Physicians (DO, MD) diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and more. Physicians can chose to be general practitioners, or specialize in a number of fields.
Pre-Medical Course Requirements:
*Please note that requirements for medical programs can vary from school to school. Research schools you are interested in early in order to know what will be required.
- Two semesters of general biology with laboratories
- Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratories
- Two semesters of organic chemistry with laboratories
- Two semesters of physics with laboratories
- Two semesters of English with a focus on communications
- One semester of biochemistry
*For stronger MCAT preparation, the following are strongly recommended courses for prospective applicants: Intro to Cell Biology, Microbiology, Statistics and Psychology
Entrance Exam and Application Process:
Applicants are required to take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) which is administered from January through September. Ideally, applicants take the MCAT once necessary coursework has been completed. Students should try to take the exam by April-June during the year you are submitting applications.
Shadowing, Volunteering, and Involvement: Medical school admissions committees are interested in seeing evidence of creativity, initiative, leadership, collaborative spirit, and more. UK offers great programs to allow students to get involved. While considering these, it is important to remember that activities will not substitute for poor academic performance.
- Medical Shadowing/Observation: At the time of application, students must report medical observation/shadowing in the field. A variety of settings and specialties are recommended, therefore students can consider the following roles outside of doctors to shadow: CNA, EMT, CMA, Medical Technician, Professional Hospice Volunteer, Athletic Trainor, Medical Scribe, etc.
- Volunteering: The medical field requires a caring attitude, therefore applicants should demonstrate a commitment to serve in direct service positions. Tutoring, assisting seniors, volunteer EMT, coaching, mentoring, etc., are are excellent options.
- Involvement:
- MediCats
- Hues in Medicine
- Phi Delta Epsion International Medical Fraternity
- Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students
- American Medical Student Association
- The Apollo Society
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Interest Group
- Pre-Medical Activities Council
**Students can use BBNvolved to search for more opportunities
Medical Schools: