Many people worry about coming out on their application to medical school. Here are some thoughts regarding this difficult question from students at Medical Schools across the country...."I'm not sure whether outing yourself on the application will affect your odds of getting in one way or another - I think it's more of a personal decision than anything else.... I chose to mention it in my essay, in part because it was relevant to the story I was telling, and in part because I didn't want to end up at a school where institutionalized homophobia was a part of the medical culture anyways. Only one person (a student interviewer) ever mentioned it, and she just asked me why I chose to out myself in the essay (and whether I was worried that it would have negative ramifications.) I know others who chose not to mention it, too, so I would say go with whatever feels right for you.
-MD/PhD Student (M2/G2)
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Department of Community and Preventive Medicine
Division of Health Services Research"
"I was totally out on my AMCAS, but then again, I had tons of LGBT
oriented stuff prior to coming to med school. If your extracurricular activities include a lot of LGBT stuff and your involvement in these activities highlight your leadership qualities and other positive attributes, then you should seriously consider keeping them on your apps. If, however, you have a lot of other non-LGBT extracurricular activities, then you can consider keeping the LGBT stuff out.
For me, it wasn't a choice. I'm out and couldn't go to a med school
that wasn't ok with that. I also applied MDPhD, so it was a little
tougher (fewer programs) but the admissions committee were looking for a lot of things in candidates.
Ultimately, you have to make the choice. Can you attend a program (even though it may be prestigious) where you may have to be closeted and be around intolerant classmates, staff, and faculty? Or would you rather go somewhere that has no issues with your sexuality? Whatever you decide, I hope you get many interviews and get a chance to get a feel for many of these places. Listen to you gut feeling at your interviews, and be sure to take advantage of the listserv when you've narrowed down
your choices.
-Medical Scientist Training Program
Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology
Laboratory of Kami Kim, MD
Ullmann 1225
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
"Many schools see LGBT people as part of having a diverse campus. I goto Touro Osteopathic med school, which was founded by Orthodox Jewish leaders, and still it is fine to be openly queer. One of our deans is very gay friendly, and the director of clinical education is al esbian. Another faculty member in clinical education is also openly gay (and a really great guy).
I "came out" by listing queer activities I was part of, including a
public speaking group. I also wrote a very short statement on
queerness in response to a question on a secondary application.
You could try to find out via student doctor network whether there are Gay Straight Alliances on the campuses where you want to go, and ask whether GSA has been well supported by the schools.
You might also find some things in the news about discrimination or
pro-closeted policies on med campuses...I think New York Medical
College had some negative press. Also, Loma Linda is Christian founded(7th day adventist) and I'm not sure they would even want
non-christians if you are one. (Not that you can't be a gay
christian).
This whole thing is complicated by the fact that you don't know the
politics/religion/prejudices/compassion of the people who will read
your application. There are some phobes among gay-friendly campuses,
and some advocates at phobic campuses. Never know the individual
biases that apply.
I guess there is a balance between 5+ big things:
-Being gay might count against you at some places.
-It might count for you at others.
-You might not be able to tell these places apart.
-You'll probably be much happier at a gay friendly campus.
-And getting in anywhere is tough. (As we all know).
Maybe people on this listserve can write you back with a statement
about their campuses. Then we queer med students can give the premeds"
