Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 9 Issue 7
July 2010
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
It has been an exciting and productive June! I visited Touro Nevada's College of Osteopathic Medicine and PA programs, meeting with one of my alumni in each program. And, I recently returned from the National Health Professions Advisors' meeting in Atlanta, GA, where I learned about new programs inside and outside of the US, about Postbaccalaureate and Master's programs, three new dental schools, and lots more!
For example, Osteopathic medicine is growing by leaps and bounds. The Osteopathic philosophy
of addressing "mind, body and spirit" resonates with the American public, thus the need for more
practitioners is significant. The current applicant pool has increased 14% since this time last year, with
11,242 applications to schools (1367 applicants) submitted by early June. And, application verification is
going very quickly with early submitters this year. 20% of all current medical students are Osteopathic.
Predictions are it will increase to 25% in the next 9 years.
Meeting topics that I engaged include:
Students with disabilities
The unsuccessful applicant
Professionalism (e.g., inappropriate use of cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, Studentdoctor.net)
Students of concern (e.g., alcohol, drugs, tardiness, cheating about anything)
Holistic application review (screening, interview, selection, with affect of socioeconomic status)
The multiple mini-interview
MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT, AMCAS, AACOMAS and AADSAS updates
I hope you will contact me about your specific situation. We will likely begin with your Personal Assessment, where your specific strategy will be discussed about how to get from where you are currently to where you want to be. Now is the right time!
This month's question (on Dr. Lewis' Facebook page) is: "How many Letters of Recommendation do I need? "
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!
How to Communicate With Us
Changes in Services
Your journey to a health profession
Are You Ready for the Class of 2011?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
Getting Started
News:
• HHS Announces New $250 Million Investment to Strengthen Primary Health Care Workforce
• Could New Programs Eliminate Debt for Tomorrow's Osteopathic Primary Care Physicians?
• Medical Schools Fulfill "Societal Mission" in Many Ways
• Health Insurance Reform and the Tensions of Federalism
• Osteopathic Medical School Graduate Numbers Continue to Rise
• 8th National AMSA ARC/UCD Pre-Medical and Pre-Public Health Conference
Useful Links
• 2011 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book
• 2011-12 Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)
• MD-PhD programs
•New York Medical College Postbaccalaureate and MS programs
Alumni Update
•Joseph E. Allen, M.D., Entering Class of 1995, St Georges University; Family Medicine Residency and Fellowship at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, NJ; Sports Medicine Fellowship at UCSD; private practice in Sports and Family Medicine in San Diego
• Cathy Artoun, Entering Class or 2008, Touro University, NV, College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Lorena Del Valle, Entering Class of 2009, Touro University, NV, Physician Assistants Program
Success Story of the Month
• Elliot, still deciding which school to attend.Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question on Facebook. "How many Letters of Recommendation do I need?"
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 2009...96% acceptance
Entering Class of 2008...96% acceptance
Entering Class of 2007...97% acceptance
Entering Class of 2006...89% acceptance
Entering Class of 2005...100% acceptance
Entering Class of 2004...100% acceptance
We have restructured our Advising package so you can become competitive during the entire application process!
Our one year package addresses ALL preparation and application activities, no matter when they occur for you. We advise all applicants to begin preparation for their application process at least 18 MONTHS prior to expected matriculation . But, real preparation to become a strong, competitive applicant starts when you enter college (and even before!) So, get started NOW!
If you are interested in personalized advising from “The Best in the Business,” (quote by Dr. Patrick Linson, Harvard Medical School Alum who is the only Native American Radiation Oncologist on the planet!), call Lewis Associates today to schedule YOUR personal assessment. Dr. Lewis invests in you, so you may live up to your potential to be the best applicant you can be!
Phone: 805-226-9669
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| 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.
Changes in Services
- New Services: PHARMCAS and SOPHAS personal statement.
- New Service: Resume development.
- New preparation and application package: Ultimate Commitment package covers ALL advising.
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 2011 or 2012?
How do you know?
Use our Personal
Assessment--and you will be given your individual strategy
and path to your future! Then, if you use our advising, we help implement
your strategy! And if you start the ultimate Commitement Package within
6 months, we subtract your Personal Assesment Fee from the total. If it
were easy to do, all applicants would be accepted...and, that is not the
case.
Many whom we advise may not yet be ready, and need to develop some aspect
of their background to become competitive. Best to apply when
you are ready, be competitive, and do it ONLY ONCE!
Let's work together to make that one-time application successful…contacting
us earlier is better so we can develop your strategy and address all those
difficult problems…months or years prior to application.
Why not set yourself up for success, rather than toy with the proposition
of failure?
Testimonials
Gail Ruth, mother of Todd Ruth, Entering Class of
2010, Jefferson University Medical School
Just a short note here to let you know how appreciative we are
of all the wonderful help you gave to our son, Todd. He just received
his first 2 acceptances from his top choices, so we couldn't be more pleased.!
You were instrumental in guiding him as to which courses to take and gave
him invaluable help with his essays. Thanks once again for all your help
and guidance.
David and Maureen Lee, parents of Eric Lee, Entering Class of
2009, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
June, 2009: "Dr. Lewis, We just wanted to drop you a quick
note to say thank you for all of your strategic guidance, wise counsel,
encouragement, and mentoring to our son Eric on his journey to get into
medical school. That is quite a process!! Eric definitely took the "road
less traveled", majoring in philosophy, but he worked really hard
to get his science prerequisites under his belt. He benefited so much
from your experience, insight, and when needed, "tough love".
You kept him on track, and we thank you. We think he will be an excellent
physician. Perhaps some day we will meet. Again with gratitude, David
and Maureen Lee."
Michael Nevarez, Entering Class of 2006, Harvard University School
of Medicine, his first choice school
"Dr. Lewis was a wonderful guide and mentor as I embarked
on a medical career a number of years after graduating from Cal Poly (graduated
2001, applied to med school in 2006). She gave an honest assessment of
the strengths and weaknesses of my profile, and more importantly provided
specific and personalized ways in which I could address
my application and the process going forward. Her advice and experience
was invaluable and I am very happy to have worked with her."
Margaret Jolley, Entering Class of 2008, UC San Diego School of
Medicine, her first choice school
"I never would've made it without my weekly conference with the calm,
experienced Dr. Lewis. She kept me sane. I am so grateful for her guidance,
for her editing help, and for the confidence she instilled in me. She
is a genuinely caring committed Mentor who takes pride in helping our
dreams happen. I have urged every fellow student I know to call her. Let
her help you, too!"
Austin Yoder, Entering Class of 2009, Accepted to Uniformed
Services University for Health Sciences, Philadelphia Osteopathic-GA,
West Virginia Osteopathic, Tennessee Osteopathic, and
Kansas City Osteopathic
"I am utterly grateful to Dr. Lewis for all her help, guidance and
mentorship through the application process. I owe a great deal of my success
to date to her team."
Ariel Chairez, Entering Class 2004, Scholarship Awardee, University
of Wisconsin Medical School
"Dr. Lewis, I would like to thank you for all of your help.
Without your guidance, I would not have been accepted
into medical school this year. I am extremely happy to have been accepted
to one of the top medical schools in the country, and to have received
a scholarship of $130,000. For any student who questions the value
of your services, I can say that you have saved me $130,000 in tuition!
Thank you."
John Fiszer (Lawyer), Entering Class of 2005,
University Of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Dr. Lewis' note: John was an Assistant State's Prosecuting Attorney in
Chicago, Illinois, when he contacted me in 2004. Finishing his 4th year
of medical school, he said: "I am really enjoying med school, and
I am thankful to Dr. Lewis for her help. Her methodical, disciplined approach
to the med school application process, as well as her insight into the
transition to med school were right on target."
Ali Warrick, Entering Class 2011 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 2011 or 2012 applicant,
you need to submit a quality application as evaluated by your clinical,
service and other experiences and your GPA-MCAT/DAT/GRE, etc. profile
in a timely fashion. This requires a well thought-out strategy to carry
you through the difficult year-long application process. If you use Dr.
Lewis' advising, we begin preparation early in the year BEFORE submission
of your application!
EARLY is always better, removes much of the pressure, and allows
time to solve unforeseen problems and challenges.
What are your chances?
If you want to change your career, or reach your present career goal,
but do not know how to begin, or how to jump over all those hurdles, Lewis
Associates will advise you and implement strategies to change your life.
Dr. Lewis is thorough and professional.
Getting Started
Read on our website about
getting your Personal
Assessment done, then phone or email
us to get started! Dr. Lewis spends, on average, 7 hours developing
an effective strategy of taking you from where you are to where you want
to be. Added Benefit: We will subtract
the cost of your Personal Assesment from an Ultimate Commitment Package
if you choose it within 6 months.
You may be like our other Lewis Associates Advisees -- highly motivated
and intelligent -- but needing focus, guidance and specific technical
expertise. Dr. Lewis solves problems for her Advisees and finds opportunities
for them. Or, you may wish to use hourly advising to solve one specific
problem.
Dr. Lewis is a trained Biologist, having taught and directed her own research
programs for many years at two universities. She earned two postdoctoral
fellowships (one at NIH), received the 1990 NACADA Outstanding
Institutional Advising Program in the U.S. and directed her own Health
Careers Opportunity Program grant for 6 years, bringing $1 million to
her university while helping hundreds of disadvantaged
students enter health professions.
If you are serious about making your dreams to become a physician,
dentist, physician assistant, veterinarian, optometrist, podiatrist, naturopathic
physician, or pharmacist a reality--Dr. Lewis can help you.
We have made the difference for more than 800 alumni now training or practicing
in medicine over the last 23 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.
news
HHS Announces New $250 Million Investment to Strengthen Primary Health Care Workforce
Investments Will Help Train and Develop 16,000 New Providers
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/06/20100616a.html
Could New Programs Eliminate Debt for Tomorrow's Osteopathic Primary Care Physicians?
Dr. Shannon discusses opportunities created or expanded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act and the health care reform legislation, and how they might impact the decisions of new physicians.
http://www.aacom.org/resources/ome/2010-06/Pages/president.aspx
Medical Schools Fulfill "Societal Mission" in Many Ways
The new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine presents a limited picture of how medical schools serve
society's needs through their integrated missions of education, research, and patient care.
http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2010/100615.htm
Health Insurance Reform and the Tensions of Federalism
The enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) marks the beginning of a new
chapter in the centuries-long debate about the appropriate balance between the states and the federal
government in the development, administration, and enforcement of domestic policy in the United States.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/362/24/2244
Osteopathic Medical School Graduate Numbers Continue to Rise
The number of new DOs has risen annually since 1999; in 2009, 3,845 students graduated from
osteopathic medical schools.
http://www.aacom.org/resources/ome/2010-06/Pages/grads.aspx
8th National AMSA ARC/UCD Pre-Medical and Pre-Public Health Conference
http://www.amsaarcucd.org/
links
2011 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book
If you are a Class of 2011 medical school applicant, you should get the free 2011 Osteopathic MedicalCollege Information Book at http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Pages/default.aspx
2011-12 Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)
If you are a Class of 2011 medical school applicant, you should purchased the 2011-12 Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) at
https://services.aamc.org/publications/index.cfm?fuseaction=Product.displayForm&prd_id=296&prv_id=367
MD-PhD programs
www.aamc.org/mdphd
New York Medical College Postbaccalaureate and MS programs
http://www.nymc.edu/gsbms/interdisciplinary.asp
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Joseph Joseph E. Allen, M.D., Entering Class of 1995, St Georges University; Family Medicine Residency and Fellowship at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, NJ; Sports Medicine Fellowship at UCSD; private practice in Sports and Family Medicine in San Diego May 29, 2010: Dr. Lewis, I thought you might be interested to see what's been created recently. I've set a goal to produce 2-3 paintings each month, so check it out from time-to-time and let me know what you think. http://www.artslant.com/global/artists/show/158535-joseph-e-allen. All the best, Joe." |
 Dr. Lewis and Cathy Cathy Artoun, Entering Class or 2008, Touro University, NV, College of Osteopathic Medicine June 5, 2010: "I met up with Cathy for dinner. She is studying for Board exams, taking both COMLEX |
 Dr. Lewis and Lorena Lorena Del Valle, Entering Class of 2009, Touro University, NV, Physician Assistants Program
June 5, 2010: "I visited with Lorena at lunch. She likes the 27 month PA program, especially the adjunct PA teachers currently practicing medicine who bring real experience to her education." |
 Elliot
Success Story Elliot, Entering Class of 2010, still deciding which school to attend. As many know, the journey to becoming a physician starts well before the first day of medical school.
Mine started at the early age of eight, when I would sit next to my father, an orthopedic surgeon, and
watch videos of his surgeries. Amazed at my interest at such a young age, my father allowed me to
accompany him during his hospital rounds. As his little sidekick, my father would introduce me to all
his patients and try to explain, as best he could to an elementary student, what was wrong and how he
intended to fix his patients. Although I always dreamed of becoming a doctor when I was younger,
reality kicked in as I matured, and embarked on my college adventure. I now began to think about my
future and contemplate if medicine was the correct career path. This was around the time that I first came
into contact with Dr. Lewis and her advice.
I was always destined enter a health profession. During my sophomore year of college, I was debating
between becoming a doctor and a dentist. Being a surgeon requires huge preparation and a strenuous
lifestyle. I wondered if I was capable of balancing the workload of a doctor with a family, so I considered
dentistry. But, as I shadowed dentists, I realized that I missed the uniqueness and uncertainty of every
surgery, which brings challenge and the application of problem-solving skills. On the other hand, the
dentists I talked to expressed to me their love for their profession and its less strenuous schedule. This
is the first issue that Dr. Lewis and I tackled together. Before I could begin studying for the MCATS
or DATS, I needed to know which path I would take. After numerous meetings where Dr. Lewis and I
discussed both pros and cons and how I felt intuitively about each, we concluded that medicine was my
choice.
My next obstacle was keeping me on tract with the application process, while I was a half a world away,
literally. Studying abroad in Australia was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Living on the
other side of the world, I felt compelled to try as many new and exciting things as possible. With the
lifelong friends I made down there, I would joke that it wasn't a study abroad, but a study adventure. I
traveled throughout Australia and also to New Zealand, Indonesia, and Thailand. With my life filled with
camping, skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, surfing, and school, it was often difficult to find time
to complete what needed to be done for my medical school applications before I returned home. Without
Dr. Lewis, it would have been nearly impossible to stay on track. She repeatedly assured me that I could
take full advantage of my abroad experience and still get everything in on time. Dr. Lewis never let me
fall behind, as she constantly reminded me of my responsibilities and deadlines, things that probably
would have slipped behind the idea of hiking through national parks.
I am pleased to say that after completing my college career at Penn State, I will be continuing my
education at either the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Osteopathic Medicine or Drexel University College of Medicine.
I'm filled with excitement as I embark on my next journey beginning in August, a journey made possible
with the support from my family, friends, and especially, Dr. Lewis.
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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 (link)
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
"How many Letters of Recommendation do I need?"
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.
The Association of International
Graduate Admissions Consultants' (AIGAC) Stamp of Excellence is issued
based on education, professional experience as a graduate admissions consultant,
and commitment to the AIGAC's principles of good practices. AIGAC exists
to define and promote professional excellence in serving graduate and
professional school applicants worldwide.
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 23 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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