Prospective students experience medical school for a day

Nearly 100 prospective students visited the three Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine campuses to experience what it's like to be a Medical Student for a Day. The Jan. 29 event put a special focus on recruiting underrepresented minority groups who are interested in a medical career. The event was coordinated by second-year students Kiara Patton, Keshee’ Harris and Adrianna Carlton, who serve as campus chapter presidents of the Student National Medical Association.

“Statistically, we know there are huge disparities within representation in the medical field,” they said. “The cause is multifactorial, but we know that many students from URM backgrounds are not afforded equitable opportunities, may not have the network others have that allows access to critical experience in the medical field for resume building, or simply do not have the valuable resources necessary to open the many ‘doors’ needed to enter into medical school.”

For those who think they could never attend medical school because they don’t have the right connections, enough money or the skills needed to become a physician, Medical Student for a Day can be eye-opening, showing prospective students that a medical career may be more attainable than they first believed.

“Events like Medical Student for a Day, while few and far between, allow for valuable networking opportunities, detailed information about the pathway to get into medical school and critical mentorship for students to navigate the pitfalls that can await as an URM attempting to access the medical field,” the coordinators said. “We know that this type of programming can really alter the course of attendees’ lives, afford them the confidence they need to keep going in their paths despite the obstacles they will face, and provide a powerful experiential model to pull from when making tough decisions on their medical pathway.”

Between the three campuses, 87 students in total attended, with attendance limited based on COVID-19 precautions. The students, ranging from high school freshmen to recent college graduates, participated in curricular activities, such as case-based learning, clinical skills and anatomy lab, which are similar to what medical students experience. 

“I am so excited to have another group of students come and get exposure to medical school and osteopathic medicine,” said Carlton, who attends Heritage College, Cleveland. “Being a medical student is so rewarding. I love how this journey forces me to grow and develop as a person and future physician.”

Participants also had the opportunity to meet and ask questions of current SNMA members, who could share their own path to medical school. 

“Getting into medical school was challenging,” said Athens medical student Patton. “Now that I’m here, I’m very grateful for the experiences I had prior to starting. Otherwise, I think this journey would be far more difficult.”

“As a first-generation student and URM in medicine, I haven’t known anyone close to me to go through this process and experience what it’s like - it’s a great feeling that keeps me going!” said Dublin-based student Harris.