Beyond the Premedical Syndrome: Premedical Student Attitudes toward Liberal Education and Implications for Advising

Abstract

Premedical students have often been viewed as academically narrow and cynical about liberal education. To investigate the veracity of this generalization, I conducted a qualitative study of pre-medical students at a liberal arts institution. Contrary to negative stereotypes, the students in the study expressed a positive attitude toward liberal education and articulated a belief that their own liberal education will benefit them as physicians. However, they acknowledged that obtaining high grades is also an important educational goal. Implications for advisors and medical admissions committees are discussed along with implications for future research.