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An Overview

Bowdoin College offers an excellent academic preparation for a career in the health professions, and each student receives assistance in selecting an appropriate path through the curriculum. The Office of Health Professions Advising helps undergraduates and alumni investigate their options in health care, and guides and supports candidates through the application process to graduate professional programs.

There is no specific pre-health major at Bowdoin; it is possible to concentrate in any academic discipline at the College and gain admission to a health professions program. We believe, in fact, that there is no better preparation for medical school than a liberal arts education. Medical school admissions committees are searching for candidates who will be successful in the life-long learning required of physicians, not only in the sciences but in the social sciences and humanities as well. We encourage individuals to use their undergraduate years to develop backgrounds and abilities in areas of interest. Students may seek advice regarding the preparation and academic planning for the health sciences from Susan D. Livesay, Director of Health Professions Advising, and from faculty members in the sciences.

At a group meeting during Orientation, first-year students are introduced to the expectations of the various health professions programs, and are advised of the opportunities available to them for academic and career guidance. Other programs are scheduled during the academic year for sophomores, juniors and seniors. In addition, all interested students are invited to attend panel presentations on campus and to participate in discussions with doctors, dentists, veterinarians, allied health professionals, medical students, and professional school admissions representatives. Students are able to explore their interests in greater depth by engaging in related internships and community service. The College has volunteer programs with two hospitals in Brunswick, and a network of local health professionals makes it possible for undergraduates to participate in "informational interviewing" and "job shadowing."

Admission to health professions programs--particularly in allopathic and veterinary medicine--continues to be very competitive, and there has been a definite change in the demographics of students entering health professions training programs. In keeping with the national trend, in recent years many Bowdoin pre-meds have elected to gain additional experience between college and medical school. Their interim pursuits have been many and varied, including, for example, research, international community service, additional academic work, teaching and investment banking. Of those who have matriculated in medical school during the past five years, 36% have chosen to do so either the fall after graduating from Bowdoin or the following year, 46% have enrolled 2-3 years out of college, and 18% have entered med school 4-8 years after receiving their undergraduate degree. In addition to those whose commitment to a career in health care is longstanding, each year the applicant group includes a few individuals whose interest in medicine was sparked after they graduated.

It is the policy of Bowdoin to assist any student or graduate of the College who is seeking admission to a program in the health professions. Each year, 30-40 individuals request composite letters and credential packets from the Office of Health Professions Advising, and work closely with the advisor throughout the application process. The acceptance rate of candidates who applied through Bowdoin to enter medical school in 2001-2005 was 91%. Coincidentally, the same was true for those who applied to enter programs in veterinary medicine, dental medicine, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, pharmacy, public health and sports nutrition. When considering these statistics, it is important to keep in mind that we encourage individuals to apply when they are in a position to be realistic candidates. For a list of the health professions programs in which Bowdoin graduates are currently enrolled, please see Schools Attended by Alumni

Bowdoin is an active member of the Northeast Consortium on Medical Education (NECOME), a group that includes nine medical schools and nine undergraduate institutions. The College is also affiliated with professional organizations such as the National Association of Advisors in the Health Professions (NAAHP).