After graduating college, some prospective medical students seek many different avenues. They can get a job for a few years to get some work experience related to the field. Former students can get a master’s degree in a field related to the biological sciences such as microbiology and immunology. The final option is to apply and attend medical school directly after college, assuming one is definite on his or her career path. I was not one hundred percent positive that I wanted to go to medical school straight out of college.
Little research…
I did a little searching around and sought out a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology. I thought getting a master’s degree in this field would allow me to gain deeper insights into a subject matter. As well, I would be able to take certain classes that would assist me in learning relevant information to medical school in the coming year.
The schedule
My class schedule included courses such as immunology, virology, microbiology, histology, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. All of the previous courses listed came in handy for the first year of medical school. Especially histology, anatomy, microbiology, and biochemistry. It was nice when I started medical school to realize I had already learned the basics.
Medical school is very hectic. There isn’t much time you get to study for all the subjects when it comes to exam preparation. Also, there are a few research-oriented classes where we had to study articles from journals related to the scientific methods and give reports. This was nice because it allowed for a different change in pace and allowed for more critical thinking.
Some requirements
My masters in immunology and microbiology required me to write and present a topic of my choosing related to the name of my degree. Under the guidance of Dr. Wooley, I worked on a project on Ebola. She was my virology professor who received her PhD from Harvard. I chose the subject of Ebola because it was during 2015 when the outbreak took place. This topic allowed me to integrate current world events with the knowledge I had gained during my coursework. I focused on epidemiology, microbiology, disease transmission, disease statistics, primary prevention, and treatment.
I am glad I chose this topic because it ultimately led me to write journal papers related to topics like the COVID-19 pandemic. My main advice from all this would be that you do not have to rush into choosing to join a medical school right after graduating college. Other opportunities can assist you in your future medical career beforehand.