‘Medical Student for a Day’ introduces undergrads to a potential future in medicine

Area undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students recently spent a day at Tulane University School of Medicine learning about what it’s like to be a medical student. The School of Medicine began “Medical Student for a Day” in 2019, but the pandemic put the program on hold for a couple of years.

Organizers reached out to premed advisors across New Orleans to advertise, and students interested in the program submitted applications. Those applications were screened and selected by Office of Multicultural Affairs staff and current students who serve on the event’s planning committee. The 30 students selected spent the day learning about admissions, financial aid and more, along with getting some hands-on training at the SIM Center.

“I think this day is important because process is really long when you’re applying to medical school, so this helps you discover what you’re specifically looking forward to and what you’re looking for when you’re going into school,” said Emily Capofredd, an undergraduate student at Tulane. “Tulane means a lot to me. I wanted to see how its core values and mission transfers over into a medical education setting.”

"Medical Student for a Day" organizers plan to expand the program and include area highschoolers next year.