Preparing for Medical School

these subjective issues. Only by an in-depth exposure to the human condition through

literature, religion, and philosophy can the student develop the capacity to face the

nonacademic aspects of the medical professions.

The inexperienced medical student is usually unable to assess the issues that defy

scientific definition--the issues of human diversity, suffering, life and death. These

questions are peripheral to mastering the mass of scientific information and technical

skills during the preclinical years. It is during the premedical years that the opportunity

exists to acquire the exposure that molds values relative to nonquantifiable moral issues.

If these ethical guidelines can be acquired by formal and/or informal education in the

course of one's college years as a premedical student, then a solid foundation will have

been laid for the medical training that will follow, and ultimately a well-rounded physi-

cian will emerge to practice in the twenty-first century.

CHECKLIST OF COLLEGE ACTIVITIES ______________________________

Indicate with a check or x when the task is completed.

First Year

Become acquainted with your school's general course requirements for graduation.

Familiarize yourself with the basic course requirements for admission to medical

school.

Determine if there are any specific school premedical requirements for graduation.

Learn about your school's program of extracurricular activities and career guid-

ance department services.

Work out a program outline for meeting the general and specific premedical course

requirements over the balance of your college career.

Consider what major challenges you anticipate facing in the year ahead and how

best to deal with them.

Evaluate your study and test-taking skills and make improvements where necessary.

Become personally acquainted with your premedical advisor and discuss possible

majors and any other concerns you may have.

Try to meet upper-level premedical students who can discuss with you what "pit-

falls" to avoid in various aspects of your education.

Set your sights on and make a concerted effort to become a high academic achiever

(B+ or better).

Initiate participation in extracurricular activities of interest and value to a premed

student.

Join the school's premed society and seek to be an active participant in its activities.

Establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect your physical and mental health.

Use any free time available for accreditation as well as volunteer activities in a rel-

evant area of interest.

Formulate summer plans that may include hospital work, social service work, or

possibly participating in a research program.

Seek to secure exposure to medical school and residency activities by, if possible,

linking up for a short time with an upper-class medical student or resident.

Preparing for Medical School - Page 48