Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 8 Issue 5
May 2009
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with your comments. Enjoy!

The Struggle for Reform — Challenges and Hopes for Comprehensive Health Care Legislation
Undaunted by a soaring federal deficit, competing legislative priorities, and skeptical Republicans, leading Democrats are relentlessly pursuing health care reform, as they hold hearings, engage key stakeholders, plot strategy, and draft legislation. Read More Here.

As a pre- health student, you must, I repeat, MUST engage yourself in understanding what is happening in health policy as it unfolds in 2009. Read a daily or weekly online or print national news source. Have an opinion and be ready to back it up with facts! "I am too busy" is not an option for serious pre- health students! 

Weekly - American Medical News
Daily - The Washington Post
Daily - The New York Times

See Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question on Facebook: How do Allopathic Medical Schools define Holistic Admissions Review? What are "the desirable traits"? Part 2.

Getting into medical, dental, pharmacy and the other health professions schools is getting HARDER!

As usually happens in an economic downturn, more people are attracted to stable careers like the health professions…competition is fierce!

How are YOU going to stand out from thousands of applicants?

Warning about student information websites from Cornell Medical School Admissions staff:
"PLEASE do not encourage students to get information from web sites administered by other students. From time to time, I look up the studentdoctor.net site (for interview ratings) and I am appalled at the amount of misinformation there. Most of the information given there will hurt students more than help them."

Sick of rumors and false reports? Lewis Associates website has factual information that you can trust.

What's inside:

Welcome to Success Stories Newsletter!
How to Communicate With Us
Changes in Services
Your journey to a health profession
Are You Ready for the Class of 2010?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
Getting Started

Breaking News:
• Forums open up debate about health system reform

News:
• 2010 AMCAS Application Cycle
• Profiling the 2008 Entering Class of Osteopathic Medical Students
• Making sure your patients know what you're saying
• Stimulating the Adoption of Health Information Technology
• Pharma support of medical societies raises conflict-of-interest concerns
• National Residency Matching Program 2009
• Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine Awarded Accreditation
• Look beyond stereotypes to spot patients with eating disorders

Useful Links
• The Osteopathic Medical College Information Book for Entering Class 2010
• National Residency Matching Program 2009 Data
• Centralized Application Service for Optometry
• St. George's University Legacy of Excellence Scholarship
• American Osteopathic Association
• Canadian Osteopathic Association
• Osteopathic International Alliance
• University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry Online DAT Preparatory Course

Alumni Update
• Nat Kittisarapong, Entering Class of 2006, NOVA Southeastern School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Raquel Franco M.D., Entering Class of 1997, UCLA - Drew, Obstetric & Gynecology Residency at White Memorial Medical Center
• Michael Setareh, Entering Class of 2008, Ross University
• Dino Guillermo, Entering Class of 2004, Pacific College Oriental Medicine

Success Story of the Month
• Stephen Swank, Entering Class of 2009, George Washington Medical School

Question of the Month
• See Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question on Facebook, Advising Tips tab: How do Allopathic Medical Schools define Holistic Admissions Review? What are "the desirable traits"? Part 2.

Our Services

Contact

Welcome to Lewis Associates!

Nearly one in ten Americans ages 20 to 24 is unemployed. But, health care jobs remain an economic bright spot. The U.S. Department of Labor expects the health sector to add more than 1.4 million workers over the next ten years. Students in college and even high school can start preparing now for a rewarding health career.

Are you ready?

Our Track Record
Entering Class of 2009...92% acceptance
Entering Class of 2008...96% acceptance
Entering Class of 2007...97% acceptance
Entering Class of 2006...89% acceptance, 2 waitlisted
Entering Class of 2005...100% acceptance
Entering Class of 2004...100% acceptance

We have restructured our Advising package so you can become competitive during the entire application process!

Our one year addresses ALL preparation and application activities, no matter when they occur for you. We advise all applicants to begin preparation for their application process at least 18 months prior to expected matriculation . But, real preparation to become a strong, competitive applicant starts when you enter college (and even before!) So, get started NOW!

If you are interested in personalized advising from “The Best in the Business,” (quote by Dr. Patrick Linson, Harvard Medical School Alum who is the only Native American Radiation Oncologist on the planet!), call Lewis Associates today to schedule YOUR personal assessment. Dr. Lewis invests in you, so you may live up to your potential to be the best applicant you can be!

How to Communicate With Us

Phone: 805-226-9669	Fax: 805-226-9227
Mailing Address: 1885 Laguna del Campo, Templeton, CA 93465

Lewis Associates absorbs Long Distance Charges
All phone conferences are made from our office to you. Marcia, our Administrative Assistant, calls YOU at your appointment time.

Changes in Services

• New Services: PHARMCAS and SOPHAS personal statement.
• New Service: Resume development.
• New preparation and application package: Ultimate Commitment package covers ALL advising.

Where are you in your journey to a health profession?
In high school? Yes, we advise high school students, particularly, those interested in BA-MD programs!

Just starting college? This is a scary time.  Everything is new…how do I meet all those new expectations?

Moving into your difficult upper division sciences as a college junior? Possibly, the "dreaded organic chemistry"…

Re-entering as an "older" non-traditional student? Re-establishing academic discipline…

We help prepare those of you submitting applications for medical and dental Residency programs, too!

Whatever niche you fit, we advise students just like you.

Are you REALLY ready to apply for the Class of 2010 or 2011?
How do you know?
Use our Personal Assessment--and you will be given your individual strategy and path to your future! Then, if you use our advising, we help implement your strategy! ! If it were easy to do, all applicants would be accepted...and, that is not the case.

Many whom we advise may not yet be ready, and need to develop some aspect of their background to become competitive. Best to apply when you are ready, be competitive, and do it ONLY ONCE!

Let's work together to make that one-time application successful…contacting us earlier is better so we can develop your strategy and address all those difficult problems…months or years prior to application. Why not set yourself up for success, rather than toy with the proposition of failure?

Testimonials
Michael Nevarez, Entering Class of 2006, Harvard University School of Medicine, his first choice school

"Dr. Lewis was a wonderful guide and mentor as I embarked on a medical career a number of years after graduating from Cal Poly (graduated 2001, applied to med school in 2006). She gave an honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of my profile, and more importantly provided specific and personalized ways in which I could address my application and the process going forward. Her advice and experience was invaluable and I am very happy to have worked with her."

Margaret Jolley, Entering Class of 2008, UC San Diego School of Medicine, her first choice school
"I never would've made it without my weekly conference with the calm, experienced Dr. Lewis. She kept me sane. I am so grateful for her guidance, for her editing help, and for the confidence she instilled in me. She is a genuinely caring committed Mentor who takes pride in helping our dreams happen. I have urged every fellow student I know to call her. Let her help you, too!"

Austin Yoder, Entering Class of 2009, Accepted to Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences, Philadelphia Osteopathic-GA, West Virginia Osteopathic, Tennessee Osteopathic, and Kansas City Osteopathic
"I am utterly grateful to Dr. Lewis for all her help, guidance and mentorship through the application process. I owe a great deal of my success to date to her team."

Ariel Chairez, Entering Class 2004, Scholarship Awardee, University of Wisconsin Medical School
"Dr. Lewis, I would like to thank you for all of your help. Without your guidance, I would not have been accepted into medical school this year. I am extremely happy to have been accepted to one of the top medical schools in the country, and to have received a scholarship of $130,000. For any student who questions the value of your services, I can say that you have saved me $130,000 in tuition!  Thank you."

John Fiszer (Lawyer), Entering Class of 2005, University Of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Dr. Lewis' note: John was an Assistant State's Prosecuting Attorney in Chicago, Illinois, when he contacted me in 2004. Finishing his 4th year of medical school, he said: "I am really enjoying med school, and I am thankful to Dr. Lewis for her help. Her methodical, disciplined approach to the med school application process, as well as her insight into the transition to med school were right on target."

Ali Warrick, Entering Class 2011 Advisee
"Dear Dr. Lewis,
I appreciate your help in my transfer process to UC Berkeley. You have been an integral part of the transition, and I would like to thank you for your time and efforts.  I know that your work is very thorough and well thought out. In addition, I believe that you really care about your students, and believe in each student's "right fit" in a school. You lead many people toward a brighter future, and I would like to say, 'Thank You!' for your contribution toward my academic goals. This process has been much more enjoyable with your guidance. Thank you for being so good at what you do."

S, Entering Class 2008, accepted with full scholarship to Mayo Medical School
"I cannot thank Dr. Lewis enough for her support and invaluable advice. When I came to her, I was apprehensive about the formidable task of applying to medical school especially with my past academic and personal hardships. She helped me see that overcoming these difficulties was a testament to my strength, dedication, and diligence. One of the most surprising outcomes of our relationship was that she was effective in helping me develop a more positive self-image and conquer many of my insecurities. Without her guidance and letter of evaluation, I would not have been able to earn an acceptance to Mayo Medical School, which granted me a merit scholarship that covers almost all of my tuition. I truly appreciate all of her help. She went above and beyond her role as an Advisor by becoming a Mentor to me. She is absolutely the best in the business!"

Be Competitive
In order to be a competitive Class of 2010 or 2011 applicant, you need to submit a quality application as evaluated by your clinical, service and other experiences and your GPA-MCAT/DAT/GRE, etc. profile in a timely fashion. This requires a well thought-out strategy to carry you through the difficult year-long application process. If you use Dr. Lewis' advising, we begin preparation early in the year BEFORE submission of your application!

EARLY is always better, removes much of the pressure, and allows time to solve unforeseen problems and challenges.

What are your chances?
If you want to change your career, or reach your present career goal, but do not know how to begin, or how to jump over all those hurdles, Lewis Associates will advise you and implement strategies to change your life. Dr. Lewis is thorough and professional.

Getting Started
Read on our website about getting your Personal Assessment done, then phone or email us to get started! Dr. Lewis spends, on average, 7 hours developing an effective strategy of taking you from where you are to where you want to be.

You may be like our other Lewis Associates Advisees -- highly motivated and intelligent -- but needing focus, guidance and specific technical expertise. Dr. Lewis solves problems for her Advisees and finds opportunities for them. Or, you may wish to use hourly advising to solve one specific problem.

Dr. Lewis is a trained Biologist, having taught and directed her own research programs for many years at two universities. She earned two postdoctoral fellowships (one at NIH), received the 1990 NACADA Outstanding Institutional Advising Program in the U.S. and directed her own Health Careers Opportunity Program grant for 6 years, bringing $1 million to her university while helping hundreds of disadvantaged students enter health professions.

If you are serious about making your dreams to become a physician, dentist, physician assistant, veterinarian, optometrist, podiatrist, naturopathic physician, or pharmacist a reality--Dr. Lewis can help you. We have made the difference for more than 800 alumni now training or practicing in medicine over the last 23 years.

Dr. Lewis teaches Professionalism, Leadership, and Quality, and sets high standards for her Advisees.

Lewis Associates will save you money and heartache on your preparation and application process.

Contact the Health Career experts! For more information email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com. Call 805-226-9669 to set up your first appointment.

breaking news

Forums open up debate about health system reform
In addition, President Obama issued an executive order creating health reform offices in the White House and at HHS.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/20/gvsc0420.htm

news

The 2010 AMCAS application will open on or about Tuesday, May 5th
and submission will begin on or about Tuesday, June 2nd.  Applicants can begin submitting transcripts and letter information once they initiate a 2010 application.  Letters will need to be received with the Letter Request Form if mailed or the Letter ID found on the Letter Request Form if electronic.
http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/amcas2010.htm

Profiling the 2008 Entering Class of Osteopathic Medical Students
Last fall, some 4,575 students began their osteopathic medical education at one of the 24 osteopathic colleges and three branch campuses that participate in the AACOMAS application service. The number of entering students, and their MCAT scores and GPAs, all have increased over the past three years.
http://www.aacom.org/resources/ome/2009-04/Pages/2008class.aspx

Making sure your patients know what you're saying
Communication barriers continue to pose legal risks if doctors fail to provide adequate language assistance to patients who are deaf or don't speak English.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/20/prsa0420.htm

Stimulating the Adoption of Health Information Technology
The recently enacted stimulus bill — the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) — touches almost every aspect of the U.S. economy. The law prevents dramatic state cuts in Medicaid, expands funding for preventive health care services and health care research, and helps the unemployed buy health insurance. But perhaps its most profound effect on doctors and patients will result from its unprecedented $19 billion program to promote the adoption and use of health information technology (HIT) and especially electronic health records (EHRs).
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/360/15/1477

Pharma support of medical societies raises conflict-of-interest concerns
New guidelines say no more than 25% of physician organizations' budgets should come from the drug industry. Two groups announce plans to take less industry money.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/13/prl20413.htm

National Residency Matching Program 2009
On Thursday, March 19, nearly 30,000 applicants to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) learned where they will obtain their residency training. The 2009 Match was the largest in history, with 29,890 applicants competing for 22,427 first-year positions.
http://enews.ama-assn.org/t/800798/319957/74320/0/

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine Awarded Accreditation
The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in Vancouver, BC, has been officially granted accredited naturopathic medical schools in Canada.
http://www.binm.org

Look beyond stereotypes to spot patients with eating disorders
A national statistical analysis indicates that rates for these illnesses are on the rise among younger patients and other unexpected demographics.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/20/hll20420.htm

links

The Osteopathic Medical College Information Book for Entering Class 2010
http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/pages/default.aspx

National Residency Matching Program 2009 Data Tables (pdf)
http://enews.ama-assn.org/t/800798/319957/74321/0/

Centralized Application Service for Optometry
http://www.optomcas.org

St. George's University Legacy of Excellence Scholarship
https://baysgu35.sgu.edu/web/LOES.nsf/Intro?OpenForm

American Osteopathic Association
http://www.osteopathic.org

Canadian Osteopathic Associationp
http://www.osteopathic.ca

Osteopathic International Alliance
http://www.oialliance.org

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry Online DAT Preparatory Course
http://www.cewebinar.com

Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.

Nat Kittisarapong Nat Kittisarapong, Entering Class of 2006, NOVA Southeastern School of Osteopathic Medicine April 1, 2009: "Hi Dr. Lewis, I have been a bit busier than expected, as I have 2 shelf exams, clinicals, elective rotations, and Boards studying to juggle right now. How have you been? I am currently testing the waters for ER. I am not sure whether I want to do IM with subspecialty, ER, or Surgery. I really like all 3. I like the ER lifestyle best, though. I am doing Psych right now and it has taught me a lot about people, so I am happy. Medical school is coming to a close soon, scary thought. I have been paranoid about not only doing well on paper but most of all doing well clinically so that I can be a good doctor over all. I'm okay. Well, please keep in touch. I look forward to hearing from you! Nat Kittisarapong."

Raquel Franco Raquel Franco M.D., Entering Class of 1997, UCLA - Drew, Obstetric & Gynecology Residency at White Memorial Medical Center March 10, 2010: "Hi Dr. Lewis, All is well... my daughter is now 2 1/2 years and keeps me busy.  I work for Kaiser in the Los Angeles area and run a Residency program.  Ana (Note by Dr. Lewis: Raquel's older sister, also a physician) and I are going to San Diego this weekend and meeting with the Mata's (Note: Drs. Joel and Eunice Mata, Lewis' alumni from Stanford University Medical School) for dinner. Take care, Raquel."

Michael Setareh Michael Setareh, Entering Class of 2008, Ross University April 16, 2009: "Hello Dr. Lewis, I am doing well and Ross has been good so far. I have my last midterm tomorrow, and my final on Tuesday, so let me go deeper into the curriculum etc. after Tuesday. I hope all is well with you. Michael."

Dino Guillermo's baby. Dino Guillermo, Entering Class of 2004, Pacific College Oriental Medicine April 16, 2009: "Dr. Lewis, I am the lead acupuncturist in a group medical practice in a Rancho Bernardo Clinic. I'm a bit busy in the office working on patients, but now that I have your contact information we'll keep in touch. Take care, Dino."   Dino Guillermo

Stephen Swank, Entering Class of 2009, George Washington Medical School

Stephen Swank at Yunnan Province in Southwestern China

It would be easy to say that having a parent as a physician drew me to medicine, but that would be untrue; it was her character.  I watched surgery videos over my mother's shoulder as a toddler and bashfully conversed with her colleagues, but these were not the true beginnings.  It was the simple fact that as she approached the bedside, even from my short position, I could always see the emergence of a smile from her patient.  Children have a unique ability to sense a real relationship and this is what I felt.

As I processed through my education requirements, I continually sought out opportunities outside of medicine, or so I thought, looking for my calling.  I wanted to reject the influence of my mother and create something unbiased and only mine.  Nothing is more bizarre than the decision for me and friends from college to take a semester off and drive 14,000 miles around the country in a "biobus" powered by vegetable oil.  This would be the ultimate tool to find my path in this world, I thought.  Twelve of us converted the bus' engine to run on fast-food grease, designed a presentation, and began calling up schools, elementary to university level.  Our goal was to teach kids about the benefits of clean fuels, with health at the forefront. By the end of it, we had spoken to over 7,000 students nationwide and had been featured on CNN.  And, my plan had totally backfired-- now I wanted to be a doctor, but this time, for me.  I had fallen in love with caring about children's health, their well-being, and putting their future ahead of mine.

The Biobus experience taught me how to be a teacher, which I think all good physicians are. But, now, I was ready for the hands-on.  This led me to Boston's Health Care for the Homeless Program which put me in direct contact with the poorest populations in the city.  I worked in an area that many find repulsive-- the foot clinic.  A quick piece of advice-- take care of your feet, because if you don't, they will take care of you, fast!  Besides smelling some of the worst smells describable, I began to connect with a wonderful slice of the community many never see.  Life stories of hope and desperation, joking and laughing, and above all, gratefulness, were characteristics of a day at the foot clinic.  Even though I have left the clinic, I still see my patients on the streets, and we share some laughs.  These beautiful personalities are the other half of any city.  And again, medicine brought me to them.

I currently conduct medical research on a rare form of cancer called GI stromal tumor, or GIST. Beyond exposure to cutting edge techniques in targeted cancer therapies, this job has introduced me to the world and mindset of a cancer patient.  As is often the case with a rare disease, the patient feels alone and abandoned.  So, when our annual GIST dinner arrives, and researchers meet the patients who use our anti-cancer discoveries, the emotions are unforgettable.  Although some want to know how far we are from the elusive 'cure,' all are grateful for our work.  This jolt of adrenaline is enough to motivate me in the lab for another year.  This symbiosis is how I even vision medicine: doctor and patient, inspiring each other.

Enter Dr. Lewis. Enough good things cannot be said about this lady.  As many know, simply having good aspirations does not make dreams come true.  Dr. Lewis showed me how to transform my hope into reality.  She pushed me to excel and cheer led for me regardless of how many times I confused Medicare with Medicaid.  Her uncanny ability to focus you on the prize and make you think about medicine in new ways are keys to her success as a Mentor.  Thanks to Dr. Lewis and Marcia, I will be attending George Washington medical school in Fall 2009. Congratulations, and good luck to all of the Lewis advisees, current and future!

Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact those profiled in Success Stories: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

question of the month
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD

How do Allopathic Medical Schools define Holistic Admissions Review? What are "the desirable traits"? Part 2.

This is a hot topic for Allopathic Medical Schools. Are they just giving it lip service? See Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question on Facebook, Advising Tips tab.

We will feature an important question each month. Please submit one that interests you for Dr. Lewis to answer. Send your questions to imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with 'Newsletter Question' in the subject line.

The Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants' (AIGAC) Stamp of Excellence is issued based on education, professional experience as a graduate admissions consultant, and commitment to the AIGAC's principles of good practices. AIGAC exists to define and promote professional excellence in serving graduate and professional school applicants worldwide.

Lewis Associates specializes in personal, effective and professional premedical advising and placement for traditional and non-traditional applicants. Often, non-traditional students are older than 21 years of age, career changers, international applicants or second-round applicants for admission to health professions school.

Lewis Associates' services meet the needs of all types of students from pre-applicants to applicants, including hourly advising support for specific needs. Click here.

"It's never too late to be who you might have been."

If this is how YOU feel, then, maybe Lewis Associates is the place for you. Lewis Associates provides Mentoring and Coaching through the rigorous and often circuitous pre-health preparation and application process. Other consultants may support programs like Law and Business or graduate school -- not Lewis Associates. We are the experts in Health Professions based on 26 years of a successful track record.

Call or email today to set your first appointment!

805.226.9669 imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to any friends, classmates, or colleagues you feel would find its contents beneficial.