Letters to the Editor: Biology statistics misinterpreted in article

It is unfortunate that the Feb. 6 article on the number of biology majors tried to oversimplify what is undoubtedly a complex set of data.

Nationally, applications to medical school rise and fall in fairly predictable cycles. From 1984 to 1990 they decreased (35,944 to 29,243).

From 1990 to 1996 they increased (29,243 to 46,968). From 1996 to 2002 they decreased (46,968 to 31,903).

In 2003 they began what will likely become the next cycle of increase (33,568).

While Duke applicants to medical school also peaked in 1996 and fell for the next couple of years, for the last 6 years they have held steady while national applicants continued to fall through 2002.

I have long advised students preparing for medical school that they should choose a major based on their academic interests. While medical school applicants must demonstrate their ability to do well in science courses, medical schools do not favor one major over another.

Interestingly, as the proportion of medical school applicants who are biology majors declined in recent years, there was not a striking increase in the proportion who major in another specific field. Rather the distribution of majors is broader. As a biologist who loved all my undergraduate courses, from genetics to tropical ecology, I encourage students to explore biology.

The biology department at Duke offers excellent courses on campus and at the Marine Lab. But when it comes to choosing majors, undergraduates should follow their passion. It is likely the large number of Duke students who are majoring in biology have done just that.

Kay Singer

Associate Dean

Director, Health Professions Advising Center