Course of Study
The official guide for admission requirements for medical school is the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) published yearly by the American Association of Medical Colleges. Copies of the current MSAR book are kept in the Biomedical Studies Resource Room Area in Hustad Science Library. Students may want to purchase their own copies (approximately $25) through the web site or other web sites such as Amazon.com. The Biomedical Resource Area has a wide variety of resources for student use ranging from videos, CDs, reference books, pamphlets, catalogs, test preparation materials to computers. The Biomedical Studies website contains useful information and links. Medical schools seek individuals from diverse educational backgrounds. There is no "one way to go" in completing the undergraduate degree. All medical schools recognize the importance of a strong base in the natural sciences as well as a solid background in the social sciences and humanities. An essay in the 1982 Premedical Handbook prepared by the St. Olaf Pre-Health Science Committee reprinted in Appendix A gives thoughtful advice for a St. Olaf student interested inmedicine.
Dan Marian, an experienced advisor, gave this advice:
“I spend a lot of my time trying to convince students that college is an education, not an obstacle course on the
way to a trade school, that they should enjoy learning, that they should enjoy college, have a (disciplined) social
life, participate in their college and/or the off-campus community, get experiences where they can learn about
themselves and their intended profession...........Giving everyone a list of courses I regard as giving them a
loaded gun they don’t know how to use; the lucky ones will only shoot themselves in the foot, but most shoot
themselves in the head or heart.”
“..........Medical schools would like their students to become ‘total physicians,’ capable of
understanding human needs as well as diagnosing disease; able to communicate and respond
effectively and compassionately. A curriculum that demonstrates a desire to enhance your ability to
deal with other human beings looks more favorable than one filled with nothing but science
courses..........”
“Your electives should not only include recommended science courses but should also include
a wide range of humanities, behavioral and social science courses that will give admissions committee
members an indication of your sincere desire to become a well-rounded individual. Nothing destroys a
doctor-patient relationship faster than a doctor’s inability to relate to his or her patient. Medical
schools recognize the importance of personal attributes and look for individuals they feel will be both
physician and humanitarian.”
Source: The Complete Medical School Preparation and Admissions Guide by A. Goliszek
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