"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

Being more than halfway done with medical school, I can still honestly say that Columbia was the best school for me. Having strong support systems was important to me and Columbia has just that-- support from other students (SSN- Student Success Network, in which 2nd years prepare first years for their exams and practicals), from the Advisory Dean system, and more. The students here work hard while still being social and having fun, and P&S even fosters the ability to pursue other interests through the P&S Club. The minority community here is large and strong, and there is something to be said for an Office of Diversity that really advocates for students in their time of need. Clinically, we get exposure to a variety of patient populations and can take advantage of unique opportunities I don't think I would've experienced otherwise, such as working on a Native American reservation in NM. No medical school is perfect, but Columbia has been able to meet pretty much all my academic needs while making medical school enjoyable.

---Grace Berry, P & S Class of 2011

One of the main reasons I chose to attend Columbia P&S was because of the surrounding community and the unique opportunity it confers to learn from and work with the medically underserved. At P&S I feel like I can make a difference in the community, be it through volunteering at the free clinic or tutoring for one of the many programs for disadvantaged youths in the community. The Office of Diversity and the Black and Latino Students Organization (BALSO) also offer opportunities for students to get involved in the community, in addition to providing students with an invaluable social and academic support network. Some of my most memorable moments from medical school have been through my involvement in BALSO.

---David Martin, P&S Class of 2013

P&S is unique.  The studies are engaging and stimulating but I find the people of the CUMC community to be most interesting.  I love being surrounded by so many brilliant and talented individuals from all over the world.  Furthermore, opportunities to interact with these people are endless with so many clubs and groups.  As one of the most functional and active clubs, BALSO has made my transition from Arizona smooth and allowed me quickly integrate into such a dynamic atmosphere.  Being active in BALSO has been rewarding and I am looking forward to becoming more involved in the upcoming semesters.

---Andrew Gomez, P&S Class of 2014

I love Columbia P&S for all of the reasons that I thought I would when I chose to come here: the city (amazing), the people (incredibly normal), and the curriculum (shorter is always better), the pure Pass-Fail grading (so no need to over-study), and BALSO (lots of support, amazing people, and delicious food).  There are also great opportunities to get involved and develop a very satisfying non-academic life through the P&S club, which has everything from a dance club to a wine-tasting club to limitless community service opportunities.

---Sophia Koessel, P&S Class of 2014