Shankweiler Scholars Honors Program
A liberal arts pre-medical experience
About Shankweiler Scholars
The Shankweiler Scholars Medical Humanities Honors Program is an invitation-only program designed for highly motivated undergraduates who are preparing to pursue a medical degree after graduation and a life of serving humanity through clinical practice and/or research.
At Muhlenberg, pre-medical studies aren’t just about mastering the natural sciences. It’s about developing the perspective, judgment, and intellectual range that define exceptional professionals in medical, clinical, research, and public health fields. Combining rigorous scientific training with interdisciplinary study across the humanities, social sciences, and arts — Shankweiler Scholars learn to see medicine as a human endeavor shaped by culture, identity and lived experience.
Through seminars, mentorship, and a self-designed academic pathway, students accepted into the Shankweiler Scholars Medical Humanities Program build the insight and adaptability required for today’s healthcare landscape and the competitive edge that top medical schools expect.
High-performing students will be positioned to compete for admission to leading U.S. medical schools, including Boston University School of Medicine and Temple University School of Medicine, with which Muhlenberg has academic partnerships.
How To Become a Shankweiler Scholar
The Shankweiler Scholars Honors Program is invitation-only. Students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and an interest in pursuing a career in medicine are automatically considered during the admissions process. There is no additional application required.
Start with a shared foundation
Your first year begins with a writing-intensive First Year Seminar designed specifically for Shankweiler Scholars — introducing key questions about medicine’s role in society.
Personalize your study focus
Beginning in your second year, you’ll work with a faculty advisor to create a personalized course of study around a central theme.
This isn’t a preset track, but rather an intellectual framework you build. You’ll draw from multiple disciplines and pair coursework with real-world experiences such as research, service, or study abroad opportunities.
Synthesize and apply
In your senior year, you return to a Shankweiler seminar focused on the ethical, social, and human dimensions of medical practice — bringing together everything you’ve explored.
A New Way To See Medicine
Anam Ali ’25 said she chose Muhlenberg College because she was determined to pursue a career in medicine and knew about the college’s strong prehealth outcomes. As a student and member of the Shankweiler Scholars program, she discovered how a liberal arts approach to medicine introduced a new dimension — connecting the field to disciplines across the humanities.
The liberal arts have been life-changing with regards to how I see medicine, or even science.
What You’ll Explore
Shankweiler Scholars pursue ambitious, individualized themes that reflect the complexity of modern medicine.
Recent student-designed pathways include:
- Health equity and access to care — addressing systemic disparities in U.S. healthcare
- Religion, ethics, and medical decision-making — navigating belief systems in clinical practice
- Mental health in healthcare professions — understanding stress, burnout, and provider wellbeing
- Global and developing-world healthcare systems — comparing delivery models and challenges
- Art, music, and healing — exploring creative approaches to wellbeing
- Language, identity, and patient communication — improving care through cultural competence
A Legacy of Mentorship
The program honors Dr. John Shankweiler, a beloved Muhlenberg professor whose dedication to students set a lasting standard.
Known for his hands-on mentorship and commitment to student success, Dr. Shankweiler supported aspiring physicians not just academically but also personally, guiding them through every step of their journey.
That model continues today.
As a Shankweiler Scholar, you’ll receive individualized advising, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to connect with practicing clinicians, ensuring you’re prepared for medical school and beyond.
Isabella van der Weide ’23
Muhlenberg is a place where asking for help has an incredibly high success rate. Experiencing that consistent positive reinforcement as a college student has made me much bolder about reaching out to people now.READ VAN DER WEIDE'S STORY
Research Mentorship
Shankweiler Scholars work closely with faculty on research, scholarship, and more.
Take a look inside the lab of Associate Professor of Biology Giancarlo Cuadra, who works with a student team that includes Shankweiler Scholar Juliette Amram ’27, to examine how vaping affects the oral microbiopme.
Outcomes That Set You Apart
Shankweiler Scholars graduate with more than strong academic credentials. You develop:
- A deep understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of medicine
- The ability to think critically across disciplines
- Experience applying knowledge through research, service, or global study
- A compelling academic narrative for medical school applications
This combination positions you to stand out in a highly competitive field—and to lead with insight and purpose in your career.
Shankweiler Scholars Make an Impact
Isabella van der Weide ’23 to Attend Harvard Medical School
Van der Weide, a pre-med biochemistry major at Muhlenberg, has been accepted into Harvard’s Health Sciences and Technology M.D. program.
Read MoreSophie Tomov ’26 Awarded Fulbright for Research in Bulgaria
The pre-med biology major and French minor will work to strengthen pediatric health care practices in partnership with a nonprofit.
Read MoreStudent-Athlete Erin DiSandro ’26 Receives NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship
The field hockey player, a pre-health biology major and public health minor, will be attending medical school at Temple University.
Read More
Questions?
Students with questions may contact Associate Professor of Neuroscience Leah Wilson at [email protected].