A liberal arts education as preparation for medical school: how is it valued? How do graduates perform?
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the utility of a liberal arts education on medical students' preparation and performance.


METHODS
Data included a survey of admission committee members, a preadmission survey of two cohorts of students, and academic performance and extracurricular involvement during medical school.


RESULTS
Some admission committee members perceived applicants with liberal arts backgrounds to have certain advantages. These students preferred "discussing issues," and showed an initial preference for the practice of psychiatry. Despite entering with lower total grade-point average and being less involved in extracurricular activities, they were more likely to receive formal commendation and be elected to Alpha Omega Alpha.


CONCLUSIONS
Although similarities outweigh differences, students with liberal arts backgrounds may benefit from an educational breadth well-suited for practicing the "art of medicine."
Stratton
Terry D
TD
Office of Academic Affairs, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington 40536-0298, USA. tdstra00@uky.edu
Elam
Carol L
CL
McGrath
Michael G
MG
D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D006809:Humanities; D006801:Humans; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States