Bryn Mawr is a wonderful place to prepare for a career in the health professions. Medical schools, dental schools, schools of veterinary medicine and schools of public health favor students who have pursued a challenging, rigorous curriculum during their undergraduate years. None require that the successful applicant major in a science; all seek students who are mature, motivated, curious, and hardworking and have demonstrated commitment to service in addition to their love of science. Applicants with a broad, liberal arts education are at an advantage in the admissions process.
The Health Professions Advising staff provides information and advice to students and alumnae about preparing for and pursuing professional and graduate level studies in the health professions. We work with you throughout your Bryn Mawr career and beyond as you pursue academic, community service, and professional opportunities. We sponsor many seminars, workshops, informal student clubs, and meetings with admissions office representatives to help you learn about the health professions. The process of determining your next steps in life can be a daunting one; allow our office to work with you in creating a plan and process that works the best for you.
There is no formal prehealth major or academic track at Bryn Mawr. With careful academic planning, you can major in any field of study and still complete the prehealth requirements. Many prehealth students do choose to major in science; however, in recent years there have been prehealth students who majored in anthropology, East Asian studies, English, French, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology. The fundamentals of a Bryn Mawr College education - learning through conversation and collaboration, primary reading, original research and experimentation – all provide an excellent foundation for a career in health professions. See the Information for 1st and 2nd Year Students for more information about the premedical, predental, and preveterinary course requirements.
Some students begin their undergraduate careers focused on a career in the health professions while others come to recognize this interest during their college years or beyond. If you are interested in a medical career, there are several things to keep in mind. Take the time to explore the rich curriculum that Bryn Mawr has to offer and take classes that interest you. Get involved with activities and community service outside of the classroom – these pursuits could be related to medicine or not. These outside activities could have the added benefit of enriching your interest in medicine and in working with others. Most importantly, take the time to assess your true personal and career interests. You may find that your career trajectory changes over time. Over 80% of Bryn Mawr students take a minimum of one year after graduation to work in biomedical or clinical research or to participate in a service program before attending a health professional school. Careers in the health professions are both demanding and rewarding, so take the time to find the best fit for you.
We encourage you to read through our web site, especially the section for 1st and 2nd Year students , to become more familiar with preparing yourself for a career in the health professions.
Health Professions Advising Staff
Mary Beth Davis
Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Health Professions Advisor
medavis@brynmawr.edu
Mary Beth Davis is available for individual appointments throughout the academic year and the summer; call the Office of Health Professions Advising to schedule an individual appointment. She also has open office hours on three days each week during the academic year. For students and alumnae who are away from campus, telephone and Skype appointments can also be arranged.
Office Hours for Dean Davis for the 2013 Spring Semester
(No appointment needed)
Mondays 10:30 am - Noon
Tuesdays 11 am - 1 pm
Thursdays 1 - 3 pm
Jodi Domsky
Associate Dean and the Director of Health Professions Advising
jdomsky@brynmawr.edu
Dean Domsky works primarily with postbaccalaureate premedical students, but is also available to assist undergraduates and alumnae.
The Office of Health Professions Advising located in Canwyll House East is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday—Friday.