A strong dose of unity and team work could be just what the doctor ordered for University pre-medical students.
This semester, a campus-wide effort by faculty, organizations and students has begun efforts to foster a more united and comfortable atmosphere in undergraduates planning to attend medical school.
The need for a pre-med movement of unity and teamwork is very clear and long overdue. The University in the past had just accepted the competitive stereotypes among pre-med students because so many forces contributed to increased competition.
Rankings for chemistry laboratories, the standard curve of grade assignments in the required curriculum, and the fear of a rejection letter from medical schools leave students in a competitive whirlwind.
Lost within this frenzy is the student's ability to evaluate himself, work with others effectively and exist in an encouraging, low-anxiety atmosphere.
All this is poor preparation for medical school, and medical school admissions directors agree.
Dr. Beth Bailey, admissions director for the University Medical School, feels that the concept of trying to create a team environment will be beneficial as preparation for the often teamwork-heavy medical school curriculum.
"Being a doctor involves a lifetime of compassion and camaraderie," Bailey said. "These traits cannot be turned on and off. Overly competitive students will not fit in at medical school."
Students may also be robbed of the ability to work synergistically with others in a community of trust.
"In medical schools, students are going to be asked to work in teams and will naturally fall into study groups," said Glenn Cummings, the University Career Services' pre-professional adviser. "Some pre-med students out of U.Va. aren't going to be team players; they don't have the skills or the background."
New pre-med organizations should be applauded for their attempts to shape a new atmosphere of trust and unity. Alpha Epsilon Delta, a national pre-medical honor society with a University chapter, is facilitating a team atmosphere through uplifting meetings, a mentorship program, and T-shirts to wear around Grounds.
"Our club is a way for pre-med students to meet each other in a setting that does not involve any kind of competition," said Rachel Rosenbaum, AED club treasurer.
"We held a meeting just for first years and students new to U.Va. to show that we are a supportive organization of people who share common goals," said Janelle Baldwin, AED club historian.
The American Medical Student Association is a new University pre-medical organization that provides another valuable outlet for pre-meds to meet and socialize in a relaxed setting. The development of additional organizations such as these show the innate desire for teamwork and companionship among students.
Holding events encourage students to communicate freely in a stress-free environment.
On Monday night, pre-med students of all classes attended an admissions panel, which featured the University's Medical School, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Medicine. Having panels like this one can be helpful since they often alleviate students' fears by answering their questions.
Cummings has an important role in shaping the undergraduate mood and helping to mold the pre-existing competitiveness into a constructive force.
"I am working to show pre-medical students that there are faculty members interested not only in their survival, but also in their flourishing," Cummings said.
It is important that professors join the movement and tailor curriculum to foster teamwork. Graeme Gerrans, who teaches general and organic chemistry to many first and second year pre-med students, encourages his students to work in groups.
"Cooperative working is one of the best ways of learning. There have been many studies that have shown this to be true," Gerrans said. "Helping other people has an up-side as there is no better way to learn than to teach."
Because medical school admission has become "a democratic process," people need to work together to build each other up.
But in the past, idealized public conceptions of the medical profession have contributed to the anxiety felt by pre-med students. Popular culture generally dictates that competitition and grittiness are necessary to be doctor.
"Faculty have the same impression of the medical world that everyone else does, and they may have been unconsciously fostering a competitive environment without even realizing it," Cummings said.
A medical school education is founded on the concepts of teamwork and unity. Thus, an undergraduate experience that encourages such ideals is the best preparation for a life of service in the profession.
University efforts to create a healthier atmosphere among pre-meds are a much needed step. The University's goal should be to create life-long learners that have the social skills to work effectively with others. The movement toward pre-med unity may take time, but the entire community will benefit from an increased sense of trust and teamwork.
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