Expert: Dr. Kevin D. Kanz - 8/14/2005

Question
Hi Dr. Kevin,
I hope I'm finding you in the best of health.I have one final question that will make up my decision about Medical school:
Besides the MCats, Are there any other times where I would have to write an essay?When?Are they "medical" essays or real "English" essays like the Mcats?

Is it natural for me to feel like I have nothing to write about on the essay.(I just started college)(I looked inside the Kaplan book on Amazon.com and saw that those questions are really difficult to write an essay about(for me).Like,"The best kind of education encourages students to question authority.")Do you think I would have more to write about once I finish college.Are there any courses that help people brainstorm what to write about on a specific topic?(kaplan,college,any?)
Thank you so much for your help and insight into Medical school.

Answer
Dear Jeff,
Some medical schools, as well as chiropractic and osteopathic schools require essays as part of their particular application process. Some do not... It is simply another way to evaluate individual candidates for their program.  Many programs simply want to know how well you communicate.  This is a truly important skill and may reflect on how well you will perform as a professional school student and as a physician.

As far as college courses that help develop these skills, the communications departments of most schools have programs like speach and rhetoric as well as english department's programs in creative writing.  These courses will also help you satisfy the requirements for humanities credits.  

Never the less, being an effective writer and communicatior is a highly important skill regardless of the profession you choose.  This is particularily important for physicians and physicians in training.  Hope this helps...
~Dr.K