NATION : Rx for Doctors: More of the 3 Rs

WASHINGTON — In an effort to produce doctors who relate better to patients, the Assn. of American Medical Colleges today announced an overhaul of its medical school admission test to emphasize communication skills and a well-rounded education.

The Medical College Admission Test, a standardized exam required by nearly all U.S. medical schools, will be the first professional school admission test to use essays to evaluate applicants’ writing ability, said Dr. Robert Petersdorf, president of the association. The two 30-minute essays, which will be included in the test starting in the spring of 1991, will not deal with scientific or medical issues, association officials said.