Which medical schools do most OSU pre-med students attend?
Our graduates attend medical schools all across the country, with the majority of them at OHSU (the only medical school in the State of Oregon).

What makes OSU graduates so successful in getting admitted to med school?
OSU students get off to a good start, getting the right information from the very beginning about what it takes to be a competitive medical school applicant. Then they get the support they need through all aspects of the application process.

Are there any characteristics that make for a successful med school applicant?
There is no single cookie-cutter best-med-school applicant. Medical schools are looking for excellence and accomplishment, and both depth and breadth. Students must excel in academics and communication skills, have very good health care experience, a commitment to community service and an understanding of health care issues.

Are there any unique things about OSU that help our students?
Research opportunities, a broad choice of majors that work well for medical school preparation, experienced and accessible premed advisors, Premedical Orientation course, Application Seminars, Scholarships for premed and medical students….
these all help our students become fantastic med school applicants.

Are there any trends regarding entrance to med school either nationally or regionally? There is a shortage of health care providers. Medical schools are increasing their class sizes, and new medical schools are opening.

What majors are best suited for students interested in medical school? Are activities important? Students can apply to medical school with any major, as long as required courses are completed. Most OSU students choose a science major (Biology, Biochemistry/biophysics, Microbiology, Chemistry, Zoology). Others choose applied science (EXSS, Nutrition) or engineering (Bioengineering, Radiation Health Physics) or liberal arts (Spanish, Psychology, etc).
Activities are very important, and students should pursue areas of personal interest . Medical schools are especially interested in applicants who have challenged themselves outside of their comfort zone. Looking for opportunities to work with people who are different from themselves, to learn more about the human condition, is very important.

Is there anything else that you would share with someone considering OSU for pre-med?
Get A’s- here are the keys to your success:
Academics
Activities
Advisors
Self Assessment
Advocates
Achievement
=ADMISSION!

What is a good way to learn about other health professions?
There are many outstanding career opportunities in the health professions, and there are excellent websites that will give you insight into some of these. http://www.explorehealthcareers.org/ is a good place to start. Also consult the Occupational Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/ .

For more information about health careers in Oregon visit the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) website at http://www.oregonhealthcareers.org/ . On campus every year the College of Science sponsors a Health Professions Career Fair in April and this is an excellent opportunity to talk to people who represent many different health careers. Examples of some excellent career options to consider are Audiology, Medical Informatics, Anesthesiologist Assistants, Pathologist Assistants, etc.

Thanks to Chere for her insight. For more frequently asked questions about medical school visit the College of Science med school FAQ website.

-bv

Kevin Ahern, a senior instructor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Oregon State University, has received the Mentor Award from the Medical Research Foundation of Oregon. In their press release:

This year’s Mentor Award honors Oregon State University’s Kevin Ahern, Ph.D. As a Senior Instructor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and member of the university’s Premedical Committee, Dr. Ahern has played a role in teaching and inspiring thousands of Oregon State students preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and other health and science professions. Students and colleagues alike consistently laud Dr. Ahern’s ingenious and energetic approach to teaching highly challenging subjects and his engaged, proactive approach to academic advising. His unique commitment to Oregon’s medical education pipeline has helped Oregon State’s premedical graduates achieve a near-perfect record of medical school acceptance. Beyond the classroom, he serves as director of OSU’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Program, enhancing the research training and experiences of hundreds of students exploring careers in biomedical science. His passion for science and learning extends to the international stage, where he contributes lively writings to widely read publications such as Genetic Engineering News and BioTechniques.

Dawn Wright, an Oregon State University professor of geography and oceanography, has been named Oregon Professor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. On their website:

The U.S. Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country—those who excel in teaching and positively influence the lives and careers of students. Sponsored by CASE and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, it is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

Wright (a.k.a. “Deepsea Dawn”) is one of forty faculty members to receive the award in individual states and the District of Columbia and has been a professor of Geography and Oceanography at OSU since 1995.

Carl Schreck, an Oregon State University scientist and researcher in Fisheries and Wildlife, will receive a national award in April at the White House. As one of the leading salmon researchers in the nation, Shreck is honored as recipient of a Meritorious Presidential Rank Award. The award is given to a small number of senior leaders by the president each year. According to their website:

Each year, the President recognizes and celebrates a small group of career Senior Executives with the President’s Rank Award for exceptional long-term accomplishments. Beginning with awards granted in 2003, eligibility for this award is extended to other categories of high-performing senior career employees. Winners of this prestigious award are strong leaders, professionals, and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

–mko