Understanding the difference between equity and equality is crucial for premed students aspiring to become compassionate healthcare professionals. While equality refers to treating everyone the same, equity focuses on providing individuals with the resources they need to be successful, acknowledging their unique starting points.

The concept of fairness can be complex. We often believe treating everyone the same is fair, but this approach only works if everyone starts from the same place. In reality, people have different backgrounds, experiences, and needs that must be addressed to ensure a level playing field.

As future medical professionals, adopting an equity mindset will help you better serve diverse patient populations. Remember, providing the same treatment to everyone may not be fair if their individual needs are not considered. It's essential to tailor care according to each patient's unique circumstances to promote optimal health outcomes.

Let's be inspired by the quote from NEHI Dasani: "Equality is giving everyone a shoe, but equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits." Embrace the concept of equity in your medical journey, ensuring every patient receives the care they need to flourish, regardless of their starting point.

The MMI (Multiple Mini-Interview) Manual 2017/2018 by McMaster University is a guide prepared for interviewers and assessors participating in the MMI process for the university's undergraduate medical program. This manual helps premed students prepare as future physicians by familiarizing them with the unique educational approach at McMaster, which emphasizes self-directed learning, small group learning, and problem-based learning.

McMaster's medical program aims to graduate physicians with the capacity and flexibility to select any area within the broad field of medicine. To achieve this, the program encourages students to define their learning goals, select appropriate experiences to achieve these goals, and be responsible for assessing their progress. This approach helps students develop essential skills for lifelong learning.

The MMI is an important part of the admissions process, as it assesses applicants not only on their academic qualifications but also on personal characteristics and aptitudes such as problem-solving ability, self-appraisal, communication skills, and motivation to study medicine. This helps ensure that selected students are a good fit for McMaster's unique educational environment.

By participating in the MMI, premed students gain exposure to the types of qualities and skills expected from a McMaster medical student, such as the ability to work well in a flexible learning environment, communicate effectively with others, and demonstrate critical thinking. Understanding the MMI process and the qualities it aims to assess can help premed students prepare for their future medical careers and succeed in McMaster's distinctive educational program.

"Amazing book on compassionate medicine and learning about how to help others in ways that make the most sense to them. Opens up a lot of ideas about multidimensional ways of understanding well-being." - Ben

On Becoming a Healer: The Journey from Patient Care to Caring about Your Patients, written by Dr. Saul J. Weiner, is a transformative book that delves into the art of compassionate medicine and emphasizes the importance of truly understanding patients' needs in a multidimensional context. Dr. Weiner, a professor of medicine, pediatrics, and medical education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, shares his insights and experiences to guide premed students and aspiring physicians on their journey towards becoming empathetic, patient-centered healers.

For premed students preparing for a career in medicine, this book offers invaluable guidance on how to cultivate a deep sense of compassion and genuine care for patients. By exploring various aspects of well-being, Dr. Weiner encourages students to consider patients as unique individuals with diverse needs, rather than simply focusing on treating their symptoms or diseases. This approach fosters a more holistic understanding of healthcare, helping future physicians to develop strong connections with their patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

On Becoming a Healer also provides practical advice for students on how to navigate the challenges and complexities of the medical profession while maintaining their empathy and humanity. The book emphasizes the importance of active listening, effective communication, and adaptability in addressing patients' concerns and creating tailored care plans that truly resonate with them.

In summary, On Becoming a Healer is a powerful resource for premed students seeking to develop the qualities and skills necessary to excel as compassionate, patient-centered physicians. By embracing the principles laid out by Dr. Weiner, students can embark on a fulfilling journey towards becoming not just healthcare providers, but true healers in the lives of their patients.