Holy Cross’ premedical program among best in the nation

With the sounds of construction taking place outside his office in Beaven Hall punctuating the conversation, Andrew Futterman, premedical and predental advisor and associate professor of psychology, is talking about Holy Cross’ “enormously successful” premedical program. He says that the new integrated science complex will help carry on a tradition of excellence in the sciences, and further enhance the program that he has led for a decade.

His experience advising future medical and dental students gives him well-earned authority to address the promise of the new science facility in another video presentation on the project (Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president; and Frank Vellaccio, senior vice president, also were filmed). Futterman’s presentation focuses on the many successful alumni who currently work in the field of medicine.

Indeed, recent statistics are testimony to a very healthy program. Among the most interesting figures, Holy Cross graduates are admitted to medical school at a rate twice the national average. Last year, 86 percent of students who applied were accepted by at least one medical school.

The premedical and predental program is a sequence of elective science courses that are taken in addition to a student’s major, chosen with the assistance of a faculty advisor. Rather than concentrate in the sciences, premed students are encouraged to pursue any major that genuinely interests them. Elective math and science courses are then integrated to fulfill admission requirements to schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and related health professions.

Moments before the interview, Futterman was advising a second-year student, a biology major with a premedical concentration, who is applying to the School of Medicine at Tufts University. Having a faculty member advise students and promoting thoughtful consideration of career options is unique among liberal arts colleges, most of which have moved to an administrative model in which a person other than a faculty member is responsible for premedical advising.

“There’s something wonderful having professors offer advice and discuss options, rather than having administrators help students get into medical school,” says Futterman. “We’re paying attention to the whole person — we’re able to talk to people about their intellectual passions and career opportunities. Instead of becoming doctors, they might become researchers or professors or pursue any number of careers available in the health field. I think it’s wonderful for students at the age of 20 to consider these options.”

The science complex — including the under-construction Linda and Park B. Smith Laboratories as well as the total renovation of Haberlin Hall — will stimulate more collaboration and sharing of sophisticated equipment. It will intentionally link departments to one another, strengthening collaboration. Years ago, biology, chemistry, and psychology were studied independently of each other, Futterman says. Today, biochemistry and biological psychology, among others, are fledgling fields and offered as concentrations at the College.

“At a liberal arts college, where there are no graduate programs, you need places where students and faculty can do their research together,” says Futterman. “There are no buffers here, no graduate students or postdocs. The science complex is going to provide incredible opportunities for students and faculty.”

In addition to efficient laboratory and classroom space, the new building will boast pleasing aesthetics — inside and out. The new building’s exterior will be smooth limestone, the main entrance will feature a glass pavilion, and the abundant use of glass will bathe much of the complex in natural light. A water fountain in the atrium that currently links Haberlin and Swords halls will be another attractive feature.

Watch Andrew Futterman’s video.

Related Information:

• Premedical and Predental Program • Chemistry Major with Active Co-Curricular Schedule Prepares for Medical School