many others, is developing and implementing educational strategies
that occur in small group settings during which cooperation, teamwork and mutual respect are requisites for successfull learning. It is recomended that students take some college course in which they are able to practice small group learning activities in preparation for similar experiences in medical school. It must also be noted that behaviors needed for successful small group learning should be practiced by students and physicians in order to interact effectively with each other and other health professionals in the clinical environment.

Whether in the hospital or group practice ambulatory setting, cooperation and teamwork are essential to the proper care of patients.

Applicants to this and many other medical schools affiliated with hospitals located in urban areas should be aware of the diversity of ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds of the population served. In order to benefit maximally from their clinical education and to provide better health care, applicants
should acquire experience in working with disadvantaged persons, and try to understand how psychosocial and cultural factors influence the health of individuals and populations.

The following are minimal requirements for all applicants to the College of Medicine. None of these requirements can be waived for any candidate, and failure to comply will result in withdrawal from consideration on grounds of ineligibility.

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