Alpert Medical School of Brown University (AMSBU, Brown Medical School, Brown Medical University, Brown Alpert Medical School) Introduction and History

Introduction

The Alpert Medical School is part of the Ivy League’s Brown University located in Providence, Rhode Island. It has a long proud history, dating back to 1811 when it was only one of a few academic medical programs available in this young country. Throughout the years it has closed, opened, and gone though a few name changes and currently is one of the most prestigious and selective medical schools in the nation. Part of the Division of Biology and Medicine, the school is affiliated with seven teaching hospitals in the Providence area and generates millions in research funding.

History

This private medical school was founded in 1811 as the Brown University School of Medicine, but closed not long after in 1827. It wasn’t until well over a hundred years later, in 1972, that the University decided to once again embark in the medical education field and introduced the Program in Medicine. Eventually, the program expanded and in 1991, glimpsing back at its past, the original name of Brown University School of Medicine was selected.

In 2000, the name was changed to the more concise Brown Medical School, and finally after a very generous donation, one last name change was adapted in 2007 to the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, or the Alpert Medical School as it is more commonly known.

Academics

Years 1 and 2

The first two years are composed of two tracks of course work: Integrated Medical Sciences and Doctoring. In the Integrated Medical Sciences program, all the science classes needed to understand the biology and anatomy of the human body are presented. The classes delve deeper over year two and include subjects such as microbiology and pharmacology.

The Doctoring track focuses on teaching communication skills to these future doctors and preparing them for patient interactions, along with reviewing oral and written case presentations.

The Scholarly Concentrations Program is introduced during this time, which is an independent coursework program. It focuses on giving medical students the chance to explore some other fields of interest and letting them incorporate that knowledge into a well-rounded medical education. Concentrations include subjects such as Aging, Health Policy, and Disaster Medicine and Response.

Years 3 and 4

This is when the clinical experience begins. Full time work is expected in a 6 – 12 week rotation and students are on call during nights and weekends. Each student must complete a minimum of 80 weeks, and most go well beyond the minimum, of clinical training in a two year time period.

Also, 42 weeks of core clerkships must be completed and they consist of rotations in:

Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Psychiatry
Family Medicine

Finally, to complete medical school, 38 weeks of electives must be pursued and passed as well .

Unique Programs

The school offers a unique program to a select few who qualify, the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). This program is designed for students to earn an undergraduate degree after enrolling in The College, and after that bachelor’s degree is completed they are automatically enrolled in the medical school to earn an M.D.

Admissions

This private school has a selective admissions process with a total enrollment of only about 420 students each year. To begin with, interested students must already have completed a baccalaureate degree and have a minimum of 3.00 GPA. MCAT scores are a must and will be reviewed. Also, applicants must send in either one composite letter of recommendation from the undergraduate school’s pre-med committee or three individual letters from a pre-med advisor, professor, or individuals of the applicant’s choice. Finally, students have to go through the American College Application Service (AMCAS) to complete the process.

Students

There are many programs on campus for students to utilize while in medical school to help them succeed in their education. Psychological and legal resources are available, along with peer tutoring, study skills workshops, and licensing exam preparation.

The school also provides a great career advising program which helps with resumes and time management skills. Advisors are there to help graduates with career choices and job interviews, making this a well respected program.

Alpert Medical School of Brown University