As you are preparing to apply to medical school and making a list of activities you’ve completed, keep in mind that admission committees want someone who is much more than their statistics. In your application, you should try to display the 15 CORE COMPETENCIES FOR ENTERING MEDICAL STUDENTS | AAMC.
Throughout this series, we have been exploring many core competencies, but in this article we will analyze Living Systems and Human Behavior. We will examine the courses you will need to take in order to receive a biology degree or complete the prerequisites for medical school; we also have different study habits that we recommend. In addition, we will review opportunities for you after completing the courses and where you can apply the material.
This core competency focuses on the knowledge and skill in the natural sciences to solve problems related to molecular and macro systems including biomolecules, molecules, cells, and organs.
This core competency centers around knowledge of the self, others, and social systems to solve problems related to the psychological, socio-cultural, and biological factors that influence health and well-being.
One of the primary ways to display this competency is by completing the prerequisites needed to receive a degree in biology and for medical school:
Also make sure to scour individual schools' websites since some degrees and medical schools will require additional courses such as psychology, sociology, humanities, or physiology.
Below are a few links to help guide you through your pre-med academic journey:
In addition to completing the coursework and earning high grades, there are a few extracurriculars (in the realms of teaching and research) that you can pursue to show medical schools your competencies in Living Systems and Human Behavior.
After completing the courses, there may be one you are very interested in. An exceptional way to show the core competencies of Living Systems and Human Behavior is to become a tutor or TA. It is an excellent way for you to further understand the material and be able to break it down to assist struggling students.
Once you have a solid knowledge of a course, a great method for applying that knowledge is by participating in research. Depending on what course you are passionate about, there are a variety of research opportunities. By engaging in a research project, you can implement your problem-solving skills and get exposure to real-life scenarios. The first step would be to ask your professor to assist in their research. You can also ask professors from different universities. When you learn new techniques, make sure to add them to your CV, so when you apply for a research position/internship, the researcher in charge will know your skill set.
About the Author:
Badyah Senussi is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, with a B.S. in Biomedical Science. During her time at university, she was a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Facilitator, where she ran a classroom of students, helped them complete worksheets (specifically in physiology), and held office hours. Her ambition is to become a physician with a focus on mental health. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, baking, and writing jokes in hopes of doing stand-up comedy someday.
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