Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 9 Issue 12
December 2010
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Wow - How did it get to be December, and the end of 2010? Kind of sneaked up on me - what about you?
If you have 1 or more years to go before you apply, you need to be forewarned. One of my "strong" MD applicants for the entering Class of 2011 was rejected by a school. Of course, this happens all the time. But, sometimes rejection provides the opportunity to learn about one's weaknesses and "how to improve". This student's GPA/MCAT profile is about 3.6 overall and science/31 S. These are strong numbers. When pushed, the admission's officer at the rejecting school said, "If you had a 3.7/33 profile, we wouldn't be having this conversation" (meaning the student would have at least interviewed there). So, remember "Holistic Admissions"? Facebook page, Advising Tips from March 09
Allopathic medical schools don't seem to be using this concept very much yet!
Forewarned is forearmed!
This month's question (on Dr. Lewis' Facebook page) is: "How can I become a competitive applicant?"
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!
News:
How to Communicate With Us
Changes in Services
Your journey to a health profession
Are You Ready for the Class of 2012?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
Getting Started
• Physician shortage projected to soar to more than 91,000 in a decade
• AAMC: Physician shortage may be 50 percent higher than previously projected; more residency slots
• GOP state gains expected to have broad impact on physicians
• Cyberbullying a high-tech health risk for young patients
• "Blue button" technology pushed to give patients instant access to medical records
• Medical students enthusiastic about mobile electronic health records
• Shorter hours for residents may come with financial consequences
• Art of medicine: Paintings sharpen medical students' skills
• Ethicists fear patients don't know students may be behind surgical masks
• Doctors' house calls making a comeback
• Survey: Most individuals want control of personal health data
• Wrong-patient, wrong-site procedures persist despite safety protocol
• What editorial writers are saying about rulings on the health reform law
• Has participatory medicine's time arrived?
• Healthcare Job Growth Shows Movement
• AMA looks for ways to trim rising student debt
• Residents to work shorter shifts under more supervision
• Surrogate decision-makers' dilemma on end-of-life care requires more input from doctors
Useful Links
• Today's Podiatrist
• Medical School Mapper
• National Center for the Analysis of Healthcare Data
• Medical Assistant
Alumni Update
• Jimmy, Entering Class of 2010, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Tristan, Entering Class of 2010, Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry
Success Story of the Month
• Babak, D.M.D., Entering Class of 1995, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM 1999), Residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 2000, Endodontics specialty at USC School of Dentistry 2002
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: see our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab."How can I become a competitive applicant?"
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 2010...86% acceptance
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 2012 or 2013?
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, 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 2012 or 2013 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 25 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.
Physician shortage projected to soar to more than 91,000 in a decade
AAMC: Physician shortage may be 50 percent higher than previously projected; more residency slots needed to increase supply. Increases in residency positions are needed to counter rising demand for Medicare and expanded coverage for the uninsured under health reform.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/10/11/prsb1011.htm
GOP state gains expected to have broad impact on physicians
Republicans may support more medical liability reform legislation and trim spending on health programs such as Medicaid.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/15/gvl11115.htm
Cyberbullying a high-tech health risk for young patients
Mental health professionals say leaving the problem unchecked can result in anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicide among victims and perpetrators.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/15/prl21115.htm
"Blue button" technology pushed to give patients instant access to medical records
Proponents say web-based entry will save physicians time and hassle from gathering information for patients. But technical and privacy concerns must be addressed.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/01/bil11101.htm
Medical students enthusiastic about mobile electronic health records
A survey found that this year's students were twice as likely to turn to mobile references compared to respondents in 2009.
http://medhealth.tmcnet.com/topics/mobile-connected-health/articles/115038-medical-students-enthusiastic-mobile-electronic-health-records.htm
Shorter hours for residents may come with financial consequences
Reduced residency duty-hour rules could increase hospitals' financial burdens and hinder education efforts.
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/PHY-258917/Shorter-Hours-for-Residents-May-Come-with-Financial-Consequences
Art of medicine: Paintings sharpen medical students' skills
For first-year students at Yale Medical School, training includes a visit to the Yale Center for British Art, where these future doctors hone their observational skills by examining centuries-old paintings in thick, gold frames.
http://www.livescience.com/health/art-of-diagnosis-101112.html
Ethicists fear patients don't know students may be behind surgical masks
Medical students nationwide play a far greater role in patient care than is commonly known.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/healthscience/stories/111410dnproparklandsider2.3f85ae5.html
Doctors' house calls making a comeback
These visits offer insights not available during a 15-minute office visit.
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/healthcare/doctorsnurses/2010-11-13-house-calls_N.htm
Survey: Most individuals want control of personal health data
A new poll found that 97 percent of respondents say physicians, hospitals, labs and health information technology systems should not sell or share personal health data unless they obtain patient consent.
http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2010/11/12/survey-most-individuals-want-control-of-personal-health-data.aspx
Wrong-patient, wrong-site procedures persist despite safety protocol
A new study found Joint Commission-required timeouts are skipped or rushed. Experts say a "zero tolerance" approach is needed to stop these tragic mistakes.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/01/prl21101.htm
What editorial writers are saying about rulings on the health reform law
A federal court in Michigan upheld the validity of the health reform law, while a Florida judge said a 20-state lawsuit can proceed.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/01/edsa1101.htm
Has participatory medicine's time arrived?
Family physicians are urged to restructure their practices to get patients involved in making medical decisions and taking more responsibility for their health.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/08/prsa1108.htm
Healthcare Job Growth Shows Movement
Despite widespread and well-publicized layoffs, the nation's hospitals reported 5,100 payroll additions in October, and 31,600 payroll additions so far this year.
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/HR-258697/Healthcare-Job-Growth-Shows-Movement
AMA looks for ways to trim rising student debt
The Association will work to increase medical school funding, reduce tuition costs and ease students' loan repayment obligations.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/06/29/prsi0629.htm
Residents to work shorter shifts under more supervision
The ACGME approves new standards that place increased emphasis on patient safety, proper transitions in care and fatigue management.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/10/11/prsa1011.htm
Surrogate decision-makers' dilemma on end-of-life care requires more input from doctors
Physicians and hospitals adhere too strictly to a protocol that leaves such choices exclusively to family members, an article's co-author says.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/15/prsb1115.htm
Today's Podiatrist
http://www.todayspodiatrist.com/
Medical School Mapper
This tool allows you to explore where medical school graduates practice across the United States, by medical school and state.
http://www.medschoolmapper.org/
National Center for the Analysis of Healthcare Data
http://www.ncahd.org/
Medical Assistant
http://www.medical-assistant.net/
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Jimmy's first snow in Colorado Jimmy, Entering Class of 2010, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Nov 9, 2010: "Hi Dr. Lewis and Marcia!! I'm sending along some pictures I just took of my first ever Colorado snow! It was weird because for the past 3 days, the average temperature here in Parker, CO, was up in the 70's, I'm not even kidding. Then, we as a class, all looked at the weather forecast for today and saw that it was projected to drop to 40 degrees and snow today, and I thought that the weather source was lying. I woke up this morning, and it was in the 60's, bright and sunny, so I was sure that there had been a mistake. But about 2 hours ago, I was proven wrong and now it is snowing like crazy!!
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 Tristan Tristan, Entering Class of 2010, Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry Nov 15, 2010: "Dr. Lewis, OHSU is great, the work load is high, but my classmates and instructors are nice people. I am currently on a midterm cycle, so I am a bit behind on my emails. I'm doing quite well, it's been very busy. I mostly finish my exams near the top of the class. Hope you've been doing well. Take care. Tristan"
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Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Babak Babak, D.M.D., Entering Class of 1995, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM 1999), Residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 2000, Endodontics specialty at USC School of Dentistry 2002 I was introduced to Dr. Lewis as a predental student at San Diego State University. My family had recently immigrated to the United States, so in addition to adjusting to a new language and culture, I was going to school and working almost fulltime. I knew that I wanted a career in dentistry, and like a very good coach and Advisor, Dr. Lewis helped me achieve my goals. She provided me with a detailed plan and road map: classes to take, volunteer and extracurricular work to do, and work in a lab doing research, just to name a few. Along the way, she made sure that I continued to be on the right path, encouraged me, and provided feedback. She didn’t always say what I wanted to hear, but she did say what I needed to know and hear.
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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
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
"How can I become a competitive applicant?"
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 23 years of a successful
track record.
Call or email today to set your first appointment!
805.226.9669 imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
Copyright 2009, Lewis Associates. All rights reserved. Please do not repost on any website without direct permission from Lewis Associates.
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