The two-year proposal, still in the formative stages, has already won widespread praise from medical schools across the country, according to Federman. Dean for Students and Alumni at the Medical School, Federman has approached the directors of a number of schools in recent months about the plan. "The reaction for some sort of change in the current system of pre-med education was overwhelming," he says.
"In principle, I would be all for it. I think there's a tremendous need for a greater breadth in medical education," says Raymond B. Clayton, director of admissions at the Stanford Medical School. "I'd like to explore the possibility of putting together courses that one might designate as 'life science' courses," he adds.
The positive reaction to change is a vital step in any reform of either national or local standards of pre-medical education. Ultimately, any changes are dependent on what graduate schools deem acceptable. "We as an undergraduate school can design any courses that we want for pre-meds. The question is that the graduate schools don't necessarily have to accept that," Verba says.
Educators note, however, that although admissions to top medical schools remain stunningly competitive, medical school applications overall are at a five year low. "This is a good time to try change," Federman says.
Students at Harvard are divided on the wisdom of pre-medical reform efforts. Many students, particularly those who voluntarily major in scientific fields, say they enjoy the research-oriented nature of pre-medical courses. "I've liked the approach they took that you weren't just being prepared for the MCATS or medical school. They [pre-medical courses] were real science courses," says Elaine T. Anderson '84. "I think almost everything you're doing in your pre-med courses will pop up again in your first year of med school," says Lenny Ganz '84. Both Anderson and Ganz majored in Biology. Both will attend Harvard Medical School.
Other students agree with Bok that the existing system is overly constricting and interferes with the ability of students to obtain a broad, liberal arts education. "I think they [medical school graduates] will be great researchers, but I don't think they know what medicine is about," says Gabriela Feuria '84. Feuria majored in Biochemistry.
Harvard's counseling services appear to be attempting to practice what the administration preaches. The Office of Career Service's "Guide For Pre-Medical Students" stresses that medical schools "do not require that applicants major in science." Extensive counseling services are available in each House. While the advising systems differ in structure (some Houses utilize pre-medical committees, others rely on individual advisors for students, for example) students say they are generally efficient and satisfactory--their message that a non-science major is acceptable is clear. "Medical schools, it seems really don't care whether you major in science or not," Ganz says. Completing requirements and winning acceptance to a top school is left to the students.