Premed Professional Competencies: What medical school admissions committees are really seeking

Medical school admissions committees and educators have come up with a list of professional competencies they know applicants must possess to succeed in medical school and beyond. Understanding what medical schools expect in applicants isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about discovering if medicine truly aligns with your strengths and values.

Here is a list of the premed professional competencies, as outlined by the Association of American Medical Colleges, with a brief description of each.

1. Commitment to Learning and GrowthMedical schools want students who are eager to learn and maintain a growth mindset. A career in medicine necessitates lifelong learning and inquiry so demonstrating this orientation as a premed is crucial.

2. Cultural Awareness and Cultural HumilityYou will often hear me talk about cultural competence and I lump cultural awareness and humility into this definition. It is important to demonstrate that you can understand another perspective based on an individual’s background, education, culture, and beliefs and can offer care sensitively and within that context.

3. Empathy and CompassionDemonstrating that you can empathize with others and are compassionate is an essential quality for anyone interested in practicing medicine. You must evidence a desire to alleviate suffering while being considerate of each person’s needs and situation.

4. Ethical Responsibility to Self and OthersHolding yourself to the highest ethical and professional standards is crucial as you will be working in situations where you will need to maintain confidentiality in professional situations.

5. Interpersonal SkillsNot only will you be caring for diverse patient populations, but you will also be working with diverse team members. Showing that you are considerate of others, and can sense behavioral and social cues, is essential to practice.

6. Oral CommunicationThe ability to communicate, both in terms of speaking and listening while remaining considerate of others, is crucial as a physician.

7. Reliability and DependabilityAs a physician, others will rely and depend on you. This includes your patients, colleagues and staff. You must show that you can manage responsibility and understand the importance of fulfilling all of your obligations.

8. Resilience and AdaptabilityMedical education, training, and practice is difficult and requires someone who can manage stressful and challenging settings, adapting to each setting for their own well being and the well being of others.

9. Service OrientationAs a physician, you will often be caring for those with life stressors and circumstance they can’t control. Showing that you can advocate for others, and that you can be a contributing member to communities in need, is vital.

10. Teamwork and CollaborationAs a medical student, resident, and physician, you will always be working with others. Being a team member who understands their role, can understand how to take constructive feedback, and actively seeks out ways to collaborate and contribute, is essential for anyone working in medicine.