Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 14 Issue 3
March 2014
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Usually spring break is in March (sometimes in April). This is a great time to do service that you have “put off” like working with the homeless, the abused, the poor. Many current college students go on a 1-week medical mission to Mexico, Central or South America, but the need is just as great in the US, in your own backyard. And, medical schools value long-term commitment to Americans disadvantaged people. How will YOU serve them?
Watch for new videos to be posted each month on our Facebook page, including helpful hints for the application process.
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?
imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
This month's question on Dr. Lewis' Facebook page is: "I am on a wait-list after interviewing. What do I do?" Part 2
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 2015 or 2016?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
What Are Your Chances?
Getting Started
• What's the big deal? asks doctor who walked 6 miles in snow to perform life-saving brain surgery
• “We think this is the tipping point”—A year of accelerating change in medical education
• Answering patients’ ACA questions made simple
• Strategies for promoting empathy in medical school
• Health care requires more than just doctors
• Burnout Among U.S. Medical Students, Residents, and Early Career Physicians Relative to the General U.S. Population
• System Overload - Dealing with Emotions in Medical School
• Why Physicians Need to Be More Than Automated Medical Kiosks
• The Cost of Caring: At What Point Do Doctors Face Compassion Fatigue?
• Where future doctors in the know take their study breaks
• Primary care tops osteopathic match placements
• Ten health habits they don't teach in medical school
• Where cost and quality converge: Starting the patient conversation
• ACGME releases new expectations for residency training
• The four most important states to watch on Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion
• Expensive hospitals aren’t better hospitals
• Life after Jan. 1: Kentucky clinic offers early glimpse at realities of health-care law
• The Price You’ll Pay for Obamacare Varies Wildly Depending on Where You Live
• Obamacare beats a January enrollment projection
• Yes, Obamacare will probably downsize the workforce. Economists explain why
• How to protect yourself from medical identity fraud. A first step: Don’t tweet health issues.
• Residents’ top concerns include time with patients, care coordination
• As Match Day approaches, a look at GME bottleneck
• How to make your residency application stand out
• Find a Postbaccalaureate Premed Program That Fits You
• Work-wife balance: Are you married to your spouse or your job?
• Don't Judge Obamacare by Medicaid Numbers
• Unwarranted Variations in Health Care
• Corporate backing is helping Obamacare go mainstream
• White House delays health insurance mandate for medium-sized employers until 2016
Useful Links
• What’s It Like to Participate in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)?
• How Do I Prepare for My Future in Medicine While in High School?
Alumni Update
• Jimmy, Entering Class of 2010, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Ashley, MD, Entering Class of 2006, Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine
• Christie, DDS , Entering Class of 1995, UCSF Dental School
Success Story of the Month
• Charlotte, Entering Class of 2014, Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "I am on a wait-list after interviewing. What do I do?" Part 2
See our Facebook page, Notes 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 2013...88% acceptance
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!
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 2015 or 2016?
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 2015 or 2016 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.
What's the big deal? asks doctor who walked 6 miles in snow to perform life-saving brain surgery
During the winter storm that struck the Southeast last week, at least one surgeon wasn't going to let the ice-choked traffic keep him from a patient.
“We think this is the tipping point”—A year of accelerating change in medical education
Answering patients’ ACA questions made simple
Strategies for promoting empathy in medical school
Health care requires more than just doctors
Burnout Among U.S. Medical Students, Residents, and Early Career Physicians Relative to the General U.S. Population
Medical students and residents are more likely to be burned out, depressed or fatigued compared to similarly aged college graduates pursuing other careers.
System Overload - Dealing with Emotions in Medical School
Why Physicians Need to Be More Than Automated Medical Kiosks
The Cost of Caring: At What Point Do Doctors Face Compassion Fatigue?
Where future doctors in the know take their study breaks
As a medical student, you devote your days to learning more about clinical care, medical research and health policy. But for those times when you need a break from the serious side of your medical training, you can visit the “Almost” Doctor’s Channel for lighthearted thoughts from your peers about the other side of being a medical student.
Primary care tops osteopathic match placements
More than half of osteopathic medical students and recent graduates matched into primary care residency programs, according to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Ten health habits they don't teach in medical school
Alleviate loneliness, express your creativity and have a healthy relationship. Dr. Lissa Rankin offers tips on staying mentally and emotionally healthy during medical training.
Where cost and quality converge: Starting the patient conversation
ACGME releases new expectations for residency training
The four most important states to watch on Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion
Expensive hospitals aren’t better hospitals
Life after Jan. 1: Kentucky clinic offers early glimpse at realities of health-care law
The Price You’ll Pay for Obamacare Varies Wildly Depending on Where You Live
Obamacare beats a January enrollment projection
The Obama administration has beaten a monthly health insurance enrollment target for the first time, according to data showing that more than 1.14 million people signed up for health plans in January in the new insurance marketplace.
Yes, Obamacare will probably downsize the workforce. Economists explain why
Residents’ top concerns include time with patients, care coordination
What are the most important trends and pressing issues facing residents as they begin their medical careers? Residents in a recent survey reported reduced face time with patients, coordinated care and adoption of health IT among the top concerns.
As Match Day approaches, a look at GME bottleneck
Seven schools recently applied for accreditation with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), indicative of a burgeoning trend in medical education that may contribute to even more of a bottleneck for students seeking residency positions.
How to make your residency application stand out
Arguably the most important set of documents you’ll ever put together, your application for residency heavily influences whether you will land your first-choice specialty and where you will train and likely practice.
Work-wife balance: Are you married to your spouse or your job?
Successful couples often neglect to nurture their relationships to the same degree that they nurture their careers, notes Terrence Real, a therapist and author of The New Rules of Marriage.
Don't Judge Obamacare by Medicaid Numbers
Unwarranted Variations in Health Care
Corporate backing is helping Obamacare go mainstream
Obamacare is entering mainstream American life as major corporations, sports teams and others integrate it into their businesses.
White House delays health insurance mandate for medium-sized employers until 2016
For the second time in a year, the Obama administration is giving certain employers extra time before they must offer health insurance to almost all their full-time workers.
What’s It Like to Participate in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)?
The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), developed by McMaster University, is an interview format that gauges an applicant’s potential to successfully interact with patients and colleagues.
How Do I Prepare for My Future in Medicine While in High School?
Fact sheets for medical school aspirants who are at an earlier stage along their pathway to a career in medicine.
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Jimmy Jimmy, Entering Class of 2010, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Feb. 18, 2014: "Hi Dr. Lewis, I hope all is well!! I apologize for not keeping in contact with you, I have been quite busy with school and rotations. I just wanted to let you know that I recently received my match result last Monday and I matched into my first place position in Internal Medicine! The program is a relatively new IM program at Parkview Medical Center. I spent my entire third year of medical school doing rotations here and everyone really enjoyed having me. I think that helped a lot in myself getting ranked high here. Also, the program is also opening up several fellowships: GI, Pulm/Crit, and Palliative care, which will only further attract more applicants. I don't know if it's hit me yet that I'll become a resident come July 1, but I've been doing a lot of reflection and thought about you and how much of a role you played in helping me get to where I am today. For the most part, I thought Rocky Vista treated me well. They provided the base foundation for the sciences and taught the pathology in a way that allowed me to prepare well for the board exams. They really do everything they can to prepare us well, even going so far as hiring Kaplan instructors who do nothing but teach for the boards, come in and provide a review course several months prior to us taking our Step I. I hope things are going well and that you are enjoying life! Please say hi to Marcia for me!” |
 Ashley Ashley, MD, Entering Class of 2006, Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine Feb. 15, 2014: “Hello Dr. Lewis, I graduated 2010 from Penn State, did a prelim year there in General Surgery (didn't match ENT, was told to NOT apply to backups and I listened despite my reservations). Anyway, turns out it was the best thing. I reapplied through the match, this time for General Surgery, and instead got several offers for PGY-2 spots. I picked Vegas because I got a good feeling when I interviewed there. The program director called me on his personal cell phone three days after the interview to offer me the job. Quick discussion with the hubby and I said yes. I'm in my PGY-4 year right now and applying for fellowship. Both Penn State and UNSOM have treated me well. My husband is currently Director of Employee Engagement (it's like PR, but for employees, and also includes training) for a couple of MGM-owned properties on the strip. Vegas is crazy. Such an odd town. All that my career is now and will become would not be so without your help. And I know many others out there feel the same. Best, Ashley.” |
 Christie Christie, DDS , Entering Class of 1995, UCSF Dental School Jan. 30, 2014: "Hi Dr. Lewis, so great to hear from you... The kids are growing fast... All 3 in kindergarten & attending a French Immersion Elementary school right near SDSU... Funny how those things happen! Things are great... I am already 15 years out of dental school this year! Time flies when you are having fun. I miss you and hope you are well!” |
success story
 Charlotte Charlotte, Entering Class of 2014, Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine Thanks to Dr. Lewis I was accepted to one of my top medical school choices. A former colleague referred me to Dr. Lewis based on her successful entry into her top medical school choice. After a careful review of my background, Dr. Lewis recommended a one-year delay to my medical school application and designed a plan to improve my GPA, clinical and research experience, and provide me the requisite time to prepare for the MCAT. I initially placed reservations in delaying my application one year, but I can attest that without Dr. Lewis’ keen foresight and expert advice, I would not have been competitive for medical school, and would have wasted a year. We faced numerous challenges throughout my application process, but Dr. Lewis and I resolutely worked through each challenge with diligence and a goal-oriented focus. As a non-traditional student, my application package faced tremendous scrutiny. My Political Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy was done when I did not focus on studying. Dr. Lewis provided honest, forthright guidance, which allowed me to develop a competitive application to overcome my previous academic history. I have always had a difficulty with standardized testing, and after I scored average on my first MCAT, I was very discouraged. Dr. Lewis connected me with professionals who specialize in stress management and test taking procedures. Subsequently, I learned new techniques to manage my stress and learn how to manipulate physics and biological sciences concepts. The techniques I learned will definitely aid me as a medical student. I learned that I study most effectively when I have a long-term view instead of having many independent short-term goals. My journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Thanks to a lot of hard work, strict focus, and Dr. Lewis’ services, I have been accepted to the Western Osteopathic Medical School Class of 2014. I am one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a family physician!! |
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, Notes tab
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
"I am on a wait-list after interviewing. What do I do?" Part 2
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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