Lewis Associates e-Newsletter

Volume 3 Issue 4
April, 2004

Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, Phd., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with your comments. Enjoy!

=> Welcome to Success Stories Newsletter!

=> Important News: Definition of professionalism; Federal funds event attacked; Drug Importation picks up support; Senate OK's McClelllan; Obesity fight now personal; McClellan Agrees To Testify on Prescription Drug reimportation; Caesarean refusal leads to murder charge; New Stem Cells

=> Useful Links: AAMC Underrepresented in Medicine; OAT; PCAT; Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses; ADHD; Test Anxiety

=>Dates and Reminders: Special Feature - The MCAT Dream; Class 2005

=>Success Story of the Month: Lisette Oei - Pharmacy Student Entering Class 2003-- Focus on Pharmacy; Jonathon Bloom Update

=> Question of the Month – I have multiple acceptances - YAY!! My question is, "do I have to withdraw from the ones where I will not attend?"?

=> Our Services

=> Contact

 

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Welcome to Lewis Associates!

April is the month when April MCAT takers get nervous. It is time for the Class of 2005 to be serious about test preparation, about writing drafts of your application essays, for AMCAS applicants to establish your 15 experiences, to gather letters of recommendation/evaluation, to get copies of transcripts from all schools for yourself - ETC! A VERY busy time!

We are thankful for our alumni, friends and supportive professional colleagues across the US and the world. A note from Lindsey Hansen who moved to Florida in preparation to enter the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's new Bradenton campus: "Thank you for always believing in me! I am truly blessed to have been able to work with you. You have done so much for me and I am so grateful. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Without you, I would not have achieved so much. I appreciate all the hard work and hours you dedicated toward helping me reach my goal. I could not have asked for a more caring, supportive professional and committed advisor. I have learned so much from you and am glad I had you to help me through the process! Thanks for being you! I will miss you and keep in touch."

A Christmas card from Dr. Joseph Allen and his wife has a photo of their 3 kids. I attended Joe's wedding and reception in the 1990's and visited him at St. George's University Medical School, getting to hold the "new" baby who now seems to be about 8 years old. Joe is living his "dream", practicing where he grew up. See our September 2002 newsletter Success Story.

Keeping in contact with our Alumni is one of the most fulfilling things that I do!

Some of you are in the Class of 2004 application season, hopefully interviewing. If you have not already interviewed, you should be sending letters of petition now as time is almost passed to remain competitive for this year! And, if you are wait-listed, there are things we can do to help move you into the accepted column - but time is not your friend here

For Class of 2005 applicants, you need to establish a well-thought out strategy to carry you through the difficult times coming up. This is the most intense time you will experience as a pre-health student. It is a roller coaster ride. Let us know how we can assist you ........ sooner is better!

For Class of 2006 applicants, we have TIME ... a precious commodity. Time to plan, to locate and use new opportunities, time to live up to your potential!

If you are serious about making your dreams to become a physician, dentist, PA, veterinarian, optometrist or pharmacist a reality -- Lewis Associates can help you. We have made the difference for over 700 students for the last 20 years. Here is a quote from Nasim Rahimi who used our Application Package last year for dental school: "Dear Dr. Lewis, I am writing to thank you for your efforts on my behalf. I appreciate all the help and support you have provided me over the last several months. You made my job as an applicant much easier with your advice and encouragement. I also enjoyed working on my application under your supervision and substantial support. I really don't know how to thank you for all the hard work and kindness you've granted me during all this time. Indeed it was one of the most stressful parts of my educational life and your guidance and counseling made it rather a pleasant experience. I don't think I would have been accepted if it weren't for your help..."


What are your chances?
If you want to change your career or reach your career goal, but do not know how to begin or how to jump over all those hurdles, Lewis Associates will implement strategies to change your life. Read about it in our newsletter and website, then phone or email us directly to get started with your personal Assessment!

You may be like our 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. 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) and received the 1990 NACADA Outstanding Institutional Advising Program in the U.S. She teaches Professionalism, Leadership, and Quality, and sets high standards for her Advisees.

Lewis Associates will save you money and heartache on your application process. Contact us for more information imaclewis@lewisassoc.com 805-226-9669.

 

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n e w s   &   l i n k s

N E W S : Professionalism

"In their efforts to define professionalism, many professional medical societies have shared common themes. These include: Commitment to exceed expectations, clinical competence, accountability, duty, altruism, respect for others, honor, integrity, ability to effectively communicate with the patient and commitment to self-improvement."
From the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Student Affairs Reporter Winter 2004.

Federal Funds for event attacked (Washington Times)

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040311-113621-4202r.htm
Public health advocates rallied on Wednesday against President Bush's plan to expand abstinence-only education, calling instead for teaching youngsters about condoms and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. AMSA was a co-sponsor of the rally.

Drug Importation Picks Up Support (Washington Post - Have to register to view, free.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/cgi-bin/search99.pl
Proposals to allow Americans to buy low-cost prescription drugs from other countries such as Canada picked up two new Senate supporters yesterday and received a major boost from the seniors' group AARP.

Senate OKs McClellan as Medicare chief (Associated Press)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=534&ncid=534&e=11&u=/ap/20040312/ap_on_go_co/medicare_chief
The Senate has approved Mark McClellan's nomination to head the Medicare program, despite his rankling of many in Congress by opposing the importation of prescription drugs.

American Obesity fight now personal for HHS chief (Washington Post - Have to register to view, free.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/cgi-bin/search99.pl
Realizing the department of health needs to be more fit in order to be more credible, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson has put his department and himself on a diet.

McClellan Agrees To Testify on Prescription Drug Reimportation Before Senate Commerce Committee (Kaiser Network)

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hpolicy.cfm#22629
The FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan, the nominee to serve as the new CMS administrator, on Wednesday "bowed to demands" and agreed to testify on Thursday before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee about his opposition to the re-importation of lower-cost, U.S.-manufactured prescription drugs from other nations, USA Today reports.

Caesarean refusal leads to murder charge (CNN)

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/West/03/11/mother.charged.ap/
A pregnant woman who allegedly ignored medical warnings to have a Caesarean section to save her twins was charged Thursday with murder after one of the babies was stillborn.

Brand New Stem Cells (Newsweek)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4467513/
Last week Harvard biologist Doug Melton announced the creation of 17 new lines of human embryonic stem cells. Scientists hope that these developments will pressure the federal government into easing restrictions on research into stem cells.

L I N KS :

Association of American Medical Colleges definition of "Underrepresented in Medicine" as of November 2003: "Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population."
www.aamc.org/diversity

Optometry Assessment Test
There is a toll-free number for students: 800 232-2159
http://www.opted.org/info_oat.cfm

Pharmacy College Assessment Test
http://www.a2zcolleges.com/exams/pcat.htm

Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses
http://www.amphl.org

Center for Disability Issues and Health Professions at Western University of the Health Sciences
http://www.westernu.edu/xp/edu/cdihp/home.xml

Test anxiety ... a common problem
Test anxiety is a common problem ... and rears its head often among those preparing for standardized exams like the MCAT or DAT or GRE. In fact, there are many anxieties, including social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and phobias. I recently was referred to a book by one of my collaborators that may change your life: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, 3rd Edition by Edmund J. Bourne ($13.97). www.amazon.com

Chapter titles include: relaxation, coping with panic attacks, help for phobias: imagery desensitization, 4 traits that perpetuate anxiety, visualization, asserting yourself, self-esteem, medications, nutrition, etc. I advise anyone feeling that anxieties may undermine your ability to live up to your potential to use this tool. You will learn a lot about yourself and may remove some roadblocks to becoming more successful in your academic and personal life.

Another tool is the Learning Development Services in San Diego that does diagnosis, assessment, counseling, consultation and coaching for adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), 619 276-6912; learndev@aol.com

Posted: posted on my website in March 2004, Jonathon Bloomês power point presentation about his journey through ADHD to currently being a 3rd year student at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School.

His physical chemistry teacher emailed to me this week, "Cindy, This is amazing. It is great that you could identify the source of his problem. I taught Jonathon in P Chem - apparently, after he had received your help. I remember him as being extremely smart and intense. And, I can see now that focusing that energy must have been hard for him. I'm glad to see he is doing so well."

 

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d a t e s   &   r e m i n d e r s

Special Feature -- MCAT Dream
In 1998, one of my advisees, now a 3rd year medical student, emailed me the following dream about taking the MCAT:

I went to the MCAT center, however I realized I went to the wrong center. I went to school X instead of Y. It didn't seem to matter, though. They weren't checking IDs. I sat down at a long table where the chairs were edge to edge. I had nowhere to put my elbows and the guy to the right of me had his booklet covering part of mine. The proctor says, "Go", but I didn't hear her because it was noisy in the room with people talking. I finally open my booklet. It was written in! I get up, go to the front of the room and request a booklet that was clean and more time because of this problem. They told me just to sit down and take the exam. So, I sit down and realize that the bum to my right had plenty of room, so I ask him to move over. People are still stalking, and I realize I don't have a pencil! The person to my left has several, so I snag one. I begin the exam and the people working there go to the center of the room and start repairing an engine of some sort. More noise. At this point, I have had it. I get up and ask for a quieter place. They take me to a small table where it seems promising. The proctors start singing! I become very annoyed, so they tell me why don't I relax and just do the writing section instead. Now I am sitting on a floor. My essay topic is to write on some cartoon character I have never heard of. I don't have a pen. I borrow one, but it writes with lines that are a half-inch thick. The ink seeps through all the pages. I give up and walk out. Somehow, I have lost my shoes and have no way home, so I begin walking home. Meanwhile I have decided to call Dr. Lewis and tell her to sign me up for a test prep course."

Just remember that this student lived through the MCAT and is IN medical school!

AMCAS Class 2005
For all Lewis Associates Advisees in the Applicant Class of 2005, please read the VERY important January 20, January 29 and February 19, 2004 memos archived on our website with applicant handouts. You have very explicit homework ....so, don't tell me "I didn't know!" ......

AMCAS will open "early May", 2004 and you will be able to submit in "early June" 2004. You should use the Class 2004 (AMCAS 2003) posted instruction books, FAQs and worksheets NOW; they will be "the same" as the 2005 version and are on my website in the links section. Links

I advise printing out and drafting your AMCAS worksheet NOW. The coursework section can take several hours to input. We will continue to give updated information about this.

You will need to print out the transcript request form for schools where you have completed your work from the 2004 AMCAS. You can also do this from last year's AMCAS 2003. The first date that AMCAS will accept transcripts this year for Class of 2005 applicants is "early May".

Posted on my website is the "MCAT essentials", which is the instruction booklet. Links

Important for the 2005 AMCAS application: Links
1. The Web application will not display AMCAS grade and credit conversions until AMCAS has completed the verification process. Many students may want to estimate their AMCAS GPA's PRIOR to processing -- I have posted this tool on my website. AMCAS will put it in AMCAS 2004.
2. Posted on my website are: the AMCAS 2004 instruction book, the AMCAS 2004 sample (verified), AMCAS 2004 application worksheet, AMCAS 2004 tips. If you are a Class of 2005 applicant, READ these!!
3. New allopathic schools in AMCAS include Brown, Columbia and NYU.
4. Obtain copies of all OFFICIAL college transcripts NOW for yourself in preparation for completing the AMCAS.
5. You will need to pay electronically - prepare for this. $160 first school plus $30 school thereafter.
6. Be aware of alternate ID and names on all your records that may confuse AMCAS
7. As stated earlier, it WILL take several hours and sittings to complete the online application - plan ahead!
8. Common pitfalls:
*missed application deadlines, typos and other errors in essay, experiences, etc., failure to receive and respond to AMCAS notifications (get rid of filters or set up a separate email account for AMCAS) and check it daily
*coursework errors - incorrect academic status, course classification or missing coursework
*delayed processing due to missed transcript deadlines due to incomplete or inaccurate, missing or unofficial transcripts

 

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s u c c e s s s t o r i e s

Lisette Oei --- Pharmacy Student Entering Class 2003 -- Focus on Pharmacy

Note: Lisette began as a premedical student who, along the way, became excited about the profession of pharmacy. Read below to understand her motivation and Lisette's "story".

"Lisette wrote to me in October 2003 from Oregon State University Pharmacy school, "How are you? Hope all is well. I'm sorry that I haven't written for a long time. Everything is going well with me. The third week into pharmacy school is nearing its end and I am already overwhelmed with the amount of reading we got assigned. The homework is not too challenging, but the volume of material that we have to read is keeping my anxieties up. Nevertheless, I am truly enjoying this wonderful opportunity of being a "pharmacist-in-training", or so they call us!! and being able to make a difference in the expanding and changing health care business. I just can't explain how exciting it is to learn about the world of pharmacy, especially the myriad of medications and their therapeutic effects on the body. Let's just hope this info will stick in my brain. My class of 84 is great; many friendly people and highly motivated students. Everybody is on top of it (homework, research, reading). The professors and staff are excellent. They really are putting their best efforts into making this education a valuable worthwhile and fun experience! The transition period moving to Corvallis went smoothly, most likely because I already have connections with friends through church. They have been so helpful in guiding me and helping me feel comfortable. I do miss my boyfriend a lot, but, so far, we've been able to see each other every weekend. I do want to continue to keep in touch with you and I will definitely update you from my end once in a while. Take care and God bless."

Lisette was born in Delft, Holland and grew up there her first 15 years. She moved to Oregon with her family. Her parents emigrated from Indonesia to Holland when they were young. The family is Chinese-Indonesian and Asian people are unusual in Holland. Lisette originally applied to medical school and was waitlisted in 2002; she reconsidered her direction and applied for pharmacy school for 2003. Here is Lisette's story about her experiences applying to pharmacy school:

"As a Chinese-Indonesian, I was born and raised in The Netherlands. I have become flexible from living in two countries and speak fluent Dutch and English, while understanding and speaking some Indonesian and German. My multicultural background facilitates my working with people of diverse backgrounds. I became involved in the Indonesian church as a Sunday school teacher, singer, and translator. As a volunteer tutor in Explore Learning at Shaver Elementary School, I assisted children with their homework in the English as Second Language program.

My interest in a health care career began during high school. I joined student organizations, including the National Honor Society and Key Club, where I learned that helping people in my community was fulfilling. Volunteering with Loaves of Fishes led me to the rewarding sense of helping the needy and I added clinical volunteer activities to better understand what it means to be a health care provider. I was already familiar with the Pharmacy career since my mother has been a Pharmacy Assistant in The Netherlands. The valuable knowledge she gained from work she applied in her daily life to keep our family healthy too. My interest in Pharmacy grew along with my love for science.

In college, I began exploring the option of becoming a Pharmacist by volunteering at the Inpatient Pharmacy Department at Oregon Health & Sciences University. For the next three years, I gained clinical and people experiences at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, City Bible Church, Liberty Street Church Homeless Shelter, and the Neighborhood Health Clinic. Working in my community has been fulfilling since I can help people from many backgrounds and living circumstances.

I have taken leadership roles in different organizations, including Golden Key International Honour Society, Portland Pre-Health Society, Vietnamese Student Organization, and the Indonesian Student Organization. Working to educate my peers about opportunities to help them become competitive for health professions schools motivated me to become Co-President of the Portland Pre-Health Society that consists of 200+ members. As a group, we created a health care professional-student network to develop mentorships and saw increased participation in our events such as pre-health meetings at local clinics and shadowing opportunities as a result.

My interest in science led me to do clinical research to better understand the human body and how research works. My research abstract was accepted by the American College of Cardiology for publication and I got the opportunity to give a poster presentation at the American College of Cardiology 51st Annual Scientific Session in Atlanta, Georgia

I obtained great experiences as a Certified Pharmacy Technician at the Inpatient Pharmacy Department at Oregon Health & Sciences University. From working closely with Pharmacists the past three years, I have learned that they make important impacts in peoples' lives by providing pertinent information about drugs that can relieve symptoms and address the causes of illnesses. I have gained valuable information about the types of drugs available and the description of how to take common medications. The Pharmacists I work with communicate with other health professionals regarding drugs used for procedures such as chemotherapy, baby deliveries, and bone marrow transplants. From these conversations, I have become curious to learn more about the use of medications in patient care. Pharmacists also broaden their knowledge with new drug information and integrate it into their practice to provide more effective patient care. This intrigues me about Pharmacy."

Update on Jonathon Bloom, graduating Class of 2005, U Pittsburgh Medical School (see Success Story, December 2001). Jonathon spoke last week at San Diego State University, "Medical School, ADHD and Me". In a recent email to Dr. Lewis, he said, "Only thing is that I found you a bit late ... I didn't get diagnosed until 1997, which puts it at 2nd semester of my 4th year. I wonder how things would have turned out if we'd met a bit earlier in my 8 yr SDSU career?"

Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact Lisette or Jonathon: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

 

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q u e s t i o n o f t h e m o n t h

I have multiple acceptances - YAY!!! My question is, "do I have to withdraw from the ones where I will not attend?"

The answer is a succinct "YES". However, the timing of your withdrawal is based on when schools may require a payment from you, the timing of your acceptance at school and other factors. For allopathic medical schools, the rule is clear. May 15th is the magic date that you are supposed to have withdrawn from all but one medical program. For dental, Osteopathic, veterinary, etc., programs, you need to be aware of school policies, but ALWAYS withdraw in writing. This is the appropriate and professional way to treat the schools.

Recently, a Medical School Director of Admissions wrote to me: "Student A was not happy with the way she perceived she had been treated--being placed on 'hold' for so long. She was offered an opportunity a couple of weeks ago to move off hold by taking a seat in our new campus or move to the old campus program wait-list. The move to the wait-list was automatic for those students not indicating a interest in taking a seat in the new campus. She said that she understood that by not responding that meant that we would see that as a withdrawal. That she was the only one 'confused' with the instructions probably only means that she was angry because of the way she felt she had been treated."

This interaction serves to underscore that fact that the application process is LONG, it is RIGOROUS and it is UNPREDICTABLE. It is crucial to have someone help you who knows how to deal with all situations.

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

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

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

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

If this is how YOU feel, then, maybe Lewis Associates is the place for you. Lewis Associates provides Mentoring and Coaching through the rigorous and often circuitous pre-health preparation and application process. Other consultants may support programs like Law and Business or graduate school -- not Lewis Associates. We are the experts in Health Professions based on 23 years of a successful track record.

Call or email today to set your first appointment!

805.226.9669 imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

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