Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 10
October 2011
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Here we are in October. Wherever you are, the seasons are changing, usually getting cooler. Leaves fall. But, because we had such a late summer in my part of the country (Central California), it is hot and we are in harvest time for grapes and other crops. Why is this bit of trivia of value? Because my Advisees are like each of your geographic areas - each has its own beauty, and each has its challenges. Advisees have strengths and weaknesses ... and each of you are different. Don't you want an Advisor who evaluates advisees based on your personal strengths and weaknesses? And, treats you as an individual rather than part of a mass production line? Dr. Lewis does.
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 26 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 took most or some of my science classes "X" years ago. Do I have to retake them?"
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 or 2014?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
What Are Your Chances
Getting Started
• On Physician Advocacy
• Commentary: Defining Disability in Health Care Education
• How states will shape health reform
• Nearly half of office-based physicians work with NPs and PAs
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Providing Primary Care in California Community Clinics
• Trial-by-Fire: Training New Medical School Students as EMTs
• First Do No Harm
• Even brief explanations help patients make better medication decisions
• Temporary health workers double risk of harmful drug mix-ups
• Hospitals hire doctors to control services and shore up market share, study says
Useful Links
• Virtual Mentor - AMA Journal of Ethics
• Go Dental: useful information for current and future dental students
Alumni Update
• Brad, M.D., MPH, Entering Class of 1993, USUHS, Aerospace Medicine Residency, Ob/Gyn Internship at Portsmouth Navy Hospital
• Aleksandr, MD, Entering Class of 1995, Harvard University School of Medicine, Dermatology Residency at Boston Medical Center
• Renee, MD, Entering Class of 1994, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital
• Christina, Entering Class of 2011, New York Medical College
Success Story of the Month
• Cameron, Entering Class of 2011, Rush Medical College
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "I took most or some of my science classes "X" years ago. Do I have to retake them?"
See our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab.
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.
On Physician Advocacy
Should physician advocacy be a mandatory part of physician education and practice? If so, what does that mean?
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/09000/On_Physician_Advocacy.1.aspx
Commentary: Defining Disability in Health Care Education
Although it has been 20 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities still experience health disparities and a lack of access to the appropriate care.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/09000/Commentary__Defining_Disability_in_Health_Care.11.aspx
How states will shape health reform
Attention over the last three years has been focused firmly on national health system reform, but state-level regulation of health insurers remains critical.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/29/bisa0829.htm
Nearly half of office-based physicians work with NPs and PAs
The economics of medicine and shortages of doctors make nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse midwives a common sight at many practices.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/12/bisb0912.htm
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Providing Primary Care in California Community Clinics
Qualitative analysis of NPs and PAs serving as primary care providers in California's licensed community clinics.
http://futurehealth.ucsf.edu/Public/Publications-and-Resources/Content.aspx?topic=Nurse_Practitioners_and_Physician_Assistants_Providing_Primary_Care_in_California_Community_Clinics
Trial-by-Fire: Training New Medical School Students as EMTs
Hofstra's first year medical students must also become licensed EMTs and ride with North Shore ambulance teams in Long Island and New York City
http://healthland.time.com/2011/07/22/trial-by-fire-training-medical-school-grads-as-emts/
First Do No Harm
A decade after the Institute of Medicine's report on patient safety, the nation has made significant strides to addressing the root causes of medical errors.
http://virtualmentor.ama-assn.org/
Even brief explanations help patients make better medication decisions
Patients can choose safer, more effective medications if they are told about a drug's harms and benefits and they understand that newer doesn't always mean better when it comes to prescription drugs, a study says.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/hlsd0923.htm
Temporary health workers double risk of harmful drug mix-ups
Hospitals looking to save money or fill nursing gaps in emergency departments may be harming patient safety.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/12/prsb0912.htm
Hospitals hire doctors to control services and shore up market share, study says
In turn, physicians are motivated to leave private practice by a decline in Medicare and private insurance payments and a desire for predictable hours.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/05/bise0906.htm
Virtual Mentor - AMA Journal of Ethics
http://virtualmentor.ama-assn.org/
Go Dental: useful information for current and future dental students
http://info.adea.org/DEP/
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Brad Brad, M.D., MPH, Entering Class of 1993, USUHS, Aerospace Medicine Residency, Ob/Gyn Internship at Portsmouth Navy Hospital. Sep 20, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis, I'm planning on being in CA again in San Diego around the 1st part of May in 2012 - I have the ACOG, Ob/Gyn conference there. I'm actually in the shipyards as the ship is currently going through a 4 year overhaul - so I run the entire medical department for the carrier and we have about 2600 people attached to the ship currently and I have 80 people working for me. And, to keep my ob/gyn skills up I am working in Richmond, VA as an Ob Hospitalist where I do 24 hour call and essentially take every patient that comes in the door from the labor and delivery area and any gynecology patient that comes through the ER - so a fast pace and a lot of fun. But, yes I do keep busy - and I do answer medical questions too online with JustAnswer - that has been actually a lot of fun too. Brad" |
Aleksandr, MD, Entering Class of 1995, Harvard University School of Medicine, Dermatology Residency at Boston Medical Center Sep 21, 2011: Hi Dr. Lewis, I am married and have two girls. I am a dermatologist and currently work at Scripps Clinic in Mission Valley. Alek." |
|
Renee, MD, Entering Class of 1994, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital Sep 22, 2011: Hi Dr. Lewis, I am practicing Internal Medicine at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, and am the Medical Director at Mercy Clinic. Renee." |
 Christina Christina, Entering Class of 2011, New York Medical College Sep 23, 2011: "Hey Dr. Lewis, how are you? I hope you and Marcia are doing well.
I'm enjoying my time at NYMC. We had our white coat ceremony today and wanted to send you photos. I've attached a few from today's celebration. Thanks and I'll keep in touch! Christina" |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Cameron Cameron, Entering Class of 2011, Rush Medical College To Future Physicians, The road to medical school is a long process that includes many bumps, bruises, highs and lows. For some, it begins in college when they take their first chemistry course. For others, they were born knowing that one day they would be a physician. For me, it is the latter. I have always wanted to be a physician. When I was young, I would dress up as a doctor almost every Halloween. Since no one in my family is a physician, some have asked what got me interested in medicine? Personally, it is the satisfaction of being able to help someone who could not otherwise help themselves. There are many professions where you can help someone: firefighter, policemen, etc., but what makes medicine unique is the profoundly personal and interaction with patients and bond you form with them. My desire to become a doctor stems from this very reason. Throughout my college career, I did many different extracurricular activities that involved patient interaction. In my sophomore year, I had the privilege of going on a mission trip to build homes for Haitians living in the Dominican Republic. Although it was not medically-related, it changed my life, and established a whole chain of events the next two years in school. Since that first trip, I have founded my own organization, Give Back Dominican Republic, to raise money and promote awareness of the Haitian living situation, I have been to the Dominican Republic 6 times to provide medical care, and organized and brought a group of 13+ people 4 times to the DR, and have also been to Haiti twice. My most rewarding experience was in Port-au-Prince Haiti 4 days after the devastating earthquake, where I was able to spend a week helping in hospitals and traveling to remote areas to care for the victims. All these and other local volunteer and shadowing experiences have led to me to start medical school wanting to become an emergency room physician or surgeon. I believe that there are two things that you must have on the road the medical school: someone you can trust to help guide you and having a positive attitude. The first for me was Dr. Lewis. She is someone who has been helping students like myself for over 25 years. I know no one else who has had this much experience with pre-health students. If I ever had a question, concern, or needed help writing essays, she was there to help. I would not have been able to survive the application process without her. Having a positive attitude is something that can be really difficult, at times. The application process is long and includes a lot of writing and being patient. There are times when you want to give up and start over, but remember this is something you want and look forward to know it is all worth it, makes it much easier. My advice to future applicants is to never give up. The feeling of getting that phone call and having someone tell you that you have been accepted to medical school is something I will never forget. From that moment on, you know your dreams and goals in life have come true. Thank You, Cameron, Rush Medical College, Chicago IL, Entering 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 took most or some of my science classes "X" years ago. Do I have to retake them?"
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
Copyright 2009, Lewis Associates. All rights reserved. Please do not repost on any website without direct permission from Lewis Associates.
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