Harvard Medical School

It is universally acknowledged that Harvard Medical School is the leading medical school in the United States. Part of Harvard University, it was established in 1782 and is the third oldest such school in the USA. Various other prestigious organizations are affiliated with the school, such as the Massachusetts General Hospital. The campus in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston offers the best amenities and academic staff. The physical environment is inspirational with its quadrangle of neo-classical marble buildings. Campus tours are organized for potential candidates to the school and tours for the public can be undertaken during the summer months. The list of alumni is impressive with many graduates rising to the highest levels in medical research, surgery and clinical care. Scientists, academics and physicians are all represented.

Students can choose to specialize in a wide range of disciplines and departments include Neurobiology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biological Chemistry, Cell Biology and Molecular Pharmacology. There is also a Center for Blood Research at Harvard Medical School. It's not all work at the school however and there are many opportunities for leisure activities and socializing. There is a long list of student organizations to join, including the Athletic Club, Soccer Club, Art and Literature Magazine, Life Drawing and the Music Society.

Pastoral care is important to the school and students can seek advice on their career choice through the Student Affairs Office. The Student Health Plan provides cover for dental insurance and disability insurance, and makes sure that students with disabilities have the services they require.

Students can study in the best classrooms and laboratories, using state of the art research facilities. The Francis A.Countway Library is an important resource and has one of the largest biomedical book collections in the country. The library also contains thousands of rare books. Harvard Medical School encourages its students and graduates to participate in projects in their local community. Many students also involve themselves in medical projects across America and overseas

Students have the choice of living off campus or at the residential Vanderbilt Hall. In addition to student rooms, there is a library, a dark room, music rooms, a computer room and study lounges. The Athletic Facility at the Hall includes a gymnasium, outdoor tennis court, squash courts, a fitness and aerobic room and weight rooms. Some students prefer to cook their own meals and there are well-equipped kitchens for them to use. Other students go to the canteen for their meals.

There are many concerns today about obesity in young people and one of the Harvard Medical School professors has addressed this problem in a book, titled The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating for Kids. Written by W.Allan Walker, the Professor of Pediatrics and director of the Division of Nutrition, it discusses diet for babies, toddlers and so on, looking at weight control, exercise and planning meals.