Section
Eastern University Biology

PRE-MED AND RELATED TRACKS

Contact the Pre-Med advisor with any questions:

Maria E. FicheraMaria E. Fichera, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Biology
Pre-Medical Advisor, Office: 315 McInnis Hall
610-341-1779 (phone)
610-341-1460 (fax)
mfichera@eastern.edu


Pre Med Students

GENERAL INFO ON EASTERN PRE-MED AND GRADUATES

Pre-med and other students preparing for a career in the health professions are challenged to strive for academic excellence in their chosen major, while cultivating a love for rigorous scientific thinking and a desire to be instruments of God’s healing hands.  Many of our students participate in this healing process through medical mission trips to countries like Bolivia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. 

Our small class sizes facilitate learning, and unique course offerings such as Medical Botany, Christian Medical Ethics, Embryology, and Structural Basis of Human Disease enable students to holistically prepare for their future medical careers. 

Near to Philadelphia, Eastern’s ideal location close to seven major medical schools, a variety of physician assistant programs, and numerous hospitals and research laboratories provide plentiful opportunities for internships and volunteer experiences.    Pre-med science majors can join a research group on campus in the biology or chemistry departments.

Pre-med advisor Dr. Maria Fichera offers students step-by-step guidance and support for the following pursuits: pre-medical, dental, veterinary, podiatric medicine and pre-physician assistant studies.

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EASTERN GRADUATES

We are extremely proud of our students.  Pre-med graduates since 2001 include five practicing physicians, seven enrolled in medical schools, three pursuing dentistry, one in veterinary school, and four in physician assistant programs.  These graduates have attended or are attending the University of Virginia School of Veterinary Medicine; Temple University Schools of Dentistry and Medicine; Tufts University School of Dentistry; Penn State College of Medicine; University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ); Philadelphia, Kirksville and Des Moines University Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine; Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar; Ross University School of Medicine; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev M.D. program in International Health and Medicine, and Arcadia University (Physician Assistant Programs).

Talitha Brown, Eastern University class of ’07, 3rd year student at University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine and recipient of $25,000 merit-based scholarship per year for her studies in medical school had this to say:
“I would not trade my pre-med experience here for any other in the world. I have been able to construct meaningful relationships with my instructors and thus have been the recipient of encouragement, guidance, and support.”

Dr. Rachel Brewster (MD), 2008 graduate of Penn State College of Medicine, Eastern University class of ’04 shared:
“Eastern University provided me with a wonderful environment to grow in knowledge and in Spirit.  God placed me exactly where I needed to be to give me the tools to succeed in medical school.” 

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GENERAL PRE-MED REQUIREMENTS

As Pre-Med students, you must start planning early by setting out the right course of action geared toward your career goals.  Medical schools do not require that you choose a specific undergraduate major.  Therefore, no matter which major you choose, you need to take the following courses (preferably by the end of the junior year or earlier) to prepare yourself for admission: 

   English (composition and literature):  1 year (one semester of each)

   Chemistry (including labs; majors Chemistry, General and Organic): 2 years

   Physics (including labs): 1 year; Calculus I is a prerequisite

   Biology (including labs): 1 year

Due to the changes in the MCAT exam scheduled for 2015, students taking the MCAT that year and thereafter should also take:

Biochemistry I

Statistics

Introductory Psychology

Introductory Sociology.

(Cell Biology, Molecular Biology - recommended),

Click here for more details.

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WEB SITES TO HELP PLAN A MEDICAL EDUCATION

The amount of helpful material and links found at these web sites is enormous.  Please spend some time going through this to educate yourself a bit.  Then contact Dr. Maria Fichera, the Pre-Med advisor to help you plan your future at Eastern University in preparation for medical school.

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EXPLORING MEDICAL CAREERS

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APPLYING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL   

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THE MCAT - MEDICAL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TEST-

  • (http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm ) tests verbal reasoning, physical sciences, biological sciences and writing and is now computerized.   You should plan on taking the test the April or May of your junior year in order to apply for admission for the fall after you graduate from Eastern (register in March the latest)
  • FAP- Fee Assistance Program - http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/  Phone: 202-828-0600; Feb. deadline for April test date
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AMCAS (AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGE APPLICATION SERVICE)

  • Go through AMCAS when applying to American Medical Schools (allopathic): http://www.aamc.org/audienceamcas.htm  Phone: (202) 828-0600
    email- amcas@aamc.org
  • AMCAS begins accepting completed applications in June of the year prior to your entrance into medical school…APPLY EARLY (in June or July)
  • Oct.- Dec. = deadline for AMCAS receipt at some medical schools (depends on the school); you’ll get supplemental applications from the medical schools interested in you during this period or before.  However, applying early (during the summer) is essential! This is my best advice to all applicants!

MINORITY STUDENT RESOURCES 

  • University of Pittsburgh Summer Premedical Academic Enrichment Program (SPAEP) -- an intensive summer experience designed for underrepresented minority students who are interested in medicine.  The program focuses on strengthening academic skills, building motivation and providing broad exposure to the field of medicine. See http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/pdfs/SUMMRAPP01-02.pdf  for the application or call the Office of Student Affairs/Minority Programs at 412-648-8987.  Apply early (deadline is usually early March 1st but program is limited to 12 students).
  • SNMA- Student National Medical Association- http://www.snma.org/ -- oldest and largest organization focused on the needs of medical students of color and underrepresented communities.
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OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

  • Are you interested in osteopathic medicine?   Osteopathic medicine is a well-established form of medical practice in the United States. It combines the benefits of modern medicine like prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology with the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic Medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health education, and preventive medicine.
  • If you are interested in Osteopathic medical schools, the application service is called AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) Phone: 301-968-4190   http://www.aacom.org 
  • Processing of completed application begins in June and each school has its own deadline.  Again, being an early applicant is essential!
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OTHER EXCELLENT WEB SITES

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OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACTS FOR PRE-MED STUDENTS

Health Professions Scholarship Program with US ARMY
http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/medical/corps_benefits.jsp#hpsp

Currently, the United States Army is offering two, three, and four year scholarships for students in medical, dental, or optometry schools and two and three year scholarships for students in veterinary, and clinical psychology schools. This scholarship covers tuition, books, and other expenses related to their education and approved by their dean. Additionally, students selected to receive the Health Professional Scholarship will receive a stipend of approximately $1,900.00 per month while enrolled. Selected students will be commissioned as 2LT in the US Army reserve while enrolled and will be commissioned captains in the active army upon graduation. The service obligation is one year active duty for each scholarship year with a minimum obligation of three years in active duty.

Christian Medical & Dental Associations (Headquarters)
PO Box 7500
Bristol, TN 37621
Phone: 423-844-1000
Toll Free: 888-231-2637
Fax: 423-844-1005
http://www.cmdahome.org/

The Christian Medical & Dental Associations exist to motivate, educate, and equip Christian physicians and dentists to glorify God by through living out the character of Christ in their homes, practices, communities and around the world; pursuing professional competence and Christ-like compassion in their daily work; influencing their families, colleagues, and patients toward a right relationship with Jesus Christ; advancing Biblical principles in bioethics and health to the Church and society.

Project MedSend
Project MedSend offers grants to repay student loans owed by healthcare professionals while they serve as medical missionaries in medically underserved areas of the world. Grant Applicants must (1) be under the authority of a collaborating sending agency (an "Associate"); (2) be within 18 months of leaving for career medical missions service; (3) show fiscal responsibility and stewardship maturity; (4) be in the process of paying off their student loans as soon as earning begins (internship, residency, practice). For additional requirements, contact http://www.medsend.org/.
MMI (Medical Missionary International)
www.mmint.org

InterServe (medical missionary opportunities)
http://www.interserveusa.org/

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