New Medical Professional Stream Prepares Grads for Careers in Medicine
Unique program bolsters students' chances of admission into medical and professional schools
Trent University students considering a career in medicine upon graduation will benefit from the launch of the Medical Professional Stream, a unique new program designed to bolster students’ chances of admission into a school of medicine, dentistry, veterinary, or pharmacy.
The new program, which will offer students guidance in course selection, volunteer activities, and skills development opportunities and prepare them for professional program examinations, applications, and interviews, will welcome its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2017.
"The requirements to get into medical schools have changed – they are looking for applicants with well-rounded personalities and broad backgrounds," said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, dean of Science at Trent. "Applicants need to have an undergraduate degree and need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), but other aspects are now equally as important. We've developed a program to better meet the expectations of the medical schools and to increase our students’ chances of being successful."
Students enrolled in the Medical Professional Stream will be able to pursue an arts or science degree in a major of their choice, but will receive guidance in courses to take outside of their main area of study to provide them with a broader academic background. Additionally, students will be offered coaching sessions, simulated interviews, review sessions for the MCAT exam, and opportunities to attend seminars with local members of the medical community.
"We've integrated our program into the broader degree structure at Trent which offers the student more flexibility and diversity," said Dr. David Ellis, associate professor of Chemistry who is the program coordinator. "Taking courses in social science or humanities alongside science is very attainable at Trent. And as a small school, Trent is more capable of providing students with opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, something the medical schools are looking for."
"We're looking out for our students," Professor Hintelmann said, noting that only a small percentage of applicants get accepted into a medical school. "We want to help them achieve their career goals, but also to ensure that they graduate from Trent with a bona-fide degree that gives them excellent options outside of medical school."
To learn more about the Medical Professional Stream, other pathways to medicine offered at Trent University, and to view a video highlighting the Trent advantage for students considering medical school, visit trentu.ca/medpath
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca