Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 11 Issue 2
February 2012
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
This is winter for most of us. Don't forget to eat healthy (not just comfort food) and to exercise (Marcia has taken up Zumba classes and inspired me to do likewise). A healthy body supports a healthy mind. We are connected: mind, body and spirit. Do not neglect any one of these parts of you!
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: "What are the math requirements to apply to medical school?"
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 Schools Should Teach Behavioral and Social Science, Says Report
• Breadth of Opportunities in Family Medicine Intrigues Medical Students
• Hispanic students filling medical schools nationwide
• Med schools promote training that lets students follow individual patients
• State innovations help expand Residency slots
• How states are keeping doctors from moving out
• Newly-Qualified Doctors Feel Inadequately Prepared To Look After Acutely Ill Patients
• As Doctors Use More Devices, Potential for Distraction Grows
• Why patients are turning less to media and friends for health information
• Residency Match revamps placement of students not selected initially
• What “Patient-Centered Care” Requires in Serious Cultural Conflict
• Medical errors in outpatient visits
• Hospitals alerted to fatigue's dangers
• Med students to get training to treat PTSD, combat head injuries
• Are we preparing today's physicians for tomorrow's medical practice?
Useful Links
• The Leadership Alliance Webcast 11/28/2011: Submitting a Competitive Graduate School Application
• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy online news magazine; highlights current issues and events in academic pharmacy.
• Summer Enrichment Program at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine
Alumni Update
• Jimmy, Entering Class of 2010, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Brian, DDS, MD, Entering Class of 1992, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, University Of California San Francisco Medical School, Oral Surgery Residency at UCSF, Residency Director for UCSF Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Success Story of the Month
• Emily, Entering Class of 2012
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "What are the math requirements to apply to medical school?"
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 Schools Should Teach Behavioral and Social Science, Says Report
A new report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) states that during their time in medical school, doctorate degree (MD) seekers should acquire a basic understanding of how lifestyle, behavior and economic status affect patients’ health.
http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/articles/medical-schools-should-teach-behavioral-and-social_12074.aspx
Breadth of Opportunities in Family Medicine Intrigues Medical Students
With a shortage of more than 45,000 primary care physicians forecast in the next decade, building interest in family medicine has never been more important.
http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/breadth_of_opportunities_in_family
Hispanic students filling medical schools nationwide
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the number of Hispanic applicants to American medical schools has increased by 22.9% in the past decade.
http://www.suntimes.com/9400237-417/hispanic-students-filling-medical-schools-nationwide.html
Med schools promote training that lets students follow individual patients
Longitudinal integrated clerkships have been around for decades. A small but growing number of medical schools are turning to them to promote patient-centered care.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/26/prl21226.htm
State innovations help expand Residency slots
During the past decade, in response to an aging and growing U.S. population, medical schools have increased their MD and DO graduates by 20 percent. However, entry-level GY1 residency positions have increased by only 10 percent.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2011-december/2011-december.shtml
How states are keeping doctors from moving out
In the face of physician shortages, they are focusing efforts on keeping medical students and residents within state boundaries.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/prl11219.htm
Newly-Qualified Doctors Feel Inadequately Prepared To Look After Acutely Ill Patients
Evidence published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal suggests that newly qualified doctors feel inadequately prepared to look after acutely ill patients compared with other elements that are required in clinical practice.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/239309.php
As Doctors Use More Devices, Potential for Distraction Grows
Hospitals and doctors’ offices, hoping to curb medical error, have invested heavily to put computers, smartphones and other devices into the hands of medical staff for instant access to patient data, drug information and case studies.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/health/as-doctors-use-more-devices-potential-for-distraction-grows.html?pagewanted=all
Why patients are turning less to media and friends for health information
Consumers' access to physicians and the quality of information available are affecting their level of interest in seeking outside guidance on their conditions.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/26/bil11226.htm
Residency Match revamps placement of students not selected initially
Starting in 2012, the National Resident Matching Program will administer a new system to link unmatched students with unfilled residency positions.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/26/prsa1226.htm
What “Patient-Centered Care” Requires in Serious Cultural Conflict
The medical community has hailed the recent movement to provide patient-centered care as a progressive step forward in meeting the needs of the very diverse patient population of the United States.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2012/01000/What__Patient_Centered_Care__Requires_in_Serious.12.aspx
Medical errors in outpatient visits
Diagnostic errors, medication mix-ups and other mistakes have been documented in the office-based setting. A new AMA report calls for more research and action.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/01/09/prl10109.htm
Hospitals alerted to fatigue's dangers
The Joint Commission advises hospitals to reduce the risk of drowsy doctoring and nursing. A study says work-hour rules have increased neurosurgery complications.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/01/09/prsa0109.htm
Med students to get training to treat PTSD, combat head injuries
The Obama administration is encouraging schools to address the hundreds of thousands of new veterans with mental health problems and traumatic brain injury.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/01/16/gvsd0119.htm
Are we preparing today's physicians for tomorrow's medical practice?
Medicine is changing rapidly. Is our system of medical education changing fast enough to keep pace? And are the products of that system—new physicians—emerging from residency training with the requisite skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed for the demands of tomorrow's practice environment?
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2012-january/2012-january.shtml
The Leadership Alliance Webcast 11/28/2011: Submitting a Competitive Graduate School Application
http://brown.edu/web/livestream/archive/2011-leadershipalliance.html
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy online news magazine; highlights current issues and events in academic pharmacy.
http://www.aacp.org/news/academicpharmnow/Pages/default.aspx
Summer Enrichment Program at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine
http://stritch.luc.edu/admission/applying-to-stritch/summer-enrichment-program
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Jimmy Jimmy, Entering Class of 2010, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Jan 14, 2012: " Hi Dr. Lewis! My second year of med school is infinitely more interesting than the first. Rocky Vista likes to teach the basic biochem and physiology during our first year, and the pathology and pharmacology for our second. This year, the lectures are taught by clinicians, as opposed to the physiologists that taught during our first. Having them able to relate what we learn in our textbooks to their practice/experience really helps to build that connection to what we'll see ourselves next year during rotations. I guess reflecting back on my first year, my second year has gone a lot smoother than the first. The most important thing for me during my first year was actually learning how to study for med school. The usual methods I employed during undergrad were not enough, and its more than putting in the time and effort, but how you synthesize the material." |
 Brian Brian, DDS, MD, Entering Class of 1992, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, University Of California San Francisco Medical School, Oral Surgery Residency at UCSF, Residency Director for UCSF Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dec 16, 2011: "Hello Dr Lewis. Great to hear you are still helping students. I graduated SDSU in 1992, Harvard Dental in 1997 and UCSF Medical School in 2000. I am full time faculty in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UCSF, Residency Program Director and Chief of the Department at our level one trauma center - San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. I remember so clearly Robert telling me that I really had to sit down with you if I was thinking about dental school. I remember sitting down for the first time in your office at SDSU. Everything that has happened with my career started with your help. You pointed me in the right direction, gave me reality checks and pushed me forward. Can never really thank you enough, but thank you! Brian" |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Emily Emily, Entering Class of 2012 I grew up with a great family, which has always supported my decision to be a physician. However, my mother is a teacher and my father an engineer, so they couldn’t advise me once I graduated from high school. When I started at UC Santa Barbara, I met other pre-med students, and I learned what I thought I needed to accomplish to be competitive for medical school. I knew earning good grades was important, so I did my best to excel in my courses, especially my sciences. I learned that even if I didn’t think research was for me, I still should try it. I volunteered in direct patient care at a hospital, which I enjoyed so much. I spent many afternoons talking to patients, which might not seem as exciting as some procedures I witnessed in the ER. For me, though, being able to communicate with patients effectively will help me be a great physician. I learned I needed to get involved in nonclinical extracurricular activities, too. My favorite club helped the homeless of Santa Barbara. I would also help my roommate when he needed help with his LGBT club. Finally, I got a job in the Disabled Students Program to help students overcome learning challenges. Still, even after doing what my friends advised, I had no idea how to prepare for the MCAT or approach putting together my application. Some of my friends were already preparing for the MCAT in our sophomore year! So, I called Dr. Lewis because I just didn’t know what to do, and I knew I was going to be overwhelmed with this process. Dr. Lewis took time to learn my full history. When it came time to start writing my personal statement, which we started almost a full year before I applied, she gave me tips about how to structure the content and how to approach it. After talking about my life with her, I knew what I needed to include to make me stand out as a traditional applicant. Similarly, she helped me prepare for my MCAT by creating a study plan. Each week, I emailed her my progress, and when we spoke, she encouraged and motivated me to study in effective ways. I also learned from Dr. Lewis that it was important for me to continue working with people different than me, so I continued my service to the homeless, disabled, and LGBT communities. I’m in the application process still, butI’ve been accepted to two schools! I’m still waiting to hear from many schools, and I’ve been rejected from some schools. It is one of the most nerve-wracking processes in the world at times, but also probably the most exciting. I think that if I did this without Dr. Lewis, I would have fewer (or no!) options. I had no idea how to structure my application and secondary application essays or study for the MCAT, but with Dr. Lewis’s advising, I created excellent applications that let me show admission committees who I am uniquely, and convince them I can succeed in their 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
"What are the math requirements to apply to medical school?"
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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