Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 3
March 2011
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with your comments. Enjoy!

March: A time for those living in cold climates to start thawing out! And spring break! How will you use your break if you are in college? Study? Service? Is it "all about me"?

It used to be cliché that college students partied in Ft. Lauderdale over spring break. Many still do. But, as a pre-health student, you can enjoy life, and also focus on others, too! No need for risky behavior.

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 3 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?

And, how long will it take to really improve?

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 are the main risks of attending a "new" medical (or other health profession) 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!
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

News:
• Health reform's primary care recruits: the National Health Service Corps (Scholarships!)
• Better communication leads to better care
• CDC confronts harsh reality: disparities in health care
• Health care embraces the iPad: Doctors jump on new technology
• Physician delivers maternity lab coats
• Health reform polls don't tell the whole story
• Report details health care disparity issues for minority women
• Doctor-lawyer advocacy: When medicine isn't enough
• Make professional credentials unmistakable for patients
• Physician recruitment: Big lures for small practices
• Profits keep rolling in for big insurers despite reform
• Collaborative Practice in American Dentistry: Practice and Potential
• Medical liability: health reform's next step
• Costliest hospitals report lowest death rates
• Doctors' digital divide could widen health care disparities
• Reform law rollout forges ahead despite GOP budget threats

Useful Links
• AmeriCorps
• PeaceCorps
• CityYear - tutor and mentor in schools with low graduation rates
• TeachForAmerica

Alumni Update
• Eric, Entering Class of 2009, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
• Jacqui, D.O., Entering Class of 1995, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Family Medicine physician in Naples, Florida
• Irina, Entering Class of 2003, Touro University - California Mare Island

Success Story of the Month
• Scott, M.D., Entering Class of 1999, University of California San Diego, Pediatric Residency at Stanford University, Pediatric Cardiology Fellow at Columbia University

Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: see our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab.

"What are the main risks of attending a "new" medical (or other health profession) school?"

Our Services

Contact

Welcome to Lewis Associates!

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

Are you ready?

Our Track Record
Entering Class of 2011...coming soon!
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!

How to Communicate With Us

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

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

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.

news

Health reform's primary care recruits: the National Health Service Corps (Scholarships!)
Paying more doctors to work in shortage areas is one plan for mending the nation's safety net before increased demand breaks it.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/07/gvsa0207.htm

Better communication leads to better care
What can physicians and patients do to improve the medical encounter? An online group of patients and doctors decided that the most important resolutions doctors and patients can make is to communicate more openly.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/31/prca0131.htm

CDC confronts harsh reality: disparities in health care
The goal is to provide officials with the data they need to reduce gaps caused by income, race or ethnicity, gender and other social factors.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/31/hlsa0131.htm

Health care embraces the iPad: Doctors jump on new technology
With competition for the Apple product coming, physicians will decide if tablet computers are their mobile device of choice.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/07/bisa0207.htm

Physician delivers maternity lab coats
A West Virginia internist creates specialized medical wear after struggling to find lab coats that fit during her own pregnancy.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/07/bisd0207.htm

Health reform polls don't tell the whole story
Results tracking opposition to the law may be combining liberal support to expand it and conservative support to rescind it.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/14/gvsa0214.htm

Report details health care disparity issues for minority women
Minority women continue to fare worse than white women in terms of health status, rates of disability and mortality, according to a newly updated report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2011-february-16-mac.shtml?source=amawire

Doctor-lawyer advocacy: When medicine isn't enough
Medical-legal partnerships team up physicians and lawyers to help remove legal and social barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from getting needed care.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/21/prsa0221.htm

Make professional credentials unmistakable for patients
Proposed legislation lets patients be sure of credentials of health professionals who treat them -- a necessary step in helping patients make informed choices about care.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/21/edsa0221.htm

Physician recruitment: Big lures for small practices
Small medical practices are having difficulty attracting new doctors. But experts say distinguishing yourself from big systems can attract physicians.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/21/bisa0221.htm

Profits keep rolling in for big insurers despite reform
Health system reform measures that plans said could hurt their bottom lines became law in 2010, but so far many continue to post gains.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/21/bisb0221.htm

Collaborative Practice in American Dentistry: Practice and Potential
As the US seeks to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of the oral health care delivery system – in order to reduce stark disparities in oral health utilization and outcomes that exist in this country – new and innovative models of practice will be necessary.
http://futurehealth.ucsf.edu/Public/Publications-and-Resources/Content.aspx?topic=Collaborative_Practice%20in%20American%20Dentistry:%20Practice%20and%20Potential

Medical liability: health reform's next step
Congress should pass the HEALTH Act to restrain health spending growth while preserving patient access to high-quality physician care.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/07/edsa0207.htm

Costliest hospitals report lowest death rates
The more California hospitals spend, the more lives they save, says new research that appears to contradict findings from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/14/prl20214.htm

Doctors' digital divide could widen health care disparities
Government and private entities are looking to ensure that health IT adoption doesn't leave out physicians who treat poor and minority patients.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/14/bisa0214.htm

Reform law rollout forges ahead despite GOP budget threats
The parts of the statute subject to annual appropriations are most vulnerable to rollback efforts.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/14/gvl10214.htm

links

AmeriCorps
http://www.americorps.gov/

PeaceCorps
http://www.peacecorps.gov/

CityYear - tutor and mentor in schools with low graduation rates
http://www.cityyear.org/

TeachForAmerica
http://www.teachforamerica.org/

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

alumni updates

Eric Eric, Entering Class of 2009, Saint Louis University School of Medicine Feb 7, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis, as I write this email from my apartment, I'm looking out over a snow covered Saint Louis! It's been a chilly winter, but I've enjoyed the punctuated seasons here. I'm definitely ready for spring! I moved into a new place this year. I'm renting a condo in a 10 story building and my unit is on the 10th floor. It faces south, so I have beautiful sunrise and sunset viewing and a balcony for the occasional cocktail hour / bbq / coffee. It's only a mile from the med campus and hospital, so it's been really convenient. Our second year is winding down and my focus is beginning to shift towars board preparation. Academically, this year has been way better for me. I remember you saying, "cramming is not learning." The funny thing is that's what I felt like the majority of last year entailed and it really started to wear on me. I made it through, but it was grueling! This year, we transitioned into a systems-based curriculum, which is far more engaging and enjoyable. The seemingly disparate pieces I've accumulated over the years are finally starting to come together. Let's see, what else? Last year, I spent a lot of time volunteering at our student-run free clinic and joined a community service track at school, which requires ongoing service and written reflections. I found it to be a good way to stay connected to my passion for this whole deal. Also, I've been dating a gal who is a year ahead of me for a little over a year now. It's been fun to watch her progression since it's like getting a glimpse into my future in a way. I'm VERY excited to start clinical rotations this summer! This year, I'm running the medical ethics interest group with two other classmates, and doing some clinical research in the ER. But, I must say the best kept secret here is the "pick-up" basketball games at our gym. I play A TON! It's funny how many med students, residents, etc., come out. It's not uncommon for the teams to be comprised of 70% SLU medical students, and staff. It's been a great way to build friendships. Best, Eric"

Jacqui Jacqui, 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, Family Doctor. "You can become what you want, if you know what you need to be happy." Continuing from February 2011. Dr. Jacqueline's story is just beginning, as against all prognosis, she achieved balance in her responsibilities as wife and mother to finally move to Palmetto, Florida, where she reached her specialty and became finally, after over 13 years of hard study, a family doctor, a choice based on her vision of success in life. She has faced many challenges. The biggest and most rewarding time in her career, has been able to take care of her father, who died two years ago under her constant attention, leaving her a very special gift, a little sister who has become one of her daughters, Luisa, who she speaks of with the singular love of a proud mother. Her work is not confined to the normal time of a Family Doctor, but is intertwined with a beautiful mission of love and education. She is a medical missionary, and among the many countries where she has been are Jamaica, Guatemala and Mexico. Her great plan of life is to continue to work toward permanent and radical changes in her beloved Dominican Republic, pursuing a better world through education and prevention. "I would like to live forever in the Dominican Republic leaving a lasting legacy of education, that allows my countrymen to have a good life, based on prevention and healthy lifestyle." With a family focus, she is also Medical Director of Aston Gardens, a care center for adults with mental problems. "This opportunity has given me the strength to lose the fear of old age, and understand that life stresses gives us the means to enjoy the end of our lives as the golden years." Look for the final posting of Dr. Jacqueline's story next month!

Irina's Family Irina, Entering Class of 2003, Touro University - California Mare Island Jan 18, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis, I finished Internal Medicine residency at Highland hospital (in Oakland) this past summer and joined a private physician group in the East Bay. I'm doing both office and hospital work and loving it! My son, Ilan, is 7 and we have a daughter (whom I had 4th year of med school) who just turned 4. We live in Walnut Creek. I hope to keep in touch, Irina"

Scott Scott, M.D., Entering Class of 1999, University of California San Diego, Pediatric Residency at Stanford University, Pediatric Cardiology Fellow at Columbia University It was the first Tuesday of February of 1994 when I signed a letter of intent to play football at San Diego State University. It was a dream of mine to play college football, but I also knew that the chances of going to the NFL were slim. After realizing how rewarding a career in medicine could be, I decided I wanted to go to medical school. I was able to take advantage of the opportunities that playing football provided, including the required sessions with tutors during my freshman year. One of my chemistry tutors happened to be pre-med and suggested that I go talk with Dr. Lewis about how to get into medical school. Our football team had never had a pre-med student, so Dr. Lewis’ guidance was crucial to my success. Trying to balance a heavy premed workload and the rigors of playing Division-I college football was a challenge. During the season we studied game film before class, with meetings and practice afterward. Weekends were spent traveling and playing football. The offseason required early morning workouts before classes and hours in the weight room after class. When it came time to take the MCAT, I took the test while my teammates played our spring football game without me. If I would have tried to navigate my own path to medical school, I could have easily gotten lost. The time spent with Dr. Lewis helped keep me on the right path. She made sure I was taking the proper classes, finding the proper volunteer experience, perfecting my personal statement, applying to the right medical schools, and honing my interviewing skills. Just one month after starting at strong safety in the Las Vegas Bowl against the University of North Carolina, I was accepted to my medical school of choice at the University of California, San Diego. After navigating medical school, residency, and two fellowships, I have a job that I truly love as an academic pediatric cardiologist specializing in heart failure and transplantation. When looking back at the long journey, I realized that the greatest hurdle was getting into medical school. I will always be grateful for Dr. Lewis’ advice and guidance.

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 are the main risks of attending a "new" medical (or other health profession) 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.

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

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

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

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

Call or email today to set your first appointment!

805.226.9669 imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

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