GroshLink

A 'there and back again' one day trip to Grove City College in an April snowstorm.  Why? 

An email from a pre-med student on behalf of others seeking

to organize an event to inform students about the ministry of the Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA) and to give them a better idea of what medical school looks like from the perspective of students, as well as to give a broader perspective of global needs in medicine if at all possible. 

Some of the questions on the table include:

• How should I prepare for my MCAT? 
  
• How do I navigate the application process?  
• What is Medical School like from the inside?  How can I reach out well to a secular campus?  
• Are there Christian organizations I can be involved with as a Medical student?

After some delays, the project came together over the course of the past several days.  I have the opportunity to take the trip with Jade ('10), who is the incoming President of the Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (CMS)/CMDA. Why do we share enthusiasm for the endeavor?  Because each member of the new CMS leadership team, including Jade, expressed their appreciation for the hospitality of CMS and their desire to extend such care to the next class [and some rich friendships in the Grove which are hard to stay away from].  I'll post some of the medical student responses to the above questions in future post, but here's a teaser from a 3rd year (and an alumnus of Grove City College):

Medical school is very different in First and Second Years versus Third and Fourth Years.  The first two years, the rhythm is not completely unlike what you are used to in college, except longer hours and more studying required on the off time.  You are used to lecture, though, and so it is not unfamiliar territory.  You have the unique and enjoyable opportunity at most schools to only have about 150-200 students in your class, so you do become a sort of family as the time goes on. 

I can't speak for all medical schools, but Penn State has been a place in which I feel that my faith is able to thrive.  The Christian Medical Society is quite active, there are many active churches in the area, and the general culture of the area is pretty welcoming to Christians.  That said, it still takes more work to remain motivated and disciplined in daily spiritual disciplines and pursuing fellowship that will build up your walk with the Lord.  You will constantly feel pulled to be studying, but it is important to continue to have a balance in all things in life. 

The second two years are somewhat of a different beast.  These years are GREAT, because you finally get to put into practice some of what you learned, and you start developing your style as a physician, and learn SO much!  In my opinion, it is what I've been waiting for all along.  Rotations do spread you to various locations in PA, so it is much harder to remain connected to a Christian support system as far as a church/Bible study.  Also, your time is much less your own.  It has been more challenging to me to carve out daily time with the Lord.  I would advise you to have at least one accountability partner who you communicate with on a regular basis to pray for you and encourage you.

PS. You may remember on 2/7 I gave a presentation to Messiah College's MedAware with two campus alum.  Not only addressing a need/concern, but developing a model.  More on that to come.