Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 5
May 2011
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
May is when premedical applicants (and predental) can first enter data into the AACOMAS (Osteopathic medical), AMCAS (Allopathic medical) and AADSAS (Dental school) applications.
Will you be ready?
Most premeds only start to prepare in May.
I have my applicants preparing since LAST summer/fall, because it takes weeks to months to collect all the pertinent letters and to craft a well-thought out personal statement. It is unrealistic to assume that a few hours work will produce a competitive application.
Do you really want to be competitive?
1. Plan ahead !!!
2. Address your weaknesses ... how long will that take? 3 months? A year?
What are your weaknesses?
- Science GPA?
- Test (MCAT, DAT) scores (or take the test for the first time)?
- Clinical experience?
- Service?
- No close relationships with faculty?
And, how long will it take to really improve? 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 25 years, and "has heard it all". Why don't you let her help you?
805-226-9669
imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
This month's question on Dr. Lewis' Facebook page is: "How much will it cost to apply to 25 allopathic medical schools?"
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 2012?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
Getting Started
• The Social Mission of Medical Education: Ranking the Medical Schools
• What all college rankings really tell us.
• Revamping MCAT and Pre-Med Education
• Humanizing anatomy: a medical student's first patient
• AMA Leader Commentary - It is the best of times for today's medical graduates
• 1 in 3 patients harmed during hospital stay
• House GOP budget plan aims to slice entitlements, deficit
• House panel votes to end insurance exchange and school health center funding
• Cherry-picking patients leaves sour taste
• What editorial writers are saying about health reform's one-year anniversary
• Defining essential benefits: How much is too much?
• California lawsuit accuses drug powerhouse of bribing doctors
• U.S. appellate court will hear human gene patents lawsuit
• Confronting health issues of climate change
• Hospitals' new physician leaders: Doctors wear multiple medical hats
• Patients social media use raises practical issues for doctors
Useful Links
• The Washington Monthly's annual college ranking issue - ranks colleges not on resources and reputation, but on contributions to society and value added in education
• Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education
• International Health Opportunities Directory
Alumni Update
• Raquel, M.D., Entering Class of 1997, UCLA - Drew, Obstetric & Gynecology Residency at White Memorial Medical Center, Practicing at Kaiser LAMC
• Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine
• Angelica, Entering Class of 2009, St. Georges University School of Medicine
Success Story of the Month
• Jason, Entering Class of 2011, UC San Francisco MSTP
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: see our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab."How much will it cost to apply to 25 allopathic medical schools?"
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 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
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.
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 2012 or 2013?
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, 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 2012 or 2013 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 25 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.
The Social Mission of Medical Education: Ranking the Medical Schools
http://www.annals.org/content/152/12/804.full
The Order of Things
What all college rankings really tell us.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/02/14/110214fa_fact_gladwell
Revamping MCAT and Pre-Med Education
A special panel recently proposed an overhaul of the Medical College Admission Test — including changes that could encourage would-be doctors to take more social science courses as undergraduates and that might result in some minority and disadvantaged students having better tools to highlight their strengths
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/04/01/plan_would_revamp_the_mcat_and_potentially_change_the_nature_of_pre_medical_education
Humanizing anatomy: a medical student's first patient
How students relate to the cadavers they dissect has changed. Some say teaching empathy begins in the anatomy lab.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,gv3v,2kdo,k60n,obu,d051,er0i
AMA Leader Commentary - It is the best of times for today's medical graduates
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,gv3v,2kdo,92sy,c0j3,d051,er0i
1 in 3 patients harmed during hospital stay
Many adverse events can be prevented, providing what a patient safety expert calls "humongous opportunities for improvement."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,gv3v,2kdo,3egs,m7ap,d051,er0i
House GOP budget plan aims to slice entitlements, deficit
Democrats and some in organized medicine slammed the proposal, saying it would force states, the poor and the elderly to pay too much.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,gv3v,2kdo,bvhp,jebz,d051,er0i
House panel votes to end insurance exchange and school health center funding
The measures are part of the GOP's campaign to cut off spending to provisions in the health system reform law.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/04/11/gvsa0411.htm
Cherry-picking patients leaves sour taste
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,gv3v,2kdo,je8a,73wu,d051,er0i
What editorial writers are saying about health reform's one-year anniversary
President Obama's signature on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010, did not end the health system reform debate.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/04/11/edsa0411.htm
Defining essential benefits: How much is too much?
Drafting government definitions of what insurers must cover raises emotionally charged issues surrounding patient need, medical necessity and cost control.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,g7gj,2kdo,83j8,3pvb,d051,er0i
California lawsuit accuses drug powerhouse of bribing doctors
High-prescribing physicians were compensated with expensive gifts by Bristol-Myers, the suit alleges, but the drugmaker says the allegations have no merit.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,g7gj,2kdo,fvff,2brr,d051,er0i
U.S. appellate court will hear human gene patents lawsuit
The landmark ruling will affect health care access and genetic testing research, experts say.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,g7gj,2kdo,l8mf,2zsf,d051,er0i
Confronting health issues of climate change
The shift in the planet's climate is affecting the health of patients -- and physicians are starting to see the results.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,g7gj,2kdo,4hve,h34f,d051,er0i
Hospitals' new physician leaders: Doctors wear multiple medical hats
Improving care is only one responsibility for a new generation of doctors who are combining clinical care and administrative leadership.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,g7gj,2kdo,578y,2fwb,d051,er0i
Patients social media use raises practical issues for doctors
Ethical concerns come into play when physicians become part of health conversations on Facebook and other sites.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,fw7g,2kdo,7pcn,jq5u,d051,er0i
The Washington Monthly's annual college ranking issue - ranks colleges not on resources and reputation, but on contributions to society and value added in education
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/toc_2010.php
Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education
http://visionandchange.org/2011-report-launch/
International Health Opportunities Directory
http://www.amsa.org/AMSA/Homepage/EducationCareerDevelopment/IntlHealthOpps.aspx
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Raquel & Family Raquel, M.D., Entering Class of 1997, UCLA - Drew, Obstetric & Gynecology Residency at White Memorial Medical Center, Practicing at Kaiser LAMC Mar 6, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis! I've been in LA since med school. I'm still at Kaiser LAMC (Sunset) - the tertiary center. Very happy with my life & blessed with my beautiful family." |
 Leah Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine Mar 7, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis, school is going well. We just finished a set of finals last week and after a 2 day "spring break," we're starting a whole new set of classes tomorrow. The past 2 months have been all brain and neuroanatomy, and were probably the roughest exams I have ever taken, but I'm working hard and keeping up. I am working on possible going abroad and/or doing something in San Diego for my last summer. Lots and lots of studying, but I'm surviving! I am definitely ready for Spring. This Chicago weather is tough!" |
 Angelica Angelica, Entering Class of 2009, St. Georges University School of Medicine Mar 9, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis, it is wonderful to hear from you. Remember that I decided to apply to SGU? Well, they accepted me. I was so thrilled when I received the call. I am here, in Grenada, finishing my second year. I will be taking step one this summer!! yikes! I will keep you posted." |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Jason Jason, Entering Class of 2011, UC San Francisco MSTP I started at UC Berkeley in August, 2006, only to withdraw several weeks later after my brother had been placed into hospice care. I restarted at Berkeley the next semester knowing that I was going to pursue the pathway to becoming a physician. I started taking the pre-med classes in addition to pursuing several extracurricular activities. The next year, I found my schedule filled with classes, tutoring, clinical Volunteer work, and basic science research. During winter break ’07-’08, I accompanied my brother to his appointment with Dr. Linson, a radiation oncologist. Dr. Linson made the comment that he would have never made it to medical school without Dr. Lewis’ help. Curious, I investigated what Dr. Lewis had to offer. The summer of 2008, in between my second and third years at UC Berkeley, Dr. Lewis started advising me. I wanted to give myself the best shot at attending the medical school of my choice. I intended to apply in 2009, but not having anyone to navigate me through the process, I needed Dr. Lewis’ insight and experience. Furthermore, I needed help in deciding how to appropriate time between my various commitments. Should I be spending more time taking harder classes, doing research, or clinical volunteering? I knew that only someone with a detailed knowledge of my personal background and goals, in addition to experience with the application process, would be able to answer such questions. I also found myself thinking up new projects and adventures to embark on, and consequently getting invaluable feedback from Dr. Lewis on which ones seemed worthwhile to pursue. Before I knew it, winter break ’08-’09 had arrived, and I had decided that I wanted to apply to Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP for MD/PhD’s). Dr. Lewis helped me navigate through the decision to apply in 2010 instead of 2009. In addition to helping me decide how to appropriate my time and keep me on top of so many preparatory steps required for applications, Dr. Lewis gave me feedback about my application essays, letters of recommendation, how to craft my AMCAS application, and helped hone my interviewing skills. In particular, I remember the length restrictions of many essays forcing me to choose which experiences to talk about. There was a whole spectrum of examples that illustrated different aspects of my motivation for pursuing a physician-scientist career. Dr. Lewis helped me to narrow them down to the areas which best strengthened my application. I ended up being invited to interview at 19 of the 20 schools I applied to, and will be starting at the UCSF MSTP, my first choice, in July 2011. Thank you Dr. Lewis! |
Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact those profiled in Success Stories: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
question of the month... see Facebook, Advising Tips tab
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
"How much will it cost to apply to 25 allopathic medical schools?"
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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