Students considering a career in the medical and health professions gathered yesterday in room 157 of the Fondren Science Building to garner some wisdom from a panel of upperclassmen who have already experienced SMU’s rigorous pre-med curriculum.
Senior Fiona Nicholson said, “Labs and lectures have become a lot more balanced since I was a freshman- I remember having to do fifteen-page lab reports every week, so be thankful. You guys have got it easy.”
The 20 curious students that attended the meeting engaged the panel in questions that ranged from statistical to experiential.
When asked about her internship with a hospital, Nicholson said, “Getting a first-hand account of the great disparity in health care between the lower and upper class was the most shocking aspect of the medical field.” She recounted a heartfelt story of the differences in treatment given to a pregnant 14-year-old Hispanic girl and a middle-aged, white woman, regarding these differences “disturbing.”
The students directed their questions toward the practical and gained some knowledge that may help them compete for spots in medical school.
Senior Kym Gonzalez urged the students to “read your text before class” and gave some more advice on efficient study habits, and balancing studying with free time.
She also told them of a summer medical and dental program through the Association of Medical Services that allows freshmen and sophomores to gain some hands-on experience working with doctors in a town of their choice. The panel expressed their exciting experiences with the programs such as being able to dissect a cadaver and instruct real patients about different medications.
Class-specific advice was also a hot topic. Sophomore Jupin Malhi said, “Professor Wise’s Intro to Biology tests are straight from the lectures, so make sure you print off the PowerPoint presentations, and highlight all over them in preparation for the test.”
The panel also educated students on biological research opportunities on campus during the summer that are a “good opportunity to see how the textbook corresponds with real life.”
