Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 11 Issue 1
January 2012
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Happy New Year! January is the time for "new beginnings", new directions, new goals; a time to become inspired and motivated to change. What is your goal? How do you want to change?
Looking forward, I will be writing my first book next year. It will be about YOUR personal journey to, as one of my colleagues calls it, "The Promised Land": Medical (health professions) School. Keep watching for more information about this long-awaited book!
Do you really want to be competitive?
1. Plan ... ahead!
2. Address your weaknesses. What are they?
- Science GPA?
- Test (MCAT, DAT) scores, or do you need to take the test for the first time?
- Clinical experiences? How meaningful are they?
- Service? What did you do to help others?
- No close relationships with faculty?
And, how long will it take to really improve? One term? 2 years? Be realistic!
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 26 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: "I was interviewed, and asked how many schools I had applied to. Can medical schools see what other schools I have applied to? Do they have access to this information?" This question may also be phrased, "What other schools did you apply to?"
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 2013 or 2014?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
What Are Your Chances
Getting Started
• MCAT to be revised in 2015, already affecting colleges.
• Medical Schools Support MCAT Changes Set for 2015, But Uncertainty Abounds as Many Are Unsure that Colleges' Pre-Med Programs Can Revise Their Curricula in Time to Adequately Prepare Students.
• More medical schools face LCME sanctions after deviating from standards
• Do Med Students Know When to Wash Their Hands?
• Study examines how doctors and patients see health care.
• Patients want more engagement with doctors.
• To save millions and improve care, patient engagement needed.
• CMS offering physicians grants for health care innovations
• The Difficulty of Assessing Students' Competence in Patient Care.
• Commentary: Diversity 3.0: A Necessary Systems Upgrade.
• Commentary: Meeting Future Medical Care Needs: A Perfect Storm on the Horizon.
• Medical school's partnership with 5 hospitals aims to ease physician shortages
Useful Links
• Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
• M.D.-Ph.D. Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
• Child Family Health International Summer Scholarship
• Stanford Summer Health Careers Opportunity Program (SSHCOP)
Alumni Update
• Joseph, M.D., Entering Class of 1995, St Georges University; Family Medicine Residency and Fellowship at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, NJ; Sports Medicine Fellowship at UCSD; private practice in Sports and Family Medicine in San Diego
• Darin, DDS, Entering Class of 1994, Baylor University School of Dentistry; Specialization Program in Orthodontics University of Colorado; Orthodontics Practice in Alberta, Canada
Success Story of the Month
• Michael, Entering Class of 2012, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "I was interviewed, and asked how many schools I had applied to. Can medical schools see what other schools I have applied to? Do they have access to this information?" This question may also be phrased, "What other schools did you apply to?"
See our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab.
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...100% acceptance
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 Your preparation and application activities. 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
|
Email: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com |
| 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 2013 or 2014?
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 2013 or 2014 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 26 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.
MCAT to be revised in 2015, already affecting colleges.
Even though the MCAT won’t be receiving revisions until 2015, colleges are already being affected by them.
http://www.purdueexponent.org/campus/article_d69d160b-a024-502e-914e-8544959cfa55.html
Medical Schools Support MCAT Changes Set for 2015, But Uncertainty Abounds as Many Are Unsure that Colleges' Pre-Med Programs Can Revise Their Curricula in Time to Adequately Prepare Students.
Reflecting advances in science, behavioral impact on health, and a diversifying population, the MCAT is scheduled to introduce a host of changes in 2015 designed to better prepare tomorrow's doctors.
http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/11/11/b2139183/kaplan-test-prep-survey-medical-schools-support-mcat-changes-set-for-20
More medical schools face LCME sanctions after deviating from standards.
The number recommended for probation more than triples in 15 years.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/prsa1205.htm
Do Med Students Know When to Wash Their Hands?
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2011/12/02/do-med-students-know-when-to-wash-their-hands/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=WSJ_health
Study examines how doctors and patients see health care.
Doctors and patients agree on many of the key issues facing the future of health care, but that's where much of the agreement ends.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/story/2011-11-14/doctors-patients-health-care-reform/51205958/1
Patients want more engagement with doctors.
Patients are looking for doctors who will check up on them and offer guidance between office visits.
http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/patients-want-more-engagement-doctors
To save millions and improve care, patient engagement needed.
http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/save-millions-and-improve-care-patient-engagement-needed
CMS offering physicians grants for health care innovations
The $1 billion program is the latest to be unveiled by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to support better ideas for care.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,s52d,2kdo,guh0,72em,d051,er0i
The Difficulty of Assessing Students' Competence in Patient Care.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/12000/The_Difficulty_of_Assessing_Students__Competence.5.aspx#
Commentary: Diversity 3.0: A Necessary Systems Upgrade.
This is a defining moment for health and health care in the United States, and our medical schools and teaching hospitals have a critical role to play.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/12000/Commentary__Diversity_3_0__A_Necessary_Systems.7.aspx
Commentary: Meeting Future Medical Care Needs: A Perfect Storm on the Horizon.
Recent studies indicate that the number of first-year residency positions must increase to meet the United States' projected need for physicians, but these studies rarely consider whether it will be possible to increase the country's graduate medical education system to meet the need.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/12000/Commentary__Meeting_Future_Medical_Care_Needs__A.8.aspx
Medical school's partnership with 5 hospitals aims to ease physician shortages
A Florida program is one of 15 graduate medical education consortiums nationwide and has a mission to increase the doctor supply.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,spev,2kdo,ciaw,c9dz,d051,er0i
Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
https://www.aamc.org/members/great/61052/great_summerlinks.html
M.D.-Ph.D. Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
https://www.aamc.org/members/great/169782/mdphdsummerprograms.html
Child Family Health International Summer Scholarship
http://www.cfhi.org/web/index.php/campaigns/show/id/51
Stanford Summer Health Careers Opportunity Program (SSHCOP)
http://coe.stanford.edu/pre-med/sshcop.html
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Joseph Joseph, M.D., Entering Class of 1995, St Georges University; Family Medicine Residency and Fellowship at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, NJ; Sports Medicine Fellowship at UCSD; private practice in Sports and Family Medicine in San Diego Nov 28, 2011: " Hi Dr. Lewis! Just got back from Gold Coast, Australia, where I covered as the newest Team Physician for USA Rugby. Rugby 7's will be a medal sport starting in Rio, Brazil 2016 Olympics, and they've set up training here at the US Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. See the article here. All the best, Joe." |
 Darin Darin, DDS, Entering Class of 1994, Baylor University School of Dentistry; Specialization Program in Orthodontics University of Colorado; Orthodontics Practice in Alberta, Canada Dec 6, 2011: " Hi Dr. Lewis, I am opening a new practice, Okotoks Orthodontics on Dec. 8th, 2011. Hopefully seeing lots of kiddos, as my downtown practice is only 2 days/week and is 90% adults. Darin." |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Michael Michael, Entering Class of 2012, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine Life was not easy growing up in a depressed western Pennsylvania mill town. My father, a disabled veteran, was among hundreds of chemical plant lay-offs. Shortly thereafter, our modest home fell into disrepair. Watching my parents handle adversity has taught me perseverance and hard work. Having no television, I attribute my early advanced reading skills to my mother who continually read to me. By kindergarten, I had already read several books about presidents, politics, and history. I marveled at Mom stressing the importance of helping those “less fortunate.” Every day after school, even in the midst of our own struggles, Mom and I cared for Patty, an elderly, mentally-challenged neighbor. During grade school, I visited nursing homes and helped lead Sunday worship services. I led many youth group fundraisers for Children’s Hospital, MS, and various veterans’ groups. In high school, I graduated with high honors, lettered in and captained baseball, track, and cross-country, spearheaded 4 organizations, and managed a successful County Commissioner’s campaign. Determined to be the first college graduate in my family, I was among the first 150 in the nation accepted to West Point that year. West Point presented a big challenge for me and it was not my ideal academic environment. I left there with a less than stellar GPA, but I knew what I was capable of. However, the Academy built my character, leadership skills, and the foundation for my career and post-baccalaureate achievements. Following graduation, I was ranked the #1 lieutenant in my brigade during each of my 3 years in the Army. However, a severe shoulder injury limited me physically and cut short my promising military career. After 3 years of grueling rehabilitation, I established a successful 12-year corporate career and have earned a 4.0 GPA in 79 units of post-graduate work. My journey to medicine started at age 17. At a youth concert, I heard Deanna cry, “Alyssa! Are you OK?” The distressed look on our friend’s face panicked our group. “Alyssa! Are you choking?” I yelped. She could not respond. Her frozen stare revealed fear and helplessness. I recalled my practice in lifeguarding and executed the Heimlich Maneuver until she coughed and gasped for air. Relieved, I consoled my stunned friend. I received no accolades, but the incident lit my spark for medicine. As a young boy, I developed the passion to care for others. Assisting my grandmother, I tended to my aunt Candy who had MS. When I was 4, I remember Candy sprinting to retrieve an errant cart hurtling toward my parents’ car. A few short years later, I observed her debilitating illness rob her of her control over muscular movements. It broke my heart. My grandmother recalls listening to children tell our minister what they wanted for Christmas. Each child asked for toys. When the preacher called upon me, I replied, “My aunt has MS and I wish God would cure her.” Grandma said there was not a dry eye in the surprised congregation. At an early age, I felt a strong sense of compassion for others. I live by the same principles and ideals Osteopathic medicine espouses. Its caring and holistic approach represents my reasons for wanting to become a doctor. While I have observed many caring MDs, I have come to appreciate the DO philosophy. It engenders concern and commitment to the disadvantaged. Never was this more evident to me than seeing my mentor, Dr. MacLear, aiding an elderly Latino grandmother. This woman took her grandchildren into her home following her daughter’s incarceration. Her back pain was unbearable and she bore the burden of her daughter’s plight. She had no insurance and was in tears. Reaching into his pocket, Dr. MacLear offered her a handkerchief. His warm embrace reassured her that he cared. Despite her inability to pay, Dr. MacLear performed a procedure that greatly reduced her pain and enabled her to continue caring for her grandchildren. In this age, rushed, bureaucratic, and at times, inhumane delivery of medicine is commonplace; the DO philosophy represents a return to a patient-first system of values. I aspire to serve in rural primary care to disadvantaged and needy patients. These are my roots. I want to build close, long-term relationships with people in the community who become my patients. As a healer and civic leader, I will endeavor to build courage among those facing adversity. I will serve as a pillar when there seems to be little cause for strength and I will create hope when hope has faded. These passions fuel my drive to add the letters “DO” to my name. On November 15th, I received a letter of acceptance from Nova Southeastern University and will begin my studies there next August! |
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
"I was interviewed, and asked how many schools I had applied to. Can medical schools see what other schools I have applied to? Do they have access to this information?" This question may also be phrased, "What other schools did you apply to?"
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.comwith 'Newsletter Question' in the subject line.
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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