Medicine...is it the Right Career for You?
Are You Sure You Want to be a Physician? | Prepare Now for Your Future | Choosing a College | About the University of Kansas School of Medicine
Are You Sure You Want to be a Physician?
Becoming a physician is a noble and rewarding profession, but it may not be for everyone. We have all been on the receiving end of health care, but how many of us would be good at, or enjoy, providing health care?
One way of determining if you want to pursue a career as a physician is by volunteering or working in a variety of health care settings. This will enable you to have a better understanding of the health care delivery system while affirming your desire to be a part of it. Most medical school admission committees will expect you to have experience in, and knowledge of, health care principles.
Prepare Now for Your Future
The rigors of a medical school curriculum are well-known. For this reason, it is important that you challenge yourself academically in high school. College prep courses along with a solid foundation in math and the natural and physical sciences, will prepare you for college courses that are required for medical school. Additional liberal arts courses (English, computer science, history, foreign language) are strongly recommended.
It is important you be a well-rounded applicant, so take advantage of participating in extracurricular activities at your school. These activities can help you develop important communication, leadership, and time management skills.
Choosing a College
Choosing the right undergraduate college is an important decision. Are you unsure of what college to attend? When you choose a college, you are making an investment in your future, so choose carefully.
Consult independent college guide books and make formal visits to college campuses through their admissions offices. Discuss your options with your parents and guidance counselor to get their perspectives. If you do all of this, you'll know what you're looking for in an education and will choose the school that is right for you.
There are a number of public and private undergraduate schools with curricula and resources to prepare you for medical school. While the options are many, here are some things prospective medical students should look for in an undergraduate institution.
- Gaining acceptance to medical school is difficult. Choose a college that offers an undergraduate major that will provide you with a satisfying career should you not gain admission to medical school right away, or at all.
- Does the college you are considering have an overall solid academic reputation? Is it strong in the sciences? Does it have good laboratory facilities?
- Does the school have a premedical advisor who can provide you with academic guidance and information on medical schools?
- Choose a school that fits both your academic and social needs.
About the University of Kansas School of Medicine
In 1889 the University of Kansas began preparing students for careers in medicine. However, it was not until 1905 that the University of Kansas Medical Center began providing clinical instruction at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Rosedale, Kansas. The medical center moved to its current location in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1924.
In 1906 the medical school graduated 57 physicians in its first class. Today, the University of Kansas School of Medicine annually enrolls 175 students.
The University of Kansas School of Medicine requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants must complete certain prerequisite courses. The medical school curriculum includes four years of studies. Years one and two consist of classes in the basic sciences while years three and four provide clinical experiences, either at the school's Kansas City or Wichita campus. Following graduation, students then complete residency training within a particular medical specialty. Upon completion of their training, KU medical school graduates are well prepared for a career in medicine.
For more information regarding the University of Kansas School of Medicine call 913.588.5245
University of Kansas School of Medicine
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66160
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The University of Kansas Medical Center