Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 11 Issue 11
November 2012
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
REMEMBER TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6TH.
November connotes Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? Family? Friends? A job? Acceptance into college or medical school? Sometimes, it is a good thing to "count those blessings" and if you believe in a higher entity, a "God", to thank "Him/Her". But, even more impactful, can be thankfulness for opportunities! And, of course, those opportunities must be sought and used wisely. Be Pro-Active! For example, clinical experiences are getting "harder" to find, where you can work directly with patients due to HIPPA laws and the time doctors must spend in record-keeping and battling insurance companies to pay for their work. Be persistent, professional and creative. Most hospital emergency rooms still take untrained volunteers; Hospice will train you, and you might find a paying part-time job as a hospital scribe or with Planned Parenthood. You are only limited by your focus, energy and motivation!
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 27 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: "How do I use the new AAMC MCAT Self-Assessment Package?"
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 2014 or 2015?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
What Are Your Chances?
Getting Started
• Death by Ideology
• Medical School Enrollment Continues to Climb with New Diversity Gains
• Managing Expectations: The Relationship Between Student Loan Debt and Salary
• Four Reasons to Pursue a Military Dental Career
• Luring Students Into Family Medicine
• Debt changes med student career choices, study finds
• Physician Interview Project
• Will a “silent exodus” from medicine worsen doctor shortage?
• Resident physicians and quality of care
• Visa waiver program for international medical graduates extended to 2015
• Hospitals seeking to hire doctors who “play well with others”
Useful Links
• Remote Area Medical
• Optometry Schools and Colleges Prerequisites
Alumni Update
• Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine
Success Story of the Month
• La Dawn Hackett, DO, Entering Class of 2008, Medical College of Georgia, Medical Intern, Georgia Health Sciences University
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "How do I use the new AAMC MCAT Self-Assessment Package?"
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 2012...100% acceptance
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
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 2014 or 2015?
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! 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 2014 or 2015 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.
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.
Death by Ideology
The reality is that many people in America really do die every year because they don’t have health insurance.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/opinion/krugman-death-by-ideology.html?emc=eta1&_r=0
Medical School Enrollment Continues to Climb with New Diversity Gains
New data released by the AAMC highlights the need for new residency positions as the number of medical school applicants and enrollees continue to rise.
https://www.aamc.org/newsroom/newsreleases/310002/121023.html
Managing Expectations: The Relationship Between Student Loan Debt and Salary
Student debt has increased in every demographic and economic category since 2007. Not only has the number of indebted households increased, so has the amount of debt.
http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/issues/news/Article/272/Managing__Expectations__The_Relationship_Between_Student_Loan_Debt_and_Salary?pub=1&issue=
Four Reasons to Pursue a Military Dental Career
If you qualify, the U.S. Armed Forces can help you finance your dental education.
http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/issues/news/Article/271/Four_Reasons_to_Pursue_a_Military_Dental_Career?pub=1&issue=
Luring Students Into Family Medicine
Despite the impending primary care physician shortage, medical students are left with few incentives to become family medicine practitioners.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/us/10iht-educlede10.html?_r=0
Debt changes med student career choices, study finds
Medical education debt levels play a significant role in causing medical students to change career choices from primary care to specialty.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-october-03/2012-october-03-medical_student.shtml?P=S&C=S&G=F&M=T&I=F&W=T&Y=F&S=F
Physician Interview Project
By analyzing trends among minority physicians as to what helped guide them in their career paths, the Physician Interview Project aimed to ascertain specific determinants that have proven successful in assisting minority students towards a successful career as a physician.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/member-groups-sections/minority-affairs-section/physician-interview-project.page?
Will a “silent exodus” from medicine worsen doctor shortage?
Many physicians, nervous about the impact of health system reform and dispirited by trends in medicine, are exploring career options that involve treating fewer patients.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/10/08/prl11008.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-htm&utm_campaign=20121008
Resident physicians and quality of care
Two recent studies examine the impact of resident/fellow physicians on patients' quality of care.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2012-october/2012-october-gme.shtml
Visa waiver program for international medical graduates extended to 2015
The Conrad State 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program lets international medical graduates stay in the U.S. after training if they practice in medically underserved areas.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/10/01/prse1003.htm
Hospitals seeking to hire doctors who “play well with others”
As more health systems form accountable care organizations, they are putting a premium on the ability to work alongside physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/10/22/bisd1023.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-htm&utm_campaign=20121029
Remote Area Medical
The Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps is a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world.
http://www.ramusa.org
Optometry Schools and Colleges Prerequisites
http://www.optomcas.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=8
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Leah Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine October 7, 2012: "Dear Dr. Lewis, I am on my pediatric rotation right now, just getting to the middle of our 6 weeks. Boards went ok. I went directly into my surgery rotation after that, followed by neurology, and am still recovering from this ongoing sleep deprivation, trying to figure out a way to have life outside of rotations. I had no idea I would ever like surgery, but actually really enjoyed it. I also am really enjoying peds, currently working on the cardiac unit of inpatient. I just never thought I'd have to reevaluate what I wanted to go into, so I'm hoping by the end of rotations, things are a little clearer. Otherwise, finally adjusted to Chicago, still going strong with the urban medicine program/ intervention for type 1 diabetes kids and thinking ahead to what kind of away rotations I might want to do next year, etc. Going directly to volunteer at the free clinic here tonight after I'm done at the hospital. Always so much to do. As stressful as it is at times, I am thankful that I get to see and do so much as a student- really kind of humbling all the patients I've gotten to work with so far. Hope all is well, Leah" |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 La Dawn La Dawn Hackett, DO, Entering Class of 2008, Medical College of Georgia, Medical Intern, Georgia Health Sciences University A plaque on her desk reads: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the rest of the staircase." The words have always resonated with Dr Hackett, who graduated from Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU) in May, and is presently an intern in the GHSU hospital system. She intends to pursue a residency in radiology. "It took me a while to get into medical school," she says. "But I believe each step of my journey has prepared me to be a better physician." To gain hands-on clinical experience, Dr Hackett worked in a cardiology practice as a nuclear medicine technologist and office manager. She later enrolled in the biomedical sciences program at Georgia Campus - PCOM, a program that she credits with expanding her research skills, strengthening her medical school applications and helping to substantiate her goals. As she now balances independence, fatigue and an 80-hour workweek, Dr. Hackett is more focused than ever. She remains inspired by her pediatrician, Lynda Zivalech, MD, who taught her, at an early age, the importance of compassion: "Dr. Zivalech took the time to teach me, a sick kid, how to use a stethoscope, the time to touch my hand, to talk to me as a person. To an eight year old, she was beautiful, smart, interesting - a model doctor. I hope to be the same for my patients. Medicine is all about developing trust relationships with others as they confront illness." Furthermore, Dr Hackett dedicates each day to the memory of her mother, who suffered from early-onset Alzheimer's disease, losing her battle in March-two months shy of her daughter's graduation. "Mother always encouraged my dreams of becoming a physician. She was at peace knowing that I would be a caring, compassionate healer." |
Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact those profiled in Success Stories: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
question of the month... see Facebook, Advising Tips tab
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
"How do I use the new AAMC MCAT Self-Assessment Package"
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
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