/sci/ - Science & Math

Wanted: Fewer science nerds, more 'culturally competent' doctors

The test that all medical school applicants take could place greater emphasis on behavioral and social sciences, adding a new component and lengthening the test to seven hours, if proposed changes are accepted.

Members of the committee that proposed the changes to the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) say that this could help better identify applicants who have a greater understanding of behavioral and social factors that contribute to health problems.

“We want to broaden the knowledge base that students have about those factors that influence health,” said committee chair Dr. Steven Gabbe, who is also CEO of the Ohio State University Medical Center. “Yes, you must have solid base in science, but you have to understand the challenges. You have to be culturally competent to understand socio-economic challenges in different groups face dealing with health problems.”The more a physician realizes social factors , the more it could help him or her understand health consequences, medical school officials said.

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/28/wanted-fewer-science-nerds-more-culturally-competent-doctor
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>Prepare your anus Med students, you're not qualified if you're not good at "cultural studies"