Applying to medical school can be a daunting experience, with prospective candidates frequently uncertain as to what makes a strong application and how they can best prepare themselves to enter the field of medicine.

The School of Medicine Office of Admissions and the OHSU Center for Diversity & Multicultural Affairs recently collaborated to stage an Open House where potential candidates heard directly from current medical students about their journeys to medical school, and from faculty and staff who helped de-mystify the application process.

“We are excited to be increasing our outreach efforts through the development of programs such as the Open House,” said Debbie Melton, Director of Admissions, OHSU School of Medicine. “Our goal is to reach out to prospective applicants from across the state and offer them a view into OHSU’s medical school admissions process and curriculum that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.”

The Open House, which filled all 120 spaces within 48 hours of opening reservations, attracted pre-med students and post-baccalaureate students from across the educational spectrum. They came to learn about OHSU’s admissions process and selection criteria, and take a glance into the medical school curriculum. Gary Ciment, PhD, Associate Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology and Course Director for Gross Anatomy, Imaging & Embryology and Neuroscience & Behavior, discussed the curriculum and the profession’s expectations of new medical students. Attendees learned about resources available through the Center for Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, and were treated to a medical student panel, an admissions presentation and a tour of the campus.

“Our goal is to support the School of Medicine’s outreach efforts to attract as many diverse candidates as possible, and to continue to increase diversity in the entering classes,” said Leslie Garcia, Assistant Provost for Diversity Initiatives.

One guest commented after the event, “It was so helpful to (gain) a realistic view of how everything works (at OHSU). It was very motivational to hear the students' different stories, and I think I finally understand what people mean when they say that each person has to find their own path to med school."

“Our hope is to be able to add this annual event to our program of collaborative outreach efforts,” said Debbie Melton.