Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 10 Issue 11
November 2011
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
As we come close to Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? A college education? Caring parents? Close friends? A job? Sometimes we just need to be thankful for good health and the gift of life. How will you use that life? I am privileged to meet and work with many motivated and usually altruistic people, some people for years. Will you be one of those people hungering for a health career: doctor, dentist, physician assistant, pharmacist, podiatrist, optometrist, public health worker? If so, let's get started ... right now!
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 hear that the MCAT is changing. How?"
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
• Medical school enrollment on the rise
• Physician assistants see big growth in U.S.
• Some states seek flexibility to push health-care overhaul further
• Proposals to Strengthen the Link Between Medical Education and Better Health for Individuals and Populations
• Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: Reforming Health Care by Transforming Health Professionals' Education
• Beyond the Exam Room: A Call for Integrating Public Health Into Medical Education
• The Physician as Team Leader: New Job Skills Are Required
• The “I Want to Help People” Dilemma: How Advocacy Training Can Improve Health
• Helping Medical Students and Residents Flourish: A Path to Transform Medical Education
• Residents' desire for hospital employment poses recruiting challenge for practices
• "Super" People
• ‘Supercommittee’ decision may lead to cuts funding for public health initiatives
• Some states limit Medicaid fees for certain ED visits
• Supreme Court hears lawsuit challenging Medicaid rate cuts
• Demand is high for pretend patients
• More doctors, nurses participate in program that helps communities with little health-care service
• Doctors after Hours: Physicians as Citizens
• Young Doctors Worry About Career Choices
• Reforms needed in graduate medical education
• Burnout endemic among medical residents, JAMA study finds
• Senate legislation proposes 15,000 new residency slots
• Rural Track Pipeline Program May Be The Solution To Physician Shortages
Useful Links
• e-MCAT Practice: The Official MCAT® Practice Site
• MIT Open Courseware - Free lecture notes, exams, and videos of MIT course materials that reflects almost all the undergraduate and graduate subjects taught at MIT.
Alumni Update
• Kriston, DDS, Entering Class of 1994, UCSF Dental School, Dental practice at Bankers Hill Dental, San Diego, CA
• Robert, DDS, Entering Class of 1991, UCLA School of Dentistry, Orthodontics Practice in La Jolla, CA
• Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine
Success Story of the Month
• Elizabeth, Entering Class of 2011, UCLA School of Medicine
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "I hear that the MCAT is changing. How?"
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.
Medical school enrollment on the rise
For those worried about the shortage of doctors in the U.S. healthcare system, here is a bit of good news: The number of students enrolling in medical schools has reached its highest level in more than a decade.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/10/medical-school-enrollment.html
Physician assistants see big growth in U.S.
The ranks of physician assistants, who perform many duties once handled only by doctors, are rapidly growing in the United States, allowing healthcare providers to treat more patients, say authors of a new report.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/09/the-ranks-of-physician-assistants-who-perform-many-duties-once-handled-only-by-doctors-are-rapidly-growing-in-the-united.html
Some states seek flexibility to push health-care overhaul further
A handful of states are pursuing health-care measures that go far beyond the Obama administration’s signature legislative accomplishment, the Affordable Care Act.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/some-states-seeking-flexibility-to-push-health-reforms-further/2011/10/14/gIQALX7VpL_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines
Proposals to Strengthen the Link Between Medical Education and Better Health for Individuals and Populations
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/11000/Proposals_to_Strengthen_the_Link_Between_Medical.1.aspx
Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: Reforming Health Care by Transforming Health Professionals' Education
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/11000/Core_Competencies_for_Interprofessional.25.aspx
Beyond the Exam Room: A Call for Integrating Public Health Into Medical Education
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/11000/Beyond_the_Exam_Room__A_Call_for_Integrating.21.aspx
The Physician as Team Leader: New Job Skills Are Required
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/11000/The_Physician_as_Team_Leader__New_Job_Skills_Are.22.aspx
The “I Want to Help People” Dilemma: How Advocacy Training Can Improve Health
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/11000/The__I_Want_to_Help_People__Dilemma__How_Advocacy.23.aspx
Helping Medical Students and Residents Flourish: A Path to Transform Medical Education
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2011/11000/Helping_Medical_Students_and_Residents_Flourish__A.60.aspx
Residents' desire for hospital employment poses recruiting challenge for practices
Interest is waning for group practices that don't offer quick paths to partnerships, while the pursuit of solo practice is nearly nonexistent.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/bil11024.htm
"Super" People
Has our competitive society finally outdone itself in its tireless efforts to produce winners whose abilities are literally off the charts?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/opinion/sunday/meet-the-new-super-people.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
‘Supercommittee’ decision may lead to cuts funding for public health initiatives
Federal funding for medical research, disease prevention and a host of public health initiatives could be sharply reduced if the congressional “supercommittee” fails to agree on a deficit-reduction package, triggering automatic cuts.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/supercommittee-decision-may-lead-to-cuts-funding-for-public-health-initiatives/2011/10/13/gIQA0rytmL_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines
Some states limit Medicaid fees for certain ED visits
Emergency physicians say some exclusions could discourage patients with potentially serious conditions from seeking timely care.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,pkuq,2kdo,7r12,ayjt,d051,er0i
Supreme Court hears lawsuit challenging Medicaid rate cuts
Meanwhile, the California Medical Assn. sues the state over a lack of data relevant to physician pay reductions.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,pkuq,2kdo,8w54,jkdm,d051,er0i
Demand is high for pretend patients
The day job of hundreds of people in the Washington area is to realistically portray patients in medical cases. They are poked and prodded, and occasionally take off their clothes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/demand-is-high-for-standardized-patients/2011/10/07/gIQA2PChiL_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines
More doctors, nurses participate in program that helps communities with little health-care service
The number of clinicians participating in a federal program to expand access to care in under-served communities has nearly tripled in the past three years.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/more-doctors-nurses-participate-in-program-that-helps-communities-with-little-health-care-service/2011/10/13/gIQADBrRiL_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines
Doctors after Hours: Physicians as Citizens
Individual physicians have built society’s trust in the profession over the centuries by putting patients’ needs before their own interests, holding our health records and family histories in confidence, and applying their specialized knowledge and expertise to our care.
http://virtualmentor.ama-assn.org/
Young Doctors Worry About Career Choices
Even though young doctors still receive a lot of job offers in one of the worst markets in decades, nearly one-third would select another profession if they had to decide on a career all over again, according to a new study.
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/young-doctors-worry-about-career-choices/
Reforms needed in graduate medical education
Changing demographics, our evolving health care system, increased used of health care technology and rising costs, along with an increasing shortage of physicians, all point to the need for reform in graduate medical education.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2011-october/2011-october-gme.shtml?article-two
Burnout endemic among medical residents, JAMA study finds
A study of more than 16,000 internal medicine resident physicians published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that suboptimal quality of life was widespread, "as were burnout symptoms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization."
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2011-october/2011-october-top_stories2.shtml
Senate legislation proposes 15,000 new residency slots
A bill introduced recently in the U.S. Senate would increase the number of Medicare-supported training positions for medical residents by 15 percent
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2011-october-05/2011-october-05-medical_student.shtml?P=S&C=A&G=T&M=T&I=T&W=T&Y=T&S=F
Rural Track Pipeline Program May Be The Solution To Physician Shortages
An innovative program at the University of Missouri School of Medicine could help states deal with a dilemma in Washington, D.C.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/235213.php
e-MCAT Practice: The Official MCAT® Practice Site
http://www.e-mcat.com
MIT Open Courseware- Free lecture notes, exams, and videos of MIT course materials that reflects almost all the undergraduate and graduate subjects taught at MIT.
http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Kriston Kriston, DDS, Entering Class of 1994, UCSF Dental School, Dental practice at Bankers Hill Dental, San Diego, CA Sep 24, 2011: "How are you doing? What are you doing now? Christie and I are no longer practicing together. I purchased my own practice in 2009. My kids are great. I have two girls, 3 and 5. My oldest starts kindergarten on Tuesday. They grow so fast. Well I hope all is well. Kriston" |
 Robert Robert, DDS, Entering Class of 1991, UCLA School of Dentistry, Orthodontics Practice in La Jolla, CA Sep 26, 2011: "Hi Dr Lewis, I am still busy. I only have offices in San Diego now, but I am in the middle of buying another one now. Check out my new website at lajollaorthodontist.com. I am proud to be one of your Alumni. You helped me out a lot and I will always appreciate it. Let me know if you come down this way? Take care. Robert" |
 Leah Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Medicine Oct 4, 2011: "Hi Dr. Lewis, we are just getting into midterms, so currently attempting to memorize 5 bazillion drugs for my pharmacology exam on Thursday. Otherwise, a lot of pathology and infectious diseases right now. This year is definitely more interesting than last year and probably a little less memorization, more difficult conceptually. I know that I survived first year, so that is my lasting hope that I'll pass this set of exams! I managed to get involved as the community service chair for La Rama this year and am starting to work on my project for the Urban Medicine program that will span the next 2.5 years. I actually just helped organize a health fair on Sunday in a low income Hispanic neighborhood. We probably caught 5 people who hadn't been to a doctor in years with blood sugars in the 300s and high bps, which was sad but a really rewarding experience. I get so caught up with what I need to do each day that it's easy to forget how long a road it was to get here and appreciate the opportunities! Thanks for checking in! Leah" |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Elizabeth Elizabeth, Entering Class of 2011, UCLA School of Medicine My first two years of undergrad at UCLA were overwhelming, to say the least. I felt that all I had time to do during those first two years was study and attend class. While I was successful at keeping my grades up, I found myself not having extra curricular activities or research when it came time to apply for medical school. For this reason, I decided to take a year off between undergrad and medical school to develop my research, clinical, and volunteer experiences. When the time came to begin thinking about medical school applications, I got the same feelings of anxiety that I felt my first year of college. Trying to navigate a brand new system with so many moving parts and crucial details made me dread and fear application. Best wishes on your journeys to medical school! |
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 hear that the MCAT is changing. How?"
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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