Prospective students mingle in between tours.
The Medical College was host to 68 prospective students for the class of 2007, who participated in this year's Accepted Student Revisit Weekend, better known as Weill Welcome Weekend, held April 11-12. The weekend, organized by the Office of Admissions, introduces accepted students to the Medical College through tours, workshops, discussions with current medical students, and sample learning sessions.
Weill Welcome Weekend began with tours of Weill Cornell and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital led by third- and fourth-year medical students. Prospective students then attended a financial aid workshop, followed by a mock problem-based learning (PBL) session, a unique aspect of the Medical College's curriculum. After a welcome reception dinner in Olin Hall's Alumni Lounge, prospective students were treated to a night on the town, organized by Hina Talib, vice president of the first-year class (Class of 2006).
Students attend a financial aid workshop.
An introduction by Dr. Charles Bardes, associate dean, Office of Admissions, began the second day and was followed by a presentation by Dr. Carol Storey-Johnson, senior associate dean for education, who lectured on "Medical Education at Weill Cornell Medical College." Dr. Storey-Johnson discussed how the less-traditional problem-based learning aspect of the curriculum helps students retain more knowledge and feel more at ease when they come into contact with patients. Dr. Storey-Johnson went on to explain how the professors' encouragement of group and self-disciplined study, PBL sessions, and fewer lectures set Weill Cornell apart from other medical colleges.
Dr. Carol Storey-Johnson, senior associate dean for education, discusses the Medical College's curriculum.
Dr. Estomih Mtui, assistant professor of anatomy in neurology and neuroscience and director of the program in anatomy and body visualization, gave an introduction in anatomy. Dr. Bruce Ballard, associate dean, Office of Student Affairs, talked about academic advising, student support and the life of a medical student. Prospective students then took advantage of the opportunity to ask current Weill Cornell medical students questions that ranged from the international clerkships to living on a student budget.
Of the 101 students that will make up the Class of 2007, about 15 will be MD-PhD students, while 86 will work solely for their medical degree.
Third-year medical student Heather Tauschek gives prospective students tours of the Medical College and Hospital.