Over the course of 3 years, me and my fellow Pre-Med peers gained a deep insight into the field of medicine through fascinating courses like Human Anatomy, Life Support, and Clinical Consultation & Reasoning. Unlike a regular medicine programme, Pre-Med allows you to take courses that you wouldn't normally take. For example, (computer) coding, sustainability, entrepreneurship, philosophy. This certainly gives you a better insight into the world around you and helps us become better world citizens.
Maurits van Haarlem
EUC alumnus (2020), Pre-med
What was your general experience like?
I could not be happier with my choice for Pre-Med. Over the course of 3 years, me and my fellow Pre-Med peers gained a deep insight into the field of medicine through fascinating courses like Human Anatomy, Life Support (This course also gives you a First AID/EHBO Diploma!) and Clinical Consultation & Reasoning. In addition, to the intriguing courses I took, I developed a great bond with the other Pre-Med Students, as we shared so many unique and exciting experiences with each other. This certainly led to a more fun academic experience.
Further thoughts on Pre-Med:
The Pre-Med major is certainly a unique major at EUC as it is a collaboration between EUC and EMC (Erasmus Medical Center). Some of our courses are not even at the gorgeous EUC building, but rather at the outstanding and modern university hospital here in Rotterdam. One aspect that I loved about Pre-Med is that our lectures were frequently given by specialists at the hospital. This allowed us to ask questions directly to those most knowledgeable of the subjects we were learning about, whether that be cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology etc. I must say even after 3 years of medicine at EUC, I am very excited to continue learning and continue on my path to becoming a doctor.
Why choose EUC Pre-Med if I can simply do Medicine/Geneeskunde?
1. Before EUC I was heavily debating between the fields of economics and medicinal biology. What EUC offered me was the extra time and also the extra insight I needed into both of these fields that allowed me to make the right and educated decision between the two fields at the end of the first year.
2. Although this does not apply to me as I took Chemistry and Biology in high school, some people did not take these courses or take them at a sufficient level to be applicable for Medicine. EUC Pre-Med certainly offers you the chance to still go for Medicine if you aspire to do so.
What are the largest differences between Medicine/Geneeskunde and Pre-Med?
Pre-Med also allows you to take courses that you would likely never have the chance to take if you were to study medicine. For example, you can take courses about (computer) coding, sustainability, entrepreneurship, philosophy and so much more. This allows you to learn about certain fields outside of medicinal biology. It certainly gives you a better insight into the world around you and helps us become better world citizens.