Blog Archives

What Coursework is Really Required for Medical School?

While there is a core curriculum that is a prerequisite for medical school, certain schools require additional coursework or competencies (like the CASPer exam). The AAMC does a good job of keeping up a database of that information, listed by school. An applicant can sort through to see what each institution requires. You might have to do a little bit of digging once you open a school’s link, but the information is usually accessible.

Of note, if a course is required for admission, it’s probably best not to take the class on a pass/fail basis.

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Pre-Meds (and Others): Don’t Make a Promise you Simply Cannot Keep

My mom told me an interesting story recently: She is a retired lawyer – not in medicine – but her anecdote resonated with me:

Years ago, a legal job applicant indicated on his resume that he spoke two languages, in addition to English. Unplanned, the interviewer to whom the candidate was assigned also spoke those languages and proceeded to speak to him in those languages during the interview, only to find that the candidate spoke both poorly at best.

As you can imagine, the applicant was not hired.

I frequently see applicants indicate on their curriculum vitae or their AMCASes that they speak languages fluently. If you do speak a language in addition to English, good for you and great for your candidacy. However, if you indicate that you are fluent, please be ready for your faculty interviewer to conduct your entire medical school interview in that language if s/he pleases.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: