Biomedical Science Minor
Medical schools are looking for students with a strong background in the sciences as well as critical thinkers who have mastered a challenging core curriculum with experiential learning. Jewell's pre-med minor, called Biomedical Science, prepares you to pursue doctoral-level studies in human and veterinary health fields.
Prepare for a Career in Medicine
Through our Premedical Advisory Program, a faculty committee will guide you through your undergraduate experience and assist with mock interviews and med school applications. Our premed minor is tailored for students interested in allopathic medicine (MD), osteopathic medicine (DO), dentistry (DDS), optometry (OD), physician assistant (PA), anesthesia assistant (AA) and veterinary medicine (DVM). You'll learn the critical thinking skills and technical abilities you'll need to succeed.
Many students find value in our preparatory courses:
- Preparing for the Medical Professions (BMS 111): After exploring the spectrum of medical professions and the characteristics of competitive applicants to medical professional schools, you will begin writing a personal statement for your future application. Additionally, the course exposes you to a variety of current issues in healthcare, including topics related to bioethics, clinical trials and cultural competency. By the end of the course, you will better understand your intended medical profession and how to prepare a compelling application.
- Preparing for the Medical Professions II (BMS 211): You will gain an understanding of the timeline, requirements and steps in the process of applying to healthcare professional programs. By the end of the course, you will understand how to apply to professional programs, begin preparing an application for that program (identifying schools, writing a personal statement, descriptions for meaningful experiences, professional résumé, requesting recommendation letters) and practice interview skills.
“I learned how to think like a scientist, how to observe with curious eyes. I learned how to read literature critically and with skepticism. I learned not only to conduct original research, but how to write about that research, how to present it at professional organizations, and how to defend my research to other intellectuals. The pre-med advisory committee made me sweat with authentic mock interviews. My experience at Jewell was transformative and gave this poor farm girl the confidence and skills to pursue a career in academic medicine, where my work is still presented to, analyzed by, and even referenced by brainiacs. If you want to get a degree just to check a box, this is not the place for you. If you want your degree to challenge you, teach you not only what you need to know, but how to think about the world around you and your place in it, then you've found your home for the next 4 years.”
Kelly Jo Sandri, M.D., Jewell biology major
Use Your Summers Wisely
- Several pre-med Jewell students have participated in Baylor’s SMART (Summer Medical and Research Training) Program.
- The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers many suggestions, such as undergraduate research programs, internships, shadowing and the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program.
- MD/PhD programs from the AAMC
- Many people pursue medical careers after completing a bachelor’s degree. Sometimes additional science courses and labs will be desired or required before they are prepared to apply to medical school, so a number of schools offer post-baccalaureate premedical programs. The AAMC maintains a searchable database on each program.
“I got a great education at Jewell and it prepared me well for medical school, residency, chief resident, and my current role as a medical educator. The critical thinking approach and being taught how to think, not just list of facts and info, has helped me at every stage and continues to inform the way I learn and teach today.”
Kristin Gillenwater, D.O., Jewell biology major