Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 2
February 2011
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Happy Valentine's Day - a little early. By February, those of you attending college should be into your winter or spring term, and studying diligently! If you are in the application Class of 2012, you should be working to collect all your Letters of Recommendation, and into your 4th or later draft of your Personal Statement(s) and Post-Secondary Experience list/descriptions. And, during the next 4 to 5 months, you should be addressing all your weaknesses.
What are your weaknesses?
- Science GPA?
- Test (MCAT, DAT) scores (or take the test for the first time)?
- Clinical experience?
- Service?
- No close relationships with faculty?
So, 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 "has 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: "What classes do I need to complete to apply for medical or dental school?"
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
• 2011 Question of the Year
• Facing shortage, we can't just pull doctors out of a hat
• Standards for Education and Credentialing in Critical Care Medicine
• Educating Physicians to Prevent Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
• New Medical School Model: Adopt A Family To Treat
• Health system reform expected to boost house calls
• New duty-hour standards get mixed reception from Residents
• Residents: Workers or Students in the Eyes of the Law?
Useful Links
• Ending Disparities e-Letter
• Health Care Careers e-Letter
Alumni Update
• Inna, Entering Class of 2008, UCSD School of Pharmacy
• Jacqui, D.O., Entering Class of 1995, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Family Medicine physician in Naples, Florida
• Patrick, MD, MPH, Entering Class of 1993, Harvard University Medical School, Oncology Residency at Harvard Joint Center for Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology practice in Vista, CA
• Andrea, MD, Entering Class of 2002, Harvard University Medical School, Ob-Gyn Residency at UCSF
Success Story of the Month
• Lynn, International Student, Entering Class of 2010, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: see our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab."What classes do I need to complete to apply for medical or dental school?"
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.
2011 Question of the Year
A number of leaders in academic medicine have been calling for better alignment between medical education and health care needs.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/01000/2011_Question_of_the_Year.1.aspx
Facing shortage, we can't just pull doctors out of a hat
AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD, calls for more funding of residency slots, as well as an increase in minority physicians, to help meet the nation's growing health care needs, especially in underserved areas of the country.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/10/edca0110.htm
Standards for Education and Credentialing in Critical Care Medicine
Care led by physicians trained and certified in critical care medicine (CCM) is strongly associated with improved odds of survival.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/early/2011/01/05/jama.2010.1997.full
Educating Physicians to Prevent Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
To help fund expanded access to care, lawmakers propose to redouble the government's efforts to reduce health care fraud, waste, and abuse. Educating physicians about the relevant laws would help them to become partners in this mission.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1012609
New Medical School Model: Adopt A Family To Treat
Florida International University's College of Medicine in Miami approach to rethinking medical school is a community-based medical curriculum.
http://www.npr.org/2011/01/05/131700669/new-medical-school-model-adopt-a-family-to-treat?sc=tw&cc=share
Health system reform expected to boost house calls
One project set to launch in 2012 provides payment incentives for primary care teams offering such services.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/03/bil10103.htm
New duty-hour standards get mixed reception from Residents
A survey finds opinion divided about whether the rules, set to take effect in July, will improve their education and quality of life.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/03/prsa0103.htm
Residents: Workers or Students in the Eyes of the Law?
Despite their medical school diplomas, medical interns and residents are not yet full-fledged physicians. But does it follow that interns and residents should still be considered students?
http://healthpolicyandreform.nejm.org/?p=13586#more-13586
Ending Disparities e-Letter
Periodic news, information, and updates related to eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/public-health/eliminating-health-disparities/ending-disparities-eletter.shtml
Health Care Careers e-Letter
E-newsletter covers educational trends and career-related issues for the 81 health care fields listed in the AMA's Health Care Careers Directory.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education-careers/careers-health-care/health-care-careers-e-letter.shtml
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Inna Inna, Entering Class of 2008, UCSD School of Pharmacy Dec 17, 2010: " Hi Dr. Lewis, I have been very busy with school and am sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I defiantly picked the hard road to get to my goal. But maybe it will be a better choice down the line. I am hoping all my hard work will pay off. I am actually doing pretty well in my studie,s and have several officer positions and leadership roles in the university. I am also taking on leadership positions and working with the UCSD clinics and the medical school to get a better connection between the pharmacy and medical student involvement and collaboration between the disciplines in managing patient care. In addition, I am class social chair and one of the pharmacy organizations VP of community outreach, so I organize many events for my school. I wanted to thank you for all of your support in the difficult process of applying to school and in my undergrad work. I am very grateful for everything you have done for me, and feel so lucky to have had your help. You are an incredible adviser and person. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones. Sincerely, Inna" |
 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." "As it happens in many families, her parents divorced when she was still very young, and although, the lack of a paternal figure full time in her life did not stop her dreams, quite the opposite, it instilled in her the determination that you see in her face when she talks about medicine as a passion that guided her life, and that eventually would bring her back to her father. Her destiny could have been different, away from her objectives because of lack of financial resources, but family guidance and the personal challenge motivated her greatly with the objective of showing to the world that a young woman of hispanic descent could, with determination and courage, turn into what she wanted, once she is certain of what she needs to be happy. She broke with the standards, and started to study at the New York College Osteopathic Medicine, in New York. Half way through she met the love of her life, Jose Romero, an important professional serving his country, with whom she is married for 23 happy years and has 3 daughters, Janelle, Jilian and Jolie." Look for more of Dr. Romero's story next month! |
 Patrick and his family Patrick, MD, MPH, Entering Class of 1993, Harvard University Medical School, Oncology Residency at Harvard Joint Center for Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncologist practice in Vista, CA |
 Andrea's son Andrea, MD, Entering Class of 2002, Harvard University Medical School, Ob-Gyn Residency at UCSF |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Lynn Lynn, International Student, Entering Class of 2010, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Applying to Medical School is a daunting task for anyone to undertake, but as an international student from England, unaccustomed to the American education system it was especially intimidating. After initially making the decision to go to medical school in America, I (naively) thought that if I simply got the "right grades" and the right MCAT scores, that a university would accept me. As it turns out, for international students, it isn’t as simple as I had originally envisioned. Only a handful of universities accept international students and of those institutions that do, only a couple of foreign students are admitted each year. Since I would be fighting for one of an extremely limited number of spots, I knew that I needed some expert guidance in order to increase my chance of success. Hiring Dr. Lewis to help me navigate the complicated path toward Medical School acceptance was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. She was able to effectively guide me through the complexities of applying for medical school in America. She put together a year-long plan that kept me on track for completing essays, writing personal statements, taking MCAT practice exams, participating in extracurricular volunteer work and she made absolutely sure that I never missed a deadline. On top of all the practical advice and planning that Dr Lewis provided, she also was a constant source of encouragement and support. There are many emotional highs and lows during the lead up to medical school and I always felt comforted knowing that I had an Advisor with the years of experience that would get me where I wanted to be and the emotional capacity to care and comfort me throughout the process. As I exhale after completing my first semester of medical school, I look back upon all the work and stress that went into getting this far and I wouldn’t change a thing, especially my decision to hire Dr Lewis as my advisor.
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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
"What classes do I need to complete to apply for medical or dental school?"
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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