outside_the_classroom
life_after_graduation

Physicians are licensed to perform medical examinations, diagnose illnesses, treat people suffering from disease or injury and advise patients on how to maintain good health.  They may be general practitioners or specialists and may combine medical practice with research and/or teach in medical schools.  Their degree is an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine).

Acceptance to allopathic medical schools is extremely competitive and requires not only a strong academic record and standardized test (MCAT) Medical College Admissions Test score, but allopathic schools also expect evidence of:

  • Leadership
  • Written and oral communication skills
  • Research
  • Service/Volunteerism
  • A working knowledge of the health profession
Major:  Normally students choose to major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry; however, medical schools do not require or expect a specific major for admissions.  Students should major in the subject they enjoy most.  This will more than likely ensure better grades and better understanding since the majority of the courses he/she is taking are ones that he/she enjoys.   Also minors are a great way to enhance their knowledge in a specific area.
 
Student interested in medical school must take the following courses regardless of their major:
Courses Recommended
English FYS 101, ENG 101 Freshman Yr
General Chemistry
with lab		 CHM 111, CHM 112 Freshman Yr
General Biology
with lab		 BIO 101, BIO 102 Freshman Yr
Organic Chemistry
with lab		 CHM 227, CHM 228 Sophomore Yr
Physics
with lab		 PHY 201, PHY 202 Junior Yr
Math Calc I, II, or Stats
(1-2 semesters) some
combination of		  
Behavioral Science One year of either
psychology or sociology		  

AP Credit: Most health professional schools do not accept AP credit in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Students with AP credit in a science are highly advised to take the freshman sequence (CHM 111/112, BIO 101/102).

Recommended Courses:  Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology
National average of accepted students for allopathic medicine for the class of 2010
Science GPA Overall GPA Average MCAT
Allopathic Schools 3.62 3.68 29.4P
For more information: 
American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) www.aamc.org 
American Medical College Association Application Service (AMCAS) www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) www.aamc.org/students/mcat

Medical Schools base their acceptances on the following criteria:

GPA

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Community Service, Volunteer Experience, or Service Learning-Medical schools want to see a commit to serving others this is done by: Volunteering for a long term commitment at a (hospital, food bank, nursing home, habitat for humanity, etc) as well as short term commitments (Relay for Life, Special Olympics, etc)

Leadership Qualities: Taking on responsibilities and deeper levels of involvement

Research Experience: Work with a college professor in the sciences on a research topic of interest.

Shadowing Experience: Following a physician on his/her daily activities to gain an insight into their profession.

Medical Experience: Work within the medical field as a nurses aid or technician (may require additional training either part time or over summers).

For more information: contact the Pre-Med Office at 716-888-3208 or email: traversc@canisius.edu