Upon graduating high school, many students have some sort of idea of their career as well as life aspirations. He or she will enter college and begin looking at coursework, thrilled at the opportunity to expand his or her knowledge in classes that were previously unimaginable. Orientation will come and then, the rock, an unreckonable force will finally hit. The time will come and the student will consult with either his or her pre-med or major advisor. Inorganic, physics, biology, and organic; required, ruthless, reviled; never at any point in time did this neuroscience major think this would come into play.
Considering the subjects, it is definitely rational to have some of the knowledge these subjects provide. More importantly, however, these subjects provide a framework of thinking that is unequivocally essential: fast, thorough, and sound. As a physician making rounds at a hospital or practice, the ability to shift thought from one malady or condition to something radically different undeniably forms the foundation of an effective and efficient physician. No matter what discipline, pediatrics, oncology, or even podiatry (amongst many others), the ability to discern essential facts and figures from a vast quantity of knowledge provides for high quality patient care. If for nothing else, these classes will provide knowledge that will aid for a greater understanding of the world and more thorough education
Unfortunately, knowledge of the benefits of these classes offer do not make four hour organic labs, exams, and endless hours of looking at resonance structures any easier. At all. There comes a point where the pursuit of the absorption of this knowledge threatens another pursuit: albeit much less noble, a social life. Regretfully it is painfully easy to neglect coursework and studying to go out to dinner, watch a movie, or any other kind of social activity (i.e. underwater basket weaving). No matter how hard you wish, that lab report, that research paper, or that outline of Chapter 103 just will not write itself. Knowing the benefits of these classes only goes so far to propel and motivate a pre-medical student into his or her future.
Despite the pain and hopefully reparable harm these classes may seem to inflict, rest assured that benefits will ensue. All of these classes will prepare an aspiring doctor for a successful and rewarding career in medical practice. So as images of VSEPR theory roam around the most insignificant crevices of your mind, know that someday, it will all truly be worth it.
Contributing Writer and Former Undergraduate Guest Writer
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
My name is C.J. Skok and I am a MS-1 at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine - Midwestern University. I attended Indiana University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology (Honors), with a minor in German.