In the minds of students, medical school represents many things: a great accomplishment, an exhausting financial endeavor, a lifelong goal, or that which is unattainable because you simply cannot understand algebra.
As college students, many remain curious about the steps it takes to get into medical school.
"I want to dispel the myth that people have to be biology majors, that grades are more important," said Elizabeth Morsheimer, senior academic advisor and coordinator of pre-health advising services. "It is encouraged that you major in what is of interest to you"
The path to medical school is paved by both a student's coursework as an undergraduate and performance on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which combines sections in verbal reasoning, physical sciences, biological sciences and a writing sample.
"It's (an) extensive study of science and a lot of work," said sophomore Heather Ivory, a communications major.
Although there is no "pre-med" major, as is commonly believed, students interested in applying to medical school are required to complete a concentration of courses to be eligible to take the MCAT.
These core requirements are found in the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR), a comprehensive listing of requirements for all United States medical schools.
According to the Princeton Review's Web site, all medical schools require biology, physics, chemistry, and organic chemistry, all with a laboratory section, to be completed as an undergraduate. Students at UB who are considering medical school as an option are encouraged to take calculus and biochemistry as well.
"Cover yourself most broadly with what will be required at most schools," said Morsheimer.
Having exceptional grades, however, will not guarantee acceptance into medical school.
It is encouraged that "people are diversely educated both in and outside of the classroom," said Morsheimer. "Students are also encouraged to read current medical news, as they will be asked questions during interviews."
"My roommate had a very high G.P.A., and had an average score on his MCAT's, and he didn't get accepted to the UB medical school," said senior Ron Douglas, a business major.
On average, outgoing UB students who were accepted to schools of allopathic medicine had a GPA of 3.61; those who applied to osteopathic medical schools had a GPA of 3.54.
Doctors of allopathic medicine, commonly considered to be more prestigious, receive a medical doctor degree. Allopathic doctors practice traditional medicine. Doctors of Osteopathy focus on holistic health and preventative medicine.
To become either type of doctor, a student must spend an additional four years in school. The first two years of school are theoretically based while the second two are based on practical experience.
Upon completing medical school, a one to six year residency is required to practice medicine in the United States.
In the United States, there are 125 allopathic medical schools and 19 osteopathic medical schools. There is only one school of osteopathic medicine in New York state, located on Long Island.
The closest osteopathic medical school to UB is in Pennsylvania, about 90 minutes from Buffalo while the closest allopathic medical school can be found in UB's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Students interested in applying to medical school can seek assistance with the process in the Academic Advisement Center in 108 Norton Hall, which provides valuable workshops and information on the academic preparation needed for the application process. For more information, call 645-2450.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
