Advice to the Next Generation
Questions from Our Readers, Answers from Physicians
Question
"Why is so much attention given to grades/standardized tests when applying to medical school? I've been told these are the most reliable ways of seeing how a student will perform in medical school. Why isn't more attention given to measuring qualitative characteristics of great doctors and finding new ways of measuring these characteristics in prospective applicants? I wonder why a field with so much potential is trapped in such a traditional mode of thinking. Is it really all just about the bottom-line salary grade of the future, prestigious MD? Humans and their 'body issues' are so complex. Things don't seem to be improving in the medical field. Last time I checked, medical errors and patient dissatisfaction were skyrocketing."
– Adrienne Hoyt, NYS Health Department