Lewis Associates e-Newsletter

Volume 1 Issue 2
December, 2001

=> Welcome to Success Stories Newsletter!

=> Important News and Useful Links                                                    

=> Dates and Reminders

=> Important People and Schools

=> Success Story of the Month

=> Question of the Month

=> Focus on a Health Profession

=> Our Services

=> Contact

---

Welcome to Lewis Associates!

Congratulations to the Class of 2001 advised by Dr. Lewis! We had 94% acceptance for our premedical applicants all over the U.S.!

Holiday greetings! This year has brought us growth, prosperity, but also recently, tragedy and uncertainty. This season presents us with a much-needed opportunity to pause, reflect and give thanks for family and friends.

So, the Lewis Associates Family would like to say, "Thank You" to all our Advisees and their families for your trust and friendship. Developing your to your potential is our goal, and people are our "most important product"

Dr. Cynthia Lewis has been advising Pre-health students with an overall acceptance rate of 85% since 1985. Lewis Associates was launched in 1998 to provide long-term personalized advising services to students across North America, specializing in Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Dentistry, Physician Assistant and Veterinary Medicine. Our success is real. You may be like our Advisees-highly motivated and intelligent, but needing focus, guidance and specific technical expertise. Dr. Lewis is a trained biologist, having taught and directed her own research programs for many years at two universities. She received 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.

---

n e w s a n d l i n k s

N E W S :

"Changes are Coming to the MCAT"

A new Practice Test, MCAT VI, will be released in January 2002 using the current mix of questions, which have been used since the "new" MCAT was born in 1991.

However, a "NEW" mix of MCAT questions is about to burst on the scene soon. In April 2003, the broad structure of the current MCAT will be maintained with these changes:

A. The addition of three biology questions on DNA and genetics in the Biological Sciences section.
B. A decrease of three organic chemistry questions.
C. The elimination of five questions on the Verbal Reasoning section while maintaining the current time limit, to reduce its "speededness".
D. The re-institution of scores of 14 and 15 on Verbal Reasoning (replacing the current top scores of "13-15"). By the way, one of our Class of 2002 applicants earned a VR 13-15 score!!
E. Report a Total of the multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning, Biological Sciences, and Physical Sciences) in addition to the individual section scores
F. The order of the Vr and PS test sections will be reversed, so that VR is no longer the first test of the day.

Source: Ellen R. Julian, Ph.D.
Asst VP and Director of the Medical College Admission Tests Assn of American Medical Colleges

"MCAT Incubating Innovative Exam"

In its ongoing efforts to achieve a breakthrough in measuring those much-talked-about 'personal characteristics' of successful physicians, the MCAT is setting about to build a test of listening skills. With an initial focus on interpersonal and communication skills, an illustrious advisory panel, including an expert in listening skills, will meet for the first time in November 2001. MCAT anticipates a dramatic birth announcement within two years.

Reported in the AAMC Group on Student Affairs Hot Topics Newspaper (November 2001):

L I N K S :

Wordsmith.org - Useful Link of the Month

How to Prepare for that Verbal Reasoning part of the MCAT most premedical students have come to "love":

Subscribe to the free daily email "A Word A Day" to build your vocabulary. Start when you are a freshman in college! This is especially important if English is your second language or you don't read much beyond your textbooks. Here was the entry for November 20, 2002:

monestrous (mon-ES-truhs) adj. - Of or related to mammals which experience one estrus (rut or period of heat) in a breeding season.
[Combining form mon- (one) from Greek monos, mono- + oistros (gadfly, madness).]

"The ova vaccine, Miller says, is a better choice for monestrous species, like coyotes, that come into heat only once a year, regardless of whether the female conceives."
-Mary Roach, "One Marsupial Too Many," Discover (Chicago), Dec 2000.

This week's theme: words that appear to be mis-spellings of everyday words.

Subscribe: http://wordsmith.org/awad/subscribe.html
Pronunciation: http://wordsmith.org/words/monestrous.wav

---

d a t e s

C O N F E R E N C E S:

(HCOP) CUHRE 12th Annual Alumni Conference: "Communication in Medicine"
February 9th, 2002, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Casa Real, Aztec Center, San Diego State University

Register with Chris Scott, Chair (sdsupro@netscapet.net)

Cost: $10 non-CUHRE member, lunch included. First 100 students will be registered.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ted Ganiats is professor and vice-chair of the department of family and preventive medicine at the UCSD School of Medicine and the Executive Director of the UCSD Health Outcomes Assessment Program. Dr. Ganiats did his undergraduate work at UC Davis and all of his medical training at UC San Diego. He has been the Chief of the UCSD Division of Family Medicine and has chaired the Commission on Clinical Policies and Research for the American Academy of Family Physicians. He has participated on over 20 national clinical practice guidelines with over 100 publications. His main research interests are in quality of life measurement and cost-effectiveness.

Confirmed speakers include:
Theodore Miller, M.D. Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, Drew-UC Los Angeles School of Medicine
Charles Lu (Alumnus) Medical Student Year 4, UC San Francisco School of Medicine
Donna Ni (Alumna) Medical Student Year 2, Western University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Norma Ramirez (Alumna) Dental Student Year 2, Case Western University Dental School
Karen Babcock Nern, M.D. (Alumna) Dermatology Resident year 3 at UC San Diego
Robert Carpenter, D.O. (alumnus), Naval Flight Surgeon Training, Florida


---

p e o p l e & s c h o o l s

S T . G E O R G E ' S University Medical School Report:

Questions and Answers based on Dr. Lewis' September, 2001 visit to the St. George's University of Veterinary Medicine campus on the island of Grenada.

Note: application requirements and course curriculum are in the catalog and at www.sgu.edu. Students spend three years on the St. George's University campus before taking their 4th year at an affiliated school in the US or Britain. There is a requirement to spend 6 weeks in mixed clinical practice prior to proceeding to Year 4. Graduates from St. George's University will be awarded the DVM degree, and students also have the opportunity to participate in the combined DVM/MPH program with the possibility of further advanced degrees in the near future. Two classes enter annually-Fall in August and Spring in January.

1. Describe the campus and other facilities:
In addition to the new lecture halls, library, and classrooms, there are laboratories for basic science courses and surgery labs, a Postmortem room for necropsies and weekly video conferencing with American veterinary colleges, and a pasture for six horses, some cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. The University also provided state-of the-art renovations to the Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA). The new School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital is equipped with two large consultation rooms, an operating theatre, a well-equipped lab, reception area, kennels and living quarters for resident veterinarians and students. The Teaching Hospital provides the opportunity for students to work alongside veterinary tutors learning introductory clinical skills and promoting animal health and welfare on Grenada.

2. Is there a problem-based learning approach?
Generally, the teaching approach follows traditional disciplines and organ systems. There are currently 19 highly trained fulltime faculty augmented by Visiting Professors who are experts in their fields and dedicated solely to teaching.

3. What is the "philosophy"?
To produce quality veterinarians; the first graduating class will be in 2003.


4. Does the fact that this school is so new compromise the quality of training?
They have hired only seasoned veterinary faculty whose primary concern is teaching (not research) from around the world and bring in about 30 visiting faculty from the affiliated veterinary schools as experts for specific topics. They are currently searching for additional clinical faculty and want to add expertise in tropical diseases.


5. What wildlife and exotic animal training is available?
Zoo Atlanta externship can be up to 6 weeks; other year 4 externships may be available in marine mammals.

6. How many students currently attend St. George's Veterinary School?
5th term - 33, 4th term 19, 3rd term - 43, 2nd term -19 and Fall 2001 1st term - 64.

7. Where have St. George's students transferred in the U.S.?
Oregon, Tufts, Kansas, Illinois and Tennessee.

8. What happens if I fail a class?
You retake that class, not the entire term.

9. Are there students with whom I may email to ask questions?
Yes, they can connect you to current students. Should you wish to have an SGU vet student contact you by e-mail or telephone, simply call the toll-free number (800) 899-6337 extension 218, or e-mail jciullo@sgu.edu.

10. How can I become a competitive applicant to St. George's veterinary school?
Have a background in FOOD animal medicine, this will set you apart. When the Board of Admissions review applications they look at all aspects of the application, including: GPA, test scores, the interview, letters of recommendation, personal essays and work experience. A well-rounded, motivated applicant who has demonstrated solid academic potential is a competitive applicant.

11. How does one get licensure in the US after St. George's graduation?
Graduates from St. George's University must satisfy the requirements of the ECFVG or PAVE program, depending on the state in which they wish to practice. Requirements of the ECFVG include demonstrated English language proficiency, and either the Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE) or completion of an additional year of clinical training. Requirements of the PAVE program include: the Test of Spoken English (TSE), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Qualifying exam (300 question multiple-choice test completed prior to the clinical year. If clinical training is completed at an AVMA accredited veterinary school, the PAVE program does not require an evaluation of clinical skills.

For more information on either program please visit www.avma.org or www.aavsb.org.

Sources: David A. Hogg, Dean, St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine


---

s u c c e s s s t o r y

J O N A T H A N   B L O O M - Entering Class 2001:



Dr. Lewis' Note: Jonathan was a chemistry major at a state university in the west. He worked fulltime, joined a fraternity, and generally did everything except focus on academics for about 3.5 years of college. Then, his life changed, as he says, "An important discovery came in the summer of 1997, two years after I had become independent financially, when I was diagnosed by our university with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). This discovery came after a three-semester period of either not attending school or withdrawing from classes. It proved to be an important growth experience, as it helped me to understand why I have a tendency to tackle too much. With this new understanding of my abilities and limitations, I found that I could utilize ADHD's advantages (flexibility, creativity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to take risks) and still keep focused on academics. My scholastic record improved significantly to reflect my ability, and my 3.64 GPA since my diagnosis and my strong MCAT scores show that I have learned the necessary skills to succeed in medical school."

JUNE 12, 2001
Hi Dr. Lewis!!! YEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAA! WOOOOOO HOOOOOO! I came home last night to get a message from my top choice medical school that they wanted me to call them back in the morning. So of course, I called them at a nice and crisp 5:35AM, my time, and sure enough, they offered me a spot!!! Once school Y dropped me, this had become my favorite. So I'm going to attempt to go back to sleep, but I tend to doubt it - too many things to think about. Too much to giggle about. Thank you for all your help and encouragement. I was beginning to lose a bit of hope. You have played such a critical role in getting me to pursue my dream and I deeply appreciate it.

So, now that the big moment has come, and my actual favorite school called me, what does one need to do to finish up the process? I accepted the offer, but does that mean I can not entertain any future offers?

Thank you again for all your help!
Jonathan Bloom, Medical Student Year 1

AUGUST 10, 2001
Dr. Lewis, I have been wanting to contact you for months to tell you how much you have meant to me and to thank you profusely for being there for my son. Jonathan has always been such a work in progress. So bright, kind, curious, enthusiastic...but with your guidance he became focused. I had the pleasure of flying to Jonathon's medical school for 26 hours to witness his white coat ceremony and it was a high I will never forget, along the lines of giving birth to him! Without you, it would not have become reality. May God bless and keep you.

Cindy Wilkins, Parent

AUGUST 12, 2001
I love the program at my son's medical school (on the East coast) and feel so fortunate that he was accepted there. Several speakers at the ceremony I attended mentioned that part of the curriculum will be focused on treating the entire patient (as opposed to body parts) as a person within a larger context and I truly believe that that will play right into one of Jon's greatest strengths, his empathy. Anyway, thank you so much – I would love to meet you some day!

Cindy Wilkins, Parent

---

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

How is alternative medicine integrated into training in U.S. medical schools?

The introduction of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to the curriculum of traditional medical schools is a relatively new effort, but many schools are beginning to see the necessity of educating MD's in CAM. This is because more and more of their patients are asking questions about CAM, and looking for alternative therapies. While traditional medical schools will not actively advocate individual CAM practices or procedures unless they are "evidence-based", they will be educating students more about those practices.

Although many schools are jumping on the bandwagon, there are some leaders. Georgetown University School of Medicine recently received a multi-year, large grant from the NIH to integrate CAM into the medical education here, with Aviad Haramati, PhD as the project leader. There was a feature article in the Washington Post Health section last month on the program.

Source: Adam Myers, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Special Master's Program
Georgetown University School of Medicine

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

---

h e a l t h p r o f e s s i o n

P H Y S I C I A N   A S S I S T A N T:

A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed health professional educated to practice medicine as delegated by and with the supervision of a physician. A physician assistant provides healthcare services that were traditional performed only by a doctor. Physicians may delegate to PAs those medical duties that are within the physician's scope of practice, within the PA's training and experience, and are allowed by law. Such duties include performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting lab tests, suturing lacerations, assisting in surgery, providing patient education and counseling, and making rounds in nursing homes and hospitals. In 46 states plus the District of Columbia and Guam, physicians may delegate prescriptive privileges to the Pas they supervise. The scope of the PA's practice corresponds to the supervising physician's practice. For example, the PA working with a surgeon would be skilled in surgical techniques in the operating room, perform pre- and post-operative care, and be able to perform special tests and procedures. In general, Pas can perform a substantial portion of the functions provided by primary care physicians. In addition, PAs are widely accepted by patients.

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.