Does the Program of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences in Medical Sciences at The University of Toledo Enhance Training for Medical School? A Quantitative Study of Pre- Clinical Medical Students’ Academic Preparation and Perceptions
Proceedings (Faculty180)
Typically, students who have dreams of becoming a medical doctor are often astonished when the dream becomes a reality. There are several reasons for that feeling, the years of hard work has paid off, and now this is their chance to give back to their community, to serve the underserved, and in some cases, a chance to follow in one or both parents’ footsteps. However, becoming a physician will take years of hard work and, needless to say, being well prepared for entry into a medical school is of utter importance. In order to achieve a career in medicine students must undergo years of academic preparation and training to master clinical skills. The initial year (s) of medical school can be the most difficult, based on the long study hours, difficult classes, and maintaining a comfortable balance between both and personal life. Being academically underprepared for medical school leads some students to pursue a post-baccalaureate or special master’s program in the sciences. These programs are aimed at enhancing a student’s portfolio before applying to medical school. Also, students who take courses such as cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, and neurosciences in a one-year postbac master’s program, may be at an advantage with the foundation needed with complicated material in medical school. The main goal of the present study was to compare the academic preparedness of first-year medical students who graduated from the Master of Medical Sciences at University of Toledo versus that of students who did not graduate from this program. This study concluded that graduates of the Master of Medical Sciences program at the University of Toledo perceived that the program did enhance their academic readiness for medical school.
