University of Michigan Medical and Nursing School - Aequanimitas Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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Scientific Hreeplay Purpose and Upinion ln the past four years increasing emphasis has been placed on investigative work as an important aspect of our medical education. The freshmen are afforded the op- portunity to do their own creative studies in the summer vacation time. As a common ground for people with an investigative bent, a Special Studies Program was intro- duced, Many upperclassmen carry on individual projects as a part time activity. Many more choose to do this type of work during their six month Selective Studies period in their senior year and during which time they are able to devote their full attention to the various studies. Others use the six month period in their senior year as a time to explore a clinical field at Michigan or abroad. Everyone involved in these varied activities has his or her opinion about the de- gree of emphasis that should be placed in these areas as to time and effort. Certain- ly the faculty, as well as the students, are divided on their ideas of which is best edu- cationally in this regard. The following pages represent principally student opinions of their work in various areas. These contributions do not answer the question of value just posed. The program is a young one and we are young in the field of medi- cine, probably educationally, not far enough along the road to know what is best for us. The following pages then present the spectrum of work being done and the student evaluation of what it has meant in broadening his or her horizons of medicine. Special Stuciies Program The current senior class, graduating in June 1963, already had successfully hur dled the hazards of the first year of medical school when the Special Studies Program was launched. Participation in the Program by members of this class, therefore has not been as extensive as that of subsequent classes. The Special Studies Program is designed to assist that limited number of students who desire to explore opportunities for learning which are in addition to the regular Medical School curriculum Oppor tunities to participate in research at The University of Michigan Medical School are of course, not limited to students in the Program andthe members of the Faculty responsible for operating the Program assist all students who desire to do research Students in the Special Studies Program are expected to Select a field of interest and to work on their chosen project during the four years of Medical School. ln addition to working on a research project, they attend during the first two years of Medical School biweekly seminars in which approaches and techniques used in research as well as analyses and interpretation of findings, are discussed. In spite of the empha sis on research, the Program is not designed to breed researchers , but instead ex ists for the purpose of broadening the student's experience and outlook regardless of his future career. The ability to observe and evaluate critically is a necessary attri bute for all who deal with problems of health and disease. The Special Studies Pro gram is designed to supply additional experiences which will further the development of this ability. John M. Weller, M.D., Coordinator 122