George Washington University School of Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide
George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine, situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., is renowned for its robust programs in health and biomedical sciences. Its prime location offers unparalleled opportunities for students to engage with government entities and non-profit organizations. Partnering with institutions like the GW Hospital, Children’s National Health System, and the Washington DC VA Medical Center, GW School of Medicine provides a rich learning environment for prospective students.
Programs Offered at GW School of Medicine
GW School of Medicine boasts a diverse array of programs, catering to various interests within the medical field. These include:
- MD Program
- MD/Master of Public Health Program
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
- Ph.D. in Cancer Biology
- Ph.D. in Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Physiology
- Ph.D. in Translational Health Sciences
- International Medicine Programs
While this article will primarily focus on the MD program, the information presented, particularly in the application essays section, will be beneficial to all prospective students regardless of their chosen program.
Inside the MD Program
The MD program at George Washington University School of Medicine is structured into three distinct phases:
Fundamentals of Medicine: This initial phase serves as an introduction and expands upon foundational science courses. Subjects covered include microscopic and gross anatomy, biochemistry/genetics, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology. Key themes woven throughout these courses encompass human behavior and development, clinical skills and reasoning, public health and health policy, professional development, and diversity. The courses in this phase are:
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- Student Orientation
- Foundations of Medicine
- Immunology/Hematology/Inflammation/Infectious Disease
- Cardiology/Pulmonary/Renal
- Gastrointestinal/Liver
- Musculoskeletal/Spinal
- Brain & Behavior
- Endocrinology/Reproduction
- Practice of Medicine 1, 2 and 3
- Fundamentals of Patients, Populations and Systems
- Applying Principles of Patients, Populations and Systems
- Patients in Health Systems
Fundamentals of Clinical Practice: This phase immerses students in clerkship experiences, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world clinical settings. Students also have the opportunity to explore elective courses, which aids in determining their desired specialty. Clerkships and courses include:
- Foundations of Clinical Practice
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Primary Care
- Psychiatry
- Electives
Transition to Advanced Clinical Practice: The final phase is designed to prepare students for their roles as Doctors of Medicine. The curriculum is rigorous, providing extensive preparation for upcoming graduates. Courses include:
- Acting Internship
- Emergency Medicine
- Capstone Course
- Electives
- Neurology
- Anesthesiology
MD/Master of Public Health
This joint program, offered in collaboration with the Milken Institute School of Public Health, can be completed in five years. Students can integrate Master of Public Health courses after their first, third, or fourth year at GW School of Medicine. While some courses are available online, others require attendance at the Milken Institute campus.
Physician Assistant Studies
Recognizing the growing demand for Physician Assistants, GW School of Medicine provides comprehensive training in this field. PAs practice medicine under the supervision of licensed MDs or DOs. The program offers two tracks:
- Physician Assistant
- Physician Assistant/Master of Public Health
The PA curriculum includes rotations in:
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- Internal medicine
- Surgery
- Emergency medicine
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Primary (Ambulatory) Care Medicine
The PA/Master of Public Health track provides complementary courses, enhancing students' knowledge and skills. These degrees can also be pursued independently for those interested in public health careers.
Ph.D. Programs
The Ph.D. programs, housed within the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, offer in-depth knowledge in areas such as cancer biology and neuroscience. It's important to note that these are not dual-degree MD/Ph.D. programs; a separate MD degree would be required to become a Doctor of Medicine.
Cost of Attendance
Attending George Washington University School of Medicine is a significant financial investment. Tuition ranges from $62,000 to $63,000 per year, with Years 3 and 4 being slightly more expensive. The school provides a detailed breakdown of estimated expenses:
- Year 1: $86,895 total
- Year 2: $91,521 total
- Year 3: $95,896 total
- Year 4: $95,100 total
These figures encompass all related expenses, including housing, food, and transportation. Personal spending habits will influence the final amount. The higher cost in Years 3 and 4 is partly due to residency application and interview fees.
Financial aid options are available to eligible students, so prospective students should explore all avenues before dismissing the possibility of attending GW School of Medicine.
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Admissions Requirements
GW School of Medicine has specific academic and personal requirements for applicants. Coursework with grades of C- or below often needs to be retaken. The school also emphasizes strong communication, observation, motor function, and emotional and intellectual abilities.
MCAT scores must be recent, with scores from before April 2018 not being accepted. For transfer credits, only courses completed at a college campus are considered; online or international coursework is not eligible.
Primary and Secondary Applications
George Washington University School of Medicine participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This centralized system allows applicants to submit their transcripts, work and activities information, and personal medical statement to multiple schools simultaneously. This initial submission is known as the primary application.
The primary application requires:
- Complete application with signature
- Pre-Health or Pre-Medical Committee Letter or three individual letters of recommendation
- $130 application fee
The secondary application is submitted directly to George Washington University School of Medicine and includes essays tailored to the school's specific prompts.
GW School of Medicine utilizes a rolling admissions system, reviewing applications as they are received. Early submission is crucial, as the class can fill up quickly even before the official deadline.
Application Essays with Samples
George Washington University School of Medicine requires applicants to answer several essay questions as part of their secondary application. While the word counts are limited, these essays provide an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, interests, and qualifications.
Question #1: Please give the Admissions Committee a list of your activities, scholastic involvement, work and anything else you were involved in that took up 30-40 hours of your week. List everything leading up to your matriculation in 2021. (375 words)
This question seeks to understand your time commitments and how you've balanced various responsibilities. Dedicate a paragraph to each activity, adjusting the length based on the number of activities you've participated in.
Example:
I became a CNA and EMT during my junior year of high school. I used these skills to volunteer at my local free clinic for two summers. I assisted doctors by checking in patients, inputting their information into the computer system, taking their blood pressure and blood oxygen levels and preparing them to see the doctor.
During my senior year of high school, I was on the debate team. I attended a private, Catholic school, where we were required to wear uniforms. Our debate team won with the argument that uniforms were good, but that women should be able to wear the same uniform as men and not be required to wear skirts every day. Our win got the attention of the headmaster, who ultimately reformed the dress code with members of the school board.
Throughout my undergraduate education, I worked at the Student Health Center on my campus. My university had a health insurance plan for students who weren’t otherwise insured. The Student Health Center was the only place where these students could receive medical attention. I worked part-time during the school year and full-time during the summers. I used my skill set as a CNA and used my paychecks to pay for what my scholarships and grants didn’t cover.
I took a gap year between my undergraduate education and applying for medical school. I was burned out from working and doing school full-time for four years. I moved back in with my parents and worked full-time as a CNA at a local doctor’s office. I was able to save almost all of my income to prepare for upcoming medical school costs. I spent one month during the summer working as a volunteer EMT with the local fire department. I had several experiences giving CPR to unconscious individuals. I helped get the wounded/injured onto stretchers, and I took their vitals and kept them calm on the way to the hospital.
Altogether, my experiences as a CNA and EMT have confirmed my desire to become a doctor time and time again.
This response effectively highlights the applicant's various roles and connects them to their aspiration of becoming a doctor.
Question #2: Our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program has a strong focus on Clinical Public Health so that our graduates are prepared to face issues in population health, health systems science, health policy and community health. Share what interests you and any experiences you’ve had that have contributed to your interests. (175 words)
This question assesses your understanding of and interest in Clinical Public Health, a key focus of GW School of Medicine. Share relevant experiences and explain how they have shaped your interest in this area.
Question #3: Share your most meaningful experience working with a patient in a clinic. (175 words)
Focus on a specific, impactful experience with a patient. This question aims to understand your empathy, communication skills, and ability to connect with individuals in a healthcare setting.
Example:
I got to work with an Alzheimer’s patient during my time working at the hospital. This kind gentleman didn’t remember his own name, but he remembered his time serving in World War II and told me stories about some of the experiences he had with his battle buddies. He remembered everything, from his days in Basic Combat Training to his decision to become a Combat Medic. I was assigned to keep him company while his wife was undergoing tests. He couldn’t go back with her, so it was my job to distract him/keep him occupied. Throughout the hour I spent with him, I began to understand that sometimes just sitting with someone is an act of healthcare in itself. It gave me an awesome sense of purpose.
This response demonstrates the applicant's ability to find meaning in seemingly simple interactions and their understanding of the importance of compassionate care.
Question #4: Tell us what makes you unique. Share any challenges you’ve faced that you’d like to tell the Admissions Committee. Also, discuss how you’ll contribute to the diversity we strive to maintain within our student body. (500 words)
This essay combines the classic diversity and adversity themes. If possible, discuss a situation where diversity and adversity intersected, highlighting how you overcame challenges and contributed to a diverse environment.
BS/MD Programs
BS/MD programs offer a unique pathway to medical school, allowing students to simultaneously apply for a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. These programs typically span seven or eight years. While attractive for their guaranteed acceptance and accelerated timeline, BS/MD programs are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often between 1% and 5%.
Advantages of BS/MD Programs:
- Efficiency: Eliminates the need for a gap year and streamlines the path to medical school.
- Experience in Medicine: Provides early exposure to the medical field.
Disadvantages of BS/MD Programs:
- Less Freedom During Undergraduate Studies: Limits exploration of non-medical interests.
- Greater Time Commitment: May require a heavier course load.
- High Cost: Graduate school often has fewer financial aid opportunities.
Top BS/MD Programs:
- Brown University Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
- Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
- University of Pittsburgh Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (REMS)
- University of Rochester
- George Washington University
- Temple University Medical Scholars Program with Washington & Jefferson College
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