Biology key to medicine, speaker says
by Christina Baiocco, Reporter

 

    Biology may be a main ingredient in preparation for medical training, students learned recently.
    In Strategies for Acceptance to Medical, Dental, and Veterinary School March 6 on NE Campus, students received information and advice about applying to any of these schools.
    David Brownlie, academic advisor, stressed the importance of getting a foundation in biology first, not in anatomy and physiology, as most people would expect.
    Brownlie, George Aliaga, professor of biology, and Jean Anne Lanier, assistant professor of chemistry, covered all areas from a general overview of the admissions process to the exact courses needed before applying.
    Brownlie recommended using school counselors for guidance and mentoring in the admission process.
    The advisor also pointed out that several organizations around the Metroplex offer the needed programs.
    "When applying, make sure you are fulfilling all requirements for that particular school since some schools have different requests," he said.
    Aliaga suggested students should take science courses early in their college years and make sure that the career they have chosen is really for them.
    As well, Aliaga also advised students to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and figure out their particular learning style.
    "It [medical school] is not like what you see on TV. It is very hard work and long hours," he said.
    According to Aliaga, a desire to improve the human condition is as important as grades.
    He recommended getting to know and talk to professors.
    The key, Aliaga said, is to take good notes, rewrite these notes so you really know them and study, study, study.
    "The best way to irritate your professors is to come in late, leave early, don't act interested or sleep in class," he said.
    To study for the MCAT, students must have the ability to use their prior knowledge and demonstrate problem-solving skills, Aliaga said.
    "You have to have a very strong grasp of basic biological principles," he said.
    Lanier recommended applying the summer between the junior and senior years.
    "In order to do so," she said, "you need to get your letters of recommendation secured as early as possible."
    In writing support letters, professors look for personal characteristics of applicants, interpersonal qualities and classroom abilities. Lanier said the strongest applicants must have all of the qualities listed above and not just one or two.
    One of the most important things schools will be looking for on an application is any health-related work or research done, Lanier said. Schools also look at MCAT scores, letters of evaluation, personal comments and extracurricular activities. Any activities demonstrating things like motivation, maturity and integrity are also good.
    Lanier agreed with Aliaga about the importance of using prior knowledge when studying for the MCAT.
    "You can't just memorize. You have to use what you already know and apply it to the questions," she said.
    Lanier said students should ensure they are entering a career for the right reasons.
    "If your main motivation is the gold game and the BMW, then you're in the wrong place," she said. Pointing out some things not to do, Lanier recommended taking math courses early on, usually in the first semester.
    Lanier also urged applicants to contact the school they want to attend in order to get all the needed information straight from that school.
    Overall, the speakers stressed doing well in all of classes, having a good relationship with professors and having a real motivation for one's career choice.
    To access course and application requirements, students can log on to www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas for all the needed information.
    For more information about a career in these fields, contact Brownlie or any TCC counselor for guidance in preparing the application.