New Pre-Medical Council to guide students pursuing medicine

In an effort to guide and prepare undergraduate students for acceptance into medical school, Oakland University has developed an innovative Pre-Medical Council.

Composed of about a dozen faculty members, professional advisors, and OU alumni who are active physicians, the council will be a resource for pre-med students to get advice, as well as a way for faculty and administrators to coordinate academic programs and share information about trends and current issues on the national level. 

“The council aims to provide a support system and offer advice for students early in their academic careers. Acceptance into medical school requires a sustained engagement of students, not just inside, but outside the classroom as well,” said Kathleen Moore, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It is important to develop a culture of medical school preparation from the first day students arrive on campus.”

While many pre-med students major in the biological sciences, a growing number of students choose to major in a different subject and enroll in Oakland’s pre-med concentration. The concentration offers the science courses and background required for medical school admission.

As more students choose to pursue a career in medicine, it becomes increasingly important to develop a clear system of communication and assistance early on. At the same time, it is crucial that students are aware of national changes in medical requirements and new approaches that medical school admissions offices use.

For example, medical schools are now taking a more holistic approach as they evaluate candidates, frequently placing a greater emphasis on social science, critical thinking and problem solving skills than in the past, Dr. Moore said. Additionally, the national standardized Medical College Admission Test has recently undergone a revision, which will debut in 2015.

“The council will focus on the important pieces that will get a student accepted into medical school – not just getting good grades and taking the right courses – but the steps that make students competitive in a national market,” said Dr. Moore continued.

Success will require high academic standards, as well as an extensive list of qualities and experiences, including participation in the medical field, volunteer experience, strong letters of recommendation, preparation for the MCAT exam, and interview skills. 

Established in January, the council has already discussed several plans for the future, including increasing student participation, hiring a professional pre-med adviser, building the website, and even developing a pre-med center on campus.

For more information about the pre-med concentration, view the website.