Lawrence strongly believes that liberal education — with its emphasis on skills of analysis and communication, on breadth of knowledge, and on the ability to pursue knowledge of one area in depth — affords the best preparation for rigorous professional study. Since these attributes of liberal education can be developed and nurtured regardless of a student's area of concentration, in most cases Lawrence does not prescribe fixed courses of study for students with pre-professional interests.

At the same time, we recognize that some professional programs and schools require specific preparation at the undergraduate level. Faculty and other advisors assist students in determining what preparatory studies, if any, will be essential or valuable for later work in these areas. Students with specific professional goals should consult with these advisors as early as possible — in some instances during the freshman registration period.

Advisors: N. Maravolo (chair), E. De Stasio, D. Martin
The Health Careers Advisory Committee works closely with students as they apply to medical schools and other programs to prepare for health science and allied health careers. It provides guidance in the selection of schools, in developing applications, in the preparation for interviews, and in planning for medical school admissions testing.

Students who plan to attend medical school may concentrate in the field or fields of their greatest interest. Medical schools do, however, require considerable work in the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as English. Members of the Health Careers Advisory Committee are available to help students select courses that will meet the requirements of medical schools and at the same time provide a broad liberal education.

Lawrence offers a number of programs designed to familiarize students with the nature of medical education and practice. These programs include workshops, discussions with local physicians, and opportunities to observe, under the supervision of local practitioners, various aspects of the medical profession. The college also sponsors Mielke and Kasel Summer Internship Grants. The former provides opportunities to study medical problems in the Fox Valley, and the latter offers internships in biomedical ethics, health economics, and medical humanities.