In an open letter to Pre-Med Students, the Association of American Medical Colleges President Darrell Kirch talks about the health system of tomorrow requiring a different kind of physician, “…because being a good physician is about more than scientific knowledge. It is about understanding people – how they think, interact, and make decisions. Together with a solid foundation in the natural sciences, an understanding of behavior, perception, culture, poverty and other concepts from psychology and sociology all contribute to the well-rounded physician. Of course, we want doctors to understand how chemical compounds interact so our prescriptions do not have adverse interactions. But we also want our doctors to have good bedside manner, communication skills, and an ability to interact with people”
Canada’s health care system continues to be challenged by social and economic factors, and demographic realities and the future of medical education is focused on developing a well-rounded physician to meet these competing demands.
As a result, traditional entrance measurements for medical students are changing. Medical schools are seeking students with not only high academic averages, and high Medical College Admission Test scores (where applicable), but students with diverse and dynamic experiences who demonstrate a commitment to their community. Further, Medical Schools are encouraging students to complete undergraduate degrees in a discipline they are passionate about; if you study in your field of interest, chances are you will probably do better. .
The University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine states, "no particular degree program is considered ideal or preferred in preparation for entry to the MD Program, nor is any preference given to a particular institution attended; we welcome applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. As each year there are many more qualified applicants than positions available, students should enroll in programs which reflect their strengths and interests and to have an alternative career option should their application be unsuccessful."
When asked, "What type of student are we looking for?" the University of Toronto's MD program answers, "There is no single background that is ideal preparation for the practice of medicine. No matter what discipline you have studied at university or the academic level, you are encouraged to apply. All university programs are treated equally in the evaluation process and there are no quotas or age limits. Medicine requires individuals with strong backgrounds in the social sciences, humanities, physical sciences and life sciences. You should also be able to provide evidence of outstanding non-academic qualities, such as community involvement, reliability, responsibility, perseverance, creativity, and leadership."
These examples from UBC and UofT echo the current sentiment of all Canadian Medical Schools.
Changes to the MCAT in 2015 to include a section on behavioral and social sciences and a section on critical analysis and reasoning "reflect the recognition that behavioral and social factors not only play major roles in health and illness, but also interact with biologic factors to influence health outcomes" according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
As there is no set single path to medicine, this program is designed to provide students with individualized support to promote the development of well-rounded candidates with depth and breadth in their overall achievements, including those in academic and non-academic areas.