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The quality of a physician’s education to a large extent depends upon the knowledge gained and training received in the classroom and laboratory, and at clinical locations. Yet other aspects of a student's life contribute immeasurably to his or her feeling of well being and satisfaction with their medical school choice. it is often these intangibles that make students happy at any given institution. Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine offers students a wide variety of experiences and activities from which to choose, as well as the time to participate in them. Students have an active voice in administrative decisions that directly affect them, such as curriculum enhancements and disciplinary actions. Most of these concerns are handled through the Student Senate, which consists of representatives from each class and representatives from most student organizations within the medical school. Student Senate officers meet with the dean monthly on an informal basis and regularly serve on dean’s committees that review major policy decisions within the medical school. The admissions process relies heavily on student interest and impressions. Three third-year students serve on the admissions committee, while about 30 fourth-year students serve on the interview panels and 40–50 first- and second-year students participate as hosts and tour guides for applicants invited for an interview. Beyond one's experiences on the medical school campus and in Chicago, the Feinberg School offers students a wide variety of global health opportunities that they can engage in during all four years of medical school. These academic and clinical experiences take place at locations around the world at varying times of the year.  Feinberg students are involved in many medical and community organizations. In addition to community-based clinical outreach, our students also tutor and mentor local school children.
They also make time to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer. With a population of nearly 3 million, Chicago is the cultural, industrial, and commercial center of the Midwest. The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, and Adler Planetarium—a few of the city's nationally known museums—draw millions of visitors each year. Those who enjoy the performing arts have many options, including the world-famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and numerous theater groups. Chicago's universities and colleges stimulate cultural creativity and appreciation. Art in all its forms—music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture—is part of the Chicago scene. For recreation, entertainment, and sheer enjoyment, Chicago provides a wide range of extraordinary opportunities. Major league baseball; professional basketball, football, and hockey; and any number of collegiate sporting events attract thousands of enthusiastic spectators. Winter and summer recreation areas for skiing, jogging, hiking, swimming, sailing, playing tennis, and golfing are located in the many parks of the city and surrounding area. Chicago is a city of many neighborhoods and lifestyles. McGaw Medical Center hospitals are located in three communities: the Streeterville and Lincoln Park neighborhoods of Chicago and the Chicago suburb of Evanston. Situated between the shoreline of Lake Michigan and North Michigan Avenue, the Feinberg School and Northwestern Memorial, the VA Lakeside Clinic, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, are all part of the Streeterville or Near North Side neighborhood—a vibrant, urban enclave that includes high-rise apartments and offices and world-class shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Many Feinberg students choose to live in Streeterville apartments which provide an easy "walking" commute to the medical school classrooms, labs, and campus hospitals. Children's Memorial Hospital is located in Lincoln Park, a culturally diverse Chicago neighborhood with outdoor cafes, jazz clubs, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Evanston is 12 miles from the Chicago campus. It is home to the undergraduate school as well as many of the graduate programs of Northwestern University. A free shuttle bus operates between the two campuses. | |
