Premed at Mines

From Mines to Medicine

Have you considered choosing a career in medicine or dentistry? Do you see yourself as a physician, dentist, physician's assistant, nurse, veterinarian, or pharmacist? Anything is possible, and with a Mines background, you are more prepared to face the academic rigors of your future.

AMWA focuses on premedical students who aim to attend medical school to become physicians, but we hope to support everyone interested in the medical field. Our members include premedical students, predental students, and students interested in medical research. 

Why medicine?

Most students at Mines study to become engineers, mathematicians, and scientists. They graduate into industry and academia in their dream careers, and they create ideas and design products that change the world.

But what if engineering is not your calling?

People who feel drawn to medicine might say they have a passion for science and helping people. This sounds very similar to the reasons we are students at Mines. 

Some of us choose medicine because we see ourselves healing others not only through scientific knowledge, but through empathy and compassion. We hope to interact with people for the rest of our lives to make a difference in theirs. This is what sets us apart from other Mines students.

A Path Forward

If you decide to pursue medicine, you have taken the first step on your journey. You might be wondering what comes next.

Medical schools look for students who are dedicated, disciplined, empathetic, and prepared. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has a list of 15 core competencies that medical school matriculants should be familiar with. In addition to these traits and skills, applicants should also consider the following:

• Prerequisite courses
• Shadowing
• Clinical experience
• Research
• Community service
• GPA and MCAT

This might seem daunting at first glance, but know that you can do it. You can succeed, and you will.

Shadowing

Shadowing is one component of your application where you can demonstrate how you know you want to be a doctor. Shadowing occurs when a student follows a doctor through their day, witnessing clinical and surgical visits alike. This activity shows you have thought about being a doctor, and you like what you see.

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience occurs when you interact with a patient. The definition of clinical experience varies between schools, but most prefer to define it as when students aid in the medical healing of a patient. For example, being an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), hospice worker, or Children's Hospital playroom volunteer would work. However, stocking equipment for a hospital might not. It depends on context, but it is recommended that you are actively interacting with a patient.

Clinical experience shows you have interacted with patients to assist their medical needs. It demonstrates your ability to thrive in healthcare settings and your appreciation of the field.

Research

Research is not required by most schools. If you are seeking to become a physician only without pursuing a dual PhD degree, premedical research is not necessary but recommended to be a more competitive applicant. Research can be in any field, medical or not.

Community Service

Participating in community service and volunteer work outside of a medical setting is also not required, but it helps show your passion for helping others.

GPA and MCAT

Your GPA and MCAT score are very important components of your application since they demonstrate your academic ability to succeed in medical school and on your certification exams. However, your GPA and MCAT score are just that: components of your application. Medical schools perform holistic reviews of applicants, and they want to see more than just your numbers on a page because you are more than a number on a page. Show them who you are, and you will be accepted.