Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 9 Issue 4
April 2010
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
In February, I visited NOVA Southeastern University, which houses Schools of Osteopathic Medicine and Dentistry, and programs in Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, Vascular Sonography, Anesthesiology Assistant, Public Health, Biomedical Informatics, and a post-baccalaureate Biomedical Sciences program. My many trips annually to health professions' schools, like visiting 18 programs over 2 weeks in 5 states in 1989 (including attending and actually advocating for one of my applicants in an Admissions Committee meeting) prepare and educate me to help you. Between my knowledge of specific programs and networking with Admissions Directors, Deans and staff for 25 years, I have the tools to solve your problems!
This month's question (on Dr. Lewis' Facebook page) is: "Should I do a medical mission abroad?"
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-run 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 2011?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
Getting Started
Breaking News:
• Medical Schools Expand -- and ContractNews:
• More U.S. Medical School Seniors to Train as Family Medicine Residents
• The Doctor Won’t See You Now
• Cost Of Medical School Rises In Recession
• Are Hospitalist Physician Assistants the Answer to Shortages?
• How the Passage of Federal Health System Reform Legislation Impacts Your Practice
• Doctor Leads Quest for Safer Ways to Care for Patients, A Conversation With Dr. Peter J. Pronovost
• People Still Trust Their Doctors Rather Than the Internet
• College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) launches an additional campus in Lebanon, Oregon, COMP-Northwest.
Useful Links
• Application Launch Dates for the Class of 2011:AACOMAS (Osteopathic Medicine) - May 1, 2010, submit June 1, 2010 - http://aacomas.aacom.org/
AACPMAS (Podiatric Medicine) - Aug. 2, 2010 - http://www.e-aacpmas.org/
AADSAS (Dental Medicine) - June 3, 2010, open and submit - https://portal.aadsasweb.org/
AMCAS (Allopathic Medicine) - May 4, 2010, submit June 1, 2010, transmission to med schools June 24, 2010 - http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm
CASPA (Physicians Assistant) - April 14, 2010 - https://portal.caspaonline.org/
OPTOMCAS (Optometry) - July 15, 2010 - http://www.optomcas.org/
PHARMCAS (Pharmacy) - Early June 2010 - http://www.pharmcas.org/
PTCAS (Physical Therapy) - July 1, 2010 - http://www.ptcas.org/
VMCAS (Veterinary Medicine) - Late May, early June, 2010 - https://portal.vmcas.org/
Alumni Update
• Dayna, M.D., Entering Class of 1990, George Washington University School of Medicine, Rehabilitative medicine practice in Minnesota, Minnesota State Rehabilitation Council, Haiti Relief
• Paul, Entering Class of 2007, University of Colorado Medical School
• Kimberly, Entering Class of 2009, Midwestern Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Liana, Entering Class of 2003, University of Hawaii Medical School, Family Practice Residency at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center
• Jacqui, D.O., Entering Class of 1995, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Family Medicine physician in Naples, Florida.Success Story of the Month
• Valencia, DDS, Entering Class of 1990, Northwestern University School of Dentistry, Specialty Dental Practice in San Diego. CAQuestion of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question on Facebook. "Should I do a medical mission abroad?"
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...96% acceptance
Entering Class of 2008...96% acceptance
Entering Class of 2007...97% acceptance
Entering Class of 2006...89% acceptance
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 package 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!
Phone: 805-226-9669
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| 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 2011 or 2012?
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! And if you start the ultimate Commitement Package within
6 months, we subtract your Personal Assesment Fee from the total. 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
Gail Ruth, mother of Todd Ruth, Entering Class of
2010, Jefferson University Medical School
Just a short note here to let you know how appreciative we are
of all the wonderful help you gave to our son, Todd. He just received
his first 2 acceptances from his top choices, so we couldn't be more pleased.!
You were instrumental in guiding him as to which courses to take and gave
him invaluable help with his essays. Thanks once again for all your help
and guidance.
David and Maureen Lee, parents of Eric Lee, Entering Class of
2009, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
June, 2009: "Dr. Lewis, We just wanted to drop you a quick
note to say thank you for all of your strategic guidance, wise counsel,
encouragement, and mentoring to our son Eric on his journey to get into
medical school. That is quite a process!! Eric definitely took the "road
less traveled", majoring in philosophy, but he worked really hard
to get his science prerequisites under his belt. He benefited so much
from your experience, insight, and when needed, "tough love".
You kept him on track, and we thank you. We think he will be an excellent
physician. Perhaps some day we will meet. Again with gratitude, David
and Maureen Lee."
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 2011 or 2012 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. Added Benefit: We will subtract
the cost of your Personal Assesment from an Ultimate Commitment Package
if you choose it within 6 months.
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
Medical Schools Expand
-- and Contract
The economic realities of a prolonged recession are
forcing medical schools across the United States to reduce the number
of seats available for new students or to curtail expansion efforts initiated
during better economic times, even as demand far outstrips supply in many
experts’ projections on the size of the future physician work force.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/03/04/medschools
news
More U.S. Medical School Seniors to Train as Family Medicine
Residents
The number of U.S. medical school seniors who will enter residency training
in family medicine rose 9 percent over 2009, according to the National
Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2010/100318.htm
The Doctor Won’t See You Now
A critical shortage of primary-care physicians is yet another symptom
of our ailing health-care system.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/234218/page/1
Cost Of Medical School Rises In Recession
A New Jersey family is struggling to pay for their
daughter's medical school education. They know that the average doctor
graduates with about $150,000 of student loans, and wonder how they're
ever going to pay it.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124501284&sc=emaf
Are Hospitalist Physician Assistants
the Answer to Shortages?
Hospital medicine has grown significantly as a popular specialty for physicians;
now, some foresee adoption of the hospitalist model by physician assistants
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/PHY-246578/Are-Hospitalist-Physician-Assistants-the-Answer-to-Shortages.html
How the Passage of Federal Health
System Reform Legislation Impacts Your Practice
A number of key provisions in the new law may have an immediate
impact on your practice and your patients, while others have a much longer
time frame before they will take effect.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/health-system-reform/hsr-impacts-practice.shtml
Doctor Leads Quest for Safer Ways
to Care for Patients
A Conversation With Dr. Peter J. Pronovost, medical director of the Quality
and Safety Research Group at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, which
means he leads that institution’s quest for safer ways to care for
its patients. He also travels the country, advising hospitals on innovative
safety measures.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/science/09conv.html?scp=1&sq=Doctor%20Leads%20Quest%20for%20Safer%20Ways%20to%20Care%20for%20Patients&st=cse
People Still Trust Their Doctors
Rather than the Internet
They'll go online first, but turn to physicians for final decisions.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_95958.html
Northwestern University College of
Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) launches an additional campus
in Lebanon, Oregon, COMP-Northwest.
They will seat a class of 100 students in August 2011. The program
is fully accredited as it is an extension of their Pomona campus. http://www.westernu.edu/xp/edu/northwest/northwest-about.xml
Application Launch Dates for the Class of 2011:
AACOMAS (Osteopathic Medicine) - May 1, 2010, submit June
1, 2010 - http://aacomas.aacom.org/
AACPMAS (Podiatric Medicine) - Aug. 2, 2010 - http://www.e-aacpmas.org/
AADSAS (Dental Medicine) - June 3, 2010, open and submit - https://portal.aadsasweb.org/
AMCAS (Allopathic Medicine) - May 4, 2010, submit June 1, 2010, transmission
to med schools June 24, 2010 - http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm
CASPA (Physicians Assistant) - April 14, 2010 - https://portal.caspaonline.org/
OPTOMCAS (Optometry) - July 15, 2010 - http://www.optomcas.org/
PHARMCAS (Pharmacy) - Early June 2010 - http://www.pharmcas.org/
PTCAS (Physical Therapy) - July 1, 2010 - http://www.ptcas.org/
VMCAS (Veterinary Medicine) - Late May, early June, 2010 - https://portal.vmcas.org/
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Dayna Dayna, M.D., Entering Class of 1990, George
Washington University School of Medicine, Rehabilitative medicine
practice in Minnesota, Minnesota State Rehabilitation Council. Feb.
25, 2010: "Dear Dr. Lewis, it has now been 24 hours since arriving
home from Haiti. I still feel |
 Paul Paul, Entering Class of 2007, University of Colorado Medical School Mar 7, 2010: " Hi Dr. Lewis, wow, it's been a long time. Time is just flying by, and I realized today that I haven't sent you an email in quite some time. Currently I am in Winter Park, CO completing a rural rotation. It's been great so far, and the skiing has been pretty good as well. In one month, I will complete my third year. It's hard to believe I have only one more year left. It's been a wonderful experience, and I have loved my time at the Univ. of Colorado. I hope all is well. Paul." |
 Kimberly Kimberly, Entering Class of 2009, Midwestern Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Mar 5, 2010: "Hi Dr. Lewis, I have passed all the courses with a couple of A's and B's in the mix. I have made MANY friends.....I really enjoy my classmates. We just finished Gross Anatomy, Histology and Biochemistry....had our memorial service for the cadavers, and packaged them up for sending them back to their families. Basic Science Faculty is FANTASTIC. I will miss several of them next semester. Our clinical medicine director is also fantastic. He is off in Guatamala now with a group of medical students. It will be great to hear how it all went. OMM is also great. Our class is learning more techniques than any other class, and boy have we learned alot. I enjoy doing manual medicine and clearly see the results each week. So how is life in medical school? Busy just doesn't describe it, Maybe crazy-busy, or super-crazy-busy with sleep deprivation. But, FUN nevertheless. We're learning so much. All the best to you! Kim" |
 Liana Liana, Entering Class of 2003, University of Hawaii Medical School, Family Practice Residency at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Mar. 1, 2010: "Happy March Everyone! I know it's been forever but we finally updated our pictures. Zion & Elijah have been growing up so fast! Life has been very busy, but going good. It is starting to warm up already, and winter went by fast this year, can't wait for summer! Hope you are all doing well & having a great year! Love & Aloha, Liana" |
 Jacqui Jacqui, D.O., Entering Class of 1995, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Family Medicine physician in Naples, Florida Had a visit in Florida with Dr. Jacqui and her family in February. |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of
these alumni!
success story
Valencia, DDS, Entering Class of 1990, Northwestern University School of Dentistry, Specialty Dental Practice in San Diego, CA
 |
Valencia |
If Given the Chance, We Can Move Mountains
My name is Valencia Luckman. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. My family immigrated to the Unites States in 1974. Both my parents instilled in me strong values and morals that have helped me throughout my lifetime. While I was young, they always emphasized education, self-growth, and a belief system that we can accomplish anything that our hearts desire as long as we are willing to work hard at it.
After graduating from High School, I attended San Diego State University to pursue a degree in biology. I have always enjoyed the sciences, especially biology. At the time, I had dreams of becoming a doctor, because I truly wanted to spend my life helping others. I met Dr. Cindy Lewis, who was the pre-professional advisor, at that time. Dr. Lewis explained on my first interview with her how, if I were to succeed, it would require serious dedication. She emphasized that although it is important to maintain a good grade point average, just as importantly medical and dental schools are looking for well-rounded individuals. We must incorporate a discipline not only in our studies, but also in actively seeking clinical opportunities, externships and volunteer work. And, if we were serious, she would guide us in our journey, for the next few years. Dr. Lewis did just that, and more. Her guidance made a direct impact on my life, and propelled me toward success.
During my junior year, Dr. Lewis encouraged me to enter a writing contest. It was for the Harding Pre-Professional Scholarship where 3 students would be chosen to spend a month at a dental school attending classes, labs, and to live on campus, as if they were dental students. The purpose was to provide the opportunity to see what it would be like to go through dental school; one more way to make sure that this is really what you want to do. So, with her strong urging and guidance, I entered the contest. Dr. Lewis advised me to highlight my strengths and to talk a little about my background and how far I’ve come.
At a later date, there was a dinner held to announce the winners, and much to my pleasant surprise, my name was chosen. The winners of the contest were asked to read their papers aloud. Although I am unable to remember it all, I do recall one part. “I wrote that if given the chance, I can move mountains.” That was long ago, and it reflected the belief system that my parents instilled in me. Looking back, I surprise myself at the kind of determination I had even then. But I do still believe that anyone can be what they want to be and anyone can accomplish anything he or she desires, as long as they are willing to work hard at it, and are pursuing their dreams for the right purpose. Dr. Lewis picked up where my parents left off. With her guidance, I became the first to graduate and attain a dental degree in my family.
During my stay at Northwestern Dental School, the hosting school for the Pre-dental Scholarship that summer, I was privileged to be invited to come back in the fall to join the entering class. In addition, I also met my husband who was a graduate dental student fulfilling his Advanced General Residency program that summer, as well. Today, we happily reside in San Diego and share a private practice in the very town where I grew up, and have 2 beautiful children ages 14 and 12.
Dr. Cindy Lewis was instrumental in counseling and guiding me as a young pre-professional health student. She took the time to know me well. She understood my dreams and my purpose and she provided the professional support and direction to help me attain them. Because of her direction, I was prepared to enter dental school in my junior year. Being on track is very important, as well as having your heart in the right place and knowing why you are doing what you do. Dr. Lewis helps her students to look deeper within themselves and to pull out their best attributes. Her guidance provides the anchor that all pre-professional students will benefit from. Thank you Dr. Lewis, for “the chance” to fulfill my life’s dream
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...see
Facebook, Advising Tips tab (link)
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
"Should I do a medical mission abroad?"
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 advising services
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.
contact
"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
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