Why Medical Schools Must Embrace Interdisciplinary Education for Future Doctors

I love sharing that I’m studying public affairs while also following the pre-med track. It usually gets a puzzled look from people, and honestly, I can see why.

The numbers back this up. A report from the Association of American Medical Colleges shows that only about 12% of new medical students in 2024 came from social sciences or humanities backgrounds. Most pre-med students stick to traditional sciences. Pursuing both can feel like juggling a double major without the extra degree at graduation, making it a significant commitment.

This decision often comes down to personal interests. I enjoy learning about culture and policy, not so much memorizing chemistry formulas. Yet, these social topics are crucial for today’s medical practice. It’s not just about diagnosing illnesses or writing prescriptions. Understanding people’s backgrounds is key to providing quality care.

For instance, social determinants of health play a huge role in patient outcomes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlights how factors like economic stability and education influence health. If doctors don’t grasp these connections, the quality of patient care can suffer.

Despite the importance of this knowledge, many students still struggle to incorporate social sciences into their pre-med studies. It’s not about being better or worse than someone studying chemistry; it’s just more challenging than it needs to be.

My journey has been easier thanks to advanced placement and dual enrollment classes—options that often aren’t available to students from low-income backgrounds. Ironically, I’m studying issues of social justice and health disparities because of my privilege.

Medical schools need to rethink their admissions criteria. For example, UCLA has extensive requirements for physics and chemistry. Some of these could be swapped for courses in policy or communication—subjects just as relevant to medicine. This change could open doors for students interested in both science and the humanities.

But making these adjustments requires significant shifts in medical school admissions, which can feel overwhelming for undergraduates. While we advocate for change, students should also explore non-traditional paths to medical school. A humanities major shouldn’t automatically close the door to a medical career, and STEM majors could benefit from diverse coursework.

Universities can play a role too. Academic advisors should highlight how social sciences enrich pre-med education. Students need support in navigating their options, especially if they aim for an interdisciplinary approach that fosters a better understanding of health inequity.

We’re at a critical point where a new generation of doctors must learn to see the links between individual health and larger social systems. By broadening the educational framework, we can better prepare future healthcare providers to tackle these complexities head-on.



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