Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 11 Issue 3
March 2012
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Many juniors, seniors and Postbaccalaureate students start to think about the application process about now. Is it too late? Really, the correct question to ask is: "Am I ready to apply this year?" No matter that you have completed the basic minimum premed courses -- doing the "minimum" is NOT the same as being competitive! How do you determine if you are competitive? Ask Dr. Lewis to do your Personal Assessment and you will see what your motivation, strengths, weaknesses look like to a Dean of Admissions and establish your own Personal Strategy! This process takes about 2 weeks because she is thorough in history-taking. This is our busy season! Do NOT delay.
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 have heard about a new interview process where you move from one station to another and everyone is asked the same question. What is this process?"
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
• The New MCAT
• New training emphasizes behavioral, social sciences
• Is Primary Care Necessary?
• A push to train more primary care doctors
• How will the reform act affect healthcare?
• Students lobby Congress on school debt, GME funding
• Fear of punitive response to hospital errors lingers
• Our unrealistic attitudes about death, through a doctor’s eyes
• Back to school: Teaching the next generation of cost-conscious physicians
• Evolution of medicine creates need to address unhealthy lifestyle
• Over $9 million allocated to help students repay loans
• Changes coming to Step 2 Clinical Skills examination
• Young doctors flock toward new specialty in end-of-life care
• Hot-button issues drive state CME mandates
• Ambulatory setting expected to provide more job growth than hospitals
• Success of health reform hinges on hiring 30,000 primary care doctors by 2015
• Study: Defensive medicine seeping into physician training
• Family care doctors are in high demand
Useful Links
• The New England Journal of Medicine - Health Policy and Reform
• Color Blindness and Medicine - Information and advice for medical practitioners, medical students and prospective medical students who are color blind
• Pre-Vet Advisor e-newsletter
Alumni Update
• Eunice, MD, Entering Class of 1997, Stanford University, Family Medicine residency at Stanford University/O'Conner Family Medicine Program. Family Medicine & Urgent Care physician at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in San Diego, CA
Success Story of the Month
• NB, Entering Class of 2012, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "I have heard about a new interview process where you move from one station to another and everyone is asked the same question. What is this process?"
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.
The New MCAT
New sections on the social sciences and on critical thinking will be added to the Medical College Admission Test in 2015, representing the first major revision in the exam since 1991 and one of the largest ever since it was introduced in 1928.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/02/17/mcat-changing-how-it-tests-would-be-physicians
New training emphasizes behavioral, social sciences
Broader exposure to the behavioral and social sciences during medical school and residency training can equip future physicians with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice medicine effectively.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-february-08/2012-february-08-medical_student.shtml?P=S&C=A&G=T&M=T&I=T&W=T&Y=T&S=F
Is Primary Care Necessary?
No, it is essential.
http://futurehealth.ucsf.edu/Public/Monthly-Hot-Topic.aspx?utm_source=February+2012+Center+Newsletter&utm_campaign=Feb+2012+Newsletter&utm_medium=email
A push to train more primary care doctors
To address the primary care shortage, new medical schools are opening with an emphasis on primary care and others are changing their curricula to boost the number of graduates interested in the field.
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-me-primarycare-20120219,0,250503.story
How will the reform act affect healthcare?
Although major components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) do not go into effect until 2014, the fate of PPACA depends on the outcomes of four key events this year.
http://www.cmio.net/index.php?option=com_articles&view=article&id=31460:nejm-how-will-the-reform-act-affect-healthcare
Students lobby Congress on school debt, GME funding
More than 200 medical students from 30 states visited Capitol Hill on Monday to communicate the needs of the nation's physicians-in-training, doctors and patients.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-february-15/2012-february-15-medical_student.shtml?P=S&C=A&G=T&M=T&I=T&W=T&Y=T&S=F
Fear of punitive response to hospital errors lingers
Most health professionals remain reluctant to discuss problems or report mistakes freely, despite appeals to hospitals that they stop pointing fingers when things go wrong.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,wnls,2kdo,jx69,44nf,d051,er0i
Our unrealistic attitudes about death, through a doctor’s eyes
I know where this phone call is going. I’m on the hospital wards, and a physician in the emergency room downstairs is talking to me about an elderly patient who needs to be admitted to the hospital.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/our-unrealistic-views-of-death-through-a-doctors-eyes/2012/01/31/gIQAeaHpJR_story.html
Back to school: Teaching the next generation of cost-conscious physicians
Reimbursement cuts, radiology benefits management, accountable care organizations—the list of strategies to control soaring U.S. healthcare costs is long and growing. But perhaps to truly control costs, healthcare needs to revisit where physicians' careers begin: medical school.
http://www.cmio.net/index.php?option=com_articles&view=article&id=31542
Evolution of medicine creates need to address unhealthy lifestyle
Medicine’s past was dominated by fighting infectious disease; its future is dealing with chronic disease influenced by lifestyle.
http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2012/02/doctors-lifestyle/
Over $9 million allocated to help students repay loans
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently announcedExternal Link more than $9 million in funding will be granted to help medical students repay school loans if they agree to work in underserved areas.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-february-22/2012-february-22-medical_student.shtml?P=S&C=A&G=T&M=T&I=T&W=T&Y=T&S=F
Changes coming to Step 2 Clinical Skills examination
Several enhancements that affect the Step 2 Clinical Skills portion of the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) are scheduled to be implemented later this year.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-february-22/2012-february-22-academic.shtml?P=S&C=A&G=T&M=T&I=T&W=T&Y=T&S=F
Young doctors flock toward new specialty in end-of-life care
Increasingly, patients at the end of their lives are talking about end-of-life decisions and do-not-resuscitate orders with doctors on the brink of giving birth. These freshly minted physicians are among a new wave of specialists in the growing field of palliative medicine.
http://www.mercurynews.com/health/ci_19899121
Hot-button issues drive state CME mandates
At least eight states in the past five years have approved rules governing what subjects doctors should study as part of their continuing medical education.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,wcbs,2kdo,8zgu,99uo,d051,er0i
Ambulatory setting expected to provide more job growth than hospitals
Demand for physicians in each environment will remain high during the next decade, a government report says.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,wcbs,2kdo,5j71,cwie,d051,er0i
Success of health reform hinges on hiring 30,000 primary care doctors by 2015
Decades of research have confirmed that more specialists leads to more specialty care, which leads to a more expensive system.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/success-of-health-reform-hinges-on-hiring-30000-primary-care-doctors-by-2015/2012/02/06/gIQAnslQ4Q_story.html
Study: Defensive medicine seeping into physician training
Practicing defensive medicine to avoid medical liability lawsuits may not be a formal part of medical school curriculum, but it's still being taught to medical students and residents.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/02/13/prsd0215.htm
Family care doctors are in high demand
The federal government recently awarded $9.1 million to medical students in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The recipients will serve as primary care doctors.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57380915/family-care-doctors-are-in-high-demand/
The New England Journal of Medicine - Health Policy and Reform
http://www.nejm.org/health-policy-and-reform
Color Blindness and Medicine - Information and advice for medical practitioners, medical students and prospective medical students who are color blind
http://www.colourmed.com/
Pre-Vet Advisor e-newsletter
http://www.aavmc.org/PreVetAdvisor2/
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Eunice Eunice, MD, Entering Class of 1997, Stanford University, Family Medicine residency at Stanford University/O'Conner Family Medicine Program. Family Medicine & Urgent Care physician at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in San Diego, CA Feb 2, 2012: "Hi Dr. Lewis, the past two months have been so busy. The months of November and December I work on fund-raising and a toy drive for an orphanage that we sponsor over the border in Baja, my regular full time job has been very busy, I recently became the Chairwomen for the American Heart Association here in SD and I am also the Medical Director for a free mobile clinic in Haiti.
Two days ago, we arrived back from Haiti. We took 26 medical volunteers and served over 1,200 patients. Over the past year and a half we have made several trips to Haiti with other volunteers to help and serve the people of Haiti. We set up a mobile medical clinic in the town of Carrefour. I am overwhelmed by the degree of need and general lack of structure and support the people of Haiti endure. Sadly, Haiti still requires significant help despite the intense international efforts since the January, 2010 earthquake. There are thousands of people still living in tent cities and the redevelopment of cities and communities destroyed by the earthquake are taking longer than planned. In the meantime, thousands of people are desperate for food, water and medical assistance. Eunice" |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 NB NB, Entering Class of 2012, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences In May 2010, as I sat in front of my computer to fill out my medical school application, I realized that I had no idea where to begin. My Advisor from CSU East Bay where I had been taking my pre-medical courses was not available to help, as he was out of the country. I was devastated to realize that I would not be able to apply for the entering class of 2011. I needed help, but I didn’t know to whom I should turn. I had been doing extracurricular activities such as tutoring, clinical experiences and research, but I didn’t think it was sufficient. I had not truly understood the complexity and demands of applying for medical school, as I had just recently made a career change from computer engineering to medicine. My father’s head trauma played an essential part in my career change to medicine. He had undergone a surgical procedure to remove a brain blood clot, and I did not know if I would ever see my father again. The next 18 days after brain surgery were tough. My father had so many monitors: oxygen, blood pressure, blood sugar and brain pressure. At a single beep from any, the nurses and doctors came into his room. My father needed help, but I did not know how to give it. When my dad regained consciousness, I thanked Dr. Rosario the most. He helped bring my family together, and I wanted to influence families like he helped us; this is where my journey into my medical career began. As I continued taking college classes in 2008, I lived at the rehabilitation unit with my father for two months to give him emotional and physical support. During the day, I was a post-baccalaureate premedical student after completing my computer engineering degree. At night, I stayed awake ensuring my father did not get out of bed without his helmet. Outside of classes, tutoring my peers in chemistry, clinical volunteering, 2 research projects, and managing the Subway restaurant that I own filled my schedule. I reconnected with a friend who recommended Dr. Lewis and her services. After a failed attempt to apply by myself, I decided to contact Dr. Lewis. After my initial assessment from Dr. Lewis, I realized how much help I needed. She provided me with a structured approach, which included a timetable for personal statements, post-secondary experiences, secondary applications, and most importantly, MCAT preparation. At every draft of personal statement and post-secondary experiences, I received personal guidance that helped me refine my thoughts. At times, it was a painful process, but Dr. Lewis’ forthright and honest assessment was essential in helping me get into a medical school. My biggest hurdle was a low verbal reasoning score. Dr. Lewis helped me by contacting schools about this anomaly in my application package and advocating for me. Last, but not least, my mock interviews with Dr. Lewis were absolutely indispensable; I was able to attend my 6 interviews with complete confidence. I have decided to attend Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, and am looking forward to starting in Fall 2012. |
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 have heard about a new interview process where you move from one station to another and everyone is asked the same question. What is this process?"
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 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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