My Global Perspective of Medicine Has Been Shaped at Arcadia
I prefer small campuses where it’s easy to make new friends and receive more one-to-one attention from professors. These relationships are crucial for future graduate school applications. Growing up in a family where I am the first to attend college, pursuing a path to medicine is a new experience for me, as Cambodia’s education system differs significantly. Arcadia’s Pre-Health program stands out to me compared to other schools I considered.
For Pre-Health students, there are many paths to choose from, including Pre-PT (Physical Therapy), Pre-PA (Physician Assistant), or the Pre-Medical track. Each track you select will have different prerequisites that you must take to fulfill the school requirements for the program you plan to apply to.
Growing up in Cambodia, where science labs were not as accessible, I was amazed by how different the learning environment is at Arcadia. However, it has been challenging to learn new terminology in the lab with the help of the faculty and staff, but they are patient with students like me. I enjoy the laboratory at Arcadia because I can apply what I have learned to real-world situations. I can understand the difference between theoretical concepts and practical applications in real life. I’m particularly drawn to Biology, Public Health, and Healthcare Services because they offer an opportunity to explore and learn about various healthcare systems worldwide. Although the Arcadia Pre-Health curriculum does not provide formal preparation courses for standardized tests, the classes here are valuable in preparing students for exams such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Many students, including myself, find that the Arcadia curriculum helps them strengthen the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for the exam.
The professors at Arcadia are the main reason I decided to spend my four years here. I’ve had their support since day one, both in terms of my career goals and a clear academic plan to graduate. They are all invaluable and want to see their students succeed in their endeavors. Additionally, Arcadia has the Pre-Health Committee, which is particularly helpful for me since no one in my family has pursued a career in the medical field before. Whenever I have any questions, I can reach out to them via email or schedule a meeting with one of them at any time regarding my Pre-Health journey. Additionally, they can provide a committee letter at the time of your graduate school application. I recommend meeting and checking in with them on a regular basis.
In terms of academic support, Arcadia provides a free service to all students with tutoring, which every student should utilize; they can help you with the content that you have a hard time with or don’t understand, but they also can help you with the test-taking strategies that you can learn and implement. Alongside that, they also offer career services at the Office of Career Education (OCE) where you can talk wth them to help with your resume, CV (Curriculum Vitae), or mock interview skills.
Arcadia offers countless research opportunities for its students, specifically in the Biology department, where numerous research labs allow you to get involved as early as your freshman year. The simplest way to get in is by emailing the professor to express your interest in working with them and demonstrating your genuine interest in their lab. Arcadia is also conveniently located near local hospitals, including Jefferson Abington Hospital, Chestnut Hill Hospital, and Fox Chase Cancer Center, making it easy to volunteer. Additionally, Arcadia offers a variety of clubs, especially the Pre-Health Professional Club, where you can join and talk with like-minded people. They offer a yearly conference where you can get certified in CPR and Stopping Bleeding, and also have the opportunity to speak with admission members from medical school, PA school, and PT school.
Reflecting on my journey as a Pre-Health student at Arcadia, I am amazed by how much I have grown both as a student and as a person. Looking back, I realize that choosing Arcadia for my undergraduate studies was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Although I encountered challenges in adapting to new terminology, lab work, and the expectations of higher education, the support from my professor, mentor, and the opportunities provided by Arcadia have helped me grow significantly into a more confident learner and future healthcare professional. All of these experiences not only prepared me for the journey that lay ahead but also shaped me into the person I want to be in the future —the one who values compassion and a global perspective.
