Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 1
January 2011
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Another New Year!
"Happy New Year" to you and your family! Most of us think of new beginnings, of overcoming some past problem or issue at the start of the new year. For many, it is losing weight or stopping an addictive behavior like smoking. For pre-health students, I commonly hear, "I want to be more serious about earning good grades, but I don't know how?" or "Why is college so hard." or "How do I get clinical experience?"
Whatever quest you have or issue you want to discuss, Dr. Lewis is the best person to use for personal and academic advice. She's been doing it for 25 years, and "heard it all". Why don't you let her help you?
805-226-9669
imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
This month's question (on Dr. Lewis' Facebook page) is: "How many Osteopathic physicians complete an Allopathic (MD) residency?"
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
Your journey to a health profession
Are You Ready for the Class of 2012?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
Getting Started
• Rethinking the Way We Rank Medical Schools
• Build a Better Doctor
• Med schools adjusting to millennial students
• Diagnostic errors: Why they happen
• Primary care physician shortage creates challenges for medical homes
• Primary Care Physicians Face Financial Holes Up to 5 Years Post-Residency
• Reaching the remote: Telemedicine gains ground
• University Invention Helps Students Learn Surgical Techniques Before Operating On Patients
• Drug industry ties to doctors weaken as disclosure, gift rules spread
• University of Queensland School of Medicine Accredited
• Little Progress Made in Insuring Patient Safety
• HHS spells out final medical-loss ratio rules
Useful Links
• Child Family Health International
• Physician Assistant Programs
Alumni Update
• Cynthia Delgado, Entering Class of 1999, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Clinical Nephrology Academic Fellowship, UCSF
• Jacqui, D.O., Entering Class of 1995, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Family Medicine physician in Naples, Florida
Success Story of the Month
• Kelly, Entering Class of 2010, Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: see our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab."How many Osteopathic physicians complete an Allopathic (MD) residency?"
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.
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.
Rethinking the Way We Rank Medical Schools
The needs of patients may have changed faster than the ranking lists we have come to depend upon.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/health/17chen.html
Build a Better Doctor
Traditional med-school models don't turn out the kinds of caregivers we need today.
http://www.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ/Build+a+Better+Doctor
Med schools adjusting to millennial students
Educators look for ways to build on new scholars' perceived strengths in technology, optimism and team-building.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/01/14/prsd0114.htm
Diagnostic errors: Why they happen
Mental shortcuts and poor communication can lead to missed diagnoses, but the search is on for ways to prevent these sometimes catastrophic mistakes.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/12/06/prsa1206.htm
Primary care physician shortage creates challenges for medical homes
An additional 6,355 doctors would be needed to handle only half of the follow-up care done by specialists treating seven chronic conditions, a study says.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/29/prsb1129.htm
Primary Care Physicians Face Financial Holes Up to 5 Years Post-Residency
The average primary care physician may face financial difficulties for 3-5 years after residency, with expenses exceeding income forcing the physician to delay savings and cut expenses.
http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/compensation-issues/primary-care-physicians-face-financial-holes-up-to-5-years-post-residency.html
Reaching the remote: Telemedicine gains ground
Services that provide specialists to patients in underserved areas are likely to expand as demands on the health care system increase.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/22/prsa1122.htm
University Invention Helps Students Learn Surgical Techniques Before Operating On Patients
An invention by Colorado State University veterinarians provides students with artificial body parts that look, feel, behave, and even bleed just like real skin, muscles and vessels.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/208833.php
Drug industry ties to doctors weaken as disclosure, gift rules spread
More physicians are saying no to free lunches, drug reps and consulting relationships, new data show.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/29/prl11129.htm
University of Queensland School of Medicine Accredited
The Australian Medical Council has fully accredited The University of Queensland School of Medicine and the Ochsner Clinical School.
http://www2.som.uq.edu.au/som/News/Pages/ArticleView.aspx?List=9b62077e-28b5-4cc1-bb73-c51ea9d24941&ID=92
Little Progress Made in Insuring Patient Safety
A decade after the Institute of Medicine's report cataloging iatrogenic injury, harm resulting from medical care is still common with few signs of improvement, at least at 10 North Carolina hospitals.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/GeneralProfessionalIssues/23613
HHS spells out final medical-loss ratio rules
Quality improvement and patient care are in; health plans' fraud and abuse expenses, network and contracting fees, and agent and broker commissions are out.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/12/06/gvsa1206.htm
Child Family Health International
http://www.cfhi.org
Physician Assistant Programs
http://www.arc-pa.org/acc_programs/program_data.html
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
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Cynthia Delgado MD, Entering Class of 1999, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Clinical Nephrology Academic Fellowship, UCSF Dec 3, 2010: "Hi Dr. Lewis, I am still at UCSF, I extended my clinical research fellowship for one more year and graduate at the end June 2011. I am amazed at how time has just slipped by. Feels like yesterday I was going into your office on the weekends to help organize. I am really happy that my career really fell into place. I have just submitted a mentored career development award to continue doing my research in deficits in physical function among patients with chronic kidney disease. Hopefully I will stay in academics, only time will tell. I am very happy in the Bay Area and am calling it my home for now. Best Wishes During the Holiday Season! Cynthia"
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 Jacqui Jacqui Romero, D.O., Entering Class of 1995, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Family Medicine physician in Naples, Florida Excerpt from an article published in DLatinos.tv "Dr. Jacqueline Romero, Family Doctor. "You can become what you want, if you know what you need to be happy." Dr. Jacqueline Romero was born in New York, her parents are from the Dominican Republic. She studied high school in New Jersey, in a city with the highest incidence of teens not finishing high school due to early pregnancies. Dr. Romero always knew that she would be a doctor. Her first surgery was on one of her dolls, and she says that she was so frustrated because she could not stitch her doll closed, that she decided at that moment she would become Dr. Romero, a professional of Hispanic descent, who today inspires respect and admiration because of her professionalism, and also because of her personal qualities as a human being, a woman, a mother and a community leader." Look for more of Dr. Romero's story next month! |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Kelly Kelly, Entering Class of 2010, Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine I’m 27 years old now, and I made the decision to become a doctor just before my 22nd birthday. I believe I had many of the same road blocks as anybody else, and a few unique ones of my own. I went through the typical questions: Can I do this? Am I smart enough? I stumbled my way through the MCAT, the bane of my existence at the time. I took the test three times and did well below average. I withdrew my application the first year I applied to medical school. The second year, with my worst MCAT score, I went ahead and kept my application in the pool. I got three interviews, was rejected from the first two, and was accepted at the third. Talk about hanging on by a thread. Before I go on, I should mention that I did have very good grades, many service activities, and work experience in medicine. The school I was accepted into was LMU-DCOM (Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine). Through all the waiting, terrible test-taking, and emotional roller-coaster ride, I can honestly say that it was all worth it to get into this school, which is a diamond in the rough. A little more about my journey. The first year I applied, I did not have too much direction as the pre-health department at my school was overwhelmed by so many students. Luckily, I was referred to Dr. Lewis by a fellow student and friend. Dr. Lewis was my ace-in-the-hole. I know I would not have gotten in without her. I had no idea what I was doing in terms of filling out application material, so I just did what I was told to do by Dr. Lewis, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. She gave my application process structure and organization. Our appointments every week prevented any possible procrastination, and pointed me in the right direction. Let me tell you, she keeps you on task and ready for each step of the process. At the age of 10, I was diagnosed with an auditory learning disability. I had (and still have) a lot of problems understanding verbal communication because my processing speed is slow. Luckily, my visual memory and understanding is well above average, but I can listen to a song 50 times and still not understand the words until I see the lyrics on paper. As I was having so many problems with the MCAT, I was re-tested for this learning disability. I was told that my auditory processing was now normal, but I probably have ADHD. My personal takeaway message from this? SOMETHING is going on in my brain that is a barrier for my learning. I can live without a specific label. My first few weeks of medical school were hard just because I still had no idea if I deserved to be there. I had to study longer hours and harder than most students because of my learning issue, and that’s saying something for medical school. But, my anxiety decreased after the first round of tests, when I earned A’s and B’s. Here I am, at the end of my first semester, still holding those grades. I don’t question my ability anymore, because I have overcome that problem. I know I deserve to be here. As much stress as medical school causes, just that feeling of knowing I’m doing well keeps me sane. The worst part of medical school for me was getting in. LMU-DCOM is a newer school. It is one of the most technologically advanced medical schools in the country. The faculty and staff are determined to establish its reputation. The first class graduates this year, so the school is still not well-known, but seeing the dedication of my teachers, and how much effort everyone puts into the school, I know LMU-DCOM will be recognized for innovations in medical education in the future. My teachers thus far have great personalities; they are just cool people. As the school is just starting, the faculty and staff really listen to us students about what is working and what does not. My class has already made changes to our curriculum that will be in effect for next year’s class. I feel that I stumbled upon this well kept secret. In fact, I didn’t even know about this school. Dr. Lewis recommended I apply, so I said, “Why not?” Thank you Dr. Lewis!
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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 many Osteopathic physicians complete an Allopathic (MD) residency?"
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
Copyright 2009, Lewis Associates. All rights reserved. Please do not repost on any website without direct permission from Lewis Associates.
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