"As an MD/PhD student, I came to Columbia because it offered the best in both medical and research education: a large, urban medical center to provide excellent clinical training, and many world-renowned research labs in which to do my thesis. As a minority student I appreciate the support structure that is here for students like myself. I have a long road ahead and it is nice to know that I have advisors with backgrounds similar to my own that I can go to for guidance."

---Christopher Ortiz, ‘05

My love affair with New York dates back as far back as I can remember. So for me, attending a school that could boast the resources of the city was high on my list of priorities. Columbia seems to have its hands in all aspects of the city's academic and cultural offerings and really encourages us as students to take advantage. From working in the clinics in Harlem to following the summer jazz festival around the city's parks to just kicking around in SoHo, I definitely feel as though being at Columbia will make the time of my medical training richer and more memorable than it could have been at any other institution.

---Christen Drake, '06

Columbia P&S has an incredible support system in place to help first year students succeed with minimal stress. The student-run Student Success Network provides review sessions and practice anatomy practicals that greatly facilitate studying for exams. As a minority student, I have the added benefit of receiving support from BALSO members who have completed their first year of medical education. BALSO members donate their time to advise the first years and set up additional test preparation. With support coming from many directions, I now feel more confident that I will advance successfully in my medical education. -

--Charise L. Freundlich, '06

"Columbia University has offered me everything that I thought I could have wanted from a medical school experience.  One of my top priorities was to be in an urban setting that would offer me various experiences (especially culturally) and have a vast array of resources that I would be able to use.  Columbia's location in New York City offers that.  In addition,  I have been able to shadow practically any physician that I wanted to as a 1st year who just wanted a taste of what a certain field was like.  The clinical experiences that were offered as part of the 1st year have proven to be invaluable as learning tools for my future endeavors as a physician.  Even the non-medical aspects of being at P&S, such as the many clubs and social activities that are offered, have made, what at first seemed like an intimidating undertaking, into an enriching and enjoyable experience.  It also helps to have a great support network that the administration has provided in order to guide me throughout my medical school years and help me become a successful physician."

---Damani Taylor, P&S Class of 2010