Panel discusses medical school

About 60 undergraduates hoping to head to medical school listened to four speakers explain the difficulties and benefits of a career in medicine last night. "Most people who apply to medical school are book smart," said Tim You, a fifth year University medical student. "It's important to emphasize that medical schools want humanitarians as well." The discussion, which was organized by You and the Department of Residential Living, was designed to help underclassmen understand the medical school admissions process. Gaye Sheffler, the director of admissions for the University's Medical School, told the group how to impress a selection committee. "Just present an accurate picture of yourself," Sheffler said. "We want to see a good person, someone who could easily become a good doctor." But being "a good person" alone is not sufficient to get accepted to medical school. Sheffler said that academics, grades and involvement in "quality" extra-curricular activities is necessary for an applicant to be admitted. "Medical school applications have increased like never before," Sheffler said. "Your academic record is obviously very important." Emeritus Anatomy Professor Robert Johnson recounted his years as a World War II military doctor. Johnson told the students that becoming a doctor is more challenging than most people believe. "I don't think anyone has a right to be a physician," Johnson said. "It's something that is earned." And earning the right to be a physician has nothing to do with the right to earn "obscene" amounts of money, Johnson said. "If you're going into medicine to make a lot of money, don't bother," Johnson said. "You can make money in medicine, but you should be motivated by altruistic and academic reasons." Emeritus Opthamology Professor William Frayer urged the students to enter the medical profession for "the right reasons." "We need to change the way medical care is delivered to the people," Frayer said. "We don't necessarily need more doctors, but we need people to help the doctors with their paperwork. Doctors need to be more efficient." Students said they enjoyed the program and found it to be informative. "The program was really enlightening," College freshman Stacey Weiss said. "The speakers seemed to give a fairly realistic picture of medical school and med school admissions."

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