Forwarded from a current biochemistry student doing a Pro gradu who considered seriously doing a medical degree and is glad they did biochemistry:
"I was browsing through the feedback-debate currently going on and I had a small idea regarding the flow of students to medical school. To me, biochemistry represents all the interesting bits of medical science. As everybody knows, there are several biochemists working in the field of medicine doing invaluable research. Perhaps it would be worth our while to give this perspective to first year students as well. This could persuade students interested in medicine that biochemistry is truly a fascinating alternative to medical school. Perhaps someone working in medical biochemistry could give their own presentation to the first year students at the beginning of their first semester."
And
"I would also like to add that I once considered myself the career of a medical doctor but the more I've studied biochemistry, the more I'm convinced that it's the right choice for me. Getting a pro gradu-postition among medical science has only strengthened my view. Here, a biochemist is a respected expert on research and I think it is something that should be brought to the attention of first year students considering a transfer to medical school."
Views and ideas on how to implement?
And a related question to the 1st year students: In an earlier email I suggested that presentations by groups on their research to first years might not be appropriate as they might not have the background knowledge to understand them - hence presentations by group leaders to 3rd year students instead. Since I take on 1st year students as summer students nearly every year I know this might not actually be a good reflection of the knowledge level/abilities of 1st years. When should presentations on research by group leaders to students be?