A Pre-med Student’s View of the PPC Program

Jessica Costales

It's been three months since that fateful morning in the Founder's Room. That morning where we met each other over scrambled eggs, fruit, and coffee. That morning where we somehow felt camaraderie between the scant few individuals (premeds) with the blue name-cards amongst the sea of white ones (Master of Bioscience students). At that time, I don't think any of us really knew what to expect when starting the program. I'm sure we all expected that the program would be difficult, as we are all here to prove to medical schools we can handle the rigor of a graduate level curriculum. I'm not so sure we expected we would be designing in vitro diagnostic devices. But although there are tons of post-bacc programs out there, you chose KGI.

At this point, we really enjoy this Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate (PPC) program. Although it isn't what I expected, I personally enjoy it. I hope this article can give a clear idea of the reasons I think our education at KGI is valuable to us as premeds.

We are learning what many doctors take for granted. Several years from now when we are amazing physicians, the skills and knowledge we gained from our education at KGI will set us apart from other doctors. Unlike other physicians, we'll know exactly how commonly used devices like home pregnancy tests, glucose monitors, and chemistry analyzers work. We will know how to effectively evaluate the reliability of patient lab results based on the type of assay and device used. This would help in determining whether we need to repeat or order more sensitive tests. Because of the knowledge we have gained here, we'll know the exact processes of how the vaccines and medications we give our patients were developed and manufactured- things doctors usually take for granted. Ultimately, through innovation and research, KGI is teaching us how to help a large amount of patients at one time, whereas medical school teaches you how to help patients on an individual basis. In the end, whether at KGI or medical school, the patient is our sole concern.

If that still doesn't convince you, as one can still be a good doctor without learning how to evaluate ROC curves or knowing how much money it takes to develop a small molecule drug, the teamwork required at KGI will definitely prepare you to be a better doctor. When practicing as a doctor, it takes a tremendous amount of teamwork between physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals to effectively treat patients. KGI is the best place to practice developing your teamwork skills. There is much to learn about yourself and others while working in a team-as many of us in IVD know. Your time here at KGI is preparing you for a career where working in teams, even as a doctor, is inescapable.

Lastly, KGI provides you with a supportive environment and many opportunities to be a successful applicant to medical school. At KGI, the faculty director, Dr. Ian Phillips, and the administrative director, Joon Kim, truly care about your success. They work hard securing guest speakers and organizing workshops to help us become better applicants. Furthermore, we have the support of our peers who are willing to help us succeed in our courses and even give us advice on what to wear and how to plan for an interview. Our program is filled with individuals who truly want to see you succeed, and I think that is something to be thankful for.

At KGI, you will learn as much as you can, network, make friends, and capitalize on the opportunities in front of you.

By Jessica Costales