VCU news

By Leslie Nelson
University News Services

Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine recently hosted its first open house for prospective students on the Medical College of Virginia Campus.

“The overall goal was to highlight some of our combined programs and to show students what VCU is all about,” said Agnes Mack, director of admissions in the VCU School of Medicine. “We don‘t always get out to some of the smaller schools, so we invited them to take a tour and meet some of our students and professors.”

The open house originated as a result of numerous requests from undergraduate students from around Virginia who had not been given the opportunity to have VCU visit their campuses. The open house highlighted the VCU School of Medicine’s combined degree programs, research opportunities and clinical experience.

After welcoming remarks from Cynthia Heldberg, Ph.D., associate dean for admissions, and Mack, students heard from faculty members who provided them with background information and degree requirements for various medical degree programs in the School of Medicine.

“What we really want students to gain is the idea that the whole application process into medical school shouldn’t be scary.” said Heldberg. “Part of the reason for the interaction with the students and faculty is to give them a chance to see that there are people just like them who got through the medical school process okay.”

Established in 1838, the VCU School of Medicine offers 22 graduate degree programs, and receives more than 4,000 applications a year. Each year, the admissions office accepts 184 students into the program. For more information about VCU’s School of Medicine, visit www.medschool.vcu.edu/.