by Dr. Roman Miller, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Former Program Director
What is biomedicine?
Responses vary, but a standard one from the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines biomedicine as “medicine based on the application of the principles of the natural sciences and especially biology and biochemistry.” Biomedicine at EMU is much broader than this standard definition. In our context, we say that while biomedicine has its foundations in natural science (e.g. biology and biochemistry), its extent is much broader covering many academic discipline areas.
What is the purpose of biomedicine?
Ultimately the goal of biomedicine is to promote human health and healing. Our program uses a transdisciplinary approach involving studies and experiences beyond the natural sciences to promote a holistic health approach. Embedded into the core of our curriculum are courses on sociology, psychology, ethics, theology, and culture all applied to healthcare and healthcare delivery.
How does the MA in Biomedicine program benefit students?
Benefits can be found in three ways: the opportunity to enhance requisite course work, transdisciplinary experiences, and assistance in applying for medical/dental and other professional health schools.
Regarding the first dimension, typically two types of students enter the program: career changers and grade enhancers. Career changers obtain requisite courses for entrance into a medical/dental school which they did not take as undergraduate students. Grade enhancers, who did not perform optimally while taking requisite undergraduate courses, receive a second opportunity to complete these courses with improved grades. Many of these students do gain the academic credentials needed to be competitive applications for medical/dental schools as evidenced by improved MCAT/DAT scores and receiving acceptances from medical/dental schools.
The transdisciplinary experiences and coursework shape students understanding and development regarding the challenges and benefits of a holistic approach to health and healthcare delivery. Incorporating learnings from the cross-cultural experience, transdisciplinary seminars, research thesis, clinical shadowing experiences, and personal maturity into their applications for professional health science schools.