It’s August, and for many that means one thing – time to go back to school.
It’s no different at UNMC and the College of Medicine, as we welcome 131 new students to the medical school class of 2018 this month. Their entry into the profession of medicine began symbolically Aug. 22 with the annual white coat ceremony at Joslyn Art Museum.
In addition to the medical students, we welcome the 228 new students to the various programs of the School of Allied Health Professions. With tremendous changes going on in the delivery of health care, these students are entering medicine at a unique period in history.
The need for physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and the host of other allied health professionals has never been greater. There will be challenges, but there also will be plenty of opportunities.
UNMC seeks the best and brightest students, and this year’s students are clearly in that realm as reflected by some statistics for our incoming first-year medical school class:
- A total of 1,612 students applied for medical school, including 285 Nebraskans.
- Only 8 percent of the total applicant pool was accepted.
- The entering class is comprised of 105 Nebraskans, about 82 percent of the incoming class.
- The students had a 3.78 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and a 3.71 GPA in science classes.
I speak with 100 percent certainty that our incoming students – like the many classes before them – will make us proud. Welcome to UNMC and we look forward to accompanying you on your journey!
I would like to close by thanking the UNMC Alumni Association and the Parents and Family Association for their support of many of the activities this month that have helped welcome our new students to campus. Your efforts are much appreciated.