Medicine - Physicians
An individual looking forward to a medical career must have a balanced and realistic understanding of the
responsibilities, obstacles, and sacrifices in a physician's life. She must feel emotionally able to cope with
the constant pressures of the sick and dying, physically strong enough to take on the seven or more years
of intensive study and clinical work after college, and intellectually capable of completing rigorous medical
training. Although the demands are high, the medical profession continues to provide physicians with
opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Allopathic medicine is the primary Western medical model and most of us are cared for by MDs.
Osteopathic medicine began in the U.S. in 1874, founded by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., and it takes a
holistic, patient-centered, hands-on approach to medical care. Both models provide the same medical
education and opportunities to practice.
All physicians must pass medical board examinations in order to obtain a license and, additionally, must
pass a state licensing exam. Each state board sets its own requirements and issues the license for the
physician to practice in that state.
The road to medical school
The undergraduate requirements for medical school include a solid foundation in biology, inorganic and
organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics, and the social sciences, as well as course work in
English composition and literature. Medical schools look for high academic achievement and outstanding
intellectual capabilities as demonstrated by the grade point average and scores on the Medical College
Admissions Test (MCAT). They also consider extracurricular involvement, practical experience in health
care, research and letters of recommendation. All of these criteria reflect the total person and help
identify prospective future physicians with initiative, good judgment, intellectual curiosity, and
perseverance, as well as human warmth and understanding.
Wellesley Alumnae have attended these graduate programs
Boston University School of Medicine
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stanford University School of Medicine
Tufts University School of Medicine
University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine
Resources
Association of American Medical Colleges, see also: Minorities in Medicine
Online Occupational Handbook
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
Wellesley College Medical Professions Advising Office
Sheila Brachfeld-Child, Director
sbrachfe@wellesley.edu
Be the Difference ❘
Center for Work and Service ❘
Green Hall 441 ❘
www.wellesley.edu/CWS