Chemistry in the Premedical Curriculum: Considering the Options

• Published in: Journal of chemical education Vol. 90; no. 7; pp. 813 - 815
• Main Author: Shulman, Joel I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Easton American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc 09-07-2013; American Chemical Society
• Subjects: Chemistry; Colleges & universities; Curricula; Curriculum development; Education; Medical personnel; Medical schools; Organic chemistry; Physicians; Professional education; Science education; Teaching methods; First-Year Undergraduate/General; Nonmajor Courses; Testing/Assessment; Second-Year Undergraduate; Curriculum; Biochemistry; Bioorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/ed3008632

In 2009, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute released a report entitled Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians (SFFP). This report, produced in response to “concerns about the science content in the current premedical and medical education curricula”, emphasizes competencies for premedical school students rather than mandating specific courses for admission to medical school. This commentary addresses the opportunities and challenges for the chemical education community presented by SFFP, some models that have been created or suggested for teaching chemistry in the premedical curriculum, and some issues that colleges and universities should keep in mind when considering their response to SFFP.