Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 8
August 2011
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Wow - how could it already possibly be August?!
Those of you who are applying should be working on writing thoughtful, cogent secondary essays and have all your letters of recommendations sent to application services or schools, whichever is appropriate to your process. This is a year-long process, which as I tell my applicants, is a "roller-coaster" ride. One minute up, another down. Hang in there.
We are here to help!
Do you really want to be competitive?
1. Plan ... ahead!
2. Address your weaknesses. What are they?
- Science GPA?
- Test (MCAT, DAT) scores, or do you need to take the test for the first time?
- Clinical experiences? How meaningful are they?
- Service? What did you do to help others?
- No close relationships with faculty?
And, how long will it take to really improve? One term? 2 years? Be realistic!
So, whatever quest you have, or issue you want to discuss, Dr. Lewis is the best person to use for personal and academic advice. She's been doing it for 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: "I am applying, but want to defer if I am accepted. Is it possible?"
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 2013?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
Getting Started
• Patient-centered care found to reduce medical costs
• Criminal Background Checks for Entering Medical Students: History, Current Issues, and Future Considerations
• Six Ways Problem-Based Learning Cases Can Sabotage Patient-Centered Medical Education
• The Public’s Views about Medicare and the Budget Deficit
• Why States Are So Miffed about Medicaid — Economics, Politics, and the “Woodwork Effect”
• Medicaid and Access to Health Care — A Proposal for Continued Inaction?
• AMA to work with NRMP to improve Match fairness, flexibility
• AMA takes action on medical education issues at Annual Meeting
• Is Your 'Social Clock' Ticking Like Mine?
• Shortage of Physicians, APNs, PAs Predicted for 2025
• Residency programs scramble to adopt changes
• Older doctors embracing tablets faster than younger counterparts
• First patients treated in new human embryonic stem cell study
Useful Links
• Center for Studying Health System Change
• Medscape News - Medical Students
Alumni Update
• Kelly, MD, Entering Class of 2007, Loyola University Medical School
Success Story of the Month
• Jay, Entering Class of 2011, Boston University School of Medicine
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: see our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab."I am applying, but want to defer if I am accepted. Is it possible?"
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 Your preparation and application activities. 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
|
Email: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com |
| Mailing Address: 1885 Laguna del Campo, Templeton, CA 93465 | |
Lewis Associates absorbs Long Distance Charges
All phone conferences are made from our office to you. Marcia, our Administrative Assistant, calls YOU at your appointment time.
Where are you
in your journey to a health profession?
In high school? Yes, we advise high school students,
particularly, those interested in BA-MD programs!
Just starting college? This is a scary time. Everything
is new…how do I meet all those new expectations?
Moving into your difficult upper division sciences as a college
junior? Possibly, the "dreaded organic chemistry"…
Re-entering as an "older" non-traditional student?
Re-establishing academic discipline…
We help prepare those of you submitting applications for medical
and dental Residency programs, too!
Whatever niche you fit, we advise students just like you.
Are you REALLY ready to apply for the Class of 2013 or 2014?
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 2013 or 2014 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 26 years.
Dr. Lewis teaches Professionalism, Leadership, and Quality, and
sets high standards for her Advisees.
Lewis Associates will save you money and heartache on your preparation
and application process.
Contact the Health Career experts! For more
information email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com.
Call 805-226-9669 to set up your first appointment.
Patient-centered care found to reduce medical costs
When patients play a more active role in their health, costly and unnecessary tests can be eliminated.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/18/bisc0718.htm
Criminal Background Checks for Entering Medical Students: History, Current Issues, and Future Considerations
History and rationale for what has become the Association of American Medical Colleges–facilitated criminal background check process for entering medical students.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/07000/Commentary__Criminal_Background_Checks_for.5.aspx
Six Ways Problem-Based Learning Cases Can Sabotage Patient-Centered Medical Education
This report describes a qualitative study that explored the question, “How does PBL teach medical students about what matters in medicine?”
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/07000/Six_Ways_Problem_Based_Learning_Cases_Can_Sabotage.13.aspx
The Public’s Views about Medicare and the Budget Deficit
Despite many years of dire warnings about the serious problems for the federal deficit posed by the projected growth in Medicare spending, it has been difficult for political leaders in Washington to find a long-term solution to this problem.
http://healthpolicyandreform.nejm.org/?p=14918
Why States Are So Miffed about Medicaid — Economics, Politics, and the “Woodwork Effect”
Although the Affordable Care Act requires the federal government to fund most of the cost of the 2014 Medicaid expansion, other features of the legislation render Medicaid a fiscal threat and administrative challenge for states whose budgets are already in dire straits.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1104948
Medicaid and Access to Health Care — A Proposal for Continued Inaction?
Medicaid's coverage guarantee for poor Americans often fails to translate into access to care. The U.S. Supreme Court is now poised to hear a case about the effects on access of California's payment reductions for health care providers who treat Medicaid patients.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1106046
AMA to work with NRMP to improve Match fairness, flexibility
The newly adopted "all-in" policy of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) may have some significant implications for medical students entering the Match each year.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2011-july/2011-july-top_stories2.shtml
AMA takes action on medical education issues at Annual Meeting
At its Annual Meeting in Chicago in June, the AMA House of Delegates (HOD) debated a host of key medical education issues and set new policies.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2011-july/2011-july-top_stories1.shtml
Is Your 'Social Clock' Ticking Like Mine?
Sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on my 20s: Everyone else seems to be living their lives and I'm still in school. Does this frustrate anyone else?
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/745834
Shortage of Physicians, APNs, PAs Predicted for 2025
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physician assistants (PAs) are frequently touted as the solution to the physician shortage, but there will not be enough of all 3 professionals combined to meet the nation's healthcare needs in 2025.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/746101
Residency programs scramble to adopt changes
New ACGME rules require fewer work hours, increased supervision and a renewed emphasis on quality.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/11/prsa0711.htm
Older doctors embracing tablets faster than younger counterparts
They say portability and the depth of information have led to adoption rates that exceed any other technology.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/18/bisa0718.htm
First patients treated in new human embryonic stem cell study
Researchers have treated the first two patients in the second government-authorized attempt to evaluate a therapy created using human embryonic stem cells in the United States.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-checkup/post/first-patients-treated-in-new-human-embryonic-stem-cell-study/2011/07/13/gIQAoMDhCI_blog.html
Center for Studying Health System Change
http://www.hschange.org/
Medscape News - Medical Students
http://www.medscape.com/medicalstudents
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Kelly Kelly, MD, Entering Class of 2007, Loyola University Medical School Jul 12, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis, I know it has been a very long time since I last wrote, I think it was 4 years ago after my white coat ceremony at Loyola. Just wanted to update you that I just began my Internal Medicine Residency at Northwestern. Hope all is well with you! Kelly." |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Jay Jay, Entering Class of 2011, Boston University School of Medicine Dear Medical Student, Dedicating your undergraduate journey to become a great medical school applicant is definitely an arduous goal. But, the most important part of this journey is to simultaneously learn and enjoy nearly every experience you partake in. Dr. Lewis taught me that becoming a physician must initially entail engaging in a collection of experiences that satisfy my interests and build my character. During my undergraduate years, I worked hard through my academic science courses, but I wanted to ensure that medicine was a career for me through experience. I focused on what I thought would fascinate me: basic science research and community service. Dr. Lewis motivated me to pursue my interests for the sole purpose of learning rather than what medical schools wanted to see. Although I didn’t realize the importance of this statement at the time, I soon understood that true passion for my extra-curricular work could only derive from my own personal sustained interest in that activity. By creating this foundation and a personal niche in my large academic institution, I was further motivated to attend medical school. Finding things I enjoyed doing outside of college inspired me to perform at my best academically and balance academic work with the leisure time college students need. In Camp Kesem, dedicated to families coping with cancer, I saw families struggle psychologically and socio-economically and develop resilience outside of their normal healthcare settings. During all four years of undergraduate experience, I did gene therapy research, playing a direct role in it. My research resulted in a senior thesis, but I learned more from repeated failures than medical science. These experiences were fundamental to articulating my motivations behind becoming a physician. Dr. Lewis’s advice, professional expertise, and her methodical, personal inquiries about my daily routine kept me focused towards my goal, even at the most difficult times. My conversations with Dr. Lewis during difficult times such as before a physics exam or before the MCAT made me levelheaded, as she instilled a sense of reality and a humanistic perspective separate from my high pressure academic life. Especially at the end of my junior year, Dr. Lewis developed my time management skills during the application process while highlighting the importance of quality writing, being personal, and specific in my essays. Attending my first choice medical school, Boston University this fall, I will remember her influential voice and the personal relationship that I have developed with Dr. Lewis. Her role in my undergraduate career and in maturing my perspective of being a doctor was essential. Sincerely, Jay Class of 2011 |
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
"I am applying, but want to defer if I am accepted. Is it possible?"
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.comwith '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
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