PREMEDLIFE Fans & Followers: 9 Medical Schools Making the Best Use of Social Media
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THE MAGAZINE FOR PREMEDICAL STUDENTS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
2012 GUIDE TO
POST BACC PRE-MED PROGRAMS Descriptions, curriculum, program types, & more
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5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Taking the MCAT Students give insight into what they wish they knew before the big test
Unique Volunteer Gigs Consider these opportunities as you plan your volunteer activities
PLUS...
WHY YOU DON’T NEED A HIGH GPA TO GET INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL
Breaking the Bank Options and advice for financing your medical school education
Looking at academic credentials in a new way can change your outlook on admissions
Does the med school interview favor extroverts? p.8|New program designed to help med students p.13
PreMedLife Magazine
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CONTENTS
September/October 2012
www.premedlife.com
45
36
FEATURES Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med Programs | 14 Find out which schools offer students a second option to gaining admission to medical school
Unique Volunteer Gigs| 36 Make your medical school application stand out with these non-traditional volunteer opportunities
Fans & Followers: Social Media Schools| 46 9 medical schools making the best use of social media to attract prospective applicants
DEPARTMENTS School Spotlight| 43 Texas Tech University School of Medicine offers a unique, 3-year program for students interested in practicing primary-care medicine.
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Especially This Specialty | 51 Find out what being a Physiatrist is all about and what it takes to become one
IN EVERY ISSUE Newsbites| 8 Relevant news & information for students applying to medical school The Goods| 52 Gadgets & gizmos to keep you entertained. Check out our picks for this issue In The Stacks| 55 Books to inspire you or provide you with advice along your journey to medical school
8 THE GOODS - From a fancy rubber to hold your pens and highlighters to a pillowcase you can write on.
p.52
Better Life, Better You| 56 Advice & tips for taking care of yourself to make it through your hectic pre-med life
IN THIS ISSUE Breaking the Bank| 30
Options and advice for financing your medical school education
‘LIKE’ US
Why You Don’t Need a High GPA | 34
PreMedLife magazine provides a host of features, everything from getting into medical school to tips for acing the MCAT. Visit our facebook page often to get online exclusive articles covering topics that pre-med students care about most.
Find out why having a stellar academic credential isn’t your only ticket to getting into medica school
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking the MCAT | 45 Students give insight into what they wish they knew before the big day
Facebook.com/PreMedLife September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 3
publisher from the
PREMEDLIFE the lifestyle magazine for premedical students www.premedlife.com
Publisher/CEO | Sheema Prince Executive Director/COO | Jonathan Pearson EVP, Operations | Monique Terc Executive Editor | Njeri McKenzie Managing Editor | Monica Lee Digital Editor | Donald Gibbons Contributing Writers | Nth Dimenstions, Aileen Pablo, Michael Taber, Sean Weaver Production Coordinator | Shawn Klein Social Media Manager | Tammy Li Editorial Intern | Samuel Montes
© Lorelyn Medina
Find us on Twitter @premedlife Find us on Facebook.com/premedlife
HERE’S HOW TO REACH US...
Yes, summer is over and the beginning of the school year has made its way back into your life. And since there’s always more than one way to look at a situation, don’t dwell on no longer being able to sleep in late or laze around the house not doing much. You’re pre-med and you should look at the beginning of the semester and the first day of classes as the first day of the rest of your pre-med and soon to be medical life. Starting off the new semester with the right attitude about your goals is the best way to do it. Don’t look at your classes and the work you have ahead of you as something you dread getting into, but instead make the best of it. Whether it’s sitting for hours plugging away at orgo problems or getting started on a paper for one of your non-premed courses, make the experience an enjoyable one. When I talk to students, I always tell them that what you think and tell yourself is more powerful than they may realize. If you constantly keep telling yourself that you hate orgo or you’re no good at calculus, then you think may become your reality. If you find yourself having trouble getting through one of your classes or a particular subject, then find a way to like it. Whether it’s doing your own research on the side to better understand a concept or reading an article in magazine or journal that translates what you may have learned in class into real life applications, do it - and you can thank me later. So start this semester off on the right foot and with the right attitude to help you reach your goals.
Sheema
Sheema Prince
Publisher tprince@premedlife.com
4 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
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INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING OR PARTNERING WITH PREMEDLIFE? Email us at info@premedlife.com PreMedLife magazine is published six times per year by Kisho Media, LLC. and copies are provided to select 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 admissions process and related topics. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork, and images 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. To reach us by phone call (347) 231-6429 or email us at info@premedlife.com.
PreMedLife Magazine
Subscribe Today For more information about PreMedLife Magazine, visit us online at www.premedlife.com
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student advisor y board THE PREMEDLIFE MAGAZINE STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD IS AN EXEMPLARY GROUP OF PREMED STUDENTS from a variety of backgrounds who have a wide range of accomplishments. They will help keep us informed about what we need to know to make PreMedLife magazine the go-to resource for aspiring doctors. If you have any questions for any of our board members email us at info@premedlife.com >>>
Diana Altamirano
Alexandra Massa Neuroscience @ Stonehill College Alexandra is currently a volunteer at her local hospital’s emergency department. She is interested in providing care to third-world countries where access to medical supplies are limited.
Linda Mukumbuta
Post Baccalaureate @ Georgia Gwinnett College Diana is a non-traditional student with a business degree. She is currently taking science classes as a pre-med post-baccalaureate student.
Biology & Public Health @ University of Texas, San Antonio Linda is a 19-year-old junior who is currently affiliated with 4 pre-med organizations. She says a career in medicine is truly her calling in life.
Tamara Edgin
Tiffany Que-Smith
Biology @ University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Tamara is currently working towards an associates degree and plans to transfer to Lyon College, a four-year university.
Art & Design @ San Jose State University Tiffany is a non-traditional student who translates her thoughts into art which luckily for her, is extremely helpful when studying.
Jaime Garcia
Touria Rguig
International Economics @ University of Washington Jamie is the first in his family to attend college. He has gained experience in the medical field and is currently an emergency room volunteer.
Biochemistry @ University of Texas, Austin Touria is a honors student who speaks 6 languages. She’s also an author on a research paper published in Synthetic Metals Journal.
Ola Hadaya
Will Smith
Middle Eastern Studies @ Rutgers University, New Brunswick Ola is a 17-year-old student who is in the process of applying to medical school. She speaks 3 languages.
Post Baccalaureate @ California State University, Sacramento Will is a non-traditional pre-med student with a degree in comparative religion. He has worked as an ER tech.
Chesha Hayter
Chandler Stisher
Biomedical @ Southern Oregon University Chesha is a non-traditional student and a mother, who after starting her education later in life has learned many things.
Biology @ University of Texas, Austin Chandler is the first in his family to attend a 4-year university and has had aspirations of becoming a doctor since he was 11 years old.
Hillary Lee
Marina Zeledon
Neural Science @ New York University Hillary will start on the pre-med tract in Fall 2012. She says her transition from Missouri is an experience she can share to help others like herself.
Biology @ Potsdam State University Marina likes to read, research, and talk about medical school journeys with current doctors. She is on her school’s equestrian team and has a strong passion to become a doctor.
6 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
THE TWEET PEEK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.COM @PREMEDLIFE FOR DAILY UPDATES LIKE THESE MED SCHOOL YOGA Yoga Pilot Program Helps Docs De-Stress bit.ly/KOVdaE WRITING TIPS Cool take on #medschool essays | A Marketing Approach to Writing the #AMCAS Personal Statement via @studentdoctor bit.ly/L3CVHm FUTURE DOCS Are Online Medical Resources Making or Breaking the Next Generation of Physicians? huff.to/Ovj18u via @HuffingtonPost PREMED PODCAST Listen to @Aspiring_Docs podcasts about career options and diversity in medical education #Premed ow.ly/c2waU PERSONAL STORIES RT @uwsmph: A moving essay from one of our students about an experience that confirmed his decision to become a doctor.: bit.ly/N1UpT6 INDUSTRY NEWS US doctors had accepted Madonna concert tickets, among other gifts, as incentive to prescribe GSK’s medicines pocket.co/soKWi TV GUIDE Will you watch @ABC’s new TV show @NYMEDABC? Real life drama inside NYC’s top hospitals premiers tonight 10p ET nyti.ms/Nec6xj
PREMEDLIFE
CAMPUS EDITION Want a unique leadership opportunity to add to your medical school application? Now you can apply to be CEO/Editor-in-Chief of the PreMedLife Campus Edition at your school. WHO: You WHAT: As CEO/Editor-in-Chief, you are talked with putting together a staff, producing content, and publicizing your edition on campus - running your own online magazine that is a part of the PreMedLife network. WHERE: Your high school, college, or university. WHEN: The application deadline for Spring 2013 launches is Feb. 1 WHY: Running your own campus edition of PreMedLife magazine will provide you with a unique leadership opportunity that will surly help you stand out from the rest of the crowd.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.premedlife.com ‘Start Campus Edition’ Deadline for our SPRING 2013 LAUNCH
FEBRUARY 1
NEWSBITES
>>> Recent news & information relevant to students applying to medical school
Medical School Interview Process May Favor Extroverts Over Others Applicants Do you have the personality to ace your medical school interview? A new study from the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine (UCDSOM) has found that the more uninhibited and sociable you are, the better you'll perform during the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) process. While past studies have shown that conscientious individuals possess many of the attributes widely regarded as core attributes of effective physicians, the end result, as the study authors noted, is that being extroverted helps applicants perform better during interviews. And along with interview performance, those with higher levels of agreeableness are more likely to be offered admission to medical school. During the 2010-2011 admissions cycle, lead researcher Dr. Antony Jerant, a professor at UCD, and his colleagues studied 444 applicants who went through the interview process. Each applicant's MMI performance was scored. The applicants were then invited to participate in the study by completing a questionnaire designed to measure personality factors. The researchers looked for associations of personality factors with MMI score, and associations of personality factors and MMI score with acceptance offers. The new study, which was published online in the Academic Medicine, looked at five personality traits (agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, openness), each with multiple sub-traits. Extroversion: Most influential on interview Of the five personality factors, only "high-level" extroversion was associated with significantly better performance during the MMI process. According to the study, personality traits like uninhibited, enthusiastic, sociable, and adventurous, as well as displaying a level of confidence may be an important part of gaining admission to medical school. "Our results suggest that applicant personality influences aspects of the medical school admissions process, including performance on the MMI," the authors wrote. And to get more technical, being somewhat extroverted won't help - those who were considered "lower-level" extroverts did not perform as well as "higher-level" extroverts. Conscientiousness: No biggie, already accounted for In this study, the number one personality trait most consistently found to predict performance in med-
Depositphotos.com @ ampyang
A new study conducted by researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine reported that certain personality traits are associated with medical school interview performance and acceptance offers
ical school and eventual physician practice - conscientiousness - was actually not associated with MMI score. The researchers explained that the reason that better MMI performance may not have been associated with higher conscientiousness because the UCD SOM screening process for MMI participation had already selected for conscientiousness. "Different findings related to conscientiousness might be observed at medical schools employing different pre-MMI screening processes," the authors wrote. "It may also be possible to modify MMI elements to further select for conscientiousness, which is another issue for future study." Agreeableness: Linked to acceptance offers In addition to extraversion, agreeableness was the second personality trait significantly associated with acceptance offers. For this study, characteristics of agreeableness were defined as being cooperative, compassionate, considerate, kind, patient, reasonable, amiable, sympathetic, trustful, courteous, generous, adaptable, modest, ethical, sincere, or easygoing. "Higher agreeableness may be advantageous in aspects of the selection process other than the MMI, whereas higher extraversion may influence both MMI scores and acceptance offers," the authors noted. "Our findings suggest that applicant personality influences both MMI performance and the medical school admissions process," the authors
8 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
concluded. "They also raise the concern that the widespread adoption of the MMI could result in a narrower range of student personalities in medical schools, possibly reducing diversity of thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors among medical students." Additional Study Findings: Women, older applicants, and individuals with higher MCAT Verbal Reasoning scores had significantly higher MMI scores compared with other applicants. The authors wrote: "MCAT Verbal Reasoning scores have been positively associated with interpersonal communication ratings in medical school, and women are more likely than men to communicate in ways that foster rapport building in new social situations." Older applicants had better MMI performance than younger applicants. Specifically, younger applicants, 19 to 21 years old, had significantly lower mean total MMI score compared with older applicants who were 25 to 39 years old. The authors wrote: "This makes sense because they are more likely to have had prior life experiences requiring effective communication in high-stakes situations." Higher MMI scores, California residence, and higher MCAT Biological Sciences scores were significantly associated with acceptance offers. „
Creative Commons/Flickr by Jeff Kubina
NEWSBITES
Medical School to Add Cooking Course to Curriculum Starting November 2012, students at Tulane University School of Medicine will have the opportunity to participate in an elective cooking class - yes, cooking. Dr. Timothy Harlan, of Tulane University SOM, is teaming up with culinary students at Johnson and Wales University in Rhone Island to develop a cooking curriculum for medical students to improve health through "culinary medicine." According to the press release announcing the collaboration, this will be the first time a medical school and a major culinary institution plan to put into place a fully integrated, comprehensive joint curriculum for doctors, medical students, chefs and the community focused on the significant health role that food choices and nutrition play in
preventing and managing obesity and associated disease in the country. "This is an entirely new approach in the training of both physicians and chefs," said Dr. Benjamin Sachs, senior vice president and dean of Tulane University School of Medicine. "Our goal is to change the way health practitioners think about food and the practice of medicine. With statistics showing that 65 percent of Americans are overweight and a third are obese, it's not enough for doctors to know just the basics of nutrition. They must also learn to translate the science into practical lessons that empower their patients to lead healthier lives." For more information about this program, visit www.tulane.edu/som.
Med School Shares Insight Into Vital Part of Admissions With close to 3000 applications submitted for only 85 spots for its first year class, the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, like every other medical school across the country, faces the tough task of choosing aspiring physicians to join their institution. The school is now revealing that students who are already enrolled at their school play a vital role in the decision-making process. "It's crucially important to have students involved in the admissions process," explained Richard Zeff, assistant dean for medical school admission at the University of Connecticut. "They understand what it's like to be a student here. They are living the life of a student and can fully appreciate the culture, the community and whether the applicant would actually be happy here." Current students who are involved with the process admit that they have learned just how important the intangibles are to candidates and that it is important for students to find a school that is a good fit for them. "Helping out in the admissions office has taught me a lot," said third-year student Persis Thomas. "So much thought and effort is put into selecting a candidate. I also learned that medical school admissions extends beyond grades and accomplishments and is more about finding the right fit between a candidate and a school."
Study: Med Students Have View Future Work Life Negatively negatively but viewed primary care physician work life more negatively. Furthermore, senior students viewed specialists work life more positively and primary care work life more negatively than junior students. And students who were planning primary care and specialist careers had similar views of primary care and specialist work life. "Students have negative views of the work life of both primary care and specialist physicians at all levels of training," the authors wrote. "The presence of negative views of physician work suggests that they are strongly influenced by experiences before medical school and by the views of the larger culture. However, the experience of directly observing and participating in the day-to-day work of contemporary physicians does not appear to change student perceptions substantially."
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TALK
@premedlife
Students have negative views of the work life of all physicians, especially primary care physicians, according to a recent survey published in the journal Family Medicine. Julie Phillips, MD, MPH, from Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, and colleagues conducted the study to measure student perceptions of primary care and specialist physician work life, including administrative burden, time pressures, autonomy, and relationship with patients, to determine whether senior students' perceptions vary from junior students' perceptions and to determine whether students with primary career plans view primary care work life differently than their peers. After reviewing the responses from over 900 students, the researchers found that students viewed the day-to-day work life of all physicians
twitter RT Episode 3 of The Lost In PreMed Podcast is available for download! Check us out in iTunes! Great reviews so far! Big thanks to @zdoggmd! Any superstitious premeds nervous about taking the #MCAT the day after Friday the 13? How will you stand out? MT “@amcasinfo: Now at 21,372 submitted applications.” #premed 3 Tips for International Students Applying to U.S. Medical Schools ow.ly/ci6Tv #medschool
NEWSBITES Community Center Docs Less Happy Than Those in Other Places
MEDICAL SCHOOL PIPELINE Here’s a list of new medical schools that are being developed in the U.S.
NORTHSTATE & CUALIFORNIA NIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Rancho Cordova, California Opening Summer 2013
ESTERN MICHIGAN & WUNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE
Kalamazoo, Michigan Opening Fall 2014 Creative Commons/Flickr by SelectHealth
BEACH MEDICAL & PCALM OLLEGE Palm Beach, Florida Opening Fall 2015
NIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, & RUIVERSIDE SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE
Riverside, California Anticipated Fall 2012 According to a new study, doctors who work in community health centers are not as satisfied with their employers as colleagues who work in other settings - and it has nothing to do with the money. For the study, researchers analyzed survey results from family physicians employed at community health centers and compared their responses with family doctors working in other settings. While all of the doctors had similar levels of contentment with hours and income, only 62% of physicians at community health centers were "highly satisfied" with their employer compared to 73% of doctors in other settings. The results of the survey come at a critical time as the Affordable Care Act is expected to provide $9.5 billion for community centers to expand services and $1.5 billion for construction and renovation projects. "Community health centers provide really important services for underserved populations, and, if they are going to expand, they have to be successfully in recruitment and retention of physi-
cians, said Allison M. Cole, MD, MPH, lead study author and assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The study's authors did reveal that the survey was conducted with physicians who recently graduated from residency and were likely new to their practices and that the results of the survey may not accurately predict these physicians' future career stratification or career plans. The researchers are planning a follow-up survey of the physicians to determine any changes in satisfaction as well as actual changes in practice settings. "The lower level of satisfaction reported by community health center physicians has implications for workforce recruitment and retention in community health center settings," the authors concluded. "In an era of community health center growth, efforts to improve physician relationships with employers may be a potential target for enhancing the physician workforce in community health centers."
MICHIGAN & CUENTRAL NIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Mount Pleasant, Michigan Anticipated Fall 2012
& COOPER MEDICAL SCHOOL OF
ROWAN UNIVERSITY
Camden, New Jersey Anticipated Fall 2012
NIVERSITY OF SOUTH & UCAROLINA SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE, GREENVILLE Greenville, South Carolina Anticipated Fall 2012
& QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
North Haven, Connecticut Anticipated Fall 2013 or 2014 UPDATED 6/2012
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 11
NEWSBITES New Medical School Seeks Future Primary Care Docs for Open Slots Starting Fall 2013, students who are interested in becoming primary-care doctors should add Quinnnipiac University's Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine to their list. The new school, created in part to ease the projected country-wide shortage of primary-care physicians, has its sights set on enrolling students who wish to dedicate their lives to the primarycare sector. "If we had two applicants who were essentially identical, but one was planning on a career in primary care and the other wanted to be a neurosurgeon, we would give preference to the student targeting primary care," said Dr. Bruce Koeppen, dean of Quinnipaic's School of Medicine. Two years ago, the Association of American Medical Colleges announced that the country will face a shortage of more than 90,000 doctors in ten years. According to the AAMC's Center for Workforce Studies, there will be 45,000 too few primary care physicians. Moreover, the recently upheld Affordable Care Act is expected to give a greater number of people access to primary health care services. Unfortunately, however, administrators of the new school have admitted that they are already facing two big challenges - identifying students who are interested in primary care and figuring out how to help them stay the course with a specialty that pays considerably less than others. To address the issue of having to carry medical school debt while making less than other specialists, Dr. Koeppen says that the school is exploring the possibility of a loan forgiveness
Creative Commons/Flickr by edenpictures
Addressing the looming shortage of physicians who work in a primary-care setting and the cost of education is on the top of the agenda for one of the newest medical schools in the country
program through the Ascension Health system. If the idea goes through, students who graduate would work for one of the Ascension hospitals and have their debt assumed by the hospital if they worked there for a set length of time. Furthermore, the school says that it will make a
commitment to provide needy students with substantial scholarships from various resources. For more information about The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, visit www.quinnipaic.edu/academics/colleges-schools-anddepartments/school-of-medicine. „
Students Grading Varies from School to School The way medical students are graded during the rotation phase of their training varies "dramatically", according to a new study published in the journal Academic Medicine. The study, led by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, involved evaluating data obtained from all Association of American Medical Colleges-affiliated medical schools reporting enrollment during 2009-2010. When data were analyzed from 119 of 123 accredited medical school, researchers reported that dramatic variation was detected. Specifically, eight different grading systems using 27 unique sets of descriptive terminolo-
gy were documented and imprecision of grading was apparent. Furthermore, not only did institutions frequently use the same wording (e.g., "honors") to imply different meanings, the percentage of students awarded the top grade in any rotation exhibited extreme variability from school to school, as well as from rotation to rotation within the same school. "Current and future medical school applicants should consider these data as part of their application and decision process," said Erik Alexander, the director of medical student education at Brigham and Women's and the lead author of the study. "Globally, students should
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be concerned that this lack of consistent meaning to their evaluation may contribute to uncertainty or, perhaps, confusion, as to how their transcript is viewed elsewhere when applying for future training programs, or by their state medical licensure board. "There exists great heterogeneity of grading systems and imprecision of grade meaning throughout the U.S. medical education system," the authors concluded. "Systematic changes seeking to increase consistency, transparency, and reliability of grade meaning are needed to improve the student evaluation process at the national level." „
NEWSBITES New Program Aims to Help Students Get Through Med School Medical students who attend the University of California - Davis School of Medicine will now have the opportunity to participate in a program designed to help them navigate through the ups and downs of their medical school journey. The program, according to the school's website, is aimed at helping families, friends, spouses and partners of medical students understand the pressures that come along with attending medical school. "Medical school is highly rewarding," said Andreea L. Seritan, assistant dead of Student Wellness at the School of Medicine. "But it also is an intellectually, emotionally and even physically demanding experience, with very long hours, an overwhelming workload, and academic pressures all taking their toll." The first part of the program involves a workshop for the families of new students immediately following the new student induction ceremony. During the workshop, families learn firsthand about what it is like to be a medical student. For the schools Class of 2016, more than 200 family members and friends attended the workshop. The workshop outlined some of the issues new students' families may face including: Students having no control over schedules, so families may feel no control; Trying to balance family members' schedules and avoid competing deadlines; Family feeling "left behind"; Concerns felt by students from being first in the family to attend college of medical school; Ethnic minority students feeling that they have to give back to their communities; Balancing their own desire to attend medical school with their family's need to experience their achievements. "We wanted to help families understand that their extremely bright, determined students will experience tremendous personal growth," Seritan explained. "But they might feel as though they're distanced from their families." The new program is being supported by a 3year, $102,000-per-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Part of the grant will be used to help develop programs to support students who are active and former members of the United States armed forces.
BE FEATURED IN
PreMedLife
Want to be in PreMedLife magazine? Here are some of the stories we’re working on MEDICAL SCHOOL INTERVIEW STORIES Did you ace your medical school interview and want to share your experience? We’d love to hear from you. ENTREPRENEURIAL PREMEDS Calling all premed entrepreneurs! Have you started your own business? We want to hear from you! INSPIRING PHYSICIAN Do you know a physician who is doing amazing things? Tell us how you know that person and what makes them so amazing CALL FOR OP-EDS Are you passionate about something? Pitch us your idea for an op-ed piece and we’ll let you know if we’re interested in having you write it up for the magazine. PERSONAL STORIES Do you have a personal story that you think would make an interesting read for premeds? In the past we’ve featured a medical student juggling school and motherhood and a premed’s internship experience. We’d love to hear your story.
Email us at info@premedlife.com
2012 POST guide to
BACCALAUREATE PRE-MEDICAL PROGRAMS
Among the 43,000 pre-meds who applied to medical school last year, more than 15 percent completed a post-baccalaureate premed program to gain admission, that's according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Those with a postbacc pre-med education have different stories to tell and the type of program the choose to complete will most likely explain their path: (1) Career-changers: who wish to change their present career, (2) Late-starters: who waited until after graduating college to decide that they wanted to practice medicine, and (3) Re-applicants: who applied to medical school but were unsuccessful in gaining entry due to an inadequacy in some area or another. While there are multiple options when it comes to the alternate route to medical school, here are a few of the most popular options when it comes to post baccalaurate pre-med programs.
Career-changer Programs Starting From Scratch With today's challenging economy, many individuals might be considering a change of career. For those who have held a job as an experienced professional in the "real" world but have no training in the sciences or have decided to attend medical school but it's too late to change majors, then career-change post-baccalaureate pre-medical programs may be the way to go. Individuals who have their "ah-ha" moment later on in life and decide after they have completed their undergraduate degree that they want to go to medical school probably told themselves, "this is what I want to do and I'll do whatever it takes," and in this case the "whatever it takes" way is through post-baccalaureate career-changer programs. Many colleges
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and universities offer these types of programs to meet the needs of "career-change" individuals who need to complete premed requirements, as well as liberal arts graduates whose interest in health careers solidified later in their undergraduate careers. The majority of these students are either recent graduates or experienced professionals seeking a career change who were academically successfully as undergraduates. Sometimes students enter these programs right after finishing an undergraduate degree, and sometimes they do so after several years in the working world. These programs are not meant for students wishing to retake the prerequisite science courses to strengthen their grade point average or MCAT performance. Post-baccalaureate career-change students run the gamut from recent college grads in their 20's to individuals in their late 30's, or older, who have had successful careers but want to redirect their lives. Career-change post-baccalaureate pre-medical programs are designed to provide a strong educational foundation in basic science prerequisites necessary for competitive admission to medical school. These programs can be both rigorous and rewarding. Over the course of these programs, students endure intensive study to help them prepare for the challenges of medical school. The characteristics of a good program will feature a highly focused curriculum that includes optimally sequenced courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and organic chemistry; an MCAT preparation course; and opportunities for students to interact and engage with medical students and medical faculty. These programs usually offer an advising element to help students with managing courses, finding clinical experience, and preparing to apply to medical school. In addi-
ŠDepositphotos.com/SVLuma
tion, they usually offer a letter from a program faculty member in support of the student. >>>
Academic Enhancer Programs Boosting that Less Than Stellar GPA/MCAT Score It's no secret that getting into medical school is a difficult process and some students might have not been accepted the first time around and need to improve their credentials. For students that are looking for that "second chance" to become doctors, there are programs that address the student who has a bachelor's degree, but does not have a strong enough academic record to apply immediately to medical school or those who have applied but were unsuccessful. This type of post-baccalaureate pre-medical program allows students to show that they can compete at a level required of medical students. While any post-baccalaureate program is a time when students need to excel academically, this is especially true for the student needing to enhance their academic profile. Students in these programs may have struggled academically early in their college years, or have had a particular semester that caused their GPA to drop. This type of program is right for students who truly believe that they are capable of doing the coursework the second go-round to successfully increase their GPA or MCAT score. For students who have a GPA that misses the mark for getting accepted into medical school but managed to score fairly well on the MCAT, a "special masters" degree that offers medical schools courses may be the way to show medical schools that you are capable of succeeding on the level needed to complete medical school-level courses. With this type of program, students have the opportunity to take actual medical school courses alongside actual medical students, and are even graded on the same curve as the medical students. For some students, and definitely for some medical schools, it might be sufficient that a post-baccalaureate student demonstrate excellence along medical students in graduate level courses. However, a student who has a weak undergraduate GPA may need to take additional undergraduate courses in order to show their readiness. In this case, only additional undergraduate (not graduate) courses will raise the undergraduate grade point average (uGPA) that the AMCAS application computes for medical school applicants.
Programs for Underrepresented/Underserved Programs to Help Fillithe Gap "Underrepresented in medicine" means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical progression relative to their numbers in the general population. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, post-baccalaureate pre-medical programs are a valuable tool for increasing the number of disadvantaged and underrepresented students who matriculate into medical school. The findings from this study strongly support the premise that this type of educational program is a positive and important intervention that
furthers the academic achievement and health career aspirations of minority and low-income students. While any post-baccalaureate program could be beneficial to students who are members of groups underrepresented in medicine, there are schools that offer programs specifically designed for these students. Many of the schools that offer such programs are aligned with the AAMC's belief that both medical education and health care delivery benefit from diversity among medical students and physicians. This type of program can be an essential part of forming a competitive academic reputation for those individuals who are eligible to utilize them. Like the other types of programs, students who participate in these receive the same type of assistance to gain admission to medical school. Additionally, however, many of these programs offer more financial aid, mentoring, research opportunities, and MCAT prep.
Linkage Agreements An exciting and encouraging feature of many programs is the medical school linkage element that offers conditional early acceptance to students. For students lucky enough to find a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program that has a linkage program, they might be able to completely avoid the infamous "glide" year, which is the time from applying to medical school to when they actually enroll. Linkage is a formal agreement between a post-baccalaureate program and a medical school that enables exceptional students with a strong interest in a specific medical school to accelerate the application progress. A linkage arrangement enables students to avoid the pressure and expenses of the medical school application process, and provides "peace of mind" knowing that a place is reserved in the medical school of their choice. Through these linkage programs, medical schools guarantee interviews and even spots in their first-year class based upon a student's academic performance in the post-baccalaureate program and performance on the MCAT.
Program Structure Within these types of post-baccalaureate programs, there are a range of options, both formal and informal. While some programs can be completed in as little as nine months, formal programs are typically one to two years for either academic enhancement or career changers. Participating in these programs means that you are in a specific program geared to enhance your application to medical school. While these programs can be rather costly, students will most likely obtain a certificate or recognition of completion of some sort rather than just a grade on a transcript. On the other hand, informal programs are more independent and for those that don't need as much "guidance." In these programs, individual students are responsible for their own progress and course planning. Taking this path means that you're not associated with any program and you are just taking the necessary pre-medical classes you need in order to complete your application process. The up side to informal programs is that they generally cost less than formal programs and you can finish classes you
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need without fulfilling any other prerequisites. However, students participating in informal programs don't receive a degree after completion. Students who have completed their undergraduate degree can also enhance their chances for medical school by pursuing a master's degree in a specific program geared to what the student is interested in studying like a Master of Bioengineering or Master of Public Health. The following is a list of many of the post-baccalaureate premedical programs that are available across the country to prospective medical school applicants. >>>
ALABAMA Post-B Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, MCAT Prep Designed for individuals who have a college degree in a field other than the sciences and seek admission into medical, dental, veterinary, and other healthrelated schools. The program is also designed to prepare students for the MCAT.
CALIFORNIA Post-B Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Pre-H Health Professionals California State University| Los Angeles, CA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Aimed to help pre-health career students strengthen their academic background prior to application for admission to a health professional schools. The program is designed to make students more competitive for admission through a combination of coursework, standardized test preparation, and health science activities. Post Baccalaureate Pre-H Health Certificate Program California State University| Fullerton, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to prepare students to be competitive applicants for medical school. The program provides the required and recommended course work for students from non-science majors. In addition, the program provides advising support for many issues related to the health professions and assistance with obtaining clinical experience. On-campus standardized test preparation courses may be available from commercial vendors at a discounted fee. Pre-P Professional Health Certificate Program California State University| Hayward, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who have many years of experience in various fields and decide to return to school. The program is integrated with health profession volunteerships/internships, research experience, community service and prehealth association opportunities. In addition, the program combines academic instruction with entrance test preparation opportunities, growth and development of personal characterisitcs and includes mentoring, tutoring and general advising. The program length is 2 years or students pursuing the Career Enhancer track can complete the program in one year.
Post Baccalaureate Pre-H Health Professions Preparatory Program Chapman University| Orange, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Provides students, who have already graduated from college, the opportunity to complete the prerequisite science courses needed for admission into medical school. The program is intended for students who require all or most of the basic pre-med courses and is not intended for those seeking to improve their GPA. Post-B Baccalaureate Certificate Program Charles Drew University| Los Angeles, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement Designed for individuals with an earned bachelor’s degree who lack a science background and now wish to pursue a career in medicine or other health professions, and for those who wish to enhance their science background and/or improve their overall science GPA. The program gives college graduates and professionals the opportunity to take courses required for consideration to medical school. The curriculum aims to assist health professions candidates to 1.) comprehend, assimilate, and utilize scientific information comprising medical school curricula 2.) prepare for the MCAT 3.)apply to medical school with essays, letters of recommendation, and interviewing skills and 4.) perform and compete well upon entry to the medical school of their choice. Pre-H Health Professions Certificate Program San Francisco State | San Francisco, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree, to obtain prerequisite coursework necessary to apply for medical school. The program guides a cohort of 20-60 students through dedicated introductory science lecture and lab courses, discussion sections, clinical experience and a Health Professions Colloquium. The program features the integration of the following into appropriate course material: 1.) The use of MCAT-style test questions; 2.) The use of case-based learning exercises; 3.) Information on healthcare disparities and complementary and alternative medicine; 4.) MCAT preparatory courses offered on campus at a discounted rate in collaboration with commercial providers. Post-B Baccalaureate Premedical Program Scripps College| Los Angeles, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to offer students the opportunity to change the direction of their lives and, in one year, complete the requisite science courses to successfully pursue a career in medicine. The program aims to provide a strong education foundation in basic science prerequisites necessary for competitive admission to medical school. Students benefit from: Small classes and close interaction with professors; Personal advising; Individual and group tutoring; A broad array of volunteer experiences and internships in the greater Los Angeles area; and Linkage programs with opportunities to directly enter medical school.
Baccalaureate Health Professions Program Post-B UC Berkeley Extension| Berkeley, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for career changers who need to complete science prerequisites, students seeking to strengthen their academic record, students who are reapplying to professional programs, and students who are looking to maximize their admission opportunities into graduate and professional programs. In-depth advising aims to help students tailor a course plan; identify the program that fits; and prepare an application for further study, including a composite letter of recommendation. Students also get the opportunity to practice their skills in mock interviews. The program offers the option for evening and weekend study for students who are interested in working full time while they are enrolled.
Medical Program Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-M University of Colorado | Boulder, CO Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for “career changers” who were academically successful as undergraduates and have completed a bachelor’s degree, but have not completed the prerequisite courses needed to apply to medical and other healthcare-related professional schools. The yearlong program is appropriate for students who are either recent college graduates or experienced professionals seeking a career change. The program offers students the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in the science classes necessary to apply to graduate medical studies. Students also receive individual advising, study skills for science classes, and application assistance. An optional second summer, with Anatomy, Physiology, and/or Biochemistry courses, is also available.
Postbaccalaurate Premedical Program Univ. of Southern California| Los Angeles, CA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who are beyond their undergraduate studies to complete the science core classes required for medical school. The program accommodates both recent graduates and careerchangers, and offers academic advising and preprofessional advisement and mentoring. A stipend is provided to students in good academic standing to enroll in a preparation class for the MCAT to help them in their applications to medical school. The program’s philosophy is one that emphasizes well-rounded preparation, so in addition to coursework, the program also takes into consideration time that should be devoted to extracurricular activities and exploring professional interests.
Master’s in Biomedical Science University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Designed to provide academic enhancement within a one year time frame to improve or substantially expand a post-graduate student’s overall scholastic credentials. The program aims to provide a foundation in basic biology that underlies and supports medicine and therefore provides a strong framework for professional school curricula. Students are required to pass a comprehensive examination covering material from core courses in order to graduate from the program.
COLORADO Professional Master’s Degree Program Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed to provide increased academic strength to pre-professional students, those seeking careers in biomedical education, and future PhD students. The program is designed as a place for biomedical students to extend their education beyond that which the undergraduate curriculum can offer. Three tracks of study are available: Human Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, and Neurobiology. Regardless of the concentration chosen, all students receive a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences. Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Regis University | Denver, CO Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses, Grade Improvement Nine-month intensive program designed to provide students with a strong academic and experiential background in the biomedical sciences in preparation for entry into graduate health programs. The curriculum focuses specifically on courses most relevant for students to gain entry into and perform well in a professional health or research program.. Students earn a full M.S. degree in nine months based on rigorous coursework that will help enhance their credentials.
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate American University | Washington, D.C. Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement Designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree and either lack the prerequisites required by medical schools, or wish to strength their credentials. In addition to classes and advice, the program offers guidance and assistance in preparing for health professional school, helping students polish essay-writing and interviewing skills and prepare for the MCAT. Each student emerges with a composite letter of evaluation, which can be sent to health professional schools along with individual letters of recommendation. Students in the program range from new college graduates to individuals finishing a first career and looking for a second. The Special Masters Program Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Eleven-month special program leads to a Masters of Science degree in Physiology. The Special Master’s Program is tailored to college graduates who wish to strengthen their credentials for application to U.S. medical schools. Students take six of their classes and examinations with Georgetown’s first-year medical students. Students grades are then determined based on the medical student’s curve. Since the program is an 11-month program, it is possible for students to finish the requirements for their degree by July and matriculate to medical school right away in August.
Post-bbaccalaureate Pre-M Medical Certificate Program Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for “career change” students and offers the following for qualified applicants: co-matriculation with undergraduate pre-medical students for all lectures and some labs, the opportunity to be evaluated and receive a recommendation letter from the Pre-Med Recommendation Committee, volunteer and seminar opportunities and information in the health field, one-on-one advising and other academic support, workshops and seminars on how to apply to and interview for medical school, commercial MCAT preparation courses offered on campus and in the metro area, and more. The program is not appropriate for those who have complete the basic pre-med courses and wish to enroll only in advanced coursework. The program is also not intended for those who want to improve their GPA by repeating basic pre-med courses that they have already completed. The program is designed to meet the student’s needs and background. The time required to complete the certificate program ranges from 15 to 24 months, depending on the preparation of the incoming student. Pre-medical core science courses are offered to students at a reduced per credit tuition rate. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Program Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. Program Type: Offers Grade Improvment Features a science-based MS curriculum that may be completed in 11 months. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue the following career placements:Biomedical research in a CAM-related area; Medicine or other health professions; Law with a focus on the legal aspects of CAM; Administrative or regulatory affairs within the CAM industry or in the public sector; Current and future practitioners of CAM therapies seeking basic science education relevant to their practices. The curriculum includes courses taught by faculty of the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Additionally, in order to emphasize the cross-disciplinary application of academic knowledge and develop real-time problem-solving skills, the students complete an eight-week long mentored practicum in a relevant professional CAMrelated environment or public health field. Advanced Biomedical Sciences Program Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed to offer a biomedical sciences curriculum to enhance an individual’s background for application to professional schools in the biomedical field. The program also offers advising and support towards each student’s goals. Classes are taken at the Prince William campus of George Mason University, but students are considered jointly George Mason and Georgetown students. The program has a set curriculum, however it can be tailored to the individual student’s needs if necessary. In particular, some students may require completion of one or two prerequisite courses, entailing modification and prolongation of the course of studies.
GeorgeSquared Special Master’s Program Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Eleven-month program designed for individuals interested in enhancing their academic science standing for entry into medical school. Successful completion of the program leads to a MS in Biomedical Sciences. The program is the sister program to the Georgetown Special Master’s Program. The curriculum includes six of the Georgetown University Medical School first year medical courses, and graduate curriculum emphasizing a system biology/systems medicine relevant courses. Georgetown University School of Medicine interviews students from the program on the same basis as students from the Special Master’s Program, and historically, students performing in the upper half of the MS class have been considered for interviews. Selection for the interview is based mainly on performance in the program, but also on other aspects of the student’s record and their recommendations. Students take the same exams as the medical students, and are graded against the medical mean.
FLORIDA Post Baccalaureate / Master of Biomedical Science Combination Program Barry University | Miami Shores, FL Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Full-time, daytime program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree to strengthen their undergraduate and/or graduate credentials for application to medical school. Master’s Bridge Program The Florida State University College of Medicine | Tallahassee, FL Program Type: Designed to expand the pool of successful medical school applicants from medically underserved, rural, and inner-city communities. The 12-month program provides both education in medical knowledge and experiences in clinical practice. The program provides disadvantaged students with a bridge to medical school or a career in health care. While preparing students for the rigors of medical school, the program also aims to provide training appropriate for a graduate degree and a career in health care-related biomedical sciences for those students who elect not to continue toward a medical degree. Students admitted to the program are enrolled with medical students in the medical degree curriculum. Post Baccalaureate Career Changer Program University of Miami | Miami, FL Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for career changers, not for premedical science enrichment. Students applying to the postbaccalaureate program cannot be currently enrolled in any master’s program. Students with a GPA lower than 3.5 may be accepted to the program on a probationary status.
Medical Science Master’s University of South Florida | Miami, FL Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Developed to provide an interdisciplinary and concentrated program of study for students who are interested in either future professional programs. The program is designed to allow students to demonstrate their full academic ability and suitability for future careers in health care. Students take selected pre-clinical medical school courses and are able to complete the requirements for a Master of Science degree in Medical Sciences within one year.
GEORGIA Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-M Medical Program Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for non-science majors who can take the required pre-med courses in a program that aims to prepare students for the rigor of medical school. The 12-month program features comprehensive studies in pre-medical laboratory sciences available through undergraduate departments. The program features small classes, science and laboratory facilities and personalized attention from professors. The program also has a linkage agreement with the Mercer University School of Medicine so that students who are Georgia residents and meet the requirements can get a jumpstart on medical school. Students are a mix of new graduates, seasoned career people, and everything in between. The program has recently admitted attorneys, individuals with doctorates, ordained ministers, and several recent graduates with majors that span the social science and humanities.
ILLINOIS Post Baccalaureate Pre Medical Studies Program Dominican University | River Forest, IL Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement Designed as an academic bridge for students who have complete a bachelor’s degree and who intend to pursue a degree in the medical sciences including but not limited to: MD, Ph.D, OD, DDS, DC, MA, and MS. The program offers students the opportunity to take pre-requisite and advanced coursework as well as a specialized second bachelor’s degree, the BMS, Bachelors of Medical Sciences. The program is appropriate both for students who have never before taken introductory natural science courses (career-changers) and for students who need to improve their grades in the science pre-requisites before applying to a professional program (academic enhancers). Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Rosalind Franklin University | North Chicago, IL Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed to prepare students to continue their graduate education in a variety of health care professions including allopathic and podiatric medicine, dentistry, health care administration and management, and physician assistant studies, by providing a rigorous background in the biomedical sciences. The program also provides an opportunity for students to earn a certificate in one of the following concentrations: health care administration & management, health pro-
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fessions education, nutrition, and women’s health. The one-year program includes a number of graduate-level courses in the basic medical sciences and the choice of education concentrations in a variety of health care fields. Students in the program take classes with students in other degree programs, including allopathic medicine. Another benefit of the program is that, upon completion, students will have earned a certificate in one of the following education concentrations: Healthcare Administration & Management; Health Professions Education; Nutrition; or Women’s Health. Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program Southern Illinois University | Carbondale, IL Program Type: Offers Opportunities for Disadvantaged Designed to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate their potential for success in health professions schools. The program provides assistance to educationally and economically disadvantaged students in preparing for and achieving success in health professions schools. College juniors and seniors can also participate. Students are expected to work on developing science knowledge augmented by efficient and effective learning skills. Each student receives assistance in developing an academic plan tailored to his/her specific needs and an individualized curriculum plan is prepared by the entering student and his/her advisor based on the student’s strengths and needs. In addition, most students engage in MCAT preparation and science background courses during the first year of program participation. During the following year, while the student is applying to health professional school, he/she enrolls in enrichment courses. Premedicine Postbaccalaurate Certificate Program Northwestern University | Chicago, IL Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students seeking the laboratory science courses in biology, general and organic chemistry and physics required for the application to most medical and related professional schools. The flexible schedule aims to give students the ability to prepare for advanced study at a pace that meets their individual needs. The program is designed for career changers and students who have not completed the coursework needed to apply to medical school. In addition to the program requirements, students have the option to take any of the courses offered at the School of Continuing Studies. Many students take courses especially during their glide year in which they are preparing and submitting their medical school applications. Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-H Health Program Loyola University | Chicago, IL Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to provide students with the classes necessary to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry or most any other allied health professional school. The program is tailored specifically for students who already have a bachelor’s degree, but have not completed the science courses necessary for admission to medical or health professional schools. In the program, students can
take advantage of individual career counseling offered by experience professional advisors, workshops, seminars and conferences covering various issues relevant to aspiring health care professionals, individual assistance in preparing applications for admission to medical and other allied health professional schools, and more. The program is designed for part-time students. In some cases, students can complete the program in one year.
KENTUCKY Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-M Med Program University of Louisville |Louisville, KY Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for career changers and college graduates with minimal pre-med science (biology, chemistry, and physics) who are preparing for medical school to become a physician. The program provides advising exclusively for its post-bacc pre-med students; monthly enrichment sessions; study groups and academic assistance (tutoring); community service involvement; shadowing opportunities; extra curricular activities (e.g. CPR training/certification, simulation center hands on demonstrations, etc.); medical school visits; a first year medical student mentor; a peer mentor; a mock medical school interview; a committee letter of recommendation from the Program Advisory Committee and assured admission to the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
LOUISIANA Masters in Cell and Molecular Biology Tulane University |New Orleans, LA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement One-year program targets graduates who plan to attend postgraduate professional schools, including medical school. The program can also benefit students who want to enhance their educational experience in preparing for a career path in the Biotechnology Industry. The curriculum provides students with a specialized academic and experiential background essential for professional school admission. The program emphasizes student development in four areas (coursework, experiential learning, presentation skills, and personal growth) and allows students to build an academic foundation that is conducive to gaining entrance into professional schools. Masters in Pharmacology Tulane University |New Orleans, LA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Designed for those interested in improving their credentials to gain admission to a medical school. The class size is maintained at less than 35 to create a more personal connection between students & faculty. Students in the program take the Schools of Medicine’s Medical Pharmacology course along with 2nd year medical students. All other graduate courses are also taught within the School of Medicine by full time faculty. The program is a post-baccalaureate program that leads to the MS degree in Pharmacology.
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Masters of Biomedical Sciences Tulane University |New Orleans, LA Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses One-year program is a post-baccalaureate Master of Biomedical Science Degree with a concentration in Human Genetics. The program is a multidisciplinary, interdepartmental program combining clinical, genetics, biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and cytogenetics. The program is designed to give graduates an in-depth understanding of the rapidly advancing field of human genetics. It is designed to prepare qualified individuals for careers in the health sciences and to provide a more in-depth education experience to enhance the opportunity of an individual being admitted to a postgraduate professional school such as medical school or Ph.D. programs. Masters in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Tulane University |New Orleans, LA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement A two-semester program designed to enrich and improve credentials of graduates to apply for admission to medical, dental, or other healthcarerelated professions. Students take the Human Medical Cellular Biochemistry and Human Medical Metabolic Biochemistry courses, with a strong emphasis on clinical application of biochemical and molecular knowledge. These courses are taken along with first-year medical students at the Tulane School of Medicine.
MAINE Certificate in Pre-m medical studies University of Southern Maine | Portland, ME Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who already have graduated from college with a bachelors degree and who seek to fulfill the science course requirements for admission to schools of medicine or dentistry.
MASSACHUSETS Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical Studies Boston University | Boston, MA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students with bachelor’s degrees to pursue the course requirements for admission to medical school. Students are eligible for assistance and letters of recommendations from the pre-professional advising office. M.A. in Medical Sciences Program Boston University | Boston, MA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement, Advanced Courses Introduces students to a broad range of topics in the medical sciences while strengthening their academic credentials for admission to medical school. The curriculum is closely aligned with the first year medical curriculum at Boston University School of Medicine and several courses have identical content. Approximately 170-180 students are accepted each year for the program. The program can be completed in 12 months by utilizing the two summer semesters. Of the gradu-
ates who apply to medical school, approximately 70% are admitted into medical school in the U.S. Post-B Baccalaureate Premedical Program Brandeis University | Waltham, MA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites This 2-year program is designed for careerchangers and recent college graduates who would like to take the necessary pre-requisites for medical school. The program features two tracks: 1.) Advanced Biology Coursework which allows students to incorporate advanced biology electives and 2.) Research in Project Lab which offers students the experience of conducting bench research and an independent project through a small, lab-based course. Students in both tracks benefit from advising support, professional training, and consideration for a linkage with The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-M Medical Studies Elms College | Chicopee, MA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Students can prepare for admission to health professional schools by majoring in any subject, but they must include courses in their program that meet minimum requirements for entrance into the professional school of their choice. Admission to the program requires that students have a bachelor’s degree. There is no minimum GPA requirement for students entering the program. However, students are advised that the course work for the program is rigorous. Once admitted, students will be required to maintain a 3.0 or better GPA to continue the program. Students are also required to seek academic advising from the premedical advisor every semester while participating in the program. Postbaccalaurate Premedical Program Tufts University | Medford, MA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to provide the opportunity for college graduates who have not yet taken the sciences to prepare for entrance into a health care profession of their choice. The program is not for those who need to retake science courses or who may need to enhance their undergraduate record. If is for those who have not yet taken the majority of the prerequisite science courses for their intended health career. The school provides a variety of workshops specifically for Postbac students applying and interviewing for graduate programs, mock interviews, options for financing your education, and strategies for studying science. Once a student completes the prerequisite courses, the Health Professions Recommendation Committee will prepare a composite letter of recommendation. A certificate is also awarded to all who complete the program. In addition, students who complete their prerequisite courses with a 3.5 GPA or above are automatically granted an interview at the Tufts University School of Medicine, should they choose to apply.
Pre-H Health Professions Certificate Univ. of Massachusetts | N. Dartmouth, MA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for any student who already has completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution but needs to complete the professional program undergraduate requirements before applying to the allied health program of their choice. Certificate in Pre-M Medical Studies Worcester State University | Worcester, MA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to recognize the individual needs of students. Each student’s academic history is evaluated and appropriate courses are selected in consultation with the Chair of the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee based upon the student’s specific needs. Students who have not taken science courses or very few take the basic core sciences as prerequisites for medical school. Students entering the program with a strong background in the sciences may opt to take advanced courses in his/her area of interest. There is not a specific GPA requirement for the program.
MISSOURI Pre-M Medical Post-B Baccalaureate Program Rockhurst University |Kansas City, MO Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who have complete a baccalaureate program, usually in a non-science area, and who now desire to come back to school to fulfill their science requirements for medical school. The program is applicable to those preparing for either the allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical schools. The program is not intended as a remedial program for students who have taken all or many of the required courses, but who need to improve their scores, either GPA or MCAT scores. It is not an “MCAT prep” course. There are no strict cut-off grades for admission to the program. The program considers many factors when review prospective applicants.
Physiology MS Program University of Michigan |Ann Arbor, MI Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Targeted to students who specifically desire to earn an M.S. degree and who plan, after program completion, to pursue one of the following: 1) employment in a research laboratory in academia or industry or other related profession, 2) application to a doctoral degree-granting program, or 3) application to a health profession program such as medical or dental school. Students can choose upon application to pursue either 1) an intensive, research-oriented track which aims to prepare students for the workforce or a Ph.D program or 2) an intensive, course-oriented track that aims to prepare students for a health professional graduate program.
Post-B Baccalaureate Premedical Program Washington University |St. Louis, MO Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for college graduates to take core and elective science and math courses that satisfy medical school admission requirements. Students can also take approved elective courses in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities that provide a broad context and skill set for the practice of medicine today. The program is flexible to accommodate individuals changing careers, including those without a science background. For students who enter the program with most premedical course requirements completed, the program offers numerous upper level biology courses to enhance a previous academic record and demonstrate science mastery. Courses are typically taken during the evening, and are available in fall, spring, and summer terms. Day courses are also available to students though tuition rates are higher. Some students may be able to complete the program in 12 months. However, most students spend two academic years satisfying requirements. The program may take up to three years for students who are not able to attend on a full time basis.
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Master of Biomedical Science Degree Program William Carey University |Hattiesburg, MS Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Ten-month program designed to offer students an opportunity to pursue graduate studies in the biomedical sciences. The program provides preparation for the professional study of medicine, both osteopathic and allopathic. The program also offers students a versatile non-thesis Master’s degree that can be used for career preparation in science education, biomedical research, and for preparation for doctoral studies in the biomedical sciences. Graduate students in the program take courses alongside first year medical students in William Carey’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. The program’s curriculum places emphasis on structure and function in a medical context.
Premedical Post-B Bacc Program Creighton University| Omaha, NE Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement, Opportunities for Disadvantage Designed to strengthen the academic abilities (science, mathematics, perceptual ability, writing, analytical reading, and critical thinking) of students who are disadvantaged academically, environmentally, financially and socially and who, for one reason or another, have previously been denied admission to a school of medicine/dentistry. The program aims to enhance the students’ test-taking skills and their competitiveness for re-application to medical/dental school and provide them with cultural competency and other professional skills that will prepare them to be capable health care providers and members of increasingly global social and professional communities.
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NEW JERSEY Pre-M Medical Preparation Program Drew University | Madison, NJ Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who need additional undergraduate coursework in math and the sciences in preparation for application to medical or other health professions schools. A health professions advisor is available to help guide and mentor students in this program. Students have access to the same academic resources and activities as other Drew University students, including the graduate-level library, full network access and extracurricular activities. Students who successfully complete the minimum number of credits may be eligible for support from Drew’s Health Professions Committee. Health Professions Preparation Program Richard Stockton College | Galloway, NJ Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to meet the needs of college graduates seeking a career in the health professions. Students are non-traditional students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a non-science discipline, but require post-graduate science coursework to pursue admission to medical school. Students in the program will primarly take science and mathematics courses in preparation for graduate study in health professions.All students in the program have full access to guidance from the health professions advisor, which includes course planning, career counseling, and assistance with the medical school application process. In addition, opportunities exist for internship and independent research. Post Baccalaureate Premedical Studies Program Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for career changers who have not yet taken the undergraduate science course prerequisites for admission to medical school. Although not a masters degree program, students receive advising and academic support from Rider’s premedical studies committee. Additionally, students take advantage of the Continuing Studies part-time rate regardless of the number or credits taken per semester. Post-B Baccalaureate Program Rutgers University | New Brunswick, NJ Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for the individual possessing a non-science bachelor’s degree who is now seriously considering a career in the medical profession. Applicants are expected to have complete college-level courses in mathematics and also have evidence of volunteer or paid service in the medical field. Students are also offered continuous services including tutorial assistance and advisement focused on preparing them for admission to professional schools. The program allows students to apply to New Jersey Medical School as “linkage applicants.” Medical Scholars Program New Jersey Medical School | Newark, NJ Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed for students interested in applying to
medical school including schools of osteopathic medicine, and to other health related professions. The program leads to a graduate degree that can also be used as a qualification for other careers. Students get the opportunity to take medical courses and be graded with New Jersey Medical School students. Opportunities for training for volunteer positions at the University Hospital Emergency Room and along side medical students are also made available to students in the program. In addition, students are guaranteed an interview at NJ Medical School by earning a 3.5 GPA after at least 20 credits and a 28 or greater MCAT score. Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Professional Program William Paterson University | Wayne, NJ Program Type: Designed for college graduates who wish to pursue a medical education but have not taken any or all of the science courses required for admission to medical school. The program has two options: 1) an intensive full-time program which can be completed in 16 months or 2) a flexible program of part and full-time study which can be started while continuing to work a full-time job, or doing internships, shadowing, or research - this option can culminate in a BS in Biology if desired. Students in the program receive individual advising, preparation of a composite letter of evaluation, seminars by health professionals, MCAT advice, essay-writing assistance, faculty mentoring, mock admission interviews, and more.
NEW YORK Basic Sciences for Health Professions: Certificate Adelphi University | Garden City, NY Program Type: : Needs pre-med courses Program focuses on all factors that are important to medical school applications, including science course work, medical volunteer experience, attaining good scores on the MCAT, and securing important recommendations from academic and medical professionals. Postbac Premed Program Columbia University | New York, NY Program Type: : Needs pre-med courses Allows students, alongside all other Columbia University undergraduates, the opportunity to complete the academic prerequisites for admission to schools of allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and graduate programs in allied health fields. Additional the program, which as more than 400 students enrolled, provides students with opportunities for practical clinical research experience, with guidance throughout the medical-school application process; and with institutional support through a letter of recommendation. The program linkage agreements with 13 medical schools to enable highly qualified students with a strong interest in one of the schools to accelerate the application process.
Post-B Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Health Studies Cornell University | Ithaca, NY Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Designed for individuals who wish to enhance their academic career with a 1 year individualized and rigorous science-based education program. With the program’s limited enrollment of twenty, students often form close friendships with peers and enjoy individual attention from instructors. Program advisors work closely with students to provide academic guidance during the program and one-on-one career advising. In addition, the small class size enables faculty to prepare highly personal letters of recommendation focusing on the student’s personal growth during the program, key academic strengths, and effectiveness of interpersonal skills demonstrated during the program. Certificate in Sciences for the Health Professions Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to meet the needs of students with bachelor’s degrees in non-science fields who seek a career change into the health professions, but lack some or all of the necessary science and mathematics background. Acceptance to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-H Health Program Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for career-changer students (those who lack requisite math and science courses). Students enroll in the appropriate undergraduate courses with non-matriculating graduate student status. The undergraduate coursework, couples with the advisement resources of the pre-professional advisement office is designed to help to prepare students for the application process to medical school. Students are academically advised and tracked throughout their time during the program by the pre-professional advising staff. Stony Brook’s Faculty Committee on Health Professions may nominate up to five eligible students per year for linkage (a fast track admission) to Stony Brook’s School of Medicine. Program in Premedical Studies City College of New York | New York, NY Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed to prepare students for careers in medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, veterinary medicine, optometry and podiatry. The program aims to advance student’s knowledge of careers in the health sciences through academic advisement, tutoring services, workshops, and symposia. Students are also referred to hospitals and other clinical centers to provide volunteer and research opportunities to facilitate their clinical shadowing experience, which carries significant weight in a professional school admissions application. The program guides students through the application process with information on timeliness, and assistance with personal statements, and preparation for interviews.
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Master of Science Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences Touro College | Harlem, NY Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed for students who have a strong ambition to complete an osteopathic medical education. The program is intended to immerse students in the biomedical curriculum so that candidates can determine whether the content satisfies their academic curiosity while the medical college evaluates their potential for professional success. Admission to the program constitutes provisional acceptance into Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Direct matriculation requires completion of the MS curriculum with a GPA of 3.5/4.0 and successful completion of a Comprehensive Examination. All courses are offered at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Harlem and are presented by the medical college faculty in lecture, workshop and laboratory venues. The opportunity exists for students attending the program to take classes alongside students who attend the DO program. medical Program Post-bbaccalaureate Pre-m University of Rochester | Rochester, NY Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who wish to complete the prerequisites needed for medical school. The program is individually tailored to meet student’s needs, taking into account the courses already completed as an undergraduate or graduate students. Students who have complete no more than calculus should be able to finish the program in 12 months of full-time study, including one summer session. Some students may wish to remain at the University of Rochester during the “glide” year between completing coursework and MCATs and entering medical school, using this time to take advanced classes, work in laboratories or in health-related placements, and experience some of the other academic opportunities available at the university. Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-M Med/Pre-H Health Program Fordham University | Bronx, NY Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for college graduates interested in a career in the health professions but still in need of the prerequisite science courses. The program offers the pre-med curriculum primarily in the evening, or weekends, and during the summer to prepare students for application to medical, dental, or veterinary schools, nursing, physician assistant or physical therapy programs. Classes are offered at Fordham’s Rose Hill, Lincoln Center, and Westchester campuses. Eligible students may apply for a letter of recommendation from the Committee on Health Professions. The core curriculum includes one year of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English required by most medical and professional schools for admission. Additional upper level science courses are also available in alternate semesters for students who have fulfilled the prerequisite core sequence in biology and general chemistry. The curriculum aims to prepare students for professional school entrance exams, including the MCAT.
Postbaccalaurate Prehealth Studies Program New York University | New York, NY Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to work with students to create a program that meets their specific needs. Program requirements are based upon the general requirements established by most medical schools of the health professions. Once admitted to the program, students have full access to pre-professional advising. NYU currently has “linkage” agreements with 8 medical schools. Through the linkage agreements, very competitive students may be considered for entry into medical school for the Fall directly following the completion of the program. In addition, students are offered individual tutoring sessions, one-hour small group sessions, and daily “walk-in” tutoring. Post-B Baccalaureate Certificate Program Hunter College | New York, NY Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, veterinary medicine, and podiatry. Applicants to the program fall into 2 categories: Preparatory - students with less than 15 credits in science in preparation for entry to health professions schools. Enrichment - students with existing science background who are in need of further science preparation, improvement of science performance (due to low grades or credits of more than 10 years old) before applying to health professions schools. Students can expect to complete their requirements in 2 to 3 years.
NORTH CAROLINA Premedical and Predental Post-B Baccalaureate Program University of North Carolina |Greensboro, NC Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for career-change individuals who have not yet completed the courses that are required for applying to medical, dental, or other health professional schools. Students who lack any science background can, within 12 months of summer matriculation, complete the prerequisite courses for the MCAT or DAT. The program can also serve students who desire to enhance their academic records. Such students often retake prerequisite courses in which they did poorly and take upper level science courses to demonstrate academic success. There is no set curriculum for grade enhancement. Post-B Baccalaureate Premedical Program Wake Forest School of Medicine |Salem, NC Program Type: Offers Opportunities for Underrepresented/Disadvantaged Designed to facilitate the entry of students into medical school from populations underrepresnted in medicine and/or disadvantaged. The curriculum focuses on graduate level science and communication skills. While tuition is waived, students are responsible for their own living expensive and a $15,000 program fee. In addition, scholarships are available to qualifying students and academic support services are available.
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Health Post-B Baccalaureate Certificate Pre-H Meredith College|Raleigh, NC Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement One-year program designed to educate students as they pursue their goals of a career in the field of health care. Students are individuals with a bachelors degree who are interested in either enhancing their credentials for re-application to medical school or preparing to enter a healthcare field through medical school. Two tracks are available: a preparatory certificate and an enhancement certificate. Program flexibility allows for individualized curricula to fit the requirements of specific health fields. This includes course selection, clinical rotation schedules and additional opportunities such as study abroad and professional seminars. Every student completes a clinical rotation, choosing from opportunities including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and counseling centers.
OHIO Post-B Baccalaureate Program - MS in Medical Physiology Case Western Reserve University |Cleveland, OH Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed for students with a background in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, usually with a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas, who are seeking advanced training in the physiological sciences, typically in preparation for admission to a professional medical program. The program is flexible in duration and can take as little as 1 year to complete. Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-P Professional Program Cleveland State University |Cleveland, OH Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking to gain entry into careers in medicine and wish to complete additional undergraduate work that prepares them for the science and math courses required by professional schools. The program prepares students with the understanding needed to take the aptitude tests and the courses required for application to most medical schools. The program does not have a fixed curriculum and the number of courses and the program duration will be determined by your career goals and by previous undergraduate coursework. Medical Careers Pathway Post Baccalaureate Program Ohio State University |Columbus, OH Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement, Opportunities for Disadvantaged One-year program aimed at developing and enriching the academic knowledge base and skills of students prior to their entrance into medical school. The program allows students to become more competitive and successful in the medical school environment. Increasing the number of students underrepresented in medicine and/or students from economically and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds who graduate from medical school is a major goal of the program. A limited number of University tuition waivers are available to students participating in the program. Students are provided with assessment and instruction in reading, writing, learning strategies, test-taking and problem solving.
Conditional acceptance is awarded following successful completion of the program. Master’s in Physiology University of Cincinnati |Cincinnati, OH Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Designed to help college graduates strengthen their academic credentials in preparation for application to U.S. medical schools. The program is approximately 11 months in duration and participants can only enroll as full-time students. While there is no guaranteed that completion of the program will lead to acceptance to medical school, the program provides credentials that allow for direct comparison of the program’s graduates to current medical school students at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The special master’s program aims to expose students to the rigors and excitement of medical-school coursework at the fundamentals of biomedical research. Students are allowed to take classes and identical exams with first-year medical students, and to be ranked in their performance directly against currently matriculated medical students, as well as recent graduates of the first year medical student class. Students are also provided with insight into the medical school interview process with mock interview sessions in both the traditional interview process and those focused on multiple stations. Master of Science in Medical Sciences University of Toledo |Toledo, OH Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement Designed to educate and train graduate students who have completed all prerequisites required for medical school but wish to enhance their understanding of the biological sciences and potentially improve their academic credentials for applying to medical school. Students will have the opportunity to compete coursework with medical students (being graded on the same scale), participate in other graduate college courses, and design, perform and present their own scholarly project. The curriculum is designed to provide foundational information for continued study in the medical school curriculum. In addition, students who have good academic standing are guaranteed an interview for medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine. Students who successfully complete the program will also be awarded the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree.
OREGON Pre-H Health Post-B Bac Program University of Oregon |Eugene, OR Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses Designed for students who have completed a previous bachelors degree, and would like to take additional classes. Enrolling as a post-bac student is an avenue to: Complete prerequisite courses for a specific program of interest; Begin a second undergraduate bachelor’s degree; Repeat prerequisite courses to show significant improvement. Students work closely with a pre-health advisor to create an individualized academic plan and to assist in preparing to apply to health professional school. Advising assistance is also provided as students plan coursework, select
schools, and prepare for interviews. Students are not awarded a certificate or masters degree.
PENNSYLVANIA Postbaccalaurate Premedical Program Bryn Mawr College | Bryn Mawr, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites This 1-year program is designed for those motivated to pursue a career in medicine but have not taken the required premedical courses as undergraduates. Over a 12-month period of intensive, full-time study, students are exposed to a curriculum that fulfills all the requirements needed to apply to medical school. The program has links with many medical schools that offer conditional early acceptance to students. Medical Science Preparatory Program Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement This 1-year graduate level certificate program is designed to help students enhance their academic credentials for application to medical or other health professional schools. The program has been designed to help students improve their academic science background and help them prepare for their MCAT test or improve current MCAT scores. The curriculum offers graduate-level biological science coursework, undergraduate review courses in physics, chemistry, and organic chemistry, and a community outreach course, and an MCAT preparation and review course. Students achieving a minimum 3.0 gpa and an MCAT score of 27+ are granted a guaranteed acceptance into the Master of Biological Science program which leads to a Master of Science degree.
entry to the program at the outset, still completing the Medical Science Preparatory program first. The two options allows students to either complete a oneyear certificate program, saving time and money if they only need a one-year enhancement program, or enter the two-year graduate program knowing they are going to complete the two-year program. Evening Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Allows an individual with a non-science baccalaureate degree the opportunity to continue his or her current career while working during the evenings to prepare for medical, veterinary, dental, podiatric, chiropractic, or other allied health professional schools. This program may help candidates to transition into a new career by allowing them to maintain their current position while completing the pre-requisite coursework for application to health professional schools. The program is the equivalent of five semesters over a two-year period. During the last semester of the program, students can take an in-house MCAT preparation course free of tuition charges. Students completing the program may also be eligible to apply to medical school sooner than a typical medical school applicant through one of the program’s linkage agreements. Currently, linkage is available to the Drexel University College of Medicine, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, and to The Edward Via College Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Interdepartmental Medical Science Program Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement Offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates first-year medical school basic science courses and presents them through clinical system-based modules. The program is offered at the school’s Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento, California campus in addition to their Philadelphia Center City Health Sciences campus. Applicants to the program include students: 1.) who are late in their decision to apply to medical school 2.) interested in improving their academic record before applying or re-applying to medical school 3.) who would like a year in a medical school setting before deciding whether medicine is the career for them and 4.) interested in applying to dental, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic or other health professional schools. The program allows students the opportunity to test their preparation, motivation, and commitment to medicine.
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program Drexel University | Pittsburgh, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement Certificate program designed for students currently enrolled in college or who have already earned a college degree. The program offers students two tracks: 1.) Enhancement Track: for individuals who wish to enhance or complete an already existing science background and lack adequate or appropriate preparation in the sciences required for application to a health professional school or 2.) PreProfessional Track: for students who have few or none of the basic science courses that are required for admission to a health professional school. Each semester students can expect to take three science courses and one non-science course. Students also take classes with both undergraduate and graduate students within the University. Linkage programs exists with both the Temple University School of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Through the linkage, students directly enter medical school in the fall, following the completion of the program.
Master’s in Biological Science Program Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses The program offers two entry ways into the program. The traditional pathway involves the successful completion of the Medical Science Preparatory program before transitioning into the Master’s in Biological Science program. Students can also gain
Accelerated Undergraduate Postbaccalaurate Medical Sciences Certificate Program Drexel University | Media, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for working adults who have little or no science background, but would like to prepare for admission to schools of allied health, dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy,
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podiatry, and veterinary science. Online instruction is paired with bi-monthly face-to-face labs for optimal convenience. The program offers students two options: One-Year Option: accelerated program geared toward working adults, comprised of courses in a fixed sequence, where the majority of course work completed through the Internet and self-study; Two-Year Option: for working adults who do not wish to pursue the fast-track, which allows students, who may have significant personal or job demands, to spread the course work over a two-year period. The program has a linkage agreement with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. MS in Biomedical Sciences Philadelphia College | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Advanced Courses First year of the program emphasizes biomedical concepts and is more generally designed for those who are preparing to continue their education in medical school or other health professions programs. Courses are similar in subject matter to the first-year courses in professional degree programs. Students who complete the curriculum benefit from instruction that they will be able to use as they enter a career or further their education ina professional school. Upon completion of the first year of study, the certificate of graduate study is awarded. Students enter as MD degree candidates and may progress to one of three second-year concentrations: Biomedical Research, Forensic Biology , or Organizational Leadership in the Biosciences. Advanced Core in Medical Sciences Program Temple University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvment Ten-month program offers graduate level science courses taught by medical school faculty to candidates who are interested in strengthening their academic record. The program also includes educational and extra-curricular activities at the School of Medicine including MCAT preparation, shadowing opportunities, Ethics in Medicine lecture series, and a seminar series with review of the medical scientific literature. Components of the program also feature: Personal advising; Formal MCAT preparation; Clinical shadowing opportunities; Opportunity to matriculate immediately into the MD program at Temple University School of Medicine. Basic Core in Medical Sciences Program Temple University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed to meet the needs of applicants who need to complete the basic core premedical requirements of biology, general chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, with their respective labs. Successful applicants have a college degree in a non-science major with a record of strong academic performance. The program also includes educational and extra-curricular activities at the School of medicine that includes clinical shadowing, scientific journal review, and MCAT prepara-
tion. Components of the program also feature: Personal advising; Formal MCAT preparation; Clinical shadowing opportunities; Opportunity to matriculate immediately into the MD program at Temple University School of Medicine. Master of Biomedical Sciences Program The Commonwealth Medical College | Scranton, PA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement, Advanced Courses Designed for students who: Seek to strengthen their credentials for application to medical school or a health professions schools; Seek a foundation in biomedical sciences to enter a career in public health, scientific research, education or biomedical technology. The program also provides an opportunity to explore and prepare for other professional educational opportunities and careers in biomedical and health science fields. The program’s curriculum has been designed to provide students with a unique, personal learning experience to assist in career goal achievement. In addition, students who wish to apply to medical school are given a simulated medical school interview with feedback to help prepare for their interview. The Commonwealth Medical College will hold several MD slots open for program graduates who meet the criteria for medical school. Postbaccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate in Premedical Basic Sciences Penn State University | University Park, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for individuals who do not have a science background. In 15-24 months, students can complete the science coursework require to apply to admission to medical school. The program is flexible in terms of scheduling, and students that need to work may enroll as part-time students. An individualized curriculum can be designed to encompass the courses needed to prepare for specific health professions programs. Students in the program have access to the pre-professional evaluation committee that writes letters of evaluation to medical and other allied health schools for most applicants. Postbaccalaurate Pre-P Professional Program Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Created for individuals seeking to complete their basic sciences requirements in preparation for entrance to medical and pharmacy schools. The program is designed to offer educational and professional development in the health professions for academically competitive individuals with non-science undergraduate and graduate degrees. The program highlights exam preparation with a focused curriculum and continues throughout the duration of the program with specific exam preparation courses and a comprehensive review at the completion of program course work. In addition, the program has a linkage agreement with Jefferson medical College, allowing students with academically exceptional records the opportunity to have an early-decision status for admission to medical school.
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Post-B Bac Pre-H Health Certificates University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement Designed to serve the academic needs of students who have a bachelor’s degree and either lack the prerequisites required by medical school (career-changers) or who wish to strengthen their academic credentials (academic record-enhancers). The program aims to broaden and enrich the student’s academic preparation for medical school curriculum, foster academic excellence and success on the MCAT, and enhance acceptance into medical school. Pre-M Medical Program West Chester University | West Chester, PA Program Type: xx Designed to prepare undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students for application to the health professional schools of medicine. Supervised by a premedical committee composed of faculty members from various relevant departments and chaired by the pre-medical director, the program consists of an individual selection of course work, personal counseling, academic support, and junior/senior year biomedical research internship at a medical school or research institute. For highly qualified post-baccalaureate students, early assurance programs exist with Drexel University College of Medicine and Temple University School of Medicine. Post-B Baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program La Salle University | Philadelphia, PA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students wishing to change career paths and enter the health professions. Students have access to intensive advising during their coursework and application process. All students receive direct guidance from their advisor on selection of course work, gaining volunteer experience, preparation for the MCAT or other appropriate admissions tests, and completing the application process. A linkage program exists with Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. The time required to complete the program usually ranges from 15 months to 20 months depending on the preparation of the incoming applicant.
TENNESSEE Post-bbaccalaureate Program Carson-Newman College | Jefferson City, TN Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Advanced Courses Designed for students to build on their bachelor’s degree to pursue a career in medicine. An individualized curriculum is designed based on the background, interests, and needs of each student. Students have the opportunity to take a full range of courses, including gross anatomy with cadavers, a course offering shadowing experience, a committee composite letter of recommendation to support application to medical school, computerized practice MCAT exams with follow-up sessions, and regular workshops on the short interview. The intensive program is designed to be complete in 12 to 24 months by full time students.
TEXAS M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (Pre-M Medical Sciences Track) Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who need additional preparation for medical school, or whose goal is a teaching career in the anatomical sciences. Students take courses in the anatomical and physiological sciences with the first year medical students. The program is a 2-year non-thesis Master of Science degree offered through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate program. This program will not fulfill undergraduate medical school prerequisites, and students who eventually wish to pursue admission to a medical school should not the admissions requirements. Requirements for admission are flexible and there are no minimum GPA or GRE requirements.
VERMONT
biology. It is designed for students who want to enter medical school but lack the prerequisite coursework. The program uses natural science courses as the core curriculum, and students immerse themselves in the physical, social, psyche and spiritual dimensions of biomedicine. MS in Biomedical Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School | Norfolk, VA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement One-year program with the majority of the courses medical school courses taught by medical school faculty, with the exception of a library research paper and a seminar course. The program is designed to provide an opportunity for students to improve their academic credentials by demonstrating their academic abilities in a rigorous medical school environment. For this reason, it is particularly suitable to help students to make themselves more competitive applicants to medical programs.
Post-B Bac Premedical Program The University of Vermont | Burlington, VT Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Open to anyone who has completed a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record, but lack the core science courses needed for admission to medical school. The program is designed to provide the necessary resources and guidance to help students acquire the undergraduate science prerequisites. Although the program is rigorous, it offers flexibility with the option of a one or two year program designed exclusively for students’ needs, previous experience and interests. In addition, the program offers linkage agreements to enhance the professional school admissions process for its students.
Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-M Med Program Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine | Blacksburg, VA (also available in Spartanburg, SC) Program Type: Offers Prerequsites, Grade Improvement Designed for individuals who are changing careers, interested in apply to an osteopathic (DO) or allopathic (MD) medical program and/or for graduating students who need to meet or strengthen the requirements for health professions schools. The program is a non-degree granting, certificate program offered to attract individuals from rural areas, low-socioeconomic status backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities. The curriculum includes biomedical coursework, clinical and research experiences, professional skills workshops, and MCAT preparation.
Postbacc Premedical Program Bennington College | Bennington, VT Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who have excelled in an undergraduate program in an area other than science and now wish to acquire the prerequisites necessary to apply to medical and other health-related professional schools. The program students are both recent college graduates and experienced professionals from many background. The program offers close assistance to their alums in achieving their professional goals. Students have access to intensive advising not only during their postbac year but throughout the following application (glide) year as well. Students meet regularly with a faculty pre-med advisor and have ongoing access to teaching faculty and to all of the other curricular and extracurricular resources of the school’s college community. After a summer of classes that are exclusively postbacs, students work alongside upper-level undergraduates in classes.
Medical Program Post-B Baccalaureate Pre-M University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Full-time, one-year certificate program designed for college graduates with strong academic records who have made a late decision to pursue a career in medicine. It provides the science courses students need to be eligible for medical school admission. The coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics is offered through the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences by faculty with extensive experience preparing students for medical school. Students in the program prepare for the practice of medicine by shadowing physicians and volunteering at the University Medical Center and in other community clinical settings. Students also take a special course on the structure and financing of the U.S. health care system taught by the program’s medical director.
VIRGINIA MA in Biomedicine Eastern Mennonite Univ. | Harrisonburg, VA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Two-year program designed for students who already completed a baccalaureate degree but have continuing interest in health and human
gram offers an MCAT refresher course in the spring semester to help students become more competitive. Certain students are guaranteed an interview for the medical school at VCU, for the application cycle following completion of the program. Baccalaureate Health Sciences Certificate Program Post-B Virginia Commonwealth Univ. | Richmond, VA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites Designed for students who have received a bachelors degree and wish to pursue their undergraduate prehealth sciences requirements at VCU. The program is designed for those students who have few or non of the prerequisites they need to enter doctoral level programs in physical therapy, pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, osteopathic medicine, optometry, or veterinary sciences. All students accepted into the program must also commit to at least 50 hours of volunteer service in the VCU Medical Center Volunteer Program or a private health care setting. All students matriculating in the program are assigned a counselor.
WASHINGTON Post Baccalaureate Pre-Professional Health Certificate Program Seattle University | Seattle, WA Program Type: Offers Prerequsites The program is best suited for people who are changing careers, rather than students who have already taken the science courses they need for professional school but are seeking to enhance their science credentials. Students in the program are advised by the pre-health advisor, take classes along with undergraduate students and have the option to interview with the Pre-Health Advisory Committee in preparation for interviews at professional schools. The pre-health advisor offers advice about career exploration and professional school application process including interview strategies and review of essays and other application materials. Students can choose to take a part-time course load to accommodate their work schedule, or enroll full-time.
Premedical Graduate Health Sciences Certificate Program Virginia Commonwealth Univ.| Richmond, VA Program Type: Offers Grade Improvement One-year, graduate-level program for individuals seeking to enhance their qualifications for admission into professional school, including medical school. The program curriculum is structured to improve competitiveness for admission to professional schools and to help prepare students for taking or retaking standardized exams. In particular, the pro-
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BREAKING THE BANK: How to Pay for Medical School
We all know that going to medical school has a price tag that isn't for the faint hearted. What many students do not know is that there are several options and resources that can help lower the costs of your tuition. There are organizations whose sole purpose is to make education affordable for medical students and to relieve students of financial burdens. From specialty specific funding, to grants, and the different types of loan repayment options, the road to becoming a doctor doesn't have to come with a severe case of sticker shock. SPECIALTY SPECIFIC FUNDING: Most pre-medical and medical students are unaware that by exploring different specialties in medicine early, it can give you access to scholarships, grants and other opportunities that would otherwise go unnoticed. For example, our non-profit organization, Nth Dimensions Education Solutions, is dedicated to
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Premed / Pre-Health / Post Bacc Electives & Study Abroad in Africa
A F R I C A
Our program offers the following: Ø Opportunity for early exposure to medicine Ø A unique way to demonstrate intent and interest in medical school application Ø See healthcare delivery in a different setting Ø Cultural exchange and an appreciation of other cultures, including a Safari to famous Maasai Mara if placed in Kenya
info@electiveafrica.com
www.electiveafrica.com
Elective Africa's Premed / Pre-Health / Post Bacc program offers well structured and well supervised placements for Premed / Pre-Health / Post Bacc students seeking to study abroad, get independent study and be involved in experiential learning or volunteer programs in Africa.
Medical Programs
Safari to Masai Mara
Ø Student electives ð Surgery, Pediatrics, General Medicine, Obstetrics
& Gynecology, Emergency & Critical Care, Dentistry Ø Premed programs Ø Public health research Ø Medical camps Ø Nursing Ø Midwifery Ø Physician Assistant
“Doing a medical elective in Kenya was an eye opening experience. I got to see the developing world health system and range of tropical diseases not normally prevalent in Australia. It was a really hands on experience. I got to learn and perform skills like administering injections, catheters and suturing patients. I was also able to take part in the examining, differentials, diagnosing and formulating treatment plans. The highlight for me would have to be the amazing new friends I have made and the motivation I have taken back home. I would recommend this program to anyone considering it.” Cassanne Eccleston Charles Sturt University Australia, August 2010
http://www.electiveafrica.com
increasing the representation of women and minority medical students in orthopaedics, offers a summer internship program where 20 qualifying firstyear medical students participate in an eight-week clinical and research internship with orthopaedic surgeons nationwide. The orthopaedic surgeon preceptors are members of varying ethnic and gender minority groups who have been specifically selected because of their teaching and mentoring achievements in the field of orthopaedics. Once completed, these students become part of a four-year developmental program that is designed to expose them to the orthopaedic field throughout their medical school matriculation. Between the second and fourth years of enrollment, the students receive core support from their internship preceptor and are encouraged to develop relationships with other orthopaedic surgeons through interactions and mentoring activities during programs at the annual meetings. If mentoring and establishing a professional network early wasn't enough, the program also provides a stipend that covers housing, transportation, and a per diem for cost of living expenses during the internship. FREE MONEY- GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS: Grants and scholarships, which are offered through organizations and the government, are a great way to finance your education because you don't have to pay it back. Students with particular characteristics will find that they are eligible for many grant opportunities. For example, the federal government will award grants if you are an American citizen, of a certain ethnicity or belong to a faith. Nth Dimensions offers various grants to female and minority medical students to increase the diversity in the field of orthopaedics. They award grants for research, textbooks and travel expenses for fourth year students interviewing for orthopaedic surgery. Searching for scholarships and grants can be time consuming, but it can pay off- literally! PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS: It's estimated that the average student borrows $155,000 while in medical school alone. If loans are necessary, you'll need to know the different types of loans and how you can repay them. FORBEARANCE AND DEFERMENT We all know that you can defer your payments until you graduate from school, but what about during your residency? How do you pay back loans with little to no money? Most, if not all, loans are eligible for deferment and internship/residency forbearance, and repayment options are available. Deferments are simply postponements of payments on a loan. To receive a deferment on your loans you need to submit a deferment request with proof of your eligibility. If you don't qualify for a deferment, you may qualify for forbearance. Forbearance allows you to temporarily stop making payments, make smaller payments, or extend the time you have to repay your loan. Medical internships and residencies are typical reasons for receiving forbearance. For both of these options, you cannot be in
default on your loans. Remember, this can and will affect your credit, so be careful and very responsible. Taking more than you need for school can hurt you in the long run. You're responsible for paying back everything you borrow plus interest. Remember that interest does accrue during deferments and forbearance. Choosing to pay down that interest while in school or choosing an income-based repayment plan can cut down accrued interest payments by nearly half. It is important when considering your loan options that you consult with your loan provider on the specifics of your loan. REPAYMENT When it's time to start repaying your loans you should consider the following options: Standard Repayment Plan: The standard repayment plan has a 10-year limit and the highest monthly payments. The standard plan is great for those who want to repay their loans in the shortest amount of time. Extended Repayment Plan: The extended plan requires a borrower to have more than $30,000 in Direct Loan debt and no outstanding balance. The extended plan gives you 25 years to pay your loans back. You can repay your loans with a fixed monthly payment or with a graduated monthly payment. Graduated Repayment Plan: The graduated plan has payments that start low and increase every two years. Don't worry about your payment skyrocketing at all during the repayment; your last payment won't be more than three times your first. So if your first payment was $100 dollars, your last few payments won't be more than $300. Income Contingent Repayment Plan: Income contingent repayment calculates your monthly payments based on your adjusted gross income without putting you through any financial hardship. Income contingent plans have repayment terms of 25 years, but if you haven't repaid the loan in that time, the unpaid portion will be discharged. Income-Based Repayment Plan: Income-based plans calculate a monthly payment for you after looking at your level of income during a partial financial hardship. The repayment period for this plan can exceed 10 years, but if you meet certain requirements, like working in an area of need or going into the public health sector, you may qualify for cancellation of your outstanding balances. By researching early what opportunities and organizations are available, you can make it easier for you to handle the financial aspect of becoming a doctor. Take advantage of the host of opportunities around and you will alleviate the amount of debt you will accrue, and make an investment in your future. It may seem overwhelming in the beginning but in the long run, it can mean owing less and being debt free sooner. For more information about Nth Dimensions visit www.nthdimensions.org.„
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ACCORDING TO FEDERAL STUDENT AID, THESE LOANS CAN HELP YOU GET THROUGH MEDICAL SCHOOL ...
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Direct Unsubsidized loans are available to graduate students and there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. Your school determines the amount you can borrow by considering the cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive. For an unsubsidized loan, you are responsible for paying the interest during all periods. Direct PLUS Loan: Direct PLUS loans, or Graduate PLUS loans, are low, fixed interest rate student loans guaranteed by the U.S. Government. The Grad PLUS loan is not need based like other Federal aid, but is a credit based loan similar to a private student loan with the benefit of having a fixed interest rate and federal guarantee. The PLUS loan can cover the entire cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board and lab expenses, minus any other financial assistance. Perkins Loan: Perkins loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students with a total cap of $40,000. Perkins loans are for students enrolled at least half time, but depend entirely on your financial need and the available funds from your school. You'll have to pay back your loan in 10 years to your school with five percent interest. Primary Care Loans: The Primary Care Loan has the biggest commitment of all loans. They are available to medical students who agree to complete residency in primary care within four years of graduation and will practice primary care until the loan is repaid. Private Loans: Private loans are loans from banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions not associated with the government. Private loans can have an interest rate as high as 15 percent and can have terms as long as 25 years. Whichever loan you choose to apply for, only takeout what you really need because in the end, this is money you'll have to pay back with interest.
I am Bold, Brilliant, and Beautiful. I am a Scientist
Join a new cadre of scientists with the Brilliant and Beautiful Foundation BBF supports the aspirations of women in scientific research and scientific enterprise. We provide educational, leadership, and mentorship opportunities for women pursuing careers in science. LEADERSHIP l MENTORSHIP l EMPOWERMENT l SCHOLARSHIP
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GETTING IN
Why You Don't Have to Have a High GPA to Get Into Medical School Creative Commons/Flickr by StephhxBby
Your academic credentials are important, but getting great grades aren't the only factor to getting into medical school. Here are a few reasons why you don’t have to have a high grade point average to gain admission to medical school.
I
f you're pre-med or just have been thinking about whether or not you want to go to medical school and study to be a doctor, you've probably heard friends and colleagues talking about how high the standards are at different schools. They only want the best of the best, so you need amazing grades, fantastic MCAT scores, and brilliant admissions essays. Misfire on one of those things, and there's no way you'll make it anywhere. Strictly speaking, that's not true. While certain programs do have almost impossible-to-meet standards, there are plenty of schools out there that understand
that perfection in school doesn't necessarily make for the best doctors. They know that life can sometimes get in the way of studies and may overlook a rough patch on your record that lowered your overall GPA - provided you're strong enough in other areas. So, what does that mean? How can you "make up" for having a grade point average that's lower than the norm? First things first - don't jump the gun. Make a list of the different schools where you would like to apply and then learn the average GPA of applicants. Just because you think your grade
34 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
point average is too low doesn't mean that your school of choice will. A comprehensive list of U.S. medical schools on MCATtestscores.com shows that the average GPA for accepted applicants ranges from 3.8 on the high end to 3.1 on the low end. Naturally, because those numbers are averaged, that means that some applicants had grade point averages below that amount and still got into the school. Studentdoctor.net even reports that in 2005 there were 155 applicants accepted into allopathic medical schools despite having GPAs that fell below 2.75!
Knowing all that, the question becomes this: is your GPA considered "low" at your chosen schools? If so, you're going to have to work a little harder on your application (and probably choose some "safety" programs), but it by no means puts you completely out of the running. Remember, medical schools are going to be looking at the whole picture, so lower grade point averages need to be balanced by higher MCAT scores, amazing essays, and other mitigating factors that speak to why you would be a better candidate than someone whose biggest selling point is their grades. For those whose graduating GPA falls below the average, one of the most helpful things you can try to do is - wait for it - improve your grades. Huh? How can you improve your GPA if you're already graduating? GO POSTBAC. Most people don't even consider postbaccalaureate programs, but if your grade point average needs a boost (especially in the sciences), these types of programs can go a long way toward proving you belong in medical school if you do really well in the advanced science classes they offer. Postbacs also allow people whose undergraduate education didn't require all of the necessary science classes to attain those credits before applying for medical school. Unfortunately, postbac programs don't erase or replace any bad grades you've gotten from previous courses, but they can still help to show how much you've improved and how dedicated you are. BECOME A MASTER. Postbac programs might seem like a waste if you already took the required advanced science courses and didn't do as well as you would have liked, but there's another option: get a master's degree. Not only will you be taking extra classes that can help to improve your overall grade point average, you'll be making connections and further proving your dedication to learning. Just be sure you look carefully into different programs before making your choice, because several schools have proven track records of getting their master's students interviews at that university's medical school. REEVALUATE YOUR PATH. Most people who grow up wanting to be doctors automatically think that means they have to be an M.D., but that's not necessarily true. If you're worried about getting into a regular medical school because of your grades, an osteopathic school might be a good option to consider. The overall grade point average of students pursuing a D.O. in 2010 was lower than those going for an M.D. in regular medical school, and osteopathic physicians can still perform surgeries, prescribe drugs, and practice medicine of any
specialty anywhere in the United States. Of course, some people have their heart on getting that M.D., but don't have tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars lying around to take all kinds of extra courses or programs just to bring their grades up. If that describes you, don't lose hope. There are still things that you can do to improve your chances of getting into medical school by learning about what kinds of people admissions offices are typically looking for and doing your best to show that you are that person. YOU ARE MATURE. Did you know that 24 is now the average age that people are going into medical school? Gone are the days where you had to be a 22-year-old wunderkind to secure a spot at a good school. In fact, many, many applying students are significantly older than 24, and a number of prestigious schools have said that they like accepting more mature students. Why? Because time off often lets people learn from past mistakes (perhaps those mistakes that led to lower grade point averages, for one) and grow into mature adults who are truly sure of what they want. And for applicants, taking time away from the grind of school allows you to really prepare the best application possible, addressing any concerns about perceived weaknesses and really highlighting your strengths. YOUR TRAJECTORY IS TRENDING UPWARD. Can you imagine how it would be if everyone's life was determined by their grades in high school or their freshman year of college? Grades and test scores are always important, but medical school admission committees understand that some people take longer to mature, and that big life transitions can be hard to adjust to. Most committees won't automatically rule out a candidate with lower grades if those grades occurred early in the person's college career or were related to a specific life event that temporarily knocked them off course. What they want to see is that you got over your freshmanyear homesickness and significantly improved your class performance, or that you picked yourself up after that bad early quarter when your grandmother died and bounced back in your studies. For obvious reasons, this is especially true for any science courses you took. What they don't want to see is that you started out strong but started to fade toward the end of your college career. Likewise, they tend to look poorly on students whose grades fluctuated throughout their college years. Interestingly, many admissions committees are also concerned by students who have exemplary MCAT scores but grades that are below the norm. To admissions committees, these things could indicate a lack of dedication or that your mental
abilities have peaked. Neither thing is something that any medical school wants to have to deal with, because they know that successful students will need to show intelligence and a good work ethic. YOU HAVE AN AMAZING PERSONAL STATEMENT. Once you're in the thick of the application process, there's not a whole lot that you can control. Your grade point average is set, and your MCAT scores are what they are, for better or worse. There is, in fact, only one part of the application that you can still manipulate to increase or decrease your chances of being accepted: the personal statement. Just like with an undergraduate college application essay, the personal statement for medical school is where you get to show the admissions department the real you and really sell yourself. For people with lower grade point averages or less-than-stellar MCAT scores, this is the place where you can both address any concerns the committee might have by explaining the circumstances behind those scores. Perhaps a life event really dragged you down for a semester, and that one period killed your overall average. Or you experienced a death in the family right before taking your MCATs. This is the place to talk about that. It's also the place where you show the admissions committee why that kind of poor performance won't happen again and demonstrate how dedicated you are and how much becoming a doctor means to you. Why do you really want to practice medicine? Craft a compelling enough narrative and you just might sway their decision. Because preparing your medical school application is something that can take up a significant amount of time and money, the best thing that anyone can do is plan for it well in advance. If you have a bad semester early on that you know is going to make getting in that much more difficult, don't wait until the application is due to think about how you are going to address questions about this time in your life. Looking ahead will allow you to make a plan of action to both do this and to strengthen other areas of your application to make up for that weakness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aileen Pablo is part of the team behind Open Colleges, one of Australia's leading providers of Online learning. When not working, Aileen blogs about education and career. She is often invited as a speaker in Personality Development Seminars in the Philippines.If you have a blog and would like free content. You can find her on Google+.
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 35
Depositphotos.com/Š dragosvaju
Unique Volunteer Opportunities
New York Edition
Tired of the same old volunteer, run of the mill pre-med volunteer experiences? If you’re a pre-med in the New York or New Jersey area, take a look at some of the fun and interesting volunteer opportunities we found in your area. >>>
36 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
Creative Commons/Flickr by 3liz4
Milkshake Maker Every Thursday from 2-4PM, volunteers for New York-Presbyterian Hospital's Milkshake Thursdays Program are tasked with preparing and serving milkshakes to inpatient and outpatient oncology patients. The program has been in effect for over four years and is run by volunteers and coordinated by a registered dietician.
One group of volunteers for New Eyes for the Needy help sort the used glasses the organization receives from all over the U.S. and prepare them for shipment to recipients overseas. The eyeglasses New Eyes for the Needy distributes are often the first and only glasses the recipients will ever own. Opportunities are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, yearround, anytime between 9AM-Noon.
get published. write for us
If you consider yourself a good writer and would like a chance to have your article published in an issue of PreMedLife Magazine, we’re looking for student writers to submit articles. From your personal experiences as a pre-med student to living everyday life as a college student, we want to share your story with our readers. Or if you need an idea to write about - we’ve got tons of them. For more information about writing for PreMedLife Magazine, visit our Web site at www.premedlife.com or email us at info@premedlife.com.
Creative Commons/Flickr by 3liz4
Eyeglass Sorter
Creative Commons/Flickr by Antony Quintaro
Nintendo Wii Buddy! Volunteers at Leake & Watts Services, Inc. help some of the patients with developmental disabilities work on their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills by challenging them in various games on the Nintendo Wii. The activity is aimed to provide them with some much needed rehabilitation, and relaxation, in a fun and exciting way.
Creative Commons/Flickr by La Ignorancia Mata
Facebook Apps Developer Volunteers help Medwiser develop Facebook apps to increase access to the organization's public health tools. Medwiser is located in New York, but volunteers can work virtually from any location. The Medwiser team is currently working on projects involving: infectious disease (HIV/AIDS), headache, pain, nerve and sleep disorders, and public health and communications. This opportunity is great for individuals who are interested in neurology, biotechnology, or infectious disease. Volunteers work directly with physicians working on various research and public health projects.
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 39
Memory Bear volunteers make home-sewn bears to ease a hurting heart after the death of a VitaVITAS patient. The bears are sewn from the patient's clothing: a favorite pair of jeans, a pullover top, dress, bathrobe, nightgown, etc. A Memory Bear may recall the closeness of a loved one, bring a smile to someone in distress or offer a sense of security to a child who feels alone after the loss of a grandparent, parent or sibling. The fabric is provided by the family; the pattern, support and stuffing is provided by VITAS and the creativity is provided by the volunteer. Bears can be made in the volunteer's home or at the VITAS office.
Bedtime Storybook Reader
Creative Commons/Flickr by sean dreilinger
A hospital stay for a child can be a lonely, frightening experience. Reading books and telling stories can brighten a young person's hospital stay and stimulate the imagination. Volunteers at The Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center read to pediatric patients.
40 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
Creative Commons/Flickr by ddpool
Bear Crafter
©Depositphotos/adam_r
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Get a glimpse into what one medical school in the U.S. has to offer prospective students <<<
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Lubbock/Amarillo/Permian Basin, TX In 2010, Texas Tech University School of Medicine (TTU-SOM) unveiled its fast-track, three-year medical degree to help address a shortage of primary-care physicians across the country. The innovative program, called Family Medicine Accelerated Track (F-MAT), is set to graduate its first class of students from the program in 2014. According to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, the purpose of F-MAT is two-fold: 1) to increase the number of medical students choosing a career in family medicine, especially in underserved areas, who will provide patient-centered care, and 2) to prepare primary care physicians more efficiently and with less cost. The program prepares participants under the new 3-year family medicine curriculum at one of three Texas Tech programs, in Lubbock, Amarillo, or the Permian Basin. Upon completion of their education, students are linked with the site of their eventual family medicine residency program training. A key outcome of the F-MAT program is that it allows students to complete their training one year earlier than students in a standard curriculum - and with approximately half of the debt typical of current medical students. The school says that the reduced debt is possible for two reasons: 1) FMAT students spend only three years in medical school; therefore, they will be obligated for one less year of tuition and fees, and 2) Texas Tech School of Medicine provides scholarship support to F-MAT students for at least one year of medical school.
Students complete their training in three years, followed by a curriculum modified slightly from the regular curriculum. The traditional 4-year curriculum at TTU-SOM covers 160 weeks of instruction, whereas the F-MAT curriculum covers 149 weeks. The first year of the F-MAT program is identical to that of the traditional 4-year program and F-MAT students begin the program during the summer afterwards. During their second year, students complete their usual second year requirements as well as a special family medicine-based course. During the third year, they complete five 8-week clerkships, in addition to an 8-week capstone course prior to graduation. Currently, only 10-12 student are accepted into each class. Students who are interested in applying to the program do so by indicating interest on their application. In addition, first-year medical students at TTU-SOM also have the option of applying to the program during their fall semester. Thus, some of the F-MAT slots are filled during the general medical school application process, with the remainder from within the first year class. If F-MAT students decide that the program is not for them, they have the option to return to the regular 4-year curriculum if they wish to do so any time prior to graduation. Unfortunately, however, any F-MAT scholarship support will revert to loan status and therefore must be repaid. For more information about the Family Medicine Accelerated Track visit www.ttuhsc.edu/som/fammed/fmat.
quick facts DEGREE OFFERED: MD
SCHOOL TYPE Public
STUDENT SUPPORT Apple iPads; Support for travel to Family Medicine or medical education conferences; Close mentoring from faculty; Cost covered for Step 1 prep course and sessions focusing on preparing for Step 1 and block exams
MD SPECIAL TRACKS Accelerated, 3-year Program
Tuition & Fees - 2010/11 $14,471 Residents $27,571 Non-Residents
Creative Commons/Wikipedia
F-MAT students are obligated to one less year of tuition and fees. In addition, scholarship support is provided to F-MAT students for at least one year of medical school.
Unique Feature Three-year accelerated MD program allows students to complete training in 3 years, compared to the traditional 4 year curriculum.
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 43
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GOODADVICE
Tips from students who have been there and done that...paying it forward <<<
This issue’s Good Advice comes courtesy of our readers who weighted in and responded to our call for experiences on Twitter and Facebook.
test-takers will most likely be instructed to place it in the secure area. Keep in mind that the exam clock will not stop during this time you take to move about.
©Flickr/CollegeDegrees360
SECURITY AT THE TESTING CENTER MAY BE VERY TIGHT Over the years there have been numerous attempts to cheat on the MCAT. And with the increased availability of advanced technology, test administrators have taken several measures to ensure the security of the exam and the exam’s testing facilities. According to the AAMC, in order to provide fair, equal, and secure testing conditions for all examinees, the staff at each testing center follow common procedures. We’ve selected a few, and while the following rules and regulations may seem tight, they are considered to be standard practice at each testing facilities. However, the severity of how strict each facility abides by the rules may vary. Here are a couple: 1.) You must sign in and out each time you enter and leave the test room.. 2.) A digital image of your fingerprint will be taken and your identification will be re-scanned each time before entering the test room. We suggest that you review all of the rules and regulations listed on the AAMC’s web site.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Taking the MCAT We asked our readers to tell us about their experiences with taking the MCAT and what they wish they would have known before the big day arrived. We received tons of responses and found that many students shared some of the same I-wish-I-would-have-could-have thoughts. So we’re sharing the most common responses for those of you who are planning to take the MCAT. You've spent months solidifying your understanding of organic compounds and reactions, going over topic statements and instructions for the writing samples, and more. Some of you dished out hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars on a MCAT prep course. You've spent more of your Saturday or Sunday mornings than you wanted taking practice tests. Then the big day arrives when you're scheduled to take one of the most important test you'll ever - the test that could determine whether or not you’ll get a score good enough to impress potential schools. Here are some things from PreMedLife readers wish they knew before taking the MCAT: TESTING ROOM WAS A LOT COLDER THAN EXPECTED According to the AAMC’s web site energy-saving practices vary widely, and test takers may find the testing room colder or warmer than expected. Therefore, test-takers are advised to dress comfortably and be prepared for varying room temperatures. The web site also suggest test-takers bring a sweater or sweatshirt. If the test proctor permits wearing a sweater or jacket into the testing room, it may not be removed in the testing room. If an item of clothing is removed during the exam,
EXAMINEES MAY BEGIN THE TEST AT DIFFERENT TIMES Going hand-in-hand with the security procedures, the check-in process on test day may cause a difference in time from when one examinee begins the exam and when another examinee begins theirs. According to the AAMC’s test day tips, not only is it a possibility that examinees may not begin testing precisely at the time scheduled, it is not uncommon that examinees wait for up to 30 minutes to begin their exam. This means that examinees may be working on different part of the test at different times. CONSTANTS WOULD NOT BE PROVIDED FOR THE PHYSICAL SCIENCE SECTION According to a few students, constants were not provided for the physical science section of the test. Again, students should review the AAMC’s web site which states that while the necessary constants and conversion factors are provided with the test questions, examinees should know the equations and constants commonly used in introductory courses as well as those listed specifically in the AAMC’s content outline. TAKING THE MCAT BEFORE COMPLETING PRE-MED COURSES MAY LEAVE YOU INADEQUATELY PREPARED While the majority of students take the MCAT a year before they plan to enter medical school, when they have already taken most if not all of their medical school pre-requisite courses, there are some who decide for various reasons to take the test much sooner. Unfortunately, these students may find that some of the material covered on the test to be unfamiliar because they haven’t taken certain biology or chemistry courses yet. According to the AAMC’s test preparation tips, examinees who have taken the requisite science courses, as well as classes in the humanities and social sciences should be prepared to take the test. And even though it is not a requirement, examinees are strongly advised to complete pre-med courses to position themselves as best prepared as possible. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF TAKING PRACTICE EXAMS Practice may not make perfect when it comes to the MCAT, but it will do a lot of good. Taking MCAT practice tests will provide the opportunity to become familiar with not only the type of material you’ll see on the test, but it will also give you the chance to get a feel for the test “experience.” The AAMC offers practice test that are comprised of actual MCAT items. In fact, the are actually retired forms of the test that were previously administered in “live” MCAT administrations. It is definitely not the best idea to underestimate how important it is to plan taking practice tests into you MCAT study schedule. For more information about taking MCAT practice tests, visit visit www.aamc.org.
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 45
top
L A I C O S
Y V V MEDIA SA
L A C I D E M S L O O H C S
Now more than ever, social media is becoming a powerful tool for how schools are communicating with students. So PreMedLife.com took to the Web to take a look at on how socially active medical schools across the U.S. are. We wanted to see how schools did when it came to interacting and engaging their audience on Twitter and Facebook. And while some schools on our list may not have an impressive number of followers and fans, they still reach out regardless of if they have 10 or 10,000 followers. So, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our list of the medical schools that are making the best use of social media.>>>
46 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
The University of Michigan Medical Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admission team includes (from left) Robert Ruiz, April Daniles, Carol Teener, Steven Gay, M.D. and Kellie Paich.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL T: @UMichMedAdmiss F: UniversityofMichiganMedicalSchool The admissions team at the University of Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical School is on the ball with sharing what seems like the play-by-play activities inside their office. On Twitter, they provide updates about their interview process to links to information for pre-meds about research programs. The social media crew at this school is at the top of our list for interacting and engaging prospective applicants through its presence on social media.
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 47
Courtesy University of Michigan, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 license
Twitter: @CaseMedAdmiss Facebook: Case-Western-Reserve-UniversitySchool-of-Medicine
The social media team at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine shares plenty of information with its audience - from admissions updates and admission tips to links to resources for a successful admissions interview. On Twitter, you can follow as the school’s Associate Dean and Director of Admissions provides admissions updates, application tips, and cool local news.
Twitter: @UCPritzker Facebook: UofCPritzkerSchoolOfMedicine
From direct responses to questions from followers to advice and tips for a successful medical interview, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine shares a wealth of information. Wonderful photos of students, faculty, and the campus fill its Facebook page, which adds a nice personal touch to connect with prospective applicants.
Top: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Top right: Aerial view of the University of Florida College of Medicine. Bottom: Aerial view of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Photo courtesy of the University of Florida
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRITZKER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
OHIO STATE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Twitter: @ohiostatemed Facebook: OhioStateMed
Ohio State College of Medicine keeps prospective applicants in the loop on many things including, links to admissions videos to updates on its interview seasons. The school also gives prospective applicants some insight into what student life is like by sharing information about events their current students are attending.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Twitter: @sumedicine Facebook: stanfordmedicine
With over 20,000 followers on Twitter and over 11,000 fans on Facebook, its no surprise that Stanford University School of Medicine would be providing information useful and interesting to prospective students. The way the school provides links to stories profiling its medical students or results from a research study on its Facebook page is a nice way to stay updated about the school. And on their Twitter page, the school shares tons of information on many different topics. Prospective applicants can learn about different aspects of the school’s curriculum, links to student’s experiences, and much more.
Photo courtesy of the University of Texas
Photo courtesy of the University of Case Western University
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
THE COMMONWEALTH MEDICAL COLLEGE Twitter: @tcmcnepa Facebook: TCMCnepa
In a not too much, not too little kind of way, the Commonwealth Medical College does a good job at sharing tidbits of information about the school’s happenings. The school’s Facebook page is a nice compliment to its Twitter feed, with photos of the campus and students, and event reminders.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL SCHOOL HOUSTON Twitter: @utmedschool Facebook: utmedschool
For prospective applicants, the University of Texas at Houston Medical School’s social media accounts are a great way to stay updated and informed about everything you need to know about admissions to the school. They’ll tweet about their interviews and remind applicants about what they should be doing to prepare their application. While the school’s Facebook page is more of a general place for information about the school, it is a nice way to see what goes on there.
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE PHOENIX Twitter: @UACOM_Phoenix Facebook: University-of-Arizona-College-ofMedicine-Phoenix
The University of Arizona College of Medicine’s twitter page offers prospective applicants an opportunity to stay informed and updated about the school’s admissions and recruitment activity. They’ll let students know about changes to requirements, the number of applications they have received, give interview tips, and more!
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Twitter: @UFMedicine Facebook: UFHealth
Despite its description, the University of Florida College of Medicine shares more than news about the college of medicine and gives its audience a nice mix of student stories, campus activities, and resources for prospective applicants.
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ESPECIALLY THIS SPECIALTY
Learn more about various specialties and what it will take to pursue a certain specialty<<<
PHYSIATRY Often confused with a psychiatrist or a podiatrist, Physiatrists manage disorders that alter the function and performance of the patient. Emphasis is placed on the optimization of function through the combined use of medications, physical modalities, physical training with therapeutic exercise, movement & activities modification, adaptive equipment and assistive device, orthotics (braces), prosthesis, and experiential training approaches. Physiatrists may also perform electrodiagnostics, which are used to provide nervous system functional information for diagnosis and prognosis for various neuromuscular disorders. Common conditions that are treated by physiatrists include amputation, spinal cord injury, sports injury, stroke, musculoskeletal pain syndromes such as low back pain, fibromyalgia, and traumatic brain injury. The major concern that PM&R deals with as a medical field is the ability of a person to function optimally within the limitations placed upon them by a disease process for which there is no known cure.
PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION, PHYSIATRY OR REHABILITATION MEDICINE, IS A BRANCH OF MEDICINE THAT AIMS TO ENHANCE AND RESTORE FUNCTIONAL ABILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE TO THOSE WITH PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENTS OR DISABILITIES. A PHYSICIAN HAVING COMPLETED TRAINING IN THIS FIELD IS REFERRED TO AS A PHYSIATRIST OR REHABILITATION MEDICINE SPECIALIST. PHYSIATRISTS SPECIALIZE IN RESTORING OPTIMAL FUNCTION TO PEOPLE WITH INJURIES TO THE MUSCLES, BONES, TISSUES, AND NERVOUS SYSTEM (SUCH AS STROKE PATIENTS).
ARE THERE ANY SUBSPECIALTIES OF PHYSIATRY? Six formal sub-specializations are recognized by the field in the United States: Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Neuromuscular Medicine, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, and Sports Medicine.
WHAT DOES A PHYSIATRIST EARN? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage of Physiatrists in 2011 was $174,170.
WHICH INDUSTRIES DO MANY PSYCHIATRISTS WORK IN? Physician’s Office, Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals, Outpatient Care Centers, General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, or Local Government.
WHAT DO PHYSIATRISTS SAY THEY LIKE THEIR JOB?
Undergraduate (4 Years) (to obtain bachelor's degree)
During the course of a day, Physiatrists may move a lot, back and forth from their office, to the hospital, to the rehab clinic and back again. It is this aspect of the job that many of them say they like because it keeps their day interesting. They get the opportunity to interact with many different people in a variety of settings.
Medical School (4 Years) (to obtain MD or DO degree)
WHAT ARE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD PHYSIATRIST?
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BECOME A PHYSIATRIST?
Residency (4 Years) Postdoctoral training in a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency includes one year dedicated to developing the necessary clinical skills and three additional years of training in the overall spectrum of the specialty.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MYSELF IF I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PHYSIATRIST?
Does the study of the musculoskeletal system of the body interest you? Do you have a liking to athletics and the fitness industry? Do you think you’ll find it interesting to learn about the rehabilitation part of medicine.
Creative Commons/Flickr by kazz.0
Fellowship Training in a specific area of the specialty. Additional training is available in specialized areas, including, but not limited to pediatrics, traumatic brain injury, and sports medicine.
Physiatrists should have a good ability to work in a group setting and effectively collaborate with others. In addition, they should be generally interested in the rehabilitation and prevention aspect of medicine.
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 51
THEGOODS
PI
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>>>Our pick of items that will add some flair to your premedlife and perhaps make you smile
ED I
TO R
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Doctor USB Flashdrive This medical themed USB flashdrive is the perfect way to stay motivated on your goal of becoming a doctor - oh, and you can save some of your important documents on them as well.
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Un-Panic Buttons These adhesive, canvas graphics are designed as a handy way to refocus on positive energy throughout the day
` 52 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
Doodle Pillowcase Write on it, wash it out and write on it again! You can get creative with these pillowcases and use it as a memo pad to write those equations and formulas that you’re trying to commit to memory and sleep on it - literally.
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Call to Charm Cell Phone Handset
This retro-inspired handset invites you to enjoy the comfort and style of a classic wall phone while communicating through your cell phone. Just plug the cord into your phone or computerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s audio port.
Use these glass vials are a cool way to organize your workspace and store paperclips, pushpins, and binder clips beneath their pliable black plugs.
Bandits - Elastic Organizers Bandits, which are pretty much fancy rubberbands, are a simple yet stylish way of organizing your stuff. Fasten your pens and highlighters together before throwing them in your backpack. .
a
a
Lab-solutely Organized Desk Supply Set
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 53
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IN THE STACKS
Books we thought that aspiring doctors might be interested in reading<<<
THE BLOOD OF STRANGERS: STORIES FROM EMERGENCY MEDICINE by Frank Huyler For students who are interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine, author Frank Huyler gives readers an honest depiction of the modern emergency room. In the second story in his collection entitled 'Prelude', Huyler describes his first Anatomy class and the experience he had when the instructor presented him with his first cadaver. Huyler, who is a physician and poet, puts forth a collection of medical vignettes as he retells his personal journey from his early years starting as a medical student through the days of his internship and residency before taking on role of attending physician. THE WHITE HOUSE DOCTOR: MY PATIENTS WERE PRESIDENTS: A MEMOIR by Connie Mariano In 1992, Dr. Mariano became the first military woman in American history to be appointed White House doctor. She served 9 years at the White House under Presidents George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush. In her book, Dr. Mariano gives readers a real-life, rare look into what goes on behind closed doors at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as the White House doctor. During her time in the White House, Dr. Mariano was charged with caring for all the members of the First Family as well as and also cared for visiting dignitaries. MATCH DAY: ONE DAY AND ONE DRAMATIC YEAR IN THE LIVES OF THREE NEW DOCTORS by Brian Eule In Match Day, Brian Eule follows three women from the anxious months before the match through the completion of their first year of internship. Each woman makes mistakes, saves lives, and witnesses death; each must keep or jettison the man in her life; each comes to learn what it means to heal, to comfort, to lose, and to grieve, while maintaining a professional demeanor. Each of the women explores her passion for medicine and discovers its place in the life she hopes to live. For pre-med students, the book is a great opportunity to learn about the lives of newly minted doctors in the medical field and get a behind the scenes look into the first-hand, personal experiences of three female medical interns, especially around the infamous "match dayâ&#x20AC;?. THE MED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE: HOW TO MAKE THE CHALLENGES OF MED SCHOOL SEEM LIKE SMALL STUFF by Jennifer Danek In The Med School Survival Guide, Danek advises readers on how to handle school, home, and the wards in the following ways: Celebrate the small victories (med school is too long to wait 'til the end to celebrate); Nurture your friendships (they're what's going to get you through); Listen to your patients (they'll tell you their story if you do); Subscribe to two medical journals (having access to the most up-to-date information is critical during the clinical years of med school); and Remember who you are (med school is a long experiment in understanding yourself). For students preparing to begin their career as a physician, this book provides real-life advice and professional guidance for getting through what will be one of the most challenging and trying times of your life.
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 55
BETTERLIFEBETTERYOU
>>> Information on taking care of yourself as a student living a busy pre-med life
newstouse
Health | Wellness | Fitness | Nutrition | Mind & Body
According to a series of studies was published in the Lancet, lack of exercise is causing nearly a tenth of deaths worldwide and killing roughly as many people as smoking. The new research pertains to 122 nations representing 89% of the world's population. Specifically, eight out of 10 teenagers, 13 to 15 years old do not get enough exercise, according to one of the Lancet studies released, and nearly a third of adults fall short an achieving an adequate amount of exercise as well. Furthermore, researchers also reported that the problem is even worse for girls and women, who are less active than boys and men. “Despite its deadly consequences, lack of exercise doesn’t get the same funding or attention as other health problems,” said Pedro Hallal, associate professor at the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil and author of one of the studies.“It gets underfunded and undervalued,” Hallal added. “But it’s huge everywhere in the world.”
Creative Commons/Flickr by Banalities
Lack of Exercise As Deadly as Smoking?
According to a recent study, obesity may speed up the decline of thinking and memory. For the study, researchers from the University College London in the U.K. collected the participants' body mass index and metabolic measurements of more than 6,000 middle-aged British men and women. Cognitive skills, such as memory, reasoning and verbal skills, were also tested three times over a decade until 2009. 60% of the participants were classified as obese and metabolically abnormal. Researchers found that people who were obese and had high blood pressure, or other poor health conditions, showed a 23% faster decline in memory and thinking skills than others. In addition, researchers reported that individuals classified as metabolically normal obese experienced a more rapid decline. The authors warned that the study does not condone "metabolically healthy obesity." The study was published in the August issue of the journal Neurology.
56 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
Creative Commons/Flickr by Tobyotter
Obesity May Be Linked to Faster Memory Decline
>>> See upcoming health and fitness events at thafitnessgroup.com
Creative Commons/Flickr by English106
Breaking Up Exercise Into Small Sessions As Effective As Longer Ones Breaking up a workout into three short sessions is significantly more effective than the single half-hour session, according to a study published in journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. The study, led by researchers at Arizona State University, involved a group of healthy, adult volunteers who were asked to walk briskly at an intensity equaling about 75 percent of each volunteer’s maximum heart rate for 10 minutes three times during the day. In addition, the volunteers spent another day completing one 30-minute supervised session of brisk walking in midafternoon, and on a final day, they did not exercise at all.
“We wanted to see if there were approaches to exercise that would fit more easily into people’s lifestyles, but still be effective,” said lead researcher Glenn Gaesser, a professor at Arizona State University. The results of the study revealed that the fractionized exercise led to lower average 24hour blood pressure readings and also resulted in lower blood pressure “load,” or the number of incidences during the day when a volunteer’s blood pressure reached above 140/90. “Overall, the results are really encouraging,” said Gaesser. “For people who think that 30 minutes of exercise is too hard or takes up too much time, we can say, just do 10 minutes, three times a day.”
In a new study published in the journal Child Development, researchers have reported that students who stay up late at night, cramming are more likely to have academic problems the following day. For the study, researchers from University of California, Los Angeles collected data from 535 Los Angeles high school students who, for 2 weeks during their 9th, 10th, and 12 grades, kept diaries tracking the amount of time they spent studying, how much sleep they got at night, and whether or not they experienced academic problems the following day. Students who reported bad experiences noted trouble understanding concepts in class, or performing poorly on a quiz, test, or an in-class assignment. The results of the study revealed that students who did not get enough sleep were not only more likely to have problems understanding during class, but they were also more likely to do badly on tests, quizzes and homework. Specifically, when students got enough shut-eye, 9th and 10th graders reported an average of one academic problem every three days but by 12th grade the rate of academic problems they experienced was reduced to one problem every five days. Furthermore, when they spent less time sleeping than usual and more time studying, they reported more academic problems than normal.
Creative Commons/Flickr by TheCoolQuest
Late Night Cramming May Be Linked to Worse Grades
September/October 2012 | PreMedLife Magazine | 57
COLLEGE101
Creative Commons/Flickr by nenovbrothers
>>> Tips and advice for getting through your days as a student in college
T
here have been many students before you who have done the things you’ve done, done the things you currently do, done the things you plan to do, and are doing the things you want to do. And every individual who has come before you and is where you want to be can also be considered a potential mentor. Many students underestimate how valuable mentors can be. By finding a mentor, you will have the opportunity to develop a special relationship with someone who can provide support, guidance, advice, and more. What many students neglect to realize is that the relationship between mentor and mentee should be mutual - not only should you you like your mentor, your mentor should share an interest in you as well. As with any healthy relationship for that matter, having a connection with someone who genuinely likes you as an individual and you liking qualities in them as well should be your goal. Having a good mentor in your life can be quite beneficial when it comes to making the road to getting through your pre-med years a bit eas-
58 | PreMedLife Magazine | September/October 2012
ier, as well as, prepare you for medical school in ways a book, course, or seminar can’t. It is always nice to talk to someone who has gone through the motions you’re going through. Almost like a personal cheerleader, your mentor - if they’re good - will be able to motivate you to keep pushing forward toward your goals and are there to remind you that your dream of becoming a doctor is indeed possible. Your most ideal mentor would be someone who has experienced what you are presently experiencing and has reached the very same goals you are striving to reach. If they can’t give you advice on something that you’re going through, they’ll most likely have a network of individuals who they can reach out to get some answers for you. So do yourself a favor and go out and find a mentor. Make it your business to find a great mentor early on in your pre-med career who will be there for you through the ups and the downs of your journey. Whether it’s a current medical student, one of your professors, or a well-seasoned physician, they’ll have valuable information to share with you to help you succeed.
UC DAVIS DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY Pre-Medical Surgical Internship & Mentorship Program
The UC Davis Department of Surgery Pre-Medical Surgical Internship & Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity for pre-medical students to work with and be mentored by surgeons and physicians in the nationally recognized medical center. This program is not volunteering, but the ability to experience what surgeons do everyday. You will be with the physicians every step of their day when they are working and treating patients in the clinic, by the bedside, in the intensive care unit, Emergency Department, and right next to them in the operating room. This program is open to all pre-medical students regardless of school attended or grade level (graduates and returning students are welcome as well). This program seeks to foster a relationship between physicians and pre-medical students. There will be 3 cycles throughout the academic year that you can apply and participate.
For more information about the program: www.premedsurgery.org
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