<p>Not academic ability. I think engineers, in general, are stereotyped as too quantitative, lacking empathy and the human touch. Add to that the general intimidation many people feel when confronted with those with high ability in math and hard science, and you get a bias against MIT students. NOT that they could not do the work in medical school, but that their personalities do not mesh with practicing medicine.</p>
<p>Note, I am not endorsing this view, but I have encountered it.</p>