1st Yr/Sophomore Health Professions Info Session Meeting for 1st Yr & Sophomore students considering pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, and other allied health professions. Center for Careers & Internships Fall 2014

The Health Professions Team Arlinda Wickland Director of Health Professions (Retiring February 2015) Dr. Hannah Benz Health Professions & STEM Clinical & Research Advisor Mary Lothrop Health Professions & STEM Advisor Nicole Veilleux Health Professions Coordinator

Changes to the MCAT New MCAT - Effective January, 2015 Will test competencies – ability to apply knowledge Natural sciences, social & behavioral sciences, critical analysis & reasoning skills New test will be two hours longer than current exam. Changes to natural sciences sections reflect changes in medical education. Addition of the social and behavioral sciences section, testing Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior, recognizes the importance of socio-cultural and behavioral determinants of health and health outcomes. And the new Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section reflects the fact that medical schools want well-rounded applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Many Medical Schools will be focusing their evaluation on competencies, rather than a definitive list of pre-requisites in the admissions process.

Five Most Commonly Asked Questions Which courses do I need to complete in order to qualify for admission? Is it possible to complete the medical school prerequisites if I don’t major in science or if I want to study abroad? What is the cycle for completing requirements and applying to medical school? Besides taking premedical courses, what else should I do to make myself a strong applicant for medical school? What additional resources should I be aware of?

1. Which courses must I complete in order to qualify for admission to medical, dental, and veterinary school? Biology (one year+) Chemistry (two years, including biochemistry) Physics (one year) Math (statistics and/or calculus) Behavioral Science Recommend courses such as: Psychology, Sociology, Ethics, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics

2. Is it possible to complete the medical school prerequisites if I don’t major in science or if I want to study abroad? Yes! Plan your course sequences thoughtfully (particularly chemistry) Consider: studying abroad for one semester or a summer rather than the whole year planning to matriculate to medical school one year after graduating from Middlebury completing additional coursework through a continuing education or post baccalaureate program Most students are able to successfully complete their pre-med course requirements in addition to their non-science major requirements. Thoughtful planning & starting early with the chemistry course sequence are important.

3. What is the cycle for completing requirements and applying to medical school? Health Professions Website HP website has complete timelines available, working backwards from the year you’d like to matriculate into medical school. HP website: “APPLY” Button Complete prerequisites by the end of the junior year if you wish to enter medical, dental, or veterinary school the fall following college graduation.

4. Besides taking premedical courses, what else should I do to make myself a strong applicant for medical school? Take courses that truly interest you. Be a happy, active and fulfilled liberal arts student. Test your interest in healthcare through research and clinical experiences. Pursue formal internships during Winter Term or summer – applicants who are really committed tend to have a series of pertinent experiences. Admissions committees want to see long-term commitments, increasing levels of responsibility & leadership, and exposure to the field of medicine.

5. What additional resources should I be aware of ? HP Student Handbook Details ins and outs of preparation for (Handbook I) and application to medical school (Handbook II). Health Professions Website HP Newsletter blog Has up-to-date listings of events and opportunities for health professions students. “Research”

Tips for Premed Hopefuls Take advantage of all that Middlebury has to offer. Follow your passions. Consider opportunities for early admission to medical school. Stay abreast of issues in the field. Read articles, journals, and books. Attend presentations by various health professionals who visit campus. Get involved with student organizations on campus, such as the Pre-Medical Society. Middlebury EAP Affiliations: Albany Medical College, University of Connecticut, Geisel School of Medicine @ Dartmouth, University of Rochester, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Upstate Icahn School of Medicine @ Mt. Sinai (Early Acceptance in Humanities & Medicine) EAP Info Session: Tuesday, Oct 28th @ 6:30pm in Hillcrest 103

Student Orgs w/ Pre-Health Focus Active Minds Cases in Biomedical Ethics Club (CBME) Middlebury GlobeMed Middlebury Unite for Sight (MUFS) Middlebury College Emergency Medical Services (MCEMS) Pre-Medical Society Psych Club Complete list of all student orgs: https://middlebury.collegiatelink.net/Organizations

Upcoming Meetings Krant Internship Info Session Thursday, October 9th from 6:30-7:30pm in the CCI Library Pre-Medical Society Welcome Event Thursday, October 9th from 8-9pm in Axinn 220 Sophomore Dinner: Natural & Physical Sciences Tuesday, October 21st @ 6pm in Atwater Early Assurance Programs Info Session Tuesday, October 28th from 6:30-7:30pm in Hillcrest 103 Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice Info Session Wednesday, November 12th from 6-7pm (room TBA)

MOJO & Upcoming Deadlines (For Sophomores) Schedule an appt Search for jobs & internships Update your profile Porter Hospital Internship Application Deadline Thursday, October 9th Krant Internship Application Deadline Thursday, October 16th Application for Winter Term Internship Credit Sunday, October 26th

Questions ?