The tragic presence of Covid-19 is undeniable with over 71.6 million cases worldwide. Yet young students are inspired by these unprecedented events as many of them choose to pursue a career in medicine. AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) officials say that the number of applicants has hit a record high, with 18% more students applying to medical school than last year. Part of this movement is prompted by the inspiring medical workers around the world, especially Dr. Anthony Fauci, who work tirelessly to save lives. Geoffrey Young, AAMC’s senior director for student affairs and programs compares the Fauci effect to the traumatic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: “After [Sept. 11], there was a huge increase in the number of men and women that were entering into the military… So far in my lifetime, at least, and for as long as I've been in medical education, that's the only comparison that I could make.” Standford University School of Medicine reports a 50% increase in applicants as well as Boston University School accounting for a 27% increase.
The pandemic has also allowed students to spend more time on the MCAT and rigorous medical school applications. These time-consuming requirements may discourage applicants; however, the pandemic has given students the time to improve their scores, undivided focus on applying to schools, a distraction free environment, etc.
This wave of new applicants comes at a perfect time as the nation faces a decrease in physicians. The AAMC estimates the United States will be short 54,100 to 139,00 physicians by 2033. 35% of registered voters say “they’d had trouble finding a doctor.” With 2 out of every 5 doctors reaching the retirement age over the next ten years, the new surge of applicants brings hope to the nation.
And from Fauci himself, he says “It's very flattering… probably a more realistic assessment is that, rather than the Fauci Effect, it's the effect of a physician who is trying to and hopefully succeeding in having an important impact on an individual's health, as well as on global health. So if it works to get more young individuals into medical school, go ahead and use my name. Be my guest."
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