Premedicine
A physician deals with social and individual problems that require humanistic as well as technical education. Courses in language, literature, fine arts, social sciences, religion, history, and philosophy provide a humanistic background, while courses in the sciences and mathematics provide the basic foundation required for the specific study and technical practice of medicine.
The premedical student usually majors in biology or chemistry, although a major in another discipline can be arranged after consultation with a premedicine adviser. Some students double-major in science and nonscience. Approximately 100 students engage in the premedicine program each year.
Premedicine advisers also help students arrange health-career internship programs at institutions such as Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Gundersen Clinic in La Crosse, Wis.
Judging by the success Luther students have had in medical school and in private practice, it is clear that Luther's liberal arts curriculum, coupled with an in-depth science background, provides excellent training for future physicians.
The strong laboratory programs at Luther also provide the experience required to specialize in medical research. Many Luther students have earned the combination M.D./Ph.D. degree and work in academic medicine and research.
Suggested High School Coursework
- English: 4 years
- History (social sciences): 2 or 3 years
- Mathematics: 3 or 4 years
- Laboratory science: 3 or 4 years
- Foreign language: 2 years