Persistence and skill variety help medical school applicants
- posted: 28 Feb. 2008
- scrollspecial@byui.edu
Some students applying to medical school may not realize that, as long as prerequisites are met, applicants do not have to get a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field to be accepted.
Doug McBride, a health professions adviser at BYU-Idaho, said he even had one student who earned his bachelor’s in dance. It helped him stand out in the interview, and he was admitted.
It seems that what students should bring to the table in the application process are not just their majors, good scores on the MCAT or an impressive GPA, but also their dedication to the medical profession through preparation.
There are resources available to help students make decisions and prepare adequately. Biology 311, Professional School Preparation, is a class that meets once a week and, according to the course catalog, “[is] designed to increase your understanding of the professional school admissions process, provide exposure to many aspects of the medical fields and strengthen your qualifications as a professional school applicant.”
McBride also suggested that prospective medical students get involved with the Health Professions Society on campus. This is a group that encompasses pre-health areas, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, chiropractic and pharmacy. They host informative lectures and professional guest speakers on a regular basis.
When it comes to interviews with medical schools, preparation is key to success, said Merrick Reynolds, a BYU-I graduate that was accepted to Rocky Mountain College, a medical school in Billings, Mont. Through his interviewing experiences, he learned the importance of immersion in the medical profession through internships, shadowing and volunteering.
Out of the four interviews he attended, Reynolds was given one offer of acceptance. Prior to the first three interviews, Reynolds knew he had done poorly. Reynolds asked how he could improve. Reynolds took their advice and shadowed more and talked to professionals in his desired field to become more familiar with the profession. By the time the fourth interview came, he knew what to expect and was better prepared. He had a successful interview, which resulted in his acceptance.
One of Reynold’s school’s interviewers told him that they look higher on a second-year application because it shows determination. One even asked him what would do if he did not get in that year. He replied that he would volunteer more hours with health care providers and apply again the next year.
The need for persistence continues even after acceptance into medical school.
“The work never ends,” said Kurt Kinghorn, a BYU-I graduate studying podiatry.
Kinghorn is currently trying to get residency and spends an average of 30 to 40 hours a week with his schoolwork.
“It is definitely more motivating because you are at that next step to becoming a doctor,” Kinghorn said. 
