Medical
School
Being a physician is one of the most exciting and
challenging careers, but also requires some of the most
extensive training of any profession. Medical school
requires four years beyond your undergraduate
degree. The first two years of medical school focus
on coursework and the last two on clinical studies.
During the first year students take basic-science
coursework that is biology-intensive. First year courses
typically include gross anatomy, histology, embryology,
neuroanatomy, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and
behavioral science. During the second year coursework
focuses more on understanding, diagnosing, and treating
diseases. Coursework includes pathology, microbiology,
pharmacology, and diagnostic examination and evaluation.
During the third year students begin clinical rotations
where they gain expertise in specialties within medicine,
such as surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, and internal
medicine. The last year involves clinical electives where
individuals enter additional rotations in specialty areas
of their choosing. After medical school you are a
"doctor" (MD or DO), but you are required to spend at
least three to four years in residency before you can
practice medicine independently. Residency is
performed at a hospital or clinic, usually different from
where you went to medical school. However, the
first step in becoming a physician is to gain admittance
to medical school.
As an undergraduate, your primary focus should be on
completing all requirements for applying to medical
school, excelling at academics, and preparing to take the
MCAT. Below are some specific questions that are
frequently asked by UNCA undergraduates:
What are the minimum course
requirements? As a general rule, medical schools
require the following:
- two years of chemistry (including one year of
organic)
- two years of biology
- one year of physics
Some schools require calculus, so Math 191 (calculus
I) is recommended. Please note that all these
requirements are the minimum, the better your
background in all of these areas, the more likely you are
to succeed in the application process and in medical
school.
Must pre-med students major in
the natural sciences? No. Pre-med students may
major in any discipline that they want so long as they
complete the minimal course requirements outlined above.
Students often follow two strategies: (1) majoring in the
subject that they enjoy the most, or (2) majoring in a
subject that is less enjoyable but may give them a
perceived edge in terms of acceptance. Medical advisors
strongly recommend that you major in an area that you
find the most interesting and intellectually stimulating.
Why? Because you are more likely to become a life-long
learner and excel at undergraduate coursework if you
pursue what you are most passionate about. The official
advice of the Association of American Medical Colleges
(as stated in the most recent edition of the Medical
School Admission Requirements) is that "Students
should select a major area of study that is of interest
and that will provide a foundation of knowledge necessary
for the pursuit of several career alternatives. Students
who select a major area of study solely or primarily
because of the perception that it will enhance the chance
of acceptance to a school of medicine are not making a
decision in their best interest." Since medicine is the
study of human biology, it is not surprising that most
physicians select biology as their field of undergraduate
study. In fact, first-year medical students are six times
more likely to have a biology degree than any other
degree.
What are the advantages of
majoring in biology? The reason most medical
students major in biology is that a degree in biology
offers excellent preparation for admission to and success
in medical school. The Cell and Molecular Biology
concentration at UNCA provides these two major
advantages. First, you will be exceptionally well
prepared to take the MCAT. The MCAT contains both a
biology section and physical science section (chemistry;
physics). Biology is highly interdisciplinary, and the
Cell and Molecular concentration provides a very strong
grounding in both chemistry and biology. This track
provides you with 5 semesters of chemistry, including
biochemistry, and exposes you to additional biochemistry
and molecular biology that are directly relevant to
medicine in courses such as cell biology, microbiology,
and genetics. A second advantage this track offers is
that you will take an array of upper division biology
courses such as physiology, cell biology, genetics, and
microbiology that will prepare you for your first two
years of medical school. The vast majority of the basic
science coursework in medical schools is in biology, and
it helps tremendously to be exposed to these subjects
before you get to medical school. The pace at which new
material must be mastered is phenomenal, so prepare
yourself with a strong education, good study habits, and
a strong grounding in biological sciences.
What is the MCAT? The
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is one of the most
important exams that you will take. The MCAT is
required for all medical schools, allopathic (MD degree)
and osteopathic (DO degree). Your score will be a
key factor in determining whether you are accepted to
medical school. The test consists of four sections:
physical sciences; biology; verbal reasoning; and a
writing sample (essay). The test is intended to determine
how well you understand basic concepts in biology,
chemistry, and physics. It also assesses problem solving,
critical thinking, and writing skills.
What is the best way to prepare
for the MCAT? Study a lot. The best
strategies are using study guides, reviewing course
material from your notes, and reading critical chapters
from textbooks from the science courses that you
completed. Most students spend a minimum of 1-2 months
studying intensively for the MCAT. You should plan on
doing at least this. If possible, keep the textbooks used
in your biology, chemistry and physics courses so that
you will have them to prepare for these sections of the
test. Many private companies offer MCAT preparation
courses, although these are generally quite
expensive. Knowing a lot of facts is essential, but
doing well on the test also requires answering questions
quickly. Practice exams are very useful.
Study guides with sample tests are helpful in exposing
you to the types of questions that you will encounter.
Being familiar with the types of questions to expect will
increase your ability to derive answers quickly and
reduce anxiety levels.
When should I take the
MCAT? Plan to take the MCAT after you have
completed the minimum requirements for coursework (two
years of chemistry, physics, calculus, etc.). You will
need to take the MCAT during your junior year (April or
August) for admission following your senior year.
This may be a problem if you have heavy course loads or
work obligations. Students can also take the MCAT
and apply to medical school their senior year, which
gives them a year off before they start medical school.
We recommend talking to your pre-med advisor about the
best strategy for you. Click here for a schedule
of test dates.
How important is my grade point
average? Your grade point average is an important
criterion for evaluation. You must demonstrate that
you are able to achieve good grades under a challenging
course load. It is critical that you do well from
the onset, and that you learn to develop good study
skills during your freshman year. Your advisor can
provide helpful suggestions on developing good study
habitats beyond the obvious of attending every lecture
and taking copious notes.
How important are personal
interviews? Most medical schools require a
personal interview as part of the admissions process. The
importance of the interview with respect to your overall
evaluation depends on the school, your application and
how you do in the interview. Good interviewing skills are
not innate, so you should work on developing your verbal
skills. For example, you may want to take a speech class
as an elective. You may also want to attend career days
or other functions where you can gain experience in
interviews. It is also a good idea to practice interviews
with a friend or member of the pre-med club on campus.
Most interviewers are less concerned with your opinions
than with your ability to communicate effectively. They
are also assessing your ability to interact with future
patients and colleagues. For example, are you confident
but not overbearing? Are you friendly and calm? Can you
handle intimidating questions or stressful situations
with confidence?
Any suggestions about letters of
recommendation? Most medical colleges require
letters of recommendation from university professors or
other individuals who are qualified to judge your
abilities. At UNCA this is fulfilled by a single
letter from the Pre-Health Professions Advisory
Committee, with input from faculty members who know
you. Ask your advisor or one of the premed
committee members to begin this process. The
better the faculty members know you, the better the
letter of recommendation they can provide, so talk to
your professors. Fortunately, small classes and
close relationships between faculty and students at UNCA
make it relatively easy to get to know professors. Before
asking for a letter of recommendation, come prepared with
a summary of your accomplishments, your coursework and
grades, and any other relevant information that can
facilitate writing the letter. If needed, have forms
filled out and signed and envelopes preaddressed. Let
individuals know that you are both organized and
unique!
Should I engage in college and
extracurricular activities? Because so many med
school applicants are exceptional, your chances of
getting admitted will be enhanced by engaging in relevant
college and extracurricular activities. Examples include
volunteering or paid employment in health clinics or
medical centers, shadowing physicians, engaging in
undergraduate research, and being an active member of
organizations or clubs, such as the Hippocrates Student
Organization or Missing Links Biology Club.
What will I do if I do not get
accepted to medical school? Only about 35- 45% of
applicants are accepted to medical schools nationwide and
many who are not admitted have excellent credentials.
Competition is so keen that it is wise to consider other
alternatives. Here is where you should give much thought
to your major. If you are not accepted, then your future
career pathways may be limited by your choice of major.
By majoring in the subject you are most passionate about,
you will be assured of having meaningful alternative
career opportunities if you are not accepted to medical
school.