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Find Out Which Schools Made Our ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ List for Primary-Care Medicine
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Best Primary Care Schools
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
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Study Abroad for Pre-Meds Making the Decision to Go
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CONTENTS
November/December 2010
www.premedlife.com
FEATURES
24
Best Primary-Care Medical Schools | 16 Find out which schools made our ‘Best of the Best’ list for primary-care medicine and what they have to offer
Study Abroad for Pre-Meds | 24 Deciding to study internationally may help you stand out among other applicants
What the Classroom Never Taught | 30 First-year medical student shares his story about an encounter with a patient
DEPARTMENTS
16 6
Ask The Experts | 14 Your questions answered by knowledgeable insiders who give insight about the medical school admissions process School Spotlight| 21 Get a glimpse into what the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has to offer prospective students Especially This Specialty | 33 Find out what being a Forensic Pathologist is all about and what it will take to pursue this specialty as a career
IN EVERY ISSUE Newsbites| 6 Recent news & information relevant to students applying to medical school
2011
14
In The Stacks| 69 Books to inspire you or provide you with advice along your journey to medical school
SUMMER PRE-MED PROGRAM LIST
Better Life, Better You| 70 Advice & tips for taking care of yourself to make it through your hectic pre-med life
There’s still time to apply for summer pre-med programs for 2011 - but deadlines are quickly approaching. Check out our list of programs for pre-med students looking to spend their summer doing something productive.| 34
College 101| 72 Here are some things that every student attending college should know about
Want to be featured in PreMedLife Magazine? We’re looking for pre-med students to join the PreMedLife Student Advisory Board. Are you interested in sharing your opinion about what topics matter most to pre-med students? Then join our team. Students selected to be a part of the PreMedLife Advisory Board will be acknowledge in every issue and considered a part of the PreMedLife staff. Sounds interesting? Send an email to info@premedlife.com with your Name, College/University, and year (i.e. Freshman, Sophomore, etc).
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 3
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Find us on Facebook PreMedLife Magazine is published six times per year by Kisho Media, LLC. and copies are provided to selected colleges and universities free of charge. The information in PreMedLife Magazine is believed to be accurate, but in some instances, may represent opinion or judgment. Consult your pre-med advisor with any questions you may have about the medical school admission process and related topics. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork, and and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission from Kisho Media, LLC. PreMedLife Magazine and Kisho Media, LLC. are not liable for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. PreMedLife Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising. All inquires may be sent to: Kisho Media, LLC. P.O. Box 7049, New York, NY 10116. Or call (347) 231-6429 or email info@premedlife.com.
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November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 5
NEWSBITES
>>> Recent news & information relevant to pre-medical students applying to medical school
Admissions officers care little about personal issues
LIS Kaplan TEN Test Prep
UP Surveyed* Medical School Admissions Officers and Found That ...
45%
reported that a low score on the MCAT is the biggest application killer
87%
expressed confidence in the MCAT’s ability to measure a prospective student’s success in medical school
47%
Mentioning personal or family illness on a medical school application does very little to influence an admissions officer’s decision to admit a student or not, according to a recently published survey conducted by Kaplan Test Prep. The 2010 survey, which polled admissions officers from 83 medical schools in the U.S., found that referencing a personal connection with medicine - whether it's telling your story about a personal or family illness or mentioning that a family member is a doctor - makes no difference in an applicant's chances of getting accepted. The results of the survey revealed that 90% of admissions officers reported that it's "somewhat" or "very" common for applicants to include in their application a story of personal illness or illness in their family. However, only 24% of admissions officers said that highlighting a personal or family illness in an interview or essay helped a student's application. In addition, 75% of admissions officers said that mentioning a family member who is a doctor made no difference at all. The survey also found that medical schools like the MCAT, as 87% of admissions officers expressed confidence in the MCAT's ability to measure a prospective student's success in medical
school. And with admissions officer's feeling so strongly about the MCAT, it makes sense that 45% of them consider a low MCAT score to be the biggest application killer. "Our interpretation is that talking about a personal or family illness or about your family medical profession pedigree is a bit like eating chicken soup to treat a cold - it probably doesn't help much, but it doesn't hurt either," said Amjed Saffarini, executive director of pre-health programs at Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. "What's ironic is that while medical school admissions officers are much more focused on the MCAT score and GPA than on personal stories, nearly half want to see the MCAT focus more on qualities like empathy, integrity and ethics." The findings from Kaplan’s survey has provided valuable insight into the minds of medical school admissions officers. Students applying to medical school may have to rethink their approach when writing essays and sitting down for their medical school interview. The survey of admissions officers from 83 U.S. medical schools was conducted by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions in August 2010 to obtain information on key trends and relevant issues pertaining to the medical school admissions process.
6 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
said the MCAT needs to focus more on applicants’ personal attributes like empathy, integrity and ethics
81%
of medical school admissions officers said they’ve discovered claims on an applicant’s application to be exaggerated or untrue – compared to 73% of law school admissions officers saying the same about their applicants
24%
of medical schools use Facebook to recruit students – far less than the 70% of law schools who do *The survey was conducted by phone in August 2010 as part of Kaplan’s annual survey of admissions officers at AAMCapproved medical schools. Kaplan also conducts surveys of admissions officers at colleges, business schools, graduate schools and law schools.
NEWSBITES Smart ‘dummies’help medical students become better doctors At the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM) students are getting a real-life taste of what it's really like to be a doctor. Through a program called the Standardized Patient Program, the UPSOM prepares its students for what's to come when dealing with the public as doctors. According to the Association of Standardized Patient Educators, the concept of Standardized Patients, or SPs, in the United States goes back to 1963, when a neurologist from the University of Southern California began teaching his third-yea students techniques on talking with their patients - a process known as "interviewing" in the medical community. Fast forward to today and you'll find SPs being used by the UPSOM and many other institutions to teach and evaluate students. A SP is someone who has been trained to portray, in a consistent, standardized manner, a patient in a medical situation. These actors are trained to realistically portray people with conditions ranging from broken ankles to alcoholism. And in addition to acting sick, SPs are also trained to provide in-depth feedback aimed at building better doctors. When the busiest time of the school year rolls around September to March - UPSOM might average three to five "events" a week involving SPs which might run all day or only for just a few hours. Before an event, SPs are given a portfolio of basic information that they cannot change, including symptoms and certain medication habits. They are also given names and occupations, although sometimes the persona can be tweaked with permission. Events are based on cases which are based on real patient scenarios. A typical encounter with a SP may involve interviewing, counseling, or examining the patient in the same manner as would occur during a regular clinic encounter. Students have the chance to practice interviewing skills they've learned to gather information needed to help diagnose the problem. In addition, they'll have the opportunity to practice effective interpersonal skills that will help them later to connect with real patients. They'll also be able to practice techniques and approaches for physical examination and to counsel patients on a variety of issues, some very challenging such as breaking bad news. Researchers say encounters "staged" through the SP program have certain advantages that cannot be duplicated by the use of paper problems, role playing, questionnaires, or even real patients. The advantages include: working in a controlled, reproducible clinical situation; the clinical problem is present at any time or any place; it provides a
unique opportunity to practice various skills; and most importantly, the SP can provide you with objective and unbiased feedback. From their very first semester at the UPSOM, students take courses in both medical interviewing and basic anatomy, and begin their first encounters with SPs. During their four years of training at the UPSOM, students will have close to 100 encounters with SPs. "Working with SPs helps, especially in difficult situations," said Erin Predis, a third-year student at the UPSOM. "It's a safe environment. Sometimes you have someone yelling and screaming at you and you're glad they're not 'real'". According to a survey conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges, communication is what patients care about most when it comes to their doctors. So helping students to develop good communication skills is a huge goal of the SP program. "The [SP Program] is a 'safe event' for students," said Karen Reyonds, RN, president of the Association of Standardized Patient Educators. "We can also examine students and have an opportunity to speak to their safety and competence before we set them loose on the public." And in addition to SP feedback, course instructors and other students also provide their input. "It's not your job to teach the students about [medical examining]," said Valerie Fulmer, director of the UPSOM's SP program. "You are there to provide an opportunity for them to learn through interviewing."
8 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
First-year doctors to work shorter shifts Starting in July 2011, first-year residents will work shorter shifts under more supervision, according to new standards adopted by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). For the 111,000 new doctors being trained at U.S. hospitals, the new rule was put in place with the hopes of improving patient safety and reducing medical errors caused by junior doctors working extremely long hours. While residents will still have a duty hour limit of 80 hours per week, averaged over a four-week period, duty periods for first-year residents have been cut from 24 hours to 16 hours, and "strategic napping" is strongly recommended. In addition, not only will these students have a direct supervisor available at all times, but they will be required to address issues on recognizing when they are sleepdeprived. The maximum shift length remains 24 hours for residents in their second year of training and beyond. "We tried to balance the opportunity for residents to learn how to be excellent doctors, while keeping patients as safe as they should be," said Meredith Riebschleger, MD, pediatric rheumatology fellow at the University of Michigan and member of the ACGME Duty Hours Task Force. "I think we've come up with something that does both protect the patient and protect the ability of the residents to be educated and I think both of those things can be done at the same time without necessarily giving up anything on the other side."
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School gets millions to train docs for underserved areas The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has created a first-of-a-kind program to produce primary-care physicians who will address medical and social issues that afflict the underserved of Baltimore City, according to a press release issued by the school. The new program, called the Osler Urban Health Residency Track (UHRT), will be supported by a $3.84 million federal grant awarded to the school, which is the only medical institution in Maryland to receive funding. The million dollar grant will cover the costs of the residents' salaries, malpractice and health insurance, and expenditures for recruitment and residency-related activities. "This grant will help us in our attempts to address the growing medical needs in underserved communities by providing resident physicians with specialized training in managing the myriad health problems - from high blood pressure and diabetes, to alcoholism, AIDS, and domestic violence," noted Edward D. Miller, MD, dean and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Through the program, four residents will undergo three years of training, with a focus of addressing the growing medical needs of underserved
Useful Websites
populations. The residents spend about 80% of their first year learning the basics of clinical care. They also work several hours a week at a clinic in East Baltimore. As they move forward, residents will be able to plan projects with the Health Department, participate in rotations at HIV outpatient clinics, and join the Baltimore police at domestic-violence conferences. In addition, residents will get a chance to train in cross-cultural communications and study the health care systems of prisons from the inside. During each resident's last two years, they will work as a primary-care doctor in an urban practice and after three years of training residents will receive full tuition support to earn a master's degree in public health, business administration, or a similar advanced degree in an area of interest while practicing part-time as primary-care physicians. "The track will focus on the social and medical issues that are underemphasized in traditional training," explained Rosalyn Steward, MD, associate director of the UHRT. "Healthy living only comes about when all of those issues are dealt with in a coordinated and comprehensive fashion."
Lily’s List - Student Loan Gift Network www.lilyslist.com Although not specifically for pre-meds, Lily’s List, Inc. is a service that every college student should know about. Started by four moms concerned about the burden of student loan debt, Lilyslist.com allows your family, friends, or even a generous anonymous benefactor to
More students want to be doctors Students are applying to medical school in greater numbers, according to data released by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The AAMC, the not-for-profit association that represents all 133 accredited U.S. medical schools, revealed that the total number of first-time applicants to medical school increased by 2.5% over the 2009 total. "The growth in first-time applicants demonstrates that medicine is still a compelling career choice for many individuals," said Darrell G. Kirch, MD, AAMC President and CEO. "A strong and robust applicant pool is essential for medical schools to continue to expand enrollment and work to address the nation's physician shortages."
deposit gift donations directly into federal or private student loans. Anyone with a current student loan is eligible to become a member of Lily’s List. Students create a registry and then tell potential donors about it. Tell them to make a donation to your registry instead of giving you a birthday or graduation gift. This is a great way for students to start paying down their college debt.
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 9
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NEWSBITES New fasttrack option for Rutgers students Philadelphia-based Drexel University has opened a medical school campus in New Jersey, according to an announcement made by the school. The new regional campus, located at St. Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, will not only offer an alternative venue for third- and fourth-year medical students to gain clinical education, but it will provide an opportunity for Rutgers University students to "fast track" to Drexel's College of Medicine. Through this partnership, students at Rutgers will be able to apply for an early promise of admission to Drexel College of Medicine. "This academic partnership is exciting because it allows New Jersey to nurture and cultivate its aspiring physicians," said Poonam Alaigh, Health Senior Services Commissioner. "Saint Peter's University Hospital is ensuring that New Jersey medical students complete their academic and clinical training here and then can go on to practice in this state because of our thriving and exciting research, academic and patient care opportunities." According to the school's press release nearly one in five students who enroll at Drexel University College of Medicine is a New Jersey resident. And now, through these expanded partnerships, it is anticipated that many of those students will remain in New Jersey to practice medicine upon their graduation, fulfilling the state's need to further strengthen and grow its broad array of health care services.
Johns Hopkins to help develop new medical school abroad The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has agreed to help Malaysia develop a four-year private medical school and teaching hospital, according to a press release issued by the school. Acting largely as consultants and advisors to the Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, representatives of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine will assist with the development of every major aspect of the new medical school, including medical education programs, campus design and facilities planning, and clinical affairs. In addition, Johns Hopkins will guide academic development and will serve as a consultant on other key components, including the teaching
environment and infrastructure, administration, and student affairs. "It is a great privilege to be able to assist Malaysia with the establishment of its first private graduate medical school and teaching hospital," says David Nichols, vice dean for education at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. "Not only will this collaboration have a transformational impact on the quality of medical education, research and health care delivery for Malaysia and the region, but it also will bring a wide range of benefits to the university, departments, faculty and staff here in Baltimore." The school, to be called Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, plans to open its doors in Fall 2011.
MORE SCHOOLS LINKED TO MED SCHOOL EARLY ADMISSION Students who attend three private institutions in West Michigan may apply to Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine, according to an announcement made by the college. As part of the medical school's early admission program, up to eight premed students from Hope College (Holland, Michigan), Calvin College (Grand Rapids, Michigan), and Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, Michigan) will be admitted through MSU's College of Human Medicine early assurance program.
12 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
As part of the program, preference will be given to top students who plan to spend their careers as doctors working with underserved populations. Students who are admitted to the program will receive academic advising from MSU and take part in clinical and service experiences. In addition, students who qualify are required to keep up their academic performance during their undergraduate studies to be assured admission to MSU's College of Human Medicine.
NEWSBITES KU to start new, four-year program in another city The University of Kansas School of Medicine will add a four-year program in the city of Salina, Kansas, according to a press release issued by the school. At KU School of Medicine's new Salina campus students will listen to lectures along with their peers in Kansas City and Wichita via interactive television and podcasts, while web-based systems will support most of the curriculum's laboratory components. "The whole mission of the Salina campus is to train physicians in non-metropolitan areas of the state and show these young medical students that life can be good and practice can be challenging outside of the big city," explained William Cathcart-Rake, MD, PACP, a Salinabased oncologist and director of the KU School of Medicine-Salina. Not only will KU add the new four-year program in Salina, but it also plans to expand its existing Wichita branch from a two-year clinical program to a full, four-year program. The way it is now, students in KU's Wichita program spend their first two years at the Kansas City campus before going to Wichita for two years of clinical training. Now, students will be able to spend all four years in Wichita. In addition, students interested in rural health careers may now complete all four years of their training in Salina. "The University of Kansas contributes to the success and vitality of our state by educating students who fill vital workforce needs, such as in health care," said says KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "KU's School of Medicine is the only medical school
in the state, and the expansions in Wichita and Salina will enable us to educate more physicians who will go on to improve the lives and health of Kansas." In Fall 2011, the Salina and Wichita sites will each welcome their first class of four-year medical students. Heidi Chumley, MD, senior associate dean for medical education, said the Salina and Wichita programs will admit students from rural areas who are more likely to return to rural areas after their training. For more information about KU School of Medicine, visit www.kumc.edu/som.„
Here’s a list of new medical schools that are being developed in the U.S. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Riverside, California Anticipated Fall 2012
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Boca Raton, Florida Anticipated Fall 2011
PALM BEACH MEDICAL COLLEGE Palm Beach, Florida Anticipated Fall 2011
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Mount Pleasant, Michigan Anticipated Fall 2012
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
OSU makes big change to med school curriculum Beginning in August 2012, medical students at Ohio State University will begin working with patients from their very first year. Training students earlier in patient care is new for Ohio State University, as currently students spend two years in classrooms, followed by two years of working with patients. As part of the change in curriculum, the two parts will be taught side by side for four years. Students will begin their work with patients doing tasks often assigned to other health care workers and will be
MEDICAL SCHOOL PIPELINE
matched in their first year with a physician's office that they will stay with until graduation. They will see the same patients over several years, develop relationships and learn to manage chronic illnesses. "They come into medical school tremendously excited to serve others, and what we do is make them wait," said Dr. Catherine Lucey, interim dean at OSU's medical school. "We want our students to grow up in a team, not drop into a team," Dr. Lucey said.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Opening TBD
COOPER MEDICAL SCHOOL OF ROWAN UNIVERSITY Camden, New Jersey Anticipated Fall 2012
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, GREENVILLE Greenville, South Carolina Anticipated Fall 2012
UPDATED 8/10
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 13
ASK THE EXPERT
>>> Your questions answered by knowledgeable insiders who give insight about the medical school admissions process
GOT QUESTIONS? Get answers to your important premedical questions with the help of experts and insiders about the process. Our Ask the Expert section connects you with individuals who can answer questions on a wide variety of topics. Send your questions to info@premedlife.com. Remember, you can also visit your prehealth advisor to ask them any questions as well.
Major Dilemma currently an economics major, minoring in journalism. Q| IDoamcertain majors have a better chance of getting into medical school than others? It is the individual record of the student that determines A| No. their success. What you need to get into medical school are
Many students worry about how they will be able to pay for medical school
Breakin’ The Bank so much about how expensive medical school tuition Q| Iishear and how much debt students have. How can I possibly afford medical school? school tuition is extremely expensive, but students genA| Medical erally find the funds to cover these expenses. The most common sources of money are low-interest Federal loans with deferred payback until after medical school completion. Scholarship money is another possibility. Most medical schools have merit and need scholarships, and the Armed Services and Public Health Service have tuition scholarships contingent upon payback time as a physician.
The Little Student That Could
Q|
What can I do if I'm determined to be a doctor, but my grades suck?
applicants take a few years after graduation to strengthen A| Many their academic records. They may choose to take additional science courses at a local university, or to enroll in a formal postbaccalaureate program for students interested in medical school who need to improve their credentials. If you find that you are doing poorly in your undergraduate science courses, it may be a wise strategy to put your premed plans on hold, concentrate on subjects you like and do well in, and then do the sciences after graduating if you are still interested in going to medical school. Be sure to consult with your premed advisor about your individual situation.
53%
good grades, especially in science courses, good scores on the standardized tests (MCATs, etc.) and some type of experience in a clinical setting (i.e. volunteer work). Medical schools do not show any "favoritism" to specific majors. There are successful medical school applicants with majors in History, Anthropology, Business, Psychology, English, Music, etc. You should major in an area that you enjoy - since you will have to take many more classes in this subject. You should also major in something that you are good at. Grades matter, and it is also important to feel good about yourself and your academic performance. Since there is no "ideal major", you should find that subject area that intrigues you, regardless of whether its in the sciences or not. You only have one opportunity to explore diverse areas in a college setting. Once you begin medical school, all of your coursework is predetermined, so take advantage of the opportunities available at your college or university.
MCAT Books Galore have a ton of MCAT study books and I am thinking Q| Iabout signing up to take a prep course. What is the best way to prepare for the MCAT? self-study and preparation courses are effective though A| Both each has their pros and cons. A test prep course gives you copious review materials and practice exams as well as a lot of structure. However, the price is high, sometimes topping off at $2,000. Self-study is less expensive and many good review books and practice exams are available at bookstores and through online booksellers. Note that this approach requires self-discipline. If you opt for selfstudy, consider forming a study group though be sure that your partners are self-motivated, reliable, and dedicated! A lot of it depends on your learning style and how you take in information. Whatever you decide, commit yourself to the mission at hand and put in the time and effort that you know will be needed.
The percentage of male students applying to medical school for the entering class of 2010-2011 Source: AAMC Data Warehouse: U.S. Medical School Applicants and Students 1982-1983 to 2010-2011
14 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
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COVER STORY
BEST PRIMARY CARE SCHOOLS
I
f you don't already know, there is a growing demand for primary-care physicians. Yeah, there are thousands of students who attend top schools in primary-care, but the chances of them actually sticking with primary-care as their practice are slim to none - well actually 2%, according to one study. Of course we'll still need to have some gastroenterologist and otolaryngologists in the world, but let's not forget about our primary-care providers (PCPs). Primary care physicians include, but are not limited to, family practice doctors and pediatricians who provide primary care to patients before they are referred to specialist. As a primary-care physician, long-lasting relationships are formed with patients because these are the doctors that people often visit, when they are sick or need vaccinations. "Unless more primary-care physicians are recruited, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates a shortage of 30,000 doctors by 2015, and in 10 years, this shortage could go up to 150,000," revealed Atul Grover, MD, chief advocacy officer for the AAMC.
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So, for all you premeds out there, the country needs your help! The schools on our list are not only some of the top primary-care medical schools as ranked by the U.S. News & World Report's annual list, but are also schools that graduate the most physicians who actually practice primary-care medicine. Find out which schools made the list, what they have to offer, and what makes them special. To identify the schools on our list we used data from the U.S. News & World Report's 2010 "Best Graduate Schools" rankings and the results of a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine (2010 Jun 15;152(12):804-11), which ranked 141 medical schools based on their "social mission", including the school's percentage of graduates who actually ended up sticking with primary-care as their practice of choice. Turns out that of the top 10 schools with the highest "social mission" scores, one school ranked in the top 10 on the U.S. News & World Report's list and three schools weren't ranked at all by the U.S. News & World Report.
Primary-care physicians include those in family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, or internal medicine pediatrics
As a primary-care physician, long-lasting relationships are formed with patients because these are the doctors that people often visit, when they are sick or need vaccinations.
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 17
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THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA CARVER COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine took the top spot for not only being as one of the top 10 schools for primary-care medicine, but also one of the top 10 schools with the highest "social mission" score. Even with those stats, Carver College of Medicine is looking forward to renewing its current curriculum which has been in place for the last 15 years. "New medical knowledge has doubled every three years in the last decade," said Paul D. Rothman, MD, dean of the College. "By one estimate the whole of medical knowledge will double every 73 days by the year 2020. This is a breathtaking prediction and reason enough for change!" Carver Medical College predicts that the newly developed curriculum will be implemented beginning in August 2011.
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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HUMAN MEDICINE
Second on the list was Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. From the opening of the $90 million Secchia Center (currently the nation's largest medical school expansion) to building models of the patient-centered medical home, the college is taking impressive steps to sustain its reputation. The college has also signed an agreement that will increase research and medical training in China and Michigan. "This is an exciting opportunity for our students in expanding their medical education and experiences, said College of Medicine Dean Marsha D. Rappley, MD. "China is undergoing massive health care reform and it will be an invaluable opportunity for our students and faculty to be able to share in that experience and learn from their model." With MSU College of Human Medicine comes students like David Choa, a fourth-year Flint student who went in Haiti after the earthquake hit with a group of medical volunteers. The college recently announced its new Early Assurance Program for premed students, which will reserve up to eight admissions slots per year for premed students from three pri-
vate colleges in West Michigan - Aquinas College, Calvin College, and Hope College.
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EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY BRODY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Coming in third was East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, a school which was among the first in the country to use simulated patients in the teaching room. Recently, the school has increased its commitment to the primarycare philosophy through its Generalist Physician Program, a program that has a primary aim to improve health services in underserved and rural communities, particularly in eastern North Carolina. With an entering class of only 78 individuals, students have the opportunity to know all of their classmates, which is an experience not afforded to medical students in larger classes. The school's small class size also facilitates close relationships between students and faculty. In addition to offering the traditional MD degree, the school also offers combined degree options leading to MD/MBA, MD/PhD, and MD/MPH.
4
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MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Fourth on our list is Morehouse School of Medicine. Morehouse School of Medicine is known for its many achievements within the medical education space. In 2008, the school ranked number three among the nation's community-based medical schools in research funding from the National Institutes of Health and among Georgia's four medical school, Morehouse School of Medicine ranks number two. In recent news, researchers at Morehouse School of Medicine will use a $13.3 million grant to create a first-of-its-kind database for minority health. Morehouse School of Medicine offers multiple dual degree programs including: the MD/PhD in Biomedical Sciences program is for students who wish to pursue both MD and PhD degrees and a career path in biomedical research, clinical research, and/or academic medicine; the MD/MPH Dual Degree Program; and the
MD/MSCR and MSCR/PhD Program for students interested in Clinical and/or Translational Research. For those considering Morehouse School of Medicine and wish to know its track record, nearly 70% of graduates consistently match in primary-care specialties.
5
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THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Last, but surely not least on our list is, the University of Kansas School of Medicine, a school that is so much married to its commitment to addressing the physician shortage that it recently announced its plans to add a four-year program in Salina and expand its existing Wichita branch from a two-year clinical program to a full, four-year program. Kansas University School of Medicine is Kansas' only medical school and had developed a reputation as one of the leading schools in biomedical research. Kansas University School of Medicine gets top ranking for not only producing primary-care doctors and family medicine physicians, but also for training Native American students, enrolling Hispanic students, and developing rural physicians. Among 2,400 applicants to the school, 174 were chosen for the Class of 2014, of which 157 were residents of Kansas. In line with its commitment to a wellrounded curriculum, all newly admitted medical students received the book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks�, a book by Rebecca Skloot that would illustrate the culture of medicine. "It's a compelling story that touches upon bioethics, health literacy, race relations and so much more," said Patricia Thomas, MD, Associate Dean, Cultural Enhancement and Diversity. "We think every medical student in the country should read it." And for all of you premeds in Kansas, KU School of Medicine offers early acceptance through its KU School of Medicine's Scholars in Primary Care program. This program offers college sophomores from Kansas a two-year premedical curriculum featuring communitybased primary-care experiences. Students who successfully complete to program during their junior and senior years are assured admission to the School of Medicine.
By one estimate the whole of medical knowledge will double every 73 days by the year 2020. This is a breathtaking prediction and reason enough for change!" 18 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
Only one school ranked in the top 10 on the U.S. News & World Report's list and three schools weren't ranked at all by the U.S. News & World Report.
THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY-CARE MEDICAL SCHOOLS There are currently a number of schools, not mentioned on our list that have begun to step their game up within the primary-care medical education world. While reports suggest that primary-care physicians are typically overworked and underpaid compared to graduates who specialize in other disciplines, schools are beginning to devote attention to primary care in hopes of encouraging more medical school graduates to consider the field. Harvard Medical School recently announced the launch of a new $30 million Center for Primary Care to serve as the focal point of the school's campaign to devote attention to primary-care. The University of North Carolina School of Medicine is working to attract students to pursue careers in primary care by exposing them to the opportunity of family care early and providing incentives for choosing a family medicine practice residency. Last year, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences raised its class size by 24 students as it anticipated a need of 350 primary-care doctors in the state within the next five years. In addition, the school
opened a satellite medical campus to give third-year students additional opportunities for clinical-training. As the idea of a possible physician shortage looms in the reality of health care in the U.S., many medical schools across the country are taking notice. While some schools may choose other priorities, there are a handful of schools which have taken on a commitment to graduate physicians who practice primary care. For some this means adding new programs and for others it means implementing unique initiatives. There’s good news thought. A new heath care law offers "sweeteners to encourage more people to enter medical professions, and a 10% Medicare pay boost for pay boost for primary-care doctors," according to an article published in the Wall Street Journal. In addition, funding for unused residency slots will be pooled and redistributed to other institutions, with the majority of these slots going to primary-care or generalsurgery residences. So, for all of you aspiring family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric doctors who want to be on the "front-line" of medicine, taking care of running noses or seasonal coughs, we salute you and thank you in advance for your commitment to primary-care medicine. „
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 19
SCHOOLSPOTLITE
Get a glimpse into what one medical school in the U.S. has to offer prospective students <<<
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s curriculum places emphasis on both the science and the humanity of medicine throughout all four years of study. It begins with a basic trust-that every patient is a person first, every student is a peer, and that healing demands a full and present response from everyone involved From the very first day of medical school, students wear the white coat of a physician and are treated as a peer. They understand that no two people, no matter how similar, will respond to medical care in exactly the same way. That is why they never want students to forget that the patient is a person first. They feel that if students learn that, they will have learned the central point of why they are studying to become doctors, to help ease human suffering. In addition to the rigorous traditional study of the basic sciences in the first two years of medical school, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine offers courses from the very beginning of the medical school experience that deal with the human side of medicine. In these courses, students
encounter real patients, learn how to establish a patient-doctor relationship, and develop patient interviewing skills, as well as the techniques for conducting a physical examination. From the very first year, students are exposed to medicine being practiced in primary-care ambulatory settings, including clinics and physicians' offices. A series of innovative mini-electives, especially designed for first- and second-year students, has been developed to enrich each student's medical education and enable them to explore areas of personal interest beyond the scope of the core curriculum. Course offerings include: Advanced Pediatric Interviewing, Concepts in Human Motion, Medical Journalism, Medicine and Literature, Natural History of Medicine (presented in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History), Nutrition and MedicineTraditional and Complementary Aspects, Pandemic Preparedness and Response, The Healer's Art: Awakening the Heart of Medicine, and Art and Medicine (in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Art).
quick facts DEGREE(S) OFFERED: MD MD/PhD
Private or Public? Private
LENGTH OF PROGRAM 4 Years
# OF APPLICANTS IN 2010 5,287
If you attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine you’ll be following in the footsteps of great individuals...
"1950
Philip S. Hench, M.D., a graduate of the School of Medicine, and two other scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries relating to the hormones of the adrenal cortex.
"1963
The Magovern-Cromie sutureless heart valve developed by George J. Magovern, MD, and others enhanced the speed and efficiency of heart valve replacement surgery and improves the survival rate of patients.
"1984
Thomas E. Starzl, M.D., Ph.D., performed the world's first double transplant operation (simultaneous heart and liver) on a 61/2-yearold girl from Texas.
1,001
"1996
Investigators led by John W. Mellors, M.D., discovered that plasma HIV load plays the critical role in determining the prognosis of AIDS patients.
"1998
STUDENTS WHO ACTUALLY ENROLLED 101
TUITION
Studies led by Fisher demonstrated that the drug tamoxifen can substantially reduce the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women who have not yet developed the disease.
"2005
# APPLICANTS INTERVIEWED IN 2010
In-State $38,772 Out-of-State $41,994
Early Decision Program No.
Amin Kassam, MD, Carl Snyderman, MD, and Ricardo Carrau, MD, pioneered endoscopic transnasal brain surgery, a revolutionary technique that uses the nose and nasal sinuses to gain access to hard-to-reach brain and spinal cord tumors previously considered to be inoperable.
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 21
DID YOU KNOW?
Famous PreMeds
Before they became famous, these well-known people were once pre-med students and thinking about pursuing a career in medicine. Looks like they decided to choose other paths. Check out who we discovered used to pre-medical students just like yourself.
Michael Dell
CEO/Chairman of Dell Inc. While a pre-med student at the University of Texas at Austin, Michael Dell started an informal business upgrading computers in his dorm.
Bill Murry Actor
Bill Murry enrolled at Regis College to study premed but dropped out after being arrested.
Jerry Greenfield
Jerry of Ben & Jerry Jerry Greenfield graduated from Oberlin College as a pre-med major, but was never accepted to medical school despite taking classes at New York University to increase his chances.
Bob Dole
Former Politician At eighteen years old, Bob Dole enrolled in the premed program at the University of Kansas.
Robin Cook Author
Robin Cook graduated from Wesleyan University with a B.A. in pre-med in 1962 and then attended Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Jay Manuel
Fashion Photographer/ ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Jay Manuel planned on becoming a doctor, and was enrolled at New York University in pre-med classes when he started working as a makeup artist in the fashion industry.
Denzel Washington Actor
Denzel Washington decided to purse an acting career at Fordham University after switching from pre-med.
Neil Diamond
Michael Crichton
In 1958, Neil Diamond entered New York University's pre-med program to become a doctor, on a fencing scholarship, but dropped out at the end of his junior year to pursue music.
Michael Crichton was a former premed student at Harvard University who ultimately was accepted to Harvard Medical School.
Singer/Songwriter
22 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
Author, Producer
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Office of National Drug Control Policy/Partnership for a Drug-Free America®
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An overseas experience can complement and enhance both your general program course of study and your pre-med interest.
24| PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE |
STUDY ABROAD
FOR
PRE-MEDS L
et's say there are two medical school applicants who are identical on paper in all ways except that one student participated in a study abroad program. If you were on the admissions committee side of things, who would you want to learn more about? Wouldn't you want to know more about that one student's experience abroad and how it may have influenced them in any way? This is not to say that passing up an opportunity to study abroad is the end all be all or that students should choose to participate in a study abroad program just because they think it will help them get into medical school.
Studying as a pre-med abroad just bodes well among medical school admissions officers who are looking for well-rounded applicants who have a diverse, challenging, and enriching background of undergraduate experiences. In all, study abroad programs foster independence and expand personal horizons in ways that few other opportunities can offer. Study abroad can offer pre-med students a unique chance to experience diverse health care systems, explore different cultural attitudes towards health care, and see firsthand how health care professionals operate in other settings.
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 25
Students preparing for careers in the medical and health professions can gain a wealth of information from living and studying internationally. Many pre-med students overlook the possibility of studying abroad as an undergrad because they think that their jam packed schedule is a reason keeping them from going through with it. Studying abroad can be very rewarding both academically and personally. An overseas experience can complement and enhance both your general program course of study and your pre-med interest. Besides enhancing your qualifications for medical school, studying abroad promotes an increased understanding of the world and your place in it, as well as enhancing your knowledge of yourself and fostering a sense of independence. Studying abroad can help make your application stand out from the others. Many students feel that they cannot sacrifice the time away from their premedical studies. But with early planning, it is definitely something within any studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach.
DECIDING TO GO First, make a rough schedule of your four years. It helps to start thinking about study abroad as early as your first year in college. Figure out when you are going to take your lab sciences and your other requirements, then decided when you will complete courses for your major. Many students avoid doubling up the lab science courses because of the workload, but you should keep in mind that the workload of two lab sciences is significantly less than the first year of med school. With careful course-planning, taking one semester abroad is surely doable. According to a Pre-Health Advisor at one school, most health profession school admissions committees look highly upon applicants who studies abroad, in addition to maintaining the other components of a competitive applicant. Moreover, fluency in a language other than English and cross-cultural experience can enhance your application to a health profession school. Many pre-med students can arrange for a semester or a year of study abroad during undergrad, or course with lost of careful planning involved. If you decide to study abroad during your sophomore year, you may need to take summer classes after you return to make sure you complete all of the premed classes you need. Those students who plan to study abroad during their junior year should complete all their premed classes before they go. If you do it this way, students can take the MCAT in August before going abroad in the Fall semester. Since medical school interviews are usually held from September through February, choosing to study abroad during your senior year may not be the best choice if you've
already applied to medical school. Or for those who would rather not sacrifice an entire semester, there are also study abroad programs offered during the summer. Another option to add flexibility to your schedule would be to take time off between college and med school. Many pre-med students do this, and it would offer more flexibility in planning your academic career, as you would not have to worry about fitting in interviews, the MCAT, and additional requirements in only four years. Keep in mind that it's important to check with your premed advisor about your decision to study abroad. Why you ask? Well, some schools allow you to take premed courses while abroad while other strictly advise against it. Many schools may advise against taking your science pre-requisites abroad because of credit transfer and grade reporting. If the school you attend abroad uses a grading system other than the American system, your grades won't get recorded into the GPA needed for your American Medical College Applicant Service (AMCAS) GPA.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO STUDY ABROAD FOR A PREMED STUDENT? This depends on the individual student. Some students complete all their premed sciences by the end of their sophomore year, which leaves the junior year open for studying abroad. Others may chose to take a year off between their undergraduate studies and medical school. In addition, students also have the option of studying aboard during the summer.
WHERE CAN YOU GO? Almost anywhere in the world! Some abroad programs allow you to take heath-related classes at internationally renowned universities which specialize in the sciences such as St. Andrews in Scotland or King's College in London. Or you could plan to deepen your general understanding of medicine and humans by taking medical anthropology at the University of Cape Town or design your own research project in public health or healthcare in Costa Rica. You should choose a program that best fulfills your academic priorities. Ideal programs for a student with a tight academic schedule would be those that offer direct enrollment at large universities abroad. These programs offer variety and flexibility in ways to fulfill you general education requirements, major requirements, and in some cases, a lab science. Consult with a study abroad advisor and your pre-med advisor about which programs would be ideal in the region in which you plan to study abroad. Â&#x201E;
26 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
2
MYTHS ABOUT STUDY ABROAD There's no room in a pre-meds schedule
Between the general course requirements, major requirements, and pre-med requirements, students feel that it is almost impossible to squeeze anything else in. However, it is most likely that some course will cross over between the different requirements. You might be able to take a course abroad that may count towards your general course requirement or even your major or minor course requirements. And it is possible to take lab sciences abroad. Ask someone in the study abroad office about what courses you may take that you can gain credit to fulfill one of your requirements.
Study abroad is too expensive
At several colleges and universities, when students study abroad, all of their current financial aid can be used for their semester abroad. Such aid includes grants, scholarships, federal assistance, state aid, and work-study stipends. In addition, many programs offer additional aid and there are a number of travel grants and scholarships available for students who want to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad.
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They’re gonna pull on you — some people in one direction, and others in another and some in directions that you know aren’t right for you. So after a while, what will all that pulling do to you?
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MDREALITY
What the Classroom Never Taught |A Student's Realization in Caring for the Terminally-Ill BY ISTIAQ MIAN
o one likes to work on a holiday, especially when it seems the entire world has the day off to relax. Yet, there I was on Labor Day, 2009 heading into Joseph's House, my AmeriCorps placement. Prior to attending medical school, I thought I could develop more passion for the field by dedicating a year of my life to service. I was accepted into an AmeriCorps program that placed me at a hospice home for homeless men and women dying of HIV/AIDS in Washington D.C. It was my second week at Joseph's House and with each day came new realizations for a student interested in medicine. After breakfast and bed baths were finished, Patty, the director of Joseph's House, invited me to come with her to
N
Providence Hospital. We were to meet Sheryl, a woman suffering from AIDS, to see if we could provide care for her. Patty pulled up in the white Joseph's House van and we drove out to the hospital in Northeast Washington. The building itself was huge and seemed even larger on a vacant holiday. Patty and I took the elevator to the fifth floor and we met with a nurse on the floor. There was probably a physician and two nurses in the entire wing that day. The nurse directed us down a long dark hallway to Sheryl's room, opened the door and I followed her and Patty into the room. Upon entering, I saw an image that would never leave my mind. There was Sheryl, a 43 year-old African-American woman, all 70 pounds of her in a hospital gown, struggling to move from her chair to her bed. It was shocking that she was even standing on her own. It must have taken a lot of courage to even attempt it. Her legs and arms were rail-thin, covered in tiny round black spots. The nurses excused Patty and I for a moment while they situated Sheryl in her bed. While waiting in the hallway, I remember feeling incredibly sad. It was Labor Day and I had wanted the day off. Yet here was Sheryl. She could never take a day off from her struggle until the finality of her condition. Soon, we were welcomed back into the room. "Hi Sheryl," said Patty, as she entered the room. "We're here from Joseph's House, which is a home for sick people. We wanted to come here and meet you."
30 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
As Sheryl laid in bed with her big brown eyes scanning us from her left to her right, she looked as if she were a little kid. Sheryl turned to me and in her raspy voice, asked me a question I was not prepared to answer. "I have AIDS. Can you tell?" "No," I almost immediately replied. It was a gut reaction for me to answer no so quickly. It was as if I was denying the reality in which I had entered. Sheryl clearly had AIDS. However, for me, this was a new setting and I did not know if it were the place for me to say that Sheryl had AIDS. After a moment of silence, Sheryl turned to Patty. "I'm scared." "Why?" Patty asked, in her gentle curious voice. "I'm scared to die." "Why?" "Because I've never done it before." Patty and I were speechless after Sheryl's simple, yet profoundly huge insight. I don't know who she saw us as, but she was very honest with us. I respected that very much. I could sense the fear and vulnerability in her big beautiful eyes. It was scary and humbling at the same time. I tried putting what she said into context but it was almost impossible to do that. How does one prepare for something for which they have absolutely no idea how it's going to be? Not one single person has seen death and can explain what happens when one crosses that line. That moment contained such pure and sheer truth that all I could do was appreciate and learn from it.
MD REALITY |
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It's 4am the next morning. I wake up to eat food before the sun comes up. Why am I eating at such an early time? It's Ramadan in the Muslim calendar and my diet is dictated by the position of the sun. After I finish my bowl of cereal and glass of water, I walk up the stairs to my small room in the Georgetown house my AmeriCorps teammates and I rent. As I lay in bed, I cannot get out of my head the image of Sheryl. I can't go to bed. I keep seeing her. Sheryl's body resembled a skeleton. I could see the outlines of her bones everywhere on her body. I had to remind myself that Sheryl was a real person. She was not some character I had seen on TV. I had seen people like her malnourished, not cared for, neglected, on TV. However, it was always advertised that events like Sheryl were happening in distant countries, not in our nation's capitol. Soon, my focus shifted to a tough series of questions. What if I was in Sheryl's condition? Every day, I would wake up to a reality in which I would not be able to perform simple everyday activities such as take a walk or make my own meals. How difficult would life be? In my train of thoughts, I sincerely attempted to put myself in her situation because I felt that chance separated me from being in her shoes. I could have been born into extreme poverty, where challenges mount on top of one another, where overcoming obstacles seem more impossible with each passing day. I wanted to respect her reality and not let it simply pass by me. Soon, my questioning took a different direction. As this aspiring physician, was I worthy of serving Sheryl? More importantly, why am I serving? Is it for me, or is it for her? At the beginning of my AmeriCorps service, I was so focused on what I wanted to learn throughout this year. Prior to every semester in college, I would make a checklist of what I wanted to
accomplish, whether it was getting a good grade or getting a letter of recommendation. Being pre-med put me in a mentality to always put myself first and how I could get to my destination, med school. Being in AmeriCorps was no different. Sure, I had goals of helping people but more importantly, I wanted to see if I could pick up skills that I could flaunt in med school interviews. I realized how selfish and ignorant I was. Harshly difficult to admit, but I was doing this for me. This made me terribly sad as it reduced me to tears. How dare I? Sheryl and the thousands of people in similar situations deserve so much better. People such as Sheryl deserve people who will meet them where they are at in their life. They deserve people who are not working to get themselves recognized. They deserve people who make their patient's well-being their first priority. Sheryl stopped me and forced me to evaluate why I was doing what I was doing. From my interaction with her on Labor Day, I started to see the bigger picture. It was a huge realization for me. Where else would I have gotten that wake-up call? I would not have learned that in class. I would not have learned that from a slide or a movie. As a pre-med student at the University of Minnesota, I had done all the activities that made me an ideal applicant. I had done diabetes research, I had volunteered at a hospital doing seemingly meaningless tasks, and I had worked hard for my grades. Sure, I had read of the debilitating effects of diabetes on a person's everyday living, but I had never seen the ugly moments of when a person struggled with their disease.
After interacting with Sheryl, I soon began to see that the concept of the patient coming first was a mindset more so than a bullet point. If one has not faced death, or had extensive interactions with patients in extreme conditions, how is one supposed to have that mentality developed? For me, I had to witness Sheryl before my own eyes and experience heartbreak. As I have started medical school at the University of Wisconsin this past fall, I often wonder how much less of a physician I would be without the experience of meeting Sheryl or the dozens of other patients I provided care to in my year of service. A lot of people go into medicine without this experience and I would encourage anyone thinking of medicine to take time to develop a context for their motivation and passion. I learned that medicine and taking care of people was never about me. It was about the people who were actually struggling and hurting. If Sheryl taught me this invaluable lesson, how could I repay her? I wanted to give more than I could receive because Sheryl taught me something that I would cherish for the rest of my life. But sadly, she was in a place where all I could do was be present for her. I provided care to Sheryl for nearly a month until AIDS took her life. There were difficult moments and there were enjoyable moments but nonetheless, it was a privilege to spend her last moments with her. I will never forget her struggle and her wisdom. In seeing patients in the future, I hope to honor her memory by giving my undivided attention and working as selflessly as possible.Â&#x201E;
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ISTIAQ MIAN earned his undergraduate degree in cell biology at the University of Minnesota and completed his AmeriCorps service in Washington D.C. in July 2010. He is currently a first-year medical student at the University of Wisconsin.
PreMedLife Magazine PreMedLife Magazine brings you information about everything and anything that has to do with getting into medical school. From recent news & events to articles on the medical school process, PreMedLife Magazine is dedicated to helping students along their journey to become physicians.
Log on to www.premedlife.com to get a FREE subscription November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 31
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ESPECIALLY THIS SPECIALTY
Learn more about various specialties and what it will take to pursue a certain specialty<<<
Becoming a...
Forensic Pathologist If you've ever watched an episode of "Law & Order" you are probably familiar with the role of a forensic pathologist. Forensic pathologist are a combination of a doctor and a detective. These highly-specialized physicians have many responsibilities and play a very big role in the law and justice systems.
WHAT IS A FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST? Forensic pathologists establish the cause of death in the deceased by performing autopsies when requested by a coroner or medical examiner. Forensic pathologists are most commonly used when the cause of death is considered to be suspicious and the results are used within investigations of criminal law and civil law cases. Forensic pathologists are strongly linked with legal professionals, as their services are usually requested by the courts of law to help determine the cause of death in criminal trails.
HOW
LONG WILL IT ACTUALLY TAKE TO BECOME A FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST? Forensic pathology is not for those who aren't willing to dedicate at least thirteen years of their life studying. Undergraduate (4 Years) to obtain bachelor's degree Medical School (4 Years) to obtain a doctor of medicine degree (MD) Residency (4- 5 Years) 4 for anatomic pathology only or 5 for combined anatomic/clinical pathology, (the latter track being recommended) to become eligible to take the Board exams in pathology. Forensic Pathology Fellowship: (1-2 Years) To be eligible to take the subspecialty Board exam in forensic pathology.
WHAT ARE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST?
Good Communication Skills - Needed for interacting with various individuals in the law system and trying to convince judges and juries that your findings are valid.
Good Analytical Skills - Needed to guard against being fooled by the antics of malefactors and to view situations from the mind of a criminal. Strong Tolerance for Goriness - Needed to deal with dismembered and/or rotting bodies on a constant basis.
FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS, or medical examiners, are specially trained physicians who examine the bodies of people who died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently. The forensic pathologist is responsible for determining the cause (the ultimate and immediate reasons for the cessation of life) and manner of death (homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or unknown).
WHAT HOURS DO FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS WORK? This depends largely on where they work. Typically, many forensic pathologist work normal hours - 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, for those that work in private crime lab, the hours can be much longer and sometimes erratic. In addition, there are those who work on crime scenes and require them to be on call 24 hours a day.
WHERE DO FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS WORK? Forensic pathologists are needed in many different environments for many different situations. While most may spend their time in the laboratory, other may split their time between time visiting crime scenes and testifying in court. Many forensic pathologists work full-time within the government, whereas other may work in private or group practice that contract autopsy services to government agencies. In addition, forensic pathologists are required in state, local, and federal governments, as well as, in medical offices, hospitals, universities, and police departments.
O
WHAT DO FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS EARN?
As they work to become forensic pathologists, resident and fellow students generally earn around $25,000 per year. And once you've officially become a forensic pathologist earnings largely depend on experience, location, and level of responsibility. The current median salary for forensic pathologist in the US is $214,029. Those with 1-2 years of experience usually earn a maximum of $169,000, those with 3 or more years of experience can expect to earn up to $321,000 per year, and the maximum earning for a forensic pathologist in the US is $610,000 per year. Currently, the highest paid forensic pathologists live in New York City, followed by Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas.
WHAT IS PATHOLOGY?
Pathology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of diseases and injuries by examination of body tissues and fluids, typically in the laboratory setting.
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 33
2011
PRE-MED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST
PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Arizona Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Summer Students Program
Phoenix, Arizona
June/July 2011
6-Week commitment
Summer Research Fellowship at the University of Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas
TBA
TBA
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
Los Angeles, California
June-August 2011
6 Weeks
Seaver Undergraduate Research in Biology at Pepperdine University
Malibu,, California
May 16-August 1, 2011
11 Weeks
34 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
Summer research and academic enrichment geared toward pre-medical students are a great way to strengthen your medical school application. Most students who get accepted to medical school have participated in one or more summer pre-med programs during the course of their undergraduate studies. The following is a list of summer programs available to students aspiring to become doctors. There are various opportunities available in a number of institutions across the US. If you want to participate in academic enrichment programs, test preparation courses, research projects, or hospital internships, check out the following list of opportunities for Summer 2011. Be sure to check individual websites for application deadlines! The list includes opportunities nationwide in several different areas. Among the areas include are: California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and more.
DESCRIPTION
PERKS
A, pro bono, six-week program designed to motivate and inspire students considering a career in medicine. Students attend didactic (designed or intended to teach) lectures and participate in clinical rotations at both the Arizona Heart Institute and Arizona Heart Hospital.
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Phone(602) 200-0437 Email foundation@azheart.com
MARCH 2011
FEBRUARY, 28 2011
Paid summer research fellowships are available for undergraduate students who will be juniors or seniors by the fall semester. Selected students will work on a project relevant to human health in a laboratory of a faculty member at either the University of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, or the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The Biomedical Research fellowships are designed for students with a solid background in science who wish to be part of an ongoing research project, develop their technical skills and are interested in pursuing a research career.
$3200 Stipend Living Allowance
Phone(501) 526-6503
The UCLA SMDEP will serve as a model learning community in which students examine health care issues in medically underserved communities. Through a research project, problem-based learning cases, lectures, clinical experiences, and small-group discussions, students will also improve their learning skills and increase their science knowledge. The program targets educationally and financially disadvantaged community college students.
Meals Stipend Housing
Phone(310) 825-9573 Email uclasmdep@mednet.ucla.edu
MARCH 15, 2011
Summer research program geared specifically to undergraduate students who are interested in pursing a career in biological research, science education, environmental science or biotechnology. Over the summer, students will pursue individual research seminars in one of five research areas students may elect to study.
Stipend Room & Board
jay.brewster@pepperdine.edu
FEBRUARY 14, 2011
Website brin.uams.edu/students2.asp
Website seaver.pepperdine.edu/surb
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 35
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Stanford Summer Research Program (SSRP)
Stanford, California
June 19-August 13, 2011
8 Weeks
UCLA Pre-Medical Enrichment Program (PREP)
Los Angeles, CA
June-July 2011
7 Weeks
UCLA Re-Application Program (RAP)
Los Angeles, California
June-July 2011
11 Months Summer Session 7 Weeks + Academic Session 9 Months
Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Duarte, California
May-July 2011 or June-August 2011
10 Weeks
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE) Program
Duarte, California
May-August 2011 June-August 2011 June-September 2011
12 Weeks
UCSD Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
San Diego, California
TBA
8 Weeks
36 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO Email: ssrpmail@stanford.edu
Program offers undergraduates who want to prepare for and enter Ph.D programs in the sciences an opportunity to work with Stanford's distinguished faculty and work in one of Stanford's state-of-the-art research facilities. Participants will work with a faculty member and a lab mentor to craft a research project. The program culminates with a research symposium, where students present individual talks and posters on their summer projects in front of the faculty, lab mentors, and University administrators.
APPLICATION DEADLINE CONTACT PROGRAM
Website ssrp.stanford.edu
Program designed to provide premedical and predental students from disadvantaged background with a means of strengthening their ability and readiness to study medicine or dentistry. Students will work at a rigorous pace with a highly focused scope to prepare for the MCAT and DAT. Participants will engage in an extensive and lively classroom review of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Verbal Reasoning. Participants are also assigned to observe practicing physicians, dentists, and medical researchers performing the typical functions of their professions.
Travel allowance for eligible participants
Phone(310) 825-3575
Comprehensive, structured re-application program designed to assist students from disadvantaged background who have been unsuccessful in gaining admission to any U.S. medical school. The program begins with an intensive 8-week summer session, focused upon prerequisite science review and MCAT preparation. An individualized academic-year program that consists of a science curriculum will follow.
Stipend (Depending on availability)
Phone(310) 825-3575
Program gives promising students with an interest in research and health science careers practical experience and helps them develop important skills for their futures. Our instructors are world-renowned physicians and scientists who guide students in their research, while helping them develop their critical thinking skills. Weekly seminars allow students to present research findings to their peers, a good primer for what graduate and postdoctoral students do.
$4000 Stipend
Email: psalv@coh.org
Program is designed to engage the scientific curiosity of promising young high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented populations who are interested in cancer research as a career.
$4800 Stipend
Website www.cityofhop.org/education/summer-studentacademy/Pages/CUREprogram.aspx
CONTACT PROGRAM
Program for motivated undergraduate students interested in seeking future training in a combined MD/PhD program. Principle focus is an 8-week research project conducted in the laboratory of a faculty member in the biomedical sciences.
$1600/Month Stipend Housing Travel Allowance
Email: (800) 925-8704
FEBRUARY 2011
MARCH 2011
Website www.medstudent.ucla.edu/prospec tive/?pgID=181
MAY 2011
Website www.medstudent.ucla.edu/prospec tive/?pgID=183
MARCH 2011
Website www.cityofhope.org/education/summer-student-academy/Pages/default.aspx
Website mstp.ucsd.edu/surf/Pages/default.aspx
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 37
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Graduate Experience for Multicultural Students (GEMS) at the University of Colorado - Denver School of Medicine
Denver, Colorado
June - August 2011
10 Weeks
Summer Student Research Fellowship at Hartford Hospital
Hartford, Connecticut
June-August 2011
10 Weeks
Yale University Summer Medical/Dental Education Program (SMDEP) New Haven, Connecticut
June-July 2011
6 Weeks
Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation Internship Program
Ridgefield, Connecticut
TBA
TBA
College Enrichment Program (CEP) at the University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
June - July 2011
6 Weeks
College Summer Fellowship Program at UConn School of Medicine
Farmington, Connecticut
TBA
10 Weeks
38 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Selected GEMS interns will enroll in a research internship course, Topics in Biomedical Science and Research. The course will be conducted by distinguished research faculty and will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory research assignments with a mentor.
$3400 stipend Travel Allowance
(303) 724-6084 Email: GEMS@ucdenver.edu
MARCH 2011
Program offers a unique clinical research opportunity for college students pursuing careers in medicine. Fellowship is designed exclusively for pre-medical students completing either their junior or senior year in college. It offers the student an introduction to research methodology, patient treatment, and ethical issues in medicine as well as exposure to a broad spectrum of health care providers within a large community teaching hospital.
$1500 Award
Program for highly motivated college students who are considering a career in medicine. The Program exposes students to a problem-based learning model of science education that is similar to that used in medical school
Stipend Food Housing Travel Allowance
Website www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicine/departments/GEMS/Pages/default.aspx
Rportal@harthosp.org
FEBRUARY 2011
Website www.harthosp.org/ResidenciesFellowsh ips/default.aspx
(203) 785-7545 Email: Linda.jackson@yale.edu Website www.smdep.org/progsites/yale.htm (202) 798-9988
Research & Development: Throughout the summer, interns will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with top researchers in their field. Medical: Interns within the medical department have the opportunity to assist on both early and late phase clinical trails. Whether the project entails enrolling participants into a clinical trail or measuring and analyzing trail results, interns work with leading doctors and researchers to assure that all Boehringer Ingelheim products meet all requirements set forth by the Food and Drug Administration.
MARCH 1, 2011
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website us.boehringer-ingelheim.com/career/internship
The program addresses the needs of University of Connecticut freshmen and sophomores. The program is designed to provide sound development of scientific and mathematical skills. The program consists of courses in individual programs of study in: Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Calculus, and Physics. The program will consist of 30 hours per week of formal lecture, laboratory, directed study, and clinical experiences addressing the needs of college freshman or sophomores.
$800 Stipend Room & Board
The program is designed to offer undergraduates who are completing their sophomore, or preferably their junior year of college, and plant to purse a career as a MD, DMD, MD/PhD, or DMD/PhD. Once a student is accepted to the program and has selected and found a faculty sponsor in which to do research, the student will meet with the faculty sponsor in June and develop a research protocol and suitable project description. The student will commit approximately 30+ hours per week for the project and will work with the faculty sponsor or his/her designates.
$2500-$3000 Stipend Housing
(860) 468-3574 Email: leo.lachut@uconn.edu
APRIL 2011
Website medicine.uchc.edu/prospective
(860) 679-2487 Email: dieli@uchu.edu
FEBRUARY 2011
Website medicine.uchc.edu/prospective/enrichment/collegefellow/index.html
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 39
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Summer Medical/Dental Education Program (SMDEP) at Howard University
Washington, DC
June-July 2011
6 Weeks
Georgetown Summer Medical Institute (GSMI)
Washington, DC
June/July 2011
Varies
STEP-UP/BSURE Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Baltimore, Maryland
June - August 2011
8 Weeks
Pre-Medical Summer Enrichment Program (PSEP) at The University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
TBA
6 Weeks
Minority Students Health Careers Motivation Program
Miami, Florida
June-July 2011
7 Weeks
40 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION The program is designed to provide an educational experience of exceptional quality that will strengthen the overall academic preparation of underrepresented minority, disadvantaged, and low-income students who express interest in admission to medical or dental school.
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Stipend Housing Meals
(202) 806-0378 Email: hu_smdep@yahoo.com
MARCH 1, 2011
Website www.smdep.org/progsites/howard.htm Email: gsmi@georgetown.edu
The program, combined with the informative and supportive environment at Georgetown University School of Medicine, will provide preparation and insight for individuals exploring the calling of medicine as a career, and those making-up medical school course.
:
JUNE 2011
Website som.georgetown.edu/prospe ctivestudents/specialprograms/summer
Tuition: $3,862 (5 Credits) for Human Gross Anatomy and Human Physiology; $3,090 (4 Credits) for Medical Histology (Microscopic Anatomy) and Medical Biochemistry. Tuition includes the use of course textbooks and lab fees (for Anatomy). Summer research program for talented students who are dedicated to the advancement of underrepresented groups in the sciences and mathematics. Students selected for this internship will experience state-of-the-art scientific research and are encouraged to consider and pursue biomedical research careers in areas of specific interest to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
$4,000 Stipend Travel Allowance
The program is designed for highly motivated students who are preparing for medical school or physical therapy school. The program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of talented minority and disadvantaged students for admission into medical school and serves as a recruitment tool to USF COM Medicine. The program includes a review of concepts in biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics. Participants will work closely with faculty in areas of reading skills, test taking skills, etc. Participants are also pared with physicians in the local community to have an opportunity to develop an appreciation of the "real world of medicine" through weekly clinical experiences.
$1500 Grant
The program is designed to be a mini first-year medical education experience that exposes participants to classroom instruction in select basic science courses in the medical education curriculum and offers physician-shadowing opportunities. Great attention is placed on identifying and removing any barriers that may prevent a participant from being a competitive medical school applicant. Workshops develop skills for preparing strong admissions and financial aid applications.
$400 Stipend Housing Meals Travel Allowance
(410) 455-2271 Email: sutphin@umbc.edu
FEBRUARY 2011 OR UNTIL THE PROGRAM IS FILLED
Website www.umbc.edu/bsure
(813) 974-4707 Email:pamattoe@health.usf.edu
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website health.usf.edu/medicine/osde/p sep.htm
(305) 284-3187
LATE MARCH 2011
Website www6.miami.edu/provost/oae/ motivationprogram.html
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 41
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Health P.A.S.S. Program
Des Moines, Iowa
July 2011
4 Weeks
Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP at The University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
TBA
TBA
MCAT-DAT Review Summer Workshop at the University of Louisville School of Medicine
Louisville, Kentucky
July-August 2011
4 Weeks
Buck for Brains Summer Research Program at the University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Varies
8 Weeks
Frontier Nursing Service Courier Program
Wendover, Kentucky
TBA
Up to 12 weeks
Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland Baltimore, Maryland Frederick, Maryland
mid-May-June 2011
8 Weeks
Summer Internship Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland
June-August 2011
9-10 Weeks
42 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The program is for promising college sophomores and juniors to prepare for and enhance their chances of getting into medical school and other health professions programs. Health P.A.S.S. will provide participants with wellrounded perspectives on what it's like to be a medical school student in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies. In the program's courses, clinical opportunities and practical exposure, students will gain the confidence that they can achieve a degree and career in any of Des Moines University's four clinical areasand the knowledge they need to get started.
Travel stipend Meals Materials Housing
(800) 240-2767 x 1709
FEBRUARY 2011
Website www.dmu.edu/healthpass
The program provides academic enrichment in chemistry and biology, as well as clinical experiences, medical and dental experiential activities, laboratory experiences, seminars, demonstrations, and clinical site visits.
Housing Meals
(859) 257-1968; Email: ctsnyd0@email.uky.edu
Website www.uky.edu/pimser/programs/peppbrochure.pdf
Free MCAT-DAT review workshop for eligible students
(502) 852-8109; Email klfarm02@louisville.edu
CONTACT PROGRAM
(859) 257-6322 Email bguer00@email.uky.edu
APRIL 15, 2011
The program provides undergraduates at the University of Kentucky with hands-on experience in academic research, working alongside "Bucks for Brains" faculty. Students are placed in research settings ranging from plant biochemistry to computer science to American history.
$3500 Stipend
The program provides a type of internship for young women and men who had a desire to go into the medical field. For young women and men who are interested in the healthcare field, the Courier Program provides limited opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals including: family nurse practitioners, physicians, nurse-midwives at FNS rural healthcare centers, at Mary Breckinridge Hospital and Home Health Agency.
$42/week for room and board and for the complete 12 weeks $500.
(606) 672-2317 Email information@frontiernursing.org
The program is designed to provide an independent research experience in biomedical and/or public health research to undergraduate students under the direct mentoring of established Johns Hopkins researchers. During the program interns work one-on-one with faculty on research projects in their field of interest and attend a health science seminar series.
Stipend
cohend@mail.nih.gov
The program provides experience in research laboratories to students of diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented minority students and students from economically disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds. The purpose of this exposure to biomedical and/or public health research is to encourage students to consider careers in science, medicine and public health.
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.research.uky.edu/students/rctf.html
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.frontiernursing.org/Courier/TodayCourier.shtm
MARCH 1, 2011
Website www.jhsph.edu/student_affairs/diversity/DSIPFactSheet.pdf
$3,000 Stipend Housing
Email cwill@jhmi.edu
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 43
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
College Summer Enrichment Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts
May-June 2011
4 Weeks
Four Directions Summer Research Program at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
June - August 2011
8 Weeks
Siteman Cancer Center Summer Opportunity Program
St. Louis, Missouri
June - August 2011
10 Weeks
Biomedical Research Apprenticeship Program (BioMed RAP) at Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
TBA
10 Weeks
44 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
A tuition-free four-week residential program for undergraduate sophomores and juniors interested in entering the health professions. The goals of the program are to help participants improve their qualifications and competitive standing for admission to professional, graduate and/or medical school. The program includes enrichment activities to enhance participants' academic and communication skills. Sessions include the professional school application process with emphasis on medical school admissions and financing professional school. Seminars on biomedical research and cultural contemporary health issues are also provided. Additionally, the SEP offers participants the opportunity to interact with medical students, scientists, physicians, and other health care professionals
Stipend Housing Travel Allowance
(508) 856-2707
MARCH 15, 2011
The focus of activity during the summer is participation in a basic science research project. Students are assigned a medical school faculty mentor who will work closely with the student to ensure completion of a project over the 8-week summer period. Additional program goals include: Experience cutting edge research at a leading medical school, understand the medical school application process, exposure to Native American health care issues, integrate Native traditions including talking circles, networking with Native American students and faculty
Travel Allowance Housing Living stipend for food and other necessities
(617) 525-7644 FourDirections@partners.org
Program provides opportunities for undergraduate, pre-med and medical students enrolled at Washington University or other accredited universities to work on cancer research projects during the summer. Opportunities range from basic laboratory research to clinical research to prevention/control and population research.
$3500 Stipend
(314) 454-8439 Email waldhofft@siteman.wustl.edu
As a BioMedRAP/CD-BioRAP participant, students will conduct independent research with outstanding faculty mentors, work in a cutting edge science and technology environment, gain exposure to some of the nation's finest biomedical investigators and an extensive variety of research topics, receive individualized career counseling and develop your career interests, participate in workshops, seminars and journal clubs, build a social network with student peers and faculty, and prepare to apply to the best Ph.D. and M.D. /Ph.D. programs in the United States
Stipend Travel Allowance Housing
Website www.umassmed.edu/outreach/sep.aspx
FEBRUARY 12, 2011
Website www.fdsrp.org
MARCH 1, 2011
Website www.siteman.wustl.edu/internal.aspx?id=254
(314) 362-7963 Biomedrap@msnotes.wustl.edu
JANUARY 31, 2011
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 45
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Premedical Achievement Program (PMAP) at Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
June - July 2011
6 Weeks
Summer MCAT Review Program at Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
May 23 -27 2011
1 Week
University of Nebraska Medical Center Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
Omaha, Nebraska
June - July 2011
8 Weeks
Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program at the Eppley Cancer Research Institute
Newark, New Jersey
TBA
10 Weeks
46 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION The program is an intensive MCAT and medical school admissions preparation program is open to disadvantaged students who will be applying to medical school.
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Stipend may be available for eligible students
Email: MDadmissions@msu.edu (517) 432-6589
MARCH 2011
Website www.mdadmissions.msu.edu (517) 355-2363
The program is designed to help students prepare for the MCAT by building upon their undergraduate learning by helping them to synthesize a stronger overall command of related scientific and biological principles. The program will help students solidify the knowledge and skills students they have already developed in their undergraduate work and show them how to tap the critical thinking skills necessary for success in the MCAT. Instructors explain concept overviews, then provide guided practice through problem sets, followed by close analysis with an eye to understanding MCAT philosophies and mechanics, and while instructors are available outside of class time for consultation, this approach may not be suited to every student's learning style.
MAY 1, 2011
Website lrc.msu.edu/gre/CLIMB.php
Tuition: $800 (includes all materials, pre- and post-testing and follow-up advising). The program is designed to identify, recruit, and assist future dentists and doctors through a comprehensive six-week summer experience for talented freshman and sophomores. The overall goal of the program is to provide each scholar the navigation tools necessary to reach their current and future goals. NMC's primary focus on core academics is a springboard for students in their pursuit of a career as a physician or dentist. What makes this program unique is its emphasis on small-group learning. Instruction includes areas, such as health disparities, medical ethics, and public health. Various clinical shadowing experiences will help students build a strong foundation in their chosen discipline as well as potentially spark new passions in the medical and dentistry field.
Meals Travel Assistance Stipend Housing
(800) 701-9665 Email smdep@unmc.edu
Students in the summer program work for 10 weeks doing hands-on cancer research in Eppley Institute laboratories. Students get to try research, learn techniques and new concepts, and work with professional researchers, all while earning a competitive summer salary. Virtually all of our former summer students have been successful in gaining acceptance to graduate and professional schools. Students gain hands-on laboratory experience in cancer research labs, daily interactions with research faculty, staff, and students, weekly seminar program, and present your own research at a poster session.
$4000 Stipend Housing
crgp_info@eppleyits.comundefined
MARCH 1, 2011
Website www.smdep.org/progsites/nebraska.htm
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Website http://www.unmc.edu/eppley/summer.htm
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 47
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical and New Jersey Dental Schools Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
Newark, New Jersey
June-July 2011
6 Weeks
Biomedical Careers Program (BCP) at Robert Wood Medical School
Piscataway, New Jersey
June - July 2011
6 Weeks
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
New York, New York
June-July 2011
6 Weeks
Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program at Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering
New York, New York
June - August 2011
10 Weeks
48 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Program serves to advance our institution's core mission of meeting society's current and future health care needs by preparing individuals underrepresented in medicine and dentistry, and doing so while championing cultural competency and humanism in all aspects of education. SMDEP reaffirms our continued commitment to and involvement in pipeline initiatives and will allow our two institutions to attain even greater diversity. SMDEP will also allow us to continue strengthening the academic portfolios of these college students so that they are competitive candidates for medicine and dentistry.
Stipend Housing Meals
(973) 972-3762 anthondd@umdnj.edu
MARCH 1, 2011
Academic enrichment program for undergraduate students interested in careers in the health professions. The program targets undergraduates who are economically and/or educationally disadvantaged. BCP offers an intensive six-week summer program to serve students at all stages of undergraduate education. Students take part in a variety of science enrichment and healthcare-oriented activities.
Tuition Free
(732) 235-4558 summerprogram@umdnj.edu
The program provides students seriously interested in applying to medical or dental school with a well-defined, integrated approach to learning, focusing on the basic science curriculum needed to apply to medical or dental school. Students engage in intense labs, learning-skills, and career development courses during the six weeks of the program, while attending weekly clinical rotations and seminars. The program strives to help students enhance and improve their chances of becoming successful applicants and students at the medical/dental schools of their choice.
Meals Travel Assistance Stipend Housing
(212) 305-4157 Email smdep-ps@columbia.edu
The program was established for underrepresented minority and disadvantaged college students who wish to pursue the combined MDPhD degree. Over the summer, students will: Work independently on a research project. Students will present and participate in weekly journal clubs. Participate in a hands-on tour of the Gross Anatomy Lab. Sit for a Mock MCAT exam. Partake in a Lab Techniques Workshop and Clinical Skills Workshop. Participate in Career Development Workshops. Scrub into surgeries at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Give an oral, written and poster presentation of your research in front of your family, friends and colleagues. Have on going mentorship by your "Big Sib" (a current MD-PhD student) as well as weekly meetings with the Program's leadership.
$4300 Stipend Travel expenses
(212) 746-6023 Email mdphd@med.cornell.edu
Website www.smdep.org/progsites/newjersey.htm
MARCH 15, 2011
Website rwjms.umdnj.edu/osap/bcp.html
MARCH 1, 2011
Website www.smdep.org/progsites/columbia.htm
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
www.med.cornell.edu/mdphd/summerprogram
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 49
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Summer Undergraduate Mentorship Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
Bronx, New York
June-July 2011
6 weeks
Montefiore Medical Center's Health Opportunities Program (Monte-HOP)
Bronx, New York
July - August 2011
6 Weeks
Project Asian Health Education and Development (AHEAD)
New York, New York
June - August 2011
8 Weeks
The Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program for Premedical Students at Weill Cornell Medical College
New York, New York
June - August 2011
8 Weeks
Project Healthcare at NYU Langone Medical Center
New York, New York
50 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
June - August 2011
10 Weeks
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION The program will be comprised of a six-hour per week commitment to a shadowing experience with an assigned mentor and fourteen hours per week of lecture attendance. These fourteen hours will be distributed into the following three core curriculum components: six hours clinical didactic, six hours medical informatics, and two hours of MCAT preparation and test taking strategies. Students are also expected to conduct a research project while in the program.
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
$1000 Stipend Transportation Meals
(718) 430-2792 hcoe@einstein.yu.edu
MARCH 2011
(718) 920-4678 cwhittak@montefiore.org
The program is designed to promote, educate, and encourage underserved youth to purse careers within the health fields. Students will gain valuable knowledge and professional skills through interactive workshops, mentorship by physicians, observation of physician-patient interactions, lecture activities and independent learning.
APRIL 2011
Website www.einstein.yu.edu/hcoe
The program is designed to provide training and experience for college students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health care field. The program consists of a practical field placement, seminars and workshops, and participation in the development and completion of a community health project. Students explore various health careers, and gain an understanding of the dynamics of the New York Asian American community and of current health issues impacting the health status of Asian Americans in the United States.
Meals Travel Assistance Stipend Housing
The program is designed to give 25 premedical students deeper insights into the field of medicine, including issues that greatly affect the health of traditionally underserved groups. Through the experiences of laboratory or clinical research, the students learn how one purses a specific research problem under the supervision of a faculty member, thus providing an early education into basic research techniques that could be applicable to any area of medicine.
$140/Week Stipend Housing Travel expenses are paid for students that live some distance from Ne w York
Project Healthcare is an innovative volunteer program for enthusiastic and inspired college and post-baccalaureate students. Created by the Bellevue Hospital Center Emergency Department, PHC allows students an opportunity to experience and observe many different aspects of healthcare. The program is comprised of several weekly rotations which are based in the Emergency Department. It offers the committed student a unique healthcare experience, which is intended to furnish a wealth of knowledge about the numerous options for a career in healthcare.
Website www.einstein.yu.edu/hcoe
(212) 379-6988 ext. 619
FEBRUARY 2011
Website www.cbwchc.org/job/ahead/ahead.html
(212) 746-1057
FEBRUARY 1 2011
Website www.med.cornell.edu/education/programs
(212) 562-3041 Email bellevuepavers@nyumc.org
JANUARY 2011
Website emergency.med.nyu.edu/electives/college-students
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 51
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Summer Scientific Work Program (SSWP) at Franklin Hospital
Valley Stream, New York
TBA
4 weeks
ACCESS Summer Research Program at Cornell University
New York, New York
TBA
10 weeks
AGEP Summer Research Institute (SRI) at SUNY Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
TBA
10 Weeks
Bronx-Westchester Area Health Education Center
Bronx, New York
May/July 2011
Varies
52 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
The program is designed to help college students decide whether or not a career in medicine is right for them. This renowned program offers students the opportunity to complete a four-week summer internship where they have the chance to observe and ask questions in order to learn more about the medical field. Throughout these four weeks, accepted students rotate through various departments in order to gain a well rounded experience of the hospital. Some of these departments include the operating room, emergency room, radiology, geriatrics, laboratory, psychiatry as well as the rehabilitation unit. Participants also have numerous opportunities to go on rounds with doctors, observe physicians in their private offices and attend hospital conferences. The Access program of Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences is a summer internship program that trains underserved college students in the biomedical sciences. Interns gain hands-on experience in a biomedical research laboratory and are encouraged to apply to PhD programs. Selected students are placed in laboratories at the Weill Cornell Medical College under the mentorship of experienced faculty members. n addition to the laboratory experience, students attend lectures and discussions aimed at enhancing their understanding of the current status of biomedical research, the pathways available for entering research careers, and the range of available career opportunities. Students also participate in weekly journal clubs, attend workshops that teach them how to prepare for interviews and seminars, and take part in social activities. The program is an intensive residential research internship program for underrepresented minority undergraduates majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Students will get a unique opportunity to work on independent research projects in cuttingedge laboratories under the direction of Stony Brook University faculty. Health Careers Internship Program (HCIP): This program allows students aspiring toward a career in the health professions the opportunity to work in a health care setting and interact regularly with health professionals. Students must be Junior or Senior in college. Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP): The program provides a six-week summer placement opportunity for junior/senior high school, and freshman/sophomore college students who have expressed an interest in the health field. Students are exposed to a variety of careers in the health fields as well as to health issues affecting their communities.
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
MFalzone@nshs.edu
FEBRUARY 15, 2011
Website www.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ
$3000 Stipend Up to $300 for travel expenses Housing
(212) 746-6565 ffreyre@med.cornell.edu
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
Website weill.cornell.edu/gradschool/summer/index.html
(631) 632-1387 sunyagep@notes.cc.sunysb.edu Website www.stonybrook.edu/agep
$3500 Stipend (631) 632-1387 Round-trip airfare sunyagep@notes.cc.sunysb.edu Housing Meals Website www.stonybrook.edu/agep/undergrad.shtml#sri
(718) 590-1110
FEBRUARY 2011
VARIES
Website www.bwahec.org/programs
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 53
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
MD/PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Program at University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska
TBA
10 Weeks
Summer Program for Future Doctors at East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
TBA
8 Weeks
Science Enrichment Preparation (SEP) Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TBA
8 Weeks
Indians into Medicine Program at the University of North Dakota
54 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
Grand Forks, North Dakota
TBA
6 Weeks
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The program is designed to provide appropriate experience and training to enable students to become competitive for admission to the school's MD/PhD Scholars Program. Benefits of the program include, gaining research training and experience that will make them more competitive for medical school, graduate school, other summer research programs, and MD/PhD program, exploring personal motivation for a career in medicine and biomedical research, meeting the UNMC faculty, participating in a student poster session.
$3000 Stipend
(402) 559-8242 sacox@unmc.edu
MARCH 1, 2011
The program is an intensive, challenging, educational summer program that allows participants to experience the pedagogical style and demands of the medical school curriculum. The Summer Program for Future Doctors is a great opportunity for participants to strengthen their basic science knowledge base, enhance their critical thinking skills, gain a better understanding of the application and admissions process, and exhibit their abilities to successfully handle the academic, social, and emotional demands of medical school.
Housing and Travel Stipend
Website www.unmc.edu/com/summer/9.htm
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ascc/SPFD.cfm
(919) 966-2264
The SEP Program is an honors-level academic enrichment program for disadvantaged undergraduate students (rising sophomores and juniors) who seek admissions into graduate/health professional programs. Students will engage in more than 150 hours of classroom instruction in physics, organic chemistry, human physiology and quantitative skills/biostatistics, attend classes and seminars in reading speed and comprehension, test-taking strategies, essay writing, and interview techniques, visit local health facilities and network with health care professionals, and shadow a working professional in your health field of interest. 2 programs. Pathway at UND: This program is for tribal community college students planning to transfer to UND in health care or pre-health curricula. Pathway courses are taught by University instructors, and are designed to prepare participants for advanced courses in the areas of anatomy, physiology, biology and physics. Pathway also includes a learning skills component to promote successful learning styles and study habits. Pathway students are eligible to apply for one-year tuition waivers at UND. Med Prep at UND: This program is for American Indian college upperclassmen and graduates who are preparing for medical school coursework. The program is divided into two major components: pre-medical students preparing to take or retake the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and students entering medical school.
(252) 744-2500 ascc@mail.ecu.edu
FEBRUARY 15, 2011
Website nchcap.unc.edu/sep.php
Stipend Travel Stipend
(701) 777-3037
APRIL 2011
Website www.med.und.edu/inmed/summerprograms.html
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 55
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
Cleveland, Ohio
June - July 2011
6 Weeks
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine Summer Scholars Program
Athens, Ohio
June - July 2011
6 Weeks
MedStarz Program at the University of Toledo College of Medicine
Toldeo, OH
July 2011
1 Week
Research, Observation, Service, and Education (R.O.S.E) Program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mid June - Early August 2011 8-10 Weeks
Chester Summer Scholars Program
Cleveland, Ohio
TBA
Pre-Professional Internship Program at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
56 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
Cincinnati, Ohio
January 4-7, 2011 January 10-14, 2011 June 6-10, 2011 June 13-17, 2011 July 11-15, 2011 July 18-22, 2011
10 Weeks
1- 2 Weeks
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The program is designed to identify, recruit, and assist in preparing as many highly talented, committed, and hard-working minority and economically disadvantaged students as possible for careers in dentistry and medicine. We hope to imbue our students with the confidence and skills necessary to allow them to return to school better prepared to perform well in more rigorous basic science and math classes.
Meals Travel Assistance Stipend Housing
(216) 368-0529 smdep@case.edu
MARCH 1, 2011
Summer Scholars participants prepare for the challenges and rewards of medical school. Twenty-five applicants are selected each year to participate in this rigorous six-week program designed to give you an intensive and realistic introduction to the first-year curriculum at OU-COM. In addition to traditional medical school curricula taught by medical college faculty, graduate students and upperclass medical students, the program focuses on case-based problem solving and smallgroup/team work.
Room and board Stipend Program materials Round-trip travel expenses
(800) 345-1560 schriner@ohio.edu
The program provides students exposure to medicine and will include experiences that encompass sessions on navigating the medical school application process, introduction to the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in small group sessions, hands on experience in the gross anatomy lab, clinical lectures on medical topics, diversity and cultural competency exercises, and contact with physicians in the clinical setting.
Housing Travel allowance
(419) 383-4229 medadmissions@utnet.utoledo.edu
The R.O.S.E. program is part internship, part early acceptance to medical school, and part mentorship program. The purpose of the program is to provide stimulating experiences and contact with academic medical faculty for high ability, intellectually curious pre-medical college students.
ROSE students have conditional acceptance to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; $3000 Stipend
(513) 558-5581 ROSEProgram@uc.edu
The program awards 15 collegiate undergraduate students the opportunity to spend the summer in clinical laboratory research at MetroHealth Medical Center. The program is an opportunity for pre-medical and scientifically-oriented students to explore the potential for a career in medical research or academic medicine.
$2000 Stipend Free Parking Supplies and equipment are provided
(216) 778-5940 jmoore@metrohealth.org
The Pre-Professional Internship Program at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) is designed to provide insight into the many facets of podiatric medicine and the education involved with obtaining the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree.
Website www.smdep.org/progsites/casewestern.htm
MARCH 1, 2011
Website www.oucom.ohiou.edu/summerscholars
MARCH 1, 2011
Website www.utoledo.edu/med/md/admissions/medstarz.html
FEBRUARY 15, 2011
Website www.med.uc.edu/rose/index.html
FEBRUARY 2011
Website www.metrohealth.org/body.cfm?id=289
(216) 916-7488 lfranck@ocpm.edu
VARIES
Website www.ocpm.edu/?page=admission-internships
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 57
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Summer Premedical Enrichment Program (SPEP) at the University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
June - July 2011
6 Weeks
Pre-med Enrichment Program at the University of Pennsylvania Health System
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May - August 2011
10 Weeks
Pre-Med Program at St. Mary Healthcare Center
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Begins May 2011
TBA
Summer Pre-Med Program at Doylestown Hospital
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Late-May - August 2011
10 Weeks
58 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
Residential program for 18 college juniors, seniors, and postbaccalaureate premedical students. Students receive intensive exposure to medicine as a career through t ours, speakers, seminars, and shadowing. Students are exposed to the medical school experience and the academic curriculum through a noncredit course in cardiophysiology, extensive interaction with medical students and faculty, and detailed guidance through the medical school application process. Emphasis is on strengthening critical thinking/problem solving skills, increasing selfawareness, and making each participant a competitive medical school applicant.
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
(513) 558-7212 lathel.bryant@uc.edu
MARCH 1, 2011
Website comdo-wcnlb.uc.edu
This program, open to high school graduates and college students, is designed specifically to prepare and support students who wish to pursue careers in the field of medicine. Spend seven weeks in Level I, strengthening your academic skills and learning more about careers in medicine. Or, spend eight weeks immersed and engaged in the work of physician-scientists including laboratory research and MCAT preparation through Level II. Both programs will enhance your skills and knowledge in science, writing and public speaking. You'll discover a challenging and stimulating program in the environment of a major academic medical center.
$1000 Stipend Transportation Housing Meals
(412) 648-8987
The aim of this program is to prepare minority students for careers in academic medicine or other positions of leadership in medicine. Students will be engaged in a program of research, clinical observations, classroom exercises and teaching observations, designed to stimulate their interest in academic medicine. In addition, the students will be engaged in the following: activities pertaining to the medical school application process and medical school admissions; classroom instructions and simulated testing to prepare the students for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
$2500 Stipend
(215) 898-3980 jcraig@mail.med.upenn.edu
This program is for students who have complete their second year of college with a GPA of at least 3.2 in a course of study that qualifies them for medical school entrance.
The program is designed for college students who have complete their junior year and are pursing academic programs leading to medical school. Doylestown Hospital physicians assist with the program, which includes lectures and "hands-on" volunteer work on patient floors and in many departments.
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.medschool.pitt.edu/future/future_03_spaep.asp
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.uphs.upenn.edu/coeomh/premed.html
Conditional acceptance to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; $3000 Stipend
(215) 710-2096 lschonewolf@stmaryhealthcare.org
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.stmaryhealthcare.org/body.cfm?id=132 CONTACT PROGRAM
(215) 354-2204 Website www.dh.org/body.cfm?id=616
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 59
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Mini-Med Spring Break at Drexel University College of Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March/April 2011
Choose from 7 1-week sessions
Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy (VSSA)
Nashville, Tennessee
June - August 2011
TBA
Oncology Education (POE) Program
Memphis, Tennessee
Mid-June - August 2011
Varies
Dialysis Clinic, Inc. Collegiate Medical Summer Internship Program
Nashville, Tennessee
June 1 - July 30, 2011
8 Weeks
60 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
Participants will experience a medical education as seen through the eyes of 3rd and 4th year medical students during their clinical rotations in the hospital and clinical practices. The experience can enlighten participants about a career in medicine, whether they're about to enter medical school or are just beginning the application process. Participants will accompany the teaching team and 3rd and 4th year medical students on hospital rounds and be part of discussions between physician, patient, and medical students. Throughout the five-day program, participants will also see patients in clinical practice, attend department lectures, or go into the operating room. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with 3rd and 4th year medical students about their experiences preparing for medical school, what their first two years were like and what it's like now that they're out of the classroom and in the hospital.
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
(215) 762-6800 minimed@drexelmed.edu
MARCH 2011
Website www.drexelmed.edu/Home/OtherPrograms/MiniMedSchool
Tuition: $1500 The program offers biomedical research opportunities to undergraduates who want to pursue a career in biomedical sciences. There are two major tracks within the VSSA; the Basic Science Programs for undergraduates interested in careers in research, and the Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship Program for undergraduates who wish to pursue a career in medicine. Participation in any one of the Summer Science Academy programs is a valuable learning experience that enhances a student's skills and makes him or her more competitive for acceptance to frontline graduate programs.
$2500-$4000 Stipend
The POE program offers a unique opportunity for students preparing for careers in the biomedical sciences, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, or public health to gain biomedical and oncology research experience. The POE program provides a short-term training experience (internship) in either laboratory research or clinical research. Students participating in the Pediatric Oncology Education program will receive training in a superb academic environment created by the interaction of committed basic scientists, research-oriented physicians, and postdoctoral fellows.
$4000 Stipend Housing
This program is a summer internship for premedical students in the clinical area of organ transplantation. The internship includes shadowing physicians on rounds in the hospital, observing and assisting in an outpatient/clinic facility, and observing transplant and transplant-related surgical operations.
(615) 343-2573 michelle.grundy@vanderbilt.edu
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website medschool.mc.vanderbilt.edu/ssa/
(901) 595-2488 Suzanne.gronemeyer@stjude.org
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
Website www.stjude.org/poe
(615) 327-8814
FEBRUARY 25, 2011
Website www.dciinc.org/camp/Internship.htm
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 61
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Michael E. DeBakey Summer Surgery Program at Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas
Mid-June- August 2011
8 Weeks
The University of Texas Dental Branch and Medical School at Houston Houston, Texas Weeks Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
May-June 2011
Health Career Opportunities Program (HCOP) at The University of Houston College of Optometry
Houston, Texas
TBA
6 Weeks
Physiology Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)
San Antonio, Texas
June 6 - July 29, 2011
8 Weeks
Scholars Program in Organic Chemistry at University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas
June - August 1011
10 Weeks
62 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
6
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION
PERKS
The Michael E. DeBakey Summer Surgery Program offers the pre-medical student a glimpse of a career in surgery long before they will ever pick up a scalpel for the first time. During the eight weeks, students become familiar with the hospital environment, the operating room, and the lifestyle of a surgeon. They are expected to become an integral part of their surgical teams by participating in rounds, surgery, and conferences.
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
studentprograms@bcm.tmc.edu
JANUARY 15, 2011
Website www.debakeydepartmentofsurgery.org
The program seeks motivated students from a variety of backgrounds including those who are underrepresented or underserved that are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry and medicine, including those who have an interest in serving the underserved. The mission of SMDEP is to assist students in enhancing their knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make them more competitive and to improve their chances of becoming successful applicants to a medical or dental school of their choice. SMDEP scholars will experience academic enrichment in five core areas: microbiology, anatomy and physiology, pre-calculus/calculus, physics, and organic chemistry. Students will have clinical experiences in such areas as emergency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, restorative dentistry, and oral surgery.
Meals Travel Assistance Stipend Housing
(713) 500-4532 Rebecca.L.Lopez@uth.tmc.edu
The program involves specific activities designed to enhance qualifications for entry to the professional program including preparation for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), counseling regarding the admission and application process, academic counseling, time management training, and test-taking/skills.
Financial aid assistance information is given to all students
(713) 743-2047 rboykins@optometry.uh.edu
This research program designed for highly motivated college undergraduate students with a genuine interest in experimental research careers in biomedical science. Undergraduates will have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience in on-going research projects under the direction of a faculty member as well as work with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
$3000 Stipend
The goals of the program are to improve college students' performance in organic chemistry and to provide these students with exposure to clinical medicine. The SPOC program will be conducted on the UT Southwestern campus in Dallas and has two components: 1) a 10 week course in Organic Chemistry and 2) clinical preceptorships with practicing physicians at UT Southwestern or in one of our affiliated clinical sites.
$1000 Stipend
MARCH 1, 2010
Website www.smdep.org/progsites/houston.htm
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.opt.uh.edu/students/undergrad/
(210) 567-4324 physiologygrad@uthscsa.edu
MARCH 11, 2011
Website physiology.uthscsa.edu
(214) 648-7517 SPOCPrograms@UTSiuthwestern.edu
JANUARY 2011
Website www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 63
2011 PREMED SUMMER PROGRAM LIST PROGRAM NAME
LOCATION
DATE
DURATION
Virginia-Nebraska Alliance Summer MCAT Preparatory Program
Richmond, Virginia
TBA
5 Weeks
Integrated Biological Sciences Summer Research Program (IBS-SRP)
Madison, Wisconsin
June - August 2011
10 Weeks
Study and Treatment of Human Disease in Mwandi, Zambia
Mwandi, Zambia
Early July - August 2011
4 Weeks
Physiology Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)
64 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
San Antonio, Texas
June 6 - July 29, 2011
8 Weeks
PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE DESCRIPTION The program offers a summer MCAT Preparatory Program to students enrolled in Virginia's historically black colleges and universities and other Alliance schools. The program provides students the opportunity to advance their skills through an intensive course.
PERKS
PROGRAM INFO
APPLICATION DEADLINE
$1500 Stipend Housing Meals
(804) 287-6484 jvaugha2@richmond.edu
APRIL 2011
(608) 262-5267 beasen@wisc.edu
In the program students do independent research projects with faculty mentors for ten weeks in one of seven research areas: Bioenergy Cellular and Molecular Biology Computational Biology & Biostatistics Environmental Biology Neurobiology Plant Development, Breeding and Genetics Virology. These seven disciplinary clusters are intellectually woven together at weekly meetings in an interdisciplinary learning community through evolutionary theory and the research process. In addition to meeting with the interdisciplinary group, students prepare research proposals, final papers, and oral presentations summarizing their work. The summer program in Mwandi, Zambia offers students an opportunity to work or various research & service projects at the United Church of Zambia's mission hospital, primary school or preschool. UCZ's mission hospital compound is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).Immediately following the spring semester, students will travel to Mwandi to conclude their course work which will consist of an independent project and a medical experience at the UCZ hospital compound. Students will spend approximately 3 weeks on-site in Mwandi and will write a final research paper based on their independent project.
Website prehealth.richmond.edu/mcat-preparation/virginia-nebraska-alliance FEBRUARY 2011
Website cbe.wisc.edu/srp-bio/
Housing
vecase@davidson.edu
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.bio.davidson.edu/people/vecase/mwandi/index.html
ELIGIBILITY: Students in good standing Davidson students enrolled in a pre-med spring course This research program designed for highly motivated college undergraduate students with a genuine interest in experimental research careers in biomedical science. Undergraduates will have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience in on-going research projects under the direction of a faculty member as well as work with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
$3000 Stipend
vecase@davidson.edu
CONTACT PROGRAM
Website www.bio.davidson.edu/people/vecase/mwandi/index.html
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 65
GADGETS&GIZMOS
>>>Our pick of cool and unusual items that we thought our readers might be interested in
SodaStream Soda Maker This gadget allows students to make their own soda right in their dorm room. All you have to do is add tap water to the bottle (and flavoring if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like) and in a few seconds, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got soda. Students can even add your favorite energy drink for late-night studying
`
a
Solidtek DigiMemo This digital notepad allows you to actually write on real paper with ink using a pressure and memory system that digitally records your pen strokes. Then hand written notes can be upload to a computer for additional editing or you can just want to save them to a hard drive.
` 66 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
The Ice Tube Tray These water-bottle shaped ice-tube trays allow students to quickly chill a warm bottle of water that you may have stashed in your room in bulk. This item is for those who are lucky enough to have room in their refrigerator to fit such an item.
GADGETS & GIZMOS|
Neverlate 7-Day Alarm Clock This clock allows students to program daily alarms based on your day-to-day class schedules. The clock also has a cool feature that’s called ‘The Nap Timer’ which allows you to punch up a quick power nap in the afternoon without disrupting your usual wake settings.
`
Pulse SmartPen This pen records lectures while you take notes and plays back the specific section of the lecture when you touch the pen to your notes.
a
a
AppliCase Application Organizer Although it was created for getting in the undergrad, pre med students can take this idea and make it work for you. Buy this one or make your own and get organized. Applying to medical school can feel like a full time job, so it's important that your documents are all together.
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 67
Free events and programs across the nation are being offered to premedical students. From MCAT preparation to learning more about the medical school admission process, students can take advantage of the many upcoming events. For more information about free programs being offered in your area, visit www.princetonreview.com/events.
FREEPREMEDEVENTS
|PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE
MCAT & MEDICAL SCHOOL SEMINAR
STRATEGY SESSION FOR THE MCAT
Get an introduction to med school, the MCAT, and the application process. If getting into medical school keeps you up at night, you should take advantage of this seminar. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the MCAT and demystify the medical school admissions process. At the end of the session, you'll know the MCAT and how to put together an application that will impress any admissions committee.
As you know, the MCAT is a computer-based exam. Attend this MCAT free event to learn everything there is to know about the MCAT CBT. You'll meet an expert Princeton Review instructor who will walk you through some questions and teach you some of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proven strategies that you can use on test day.
TESTFEST 2010 FREE PRACTICE TEST Put your skills to the test by taking a free practice exam. Participants also receive a detailed analysis of their results.
PRE-MED JUMPSTART Admissions and MCAT test experts come together for this free workshop. Find out what you need to know about Medical School Admissions and the strategies you will need for the MCAT.
ANATOMY OF THE MCAT Learn the ins and outs of all the areas of the MCAT. Meet expert instructors who will break down all the areas of the test, what to expect and what you need to know in order to be ready on test day. A team of specialist instructors will dissect the MCAT subject by subject and share strategies designed to improve your score on each section of the exam.
68 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
MCAT & MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS FORUM In this free seminar, students will gain an indepth knowledge of the MCAT and demystify the medical school admissions process. At the end of the session, you'll know the MCAT and how to put together an application that will impress any admissions committee
HYPERLEARNING MCAT CLASS At the Hyperlearning MCAT Free Class, you will experience the most thorough, demanding, and effective MCAT prep course around. An instructor will teach you some of our most effective test-taking strategies and lead you through several MCAT sample problems.
To find information about free programs being offered in you area log-on to: www.princetonreview.com/events.
IN THE STACKS
Books we thought that aspiring doctors might be interested in reading<<<
A HEART FOR THE WORK: JOURNEYS THROUGH AN AFRICAN MEDICAL SCHOOL by Claire Wendland In a story about medical students in Malawi, Claire Wendland, a physician anthropologist, brings readers a story about the ups and downs about becoming physicians in the global South. For her book, Wendland conducted extensive interviews and worked in wards, clinics, and operating theaters alongside the student doctors whose stories she tells. Readers will learn about the turbulence of training at hospitals with gravely ill patients and dramatically inadequate supplies, staff, and technology. The students' journeys, as told by Wendland, provides insight into how the students experience the promise of medicine as well as its shortcomings, and also shows how they bring their won history, culture, and life experience to their medical practice. ADVENTURES OF A SURGICAL RESIDENT by Philip Dobrin, MD In a story of a surgeon in training, Philip Dobrin, gives an account of his adventures during the years of his residency. Dr. Dobrin describes the real life of resident surgeons and how their skills grow over the years. In addition to brining readers interesting stories about individual patients, Dr. Dorbin explains how diagnoses are made. THE SMARTYPANTS' GUIDE TO THE MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW by Michelle Mahanian In this book written for pre-med students who are preparing for their medical school interview, Michelle Mahanian shares tips and secrets of successful med school applicants and admission committee members. Readers can learn about what questions they can expect so they can prepare for possible topics of discussion. The book was written to provide students with the practice, knowledge, and foresight to allow them to tackle any interview question that comes their way. PERFECT PHRASES FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE by Paul Bodine If you're looking for a way to make your medical school application standout from others, Paul Bodine has written a book to give students the "right" phrases. Bodine hopes to provide students the tools they need to stand out in essay, impress admission members during interviews, and articulate the principles of their profession clearly and succinctly. The book helps students describe, in the "best" way, different types of experiences, from clinical research to shadowing to personal goals.
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 69
BETTER LIFE BETTER YOU
>>> Information on taking care of yourself as a student living a busy life
WHY PUT OFF ‘TIL
TOMORROW
Today
WHAT YOU CAN DO BY “JAYPEE”, CPT
S
till waiting for a specific season or reason to come along for you to get into shape or even start exercising? Tell me if this sounds like you. My schedule is too hectic. I do not have the time. I'm just not motivated. I cannot afford to join a gym. I cannot afford a personal trainer. I will do it later. I am not fat, so I do not need to workout. Or the best one yet, I will get started next week. The truth is when it comes to getting into shape a lot of us are very unaware, uneducated when it comes to our health, wellness, and fitness levels and how important they are to us and how we can maintain and improve them. The other truth is that a big number of us are just lazy. To most of us there is no value in our health, wellness, and fitness. We would rather buy a big screen TV, expensive shoes, handbags, watches, cars, etc. My question to you is, what good are these things if you never get a chance to flaunt, wear, or enjoy them because you are always injured or always sick? Did you know that 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise, 4-5 times a week could help to reduce body fat, stress levels, injuries, blood pressure, and lower cholesterol, as well as, increase lean muscle mass, improve blood circulation, flexibility, stamina, strength, cardiovascular output, selfesteem, and confidence? It will improve your health, wellness, and fitness levels, which means enhancing your life. Now that we've addressed the benefits of working out, I guess it's safe to say you’ll begin doing what you know is right so that you’ll longer, live stronger, live productive, and enjoy every minute of it. So if you are a parent who works, make time for yourself and your health because I'm sure your kids will love to enjoy you as long as possible. If you are a college student or busy exec, make time for yourself and your health.
I do not think improvement in your stamina will hurt you grades or hurt your business. If you are none of the above, just stay fit, because being unfit just isn't cool. Need I say more. So as soon as you finish reading this article, find out about your fitness center. For those who are not knowledgeable about their health, wellness, and fitness levels, and how to improve them, hire a personal trainer, that's what they’re there for. And for those of you that can't afford a personal trainer (yeah I'm talking to all you students out there) check out next month's issue where I will list and illustrate some easy moves to get you in shape for Spring Break.
For more information about health, wellness,and fitness visit The Fitness Group online at: www.healthandwellness.weebly.com or connect with us at facebook.com/thefitnessgroup. COLLEGE STUDENTS: Email your fitness questions directly to info@premedlife.com. 70 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
BETTER LIFE, BETTER YOU| Move of the Month
LUNGE, CURL,
& PRESS
FOCUS: This exercise targets the legs, shoulders, and biceps
1|
Get some moderate weights and stand erect with the weight.Your feet should be set about 8-10 inches apart, you toes angled straight forward.
2|
Step directly forward about 2 feet with one foot. Then while keeping your other leg relatively straight, bend your other leg as fully as possible.In the bottom position, your back leg should be about 2--4 inches above the floor and your knee on the front leg should be about 2--4 inches ahead of your ankle.
3|
Forcefully straighten your front leg to push yourself back to the starting position with your feet on the same plane about 810 inches apart. While on your way back to starting position, use your bicep strength to simultaneously curl the dumbbell forward & upward in a semicircular arc to the shoulder. As the dumbbells reach the halfway point, rotate your wrists so your palms are facing upward during the second half of the movement. This wrist twist is call pronation.
4|
Next slowly press the dumbbells directly upward simultaneously rotating your hands so your palms face forward during the last part of the movement. Then lower the weight slowly back along the same arc to the starting point. Then repeat steps 1-4 all over from beginning to end.
S
M PER O O EL R M ISE H R DOXERC E
Yoga Mat This item will come in handy for many things. It may be a luxury for a small dorm room space but if you can put one down, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll exercise experience will be much better.
Exercise Ball Sitting on an exercise ball while studying promotes flexibility, coordination, motor skills, core strengthening, and balance.
Resistance Bands These can you build strength, muscular endurance and help tone your body
November/December 2010 | PreMedLife Magazine | 71
COLLEGE101
>>> Helpful advice to manage and deal with life as a college student
d l i u and B
MANAGE^YOUR Howt o...PERSONAL FINANCES BY NJERI MCKENZIE, MBA
L
et's face it, for most college students, the mere thought of developing a savvy and organized mind-set as it pertains to their personal finances is probably non-existent. However, many don't realize the importance of having this mind-set until they are turned down for that job they really wanted because of the less-than favorable credit history they established as an undergraduate student. To help set you on the right path to smarter spending habits, here are three easy tips on how to keep track of your spending and prevent your checking account(s) from becoming overdrawn. In college, your funds are often low and managing them to the best of your ability can save you hundreds of dollars in overdraft fees. Beware of banks offering overdraft protection. More often than not, it is just another form of line of credit with an interest rate attached to it. If you follow the tips below, you will not need overdraft protection.
Tip #1: Save your receipts
Keep track of your receipts with a receipt organizer. Any organizer with tabs or pockets to organize your receipts by month will do. At the end of each month, you can separate your receipts in categories, such as gas, food, supplies, etc. Staying organized with this method will provide you with a clearer picture of how you are spending your money, so you'll know where to cut back if necessary.
Tip #2: Keep track of your daily spending using a Transaction Register Next time you're in the bank, ask for a Transaction Register book. With this book, you can keep track of all the money coming in and out of your account. It's compact and can fit right in your wallet.
Tip #3: Understand how transactions are charged to your account when using your debit card
Purchases made with your debit card uses the money that is in your checking account. Transactions typically show up on your account as a debit authorization, which is a hold on your funds by a merchant. This hold may last between one to five days after the transaction depending on your bank’s policy. If an authorization falls off after the holding period, making your funds appear to be available, then you are likely to use the funds for another purchase or transaction. This event could lead to overdraft fees if the merchant presents the transaction again and debits your account, and the funds are no longer available. Following this tip along with Tip #2 can help to avoid this event from happening. Using these tips are a great way to start forming good habits in managing your money and spending wisely even beyond your college years. So, why wait? Start today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR NJERI MCKENZIE earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stony Brook University and her MBA in Finance from Baruch College. She has professional experience in Financial Services, Finance, Tax and Accounting.
72 | PreMedLife Magazine | November/December 2010
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quit messing with the radio or pay attention to the road.
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