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Even if you studied hard, managed to obtain excellent remarks on your report card and received great recommendations from several important people, the amount of work you need to toil when entering medical school does not stop the moment you get accepted. For some, that’s merely scratching the surface: the competition, long hours of studying and, not to mention, the rigorous training that comes with the responsibility of having another person’s life in your hands. Getting into medical school is easy; it’s surviving that poses a major challenge.

Although there are some books that give great advice on how to survive medical school, fortunately, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out how to do it. With practical tips on what you will expect upon entering a medical school and how to thrive and do well in it, you will develop the skills you need to survive medical school.

What to Expect in Medical School

As a medical student, you are required to perform related activities, including laboratory work and sitting through long lectures. Most, if not all, nights are spent studying. You should know that long hours are necessary in the study of medicine and missing or cramming during exams will not be productive. The seemingly endless amounts of information needed to be memorized are reason enough for you to dedicate yourself to reviewing and recollecting lessons. Fortunately, if you do fall behind your classes, there are several medical schools that are generous enough to offer their students with transcribed lectures.

Upon entering medical school, you should realize that it is not a place to sit back and have fun with – it will not be easy. Hence, students who have the capability to dedicate their lives to medical school, and have the diligence and persistence to maintain good grades are remarkably successful. Remember to be competitive, as the more competitive students are also likely to survive medical school.

Additionally, thorough knowledge of the basic sciences is expected during the first and second year of medical school. Although the curricula may vary depending on the institution, some of those included for freshman year are Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, Human Embryology, Physiology and Physical Diagnosis, among others. As for the second year, Clinical Correlation, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Immunology and Advance Physical Diagnosis, among others, are covered. You need to not only be interested, but, actually, love these subjects to be able to take them both to mind and heart.

How to Do Well in Medical School

Although it is the nature of a medical school environment to be rather tense and competitive, it would not be sufficient to say that students are well acquainted with mental skirmishes. Remembering that there should be a healthy balance between competition and amity among students can help you create and live in a great learning and living environment.

Keep in mind that there is a major difference between doing your best and trying to do better than others. Although there is nothing wrong with setting and achieving a higher standard than your classmates, such feelings would only often lead to stress and anxiety, which you cannot afford to have in medical school.

Seek Assistance

Doing well in medical school not only entails a competitive and goal-centric attitude but also the understanding that there are some subjects that you might not be able to comprehend in a snap. If so, always remember to ask for help from your co-students and professors; but remember to do it with courtesy. First, determine the manner of contact, which may be indicated in the syllabus, since some professors include the methods of approach they prefer. Second, be familiar with their schedule; always check their office hours, as well as their policies. Lastly, the method of asking is also important. This is the only way from which you can learn the preferences of your professor. Remember to keep your query short and direct.

As for peer assistance, most institutions cater to study groups and even organizations that focus on the mental and emotional wellness of medical students. Seek them out. Surviving medical school is a tough job, and while retaining all that information relies solely on your determination and hard work, it would help to know that you have people like you whom you can count on for support.

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Before the American Civil War, a medical education was plainly not accessible to African-American students. Students of color who wished to get a medical degree had to study in schools mostly located in the North, Europe, or Canada.

From the late 19th century to the early years of the 20th century, African-American medical students faced numerous difficulties. Only a few educational institutions would allow African-American students to pursue their medical education regardless of their academic standing. Schools such as Howard University and Meharry Medical College were just some of the few institutions that were specifically established and managed by white Americans for medical students of color.

After the Civil War, several medical institutions and schools opened their doors to African-American students but racism, prejudice, and marginalization still existed through the “separate but equal” Jim Crow policies. In response to this, African-Americans established their own medical schools that catered only to minority students.

Through the Civil Rights Movement in the sixties, African-American students were slowly integrated into previously white-only schools and universities. Today, African-Americans are enjoying the fruits of their determined and hard-working predecessors. Despite the fact that they still face many issues, more African-American medical students are now practitioners in their respective fields.

Affirmative Action

Several laws/executive orders/regulations were passed or implemented in order to address the discrimination issues not only at schools but in government and private offices. These policies can be referred to as “Affirmative Action ,” a term first coined during the start of the Civil Rights Movement in the sixties.

As such, medical colleges and universities were required to implement programs and plans that can help address diversity issues . These plans and programs include active recruitment, outreach, support centers, advocate groups, residential houses with ethnic themes, and financial aid systems that cater to minority groups.

As a result, more students are given the chance to pursue their medical degrees regardless of race and economic status. These laws helped create a more diverse student body in many medical schools and a more diverse health care system .

Trends in African-American Medical Education

According to a survey done by the University of California, educational aspirations for many African-Americans remain high. Twenty-four percent of the school’s African-American population plan on getting doctoral degrees. The high interest of African-Americans in professional degrees such as medical and law professions can also be considered an improvement despite current difficulties.

At the VCU School of Medicine , about 8-10% of its student population are actually African-Americans, serving as proof that meaningful student body diversity can be achieved.

Practical Tips for African-American Students

One useful tip for African-American students who wish to pursue a medical degree is to get a clear understanding of and take advantage of race-neutral strategies used by many universities and colleges. These programs can include research fellowships, graduate school excellence programs that were developed for disadvantaged undergraduates, and other similar strategies. These strategies also focus on economic background. Conversely, African-American students would also do well to learn about private and public schools’ diversity/cultural outreach programs. These programs offer valuable guidance on grades and preparation strategies.

Another tip is to use the Internet when searching for financial aid information and resources that cater to minority groups. Getting a copy of the MSAR or Medical School Admission Requirements is also a good idea since this publication contains comprehensive information on financial aid programs, descriptions of federal aid strategies, requirements of specific schools, and a list of other helpful materials.

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For an unprecedented medical school learning experience, the Harvard Medical School (HMS) is the place to be. Having an HMS education is not a walk in the park, but the rewards that await a student (much more an HMS graduate) is something to covet.

What do the Michael Crichton and Fe del Mundo have in common? Definitely not their line of work. Not their citizenship as well (we know that Michael Crichton is a famous suspense-sci-fi novelist while Fe del Mundo is a Filipina pediatrician).

The thing is, they both took the first step to their success: they had an HMS education!

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Do you have what it takes?

HMS prides itself as the medical school that has the most rigid admission criteria.

Though HMS’s main requirement for its students is academic excellence, it also put premium to a potential students’ Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, extracurricular activities, researches done, and health-care and community-service exposure.

HMS welcomes students who are highly motivated, visionaries, ambitious, and compassionate in their medical practices.

At HMS’ portal
All applications to HMS are through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). There is a non-refundable $85 filing fee for every submitted application which could be waived if an applicant has been granted an AMCAS fee waiver.

What you need
HMS’s faculty has set the following requirements for applicants:
meet the minimum requirements set my the HMS faculty for the program
present proofs that that they are intellectually capable to study and eventually practice medicine
show personal credentials that could help assess their potentials
demonstrate aptitude in sciences during undergraduate year
enhanced their education with at least one year of college or university training in the United States or Canada (for foreign students)

What awaits an HMS student?

Honor and prestige are just icing on the cake that an HMS student can have. Why not have the cake itself?

Here are more stuffs that make an HMS education something to thirst for:
HMS offers its students a wide array of excellent learning experience
students are lectured and trained by a faculty of experts in the various fields of medicine
students are given the opportunity to participate in research projects locally, nationally, and sometimes internationally
students enjoy access to a multitude of possibilities

How it all started

Founded in September 19, 1782 by Dr. John Warren together with Benjamin Waterhouse, and Aaron Dexter, the Harvard Medical School (HMS) was then known as Massachusetts Medical College of Harvard University. Not surprisingly, the three doctors were also the pioneering professors at HMS.

The first class ever held at HMS had an astonishing number of students – two! These students graduated in 1788. In the early days of HMS, classes were held in the basement of Harvard Hall. Later, lectures were held in Holden Hall.

By 1869, then US president Eliot established a curriculum for HMS. He instituted a higher standard for for admission, required written exams with passing grades, established new departments, introduced a three-year degree program, and eliminated the apprenticeship system.

Through the years, HMS has earned the honor and prestige as one of the world’s top medical schools.

photo credit: Paul Keleher

THE YALE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Brief History

Founded in 1810 by the Connecticut General Assembly, the Yale University School of Medicine is the sixth oldest medical school in the United States of America. Since its establishment, it has grown to be the home of famous and outstanding medical professionals all over the world.

Famous Alumni

Francis R. Coughlin Jr., M.D. ’52
Gilbert F. Hogan, M.D. ’57
Donald E. Moore, M.D. ’81
Francis M. Lobo, M.D. ’92
Cynthia B. Aten, M.D. ’81
Sharon L. Bonney, M.D. ’76
Joseph F.J. Curi, M.D. ’64
David H. Lippman, M.D. ’71
Harold R. Mancusi-Ungaro Jr., M.D. ’73, HS ’76.
Arthur Ebbert Jr., M.D.,
Betty R. Klein, M.D. ’86, HS ’91

Why shoot for a Yale Medical Degree

Yale University School of Medicine is renowned for having a wide range of areas of medical coverage from basic scientific and medical studies to research to clinical diagnosis and even treatment of human illnesses. It has consistently been in the top ten of the National Institute for Health’s best medical schools since 2005. Most recently, it is in the 7th rank.

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The prestige and sterling reputation that comes from being affiliated in anyway with Yale School of Medicine, whether you are a fellow, an employee, an alumni, or a student is in itself a reward that yields a great benefit that can lead you to the doors of the state-of-the-art hospitals, clinics, and medical research facilities worldwide.

A medical degree at Yale means medical integrity and best medical practice.

How to Apply to Yale Medical School

1. Medical student candidates must first obtain an application from the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and comply with its requirements.
2. In the application, a student candidate must specifically indicate what he/she is applying for at the Yale University School of Medicine.AMCAS application for Yale University School of Medicine is due on August 1 for Early Decision Program (EDP); and October 15 for masteral and doctoral candidates.For more questions and information about AMCAS, inquire at American Medical College Application Service, 2501 M Street, NW, Lobby 26, Washington, DC 20037-1300; or call telephone number 202-828-0600; or email them at amcas@aamc.org.
3. After obtaining an AMCAS application, student candidate must submit it to the Office of Admissions, Yale University School of Medicine on or before August 31 for EDP, and November 30 for masteral and doctoral studies. The Office of Admissions is at Edward S. Harkness Hall, 367 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510. Its email address is medical.admissions@yale.edu.
4. Together with your AMCAS application, submit your Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores to Yale University School of Medicine.
5. Also, directly submit to Yale either any of the following: (1) Premedical Advisory Committee evaluation of the student candidate, (2) three recommendation letters from the student candidate’s teachers, two of them must be in the study of science.
6. Obtain a Yale Certification Form and mail it via the postal address of the Office of Admissions of the Yale University School of Medicine.

Pay the application fee of $85 or obtain an AMCAS fee waiver. Mail your payment or the AMCAS fee waiver together with your Yale Certification Form.

Shortlisted student candidates will be notified for a personal interview with members of the Committee on Admissions.

Medical student candidates at Yale University School of Medicine must display above average intelligence, maturity, and strong drive to pursue and excel in the medical study and practice. The Committee on Admissions are keen on those who show the highest leadership qualities and potentials. It aims for its students to become significant contributors in the field of medicine.
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If you have decided to become a medical professional, there are several steps you need to take in applying to a medical school in the United States. Below is some useful information to guide you through the process.

Preparing for Medical School Application

The admission requirements of medical schools vary but, generally, they will look at your academic grades in college as well as your non-academic activities. Completing coursework in Science subjects such as Biology and Chemistry, Math and English are often required by medical schools. Taking one or two Social Science classes is also a good idea to give you a better understanding of people.

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Aside from your college grade point average, medical schools will also look at your activities outside the academic world. Therefore, you should be involved in activities that are related to the medical profession such as volunteering at a clinic in your area. This will not only you give you a hands-on experience in providing health care but also show medical schools your serious commitment to entering the medical world.

Applying to medical school can be confusing or complicated so it is recommended that you seek the guidance of a pre-health advisor in your college. For requirements specific to a medical school in the United States, you can check the publication known as the Medical School Admission Requirements or MSAR.

The MCAT

The MCAT or Medical College Admission Test is usually required by medical schools. It is a test used to evaluate your knowledge of basic concepts in science as well as your skills in reading comprehension, writing, solving problems, and analysis. You can obtain MCAT registration kits from your pre-health advisor or, alternatively, you can register through the MCAT website. Be sure to check the schedule of registration for when you want to take the exam, which can be either be during the months of March to May of your college junior year or from August to October in your college senior year.

Making Your Application

After taking the MCAT, you can then send your application to the medical school you are interested in through the American Medical College Application Service or AMCAS. All you need to do is send AMCAS a completed application form along with your official school transcript. After verifying your information, AMCAS will submit your application to your selected medical school/s.

Some medical schools may request for more information or documents such as letters of recommendation after receiving your application. As with the MCAT, always keep application deadlines in mind. If your prospect school is not part of the AMCAS program, simply get in touch with the school’s admissions department to facilitate your application.

The Medical School Interview

One of the most important part of your application process is the interview with the medical school’s admissions committee. This normally happens at the later part of the application process and the opportunity is usually granted to candidates who show the most potential. You should come to the interview prepared to answer why you want to commit your life to the medical practice. Certainly, the committee will have more questions for you but the simple trick is to answer them honestly.

The truth is, getting to medical school in the United States is difficult. Needless to say, you need to have not only a brilliant mind but a strong commitment and an honest desire to help people.

Source:

Association of American Medical Colleges

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