Indianapolis—The IU Indianapolis School of Science’s Office of Pre-Professional & Career Preparation (PREPs) is teaming up with the IU School of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) to assist Science students interested in medicine in joining the Growth Through Guidance Program.
This special program delivers students interested in pursuing an M.D. or Ph.D. at the IU School of Medicine a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a medical student. Featuring six, one-hour sessions from November to June, students within the program are paired with MSTP mentors of various experience within the IU School of Medicine and discuss a wide range of topics, from MCAT preparation and crafting personal statements, to case studies and which medical degree tracks are right for them.
“Working with a lot of students, many don’t truly understand what it’s like to be a pre-med student and we really want to help them understand that and what the timeline looks like,” Lori Hart, Admissions and Outreach Counselor for the MSTP program, said. “I think it's helpful for them to work with a mentor who’s closer to them in age who just went through the pathway not long ago and can say, ‘This is what I did, this is what worked for me, it may or may not work for you, but ask me your questions and let me help you do it.’”
In addition to mentoring, students get the opportunity to explore the IU School of Medicine’s labs, such as the pathology and anatomy labs, and the Wells Library Makerspace. While there, students are introduced to the day-to-day structure and responsibilities of medical students as well as a daunting, and often first-time, exposure to a human cadaver.
“Students aren’t forced to go in, but it’s nice because they get to understand and experience what that looks like, and gain comfortability with it,” Hart said. “It’s not easy, but it’s something that gives that frontline experience of what it’s like to be a medical student.”
Applications open in the fall, and students of all academic years are free to apply. There is also no GPA requirement, but students willing to commit to attend the program’s six meetings are highly desired.
Those interested or who have questions are encouraged to contact Lori Hart at lorihart@iu.edu, or Jaime Sperandio, director of PREPs, at jsperan@iu.edu.
