Successful completion of all undergraduate degree requirements is necessary before matriculation into medical school. In addition to the traditional science courses that provide a firm foundation for the basic medical sciences, students in this program will take more humanities courses at Siena than in traditional premedical programs. Included in the curriculum are courses in philosophy, ethics, decision making, social work, medical sociology and metaphysics. Through this coursework, interactions with faculty and personal experiences, students will learn that every medical issue has an ethical dimension which requires a broadly educated physician. Unique aspects of this program include two summers spent in volunteer service.
Grants are available for living expenses and as compensation for lost summer income.
During the summer between the junior and senior year at Siena, students are engaged in nonmedical work with the disadvantaged in settings such as urban ghettos or developing nations. During the summer following the second year of medical school, medically oriented volunteer experiences may be sought in rural or inner city clinics. Competitive applicants are well-rounded women and men who have compiled strong academic records. Of equal importance is the student's demonstrated concern for others and for the community as exhibited in volunteer activities. Personal characteristics of the successful applicant include maturity, motivation, organizational talent and leadership skills.