Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 11 Issue 4
April 2012
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
What type of potential applicant are you? There is every permutation and combination imaginable of applicants, but I would say most fall into 2 categories: "the Academic" and "the Server". "Academics" generally have stronger GPA's and MCAT scores, several years of research, likely published, and are involved in teaching or other training; usually have little to no service. "Servers" generally lead with their hearts, starting at an early age to take care of and serve others, or have long-term clinical experience; many have over-extended themselves, or for other reasons have lower GPA's and MCATs. Do you fit into one of these categories? Both types of potential applicants must address their weak areas to become competitive!
How would you start?
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: "How does one study for the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc. - "the big standardized exam?"
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
• Revised MCAT places broader expectations on students
• Med school admission tests change to reflect new care realities
• 20/20 vision? Workforce projections show health care careers in the lead
• Who are the chronically costly? Health care's 1%
• Obama’s health care law: A trek, not a sprint
• New proposed medical schools labeled by LCME
• Why Primary Care is Often Not a Consideration for Medical Students
• Many "mistakes" found in newbie-doctors' resumes
• Students use team approach to health care in Phillips clinic
• Can We Improve Interprofessional Team-Based Patient Care Without Calling 9-1-1?
• New accreditation system will shift focus of resident training
• Most U.S. medical seniors land residency spots on Match Day
• Training medical students to give patients bad news
• Medical Tattoos Offer Important Health Information
• National health care expenditures saw continued slow growth in 2010
• California’s Health Care Workforce—Are We Ready for the ACA?
• Commentary: Sense and Sensibility: The Role of Specialists in Health Care Reform
• Trends in physician office visits shift as money worries affect behavior
• Federal bill aims to preserve the physician-patient relationship
• FDA and industry not waiting for Congress on drug shortages
• Economy leads physician to shutter solo practice, join U.S. Army
• U.S. leads many nations in health IT
• SOAP replaces the scramble in this year's Match
• Great Recession Accelerated Long-Term Decline of Employer Health Coverage
• Slower Growth in Medicare Spending—Is This the New Normal?
• Med schools shift focus to team-based care
• The ABCs of health literacy
Useful Links
• Physician Assistant Education Association
• PA Admission Statistics for 2010-2011 admissions cycle (PDF)
• Results and Data: Specialties Matching Service, 2012 Appointment Year (PDF)
Alumni Update
• Maggie, Entering Class of 2008, UC San Diego School of Medicine
• Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine
• Lisa, ND, Entering Class of 2005, National University of Naturopathic Medicine
• Steven, Entering Class of 2008, Arizona College Of Osteopathic Medicine
Success Story of the Month
• Kathy, Entering Class of 2012, UCSF School of Medicine
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "How does one study for the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc. - "the big standardized exam?"
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 2012...100% acceptance
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.
Revised MCAT places broader expectations on students
The test has new sections on social sciences and reasoning to ensure a foundation to practice in today's health care system.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,wye7,2kdo,hdv2,8kk,d051,er0i
Med school admission tests change to reflect new care realities
Bedside manner gets more emphasis.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2017567373_medschool23.html
20/20 vision? Workforce projections show health care careers in the lead
The health care workforce should continue to expand through 2020, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/meded/2012-march/2012-march-top_stories3.shtml
Who are the chronically costly? Health care's 1%
The costliest 1% of patients consume one-fifth of all health care spending in the U.S., according to federal data. Health systems are trying to reduce the imbalance.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xanq,2kdo,6w0j,k4pp,d051,er0i
Obama’s health care law: A trek, not a sprint
It took only a year to set up Medicare. But if President Barack Obama’s health care law survives Supreme Court scrutiny, it will be nearly a decade before all its major pieces are in place.
http://articles.boston.com/2012-03-12/business/31145729_1_health-care-law-basic-health-benefits-package-drew-altman
New proposed medical schools labeled by LCME
Six schools are now considered to be applicant medical schools by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) while another eight schools have been granted preliminary accreditation status.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-march-21/2012-march-21-academic.shtml?P=S&C=A&G=T&M=T&I=T&W=T&Y=T&S=F
Why Primary Care is Often Not a Consideration for Medical Students
The AAMC's Office of Workforce Studies projects by 2015 — the year after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is scheduled to add approximately 32 million patients to the ranks of the insured — we will have 63,000 fewer physicians than we need in the United States.
http://nextgenjournal.com/2012/02/why-primary-care-is-often-not-a-consideration-for-medical-students/
Many "mistakes" found in newbie-doctors' resumes
Honesty and attention to detail are qualities expected of physicians, yet two studies looking at applications to training programs in obstetrics show that up to 30 out of every 100 applicants took credit for research publications that could not be found.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/21/us-many-newbie-doctors-resumes-idUSTRE81K20V20120221
Students use team approach to health care in Phillips clinic
The free, student-run clinic is one of the only clinics in the nation using “care teams” or “huddles.”
http://www.mndaily.com/2012/02/21/students-use-team-approach-health-care-phillips-clinic
Can We Improve Interprofessional Team-Based Patient Care Without Calling 9-1-1?
Everyone agrees that better teamwork leads to better patient care. But those who work every day at academic health centers recognize that there are very significant challenges to building interprofessional* teams and to educating learners to function effectively in such teams.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2012/03010/Can_We_Improve_Interprofessional_Team_Based.1.aspx
New accreditation system will shift focus of resident training
ACGME says it is moving from a blueprint that stifles originality to one that allows more flexibility in graduate medical education.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xm1h,2kdo,aw5c,lnkd,d051,er0i
Most U.S. medical seniors land residency spots on Match Day
Ninety-five percent of fourth-year students nationwide receive their residency placements, the highest Match rate in 30 years.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,yb20,2kdo,1pwz,7jma,d051,er0i
Training medical students to give patients bad news
One of the biggest challenges a physician will face is conveying difficult news to a patient.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/242199.php
Medical Tattoos Offer Important Health Information
Some medical tattoos are being used to take the place of bracelets that commonly list a person's allergies, chronic diseases or even end-of-life wishes.
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/medical-tattoos-offer-important-health-information-022712
National health care expenditures saw continued slow growth in 2010
Overall spending on health care in the United States during 2009 and 2010 experienced the lowest growth rates in five decades, a new policy research perspective report from the AMA found.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-february-29/2012-february-29-general_news3.shtml?P=S&C=A&G=T&M=T&I=T&W=T&Y=T&S=F
California’s Health Care Workforce—Are We Ready for the ACA?
This comprehensive report, sponsored by the California Wellness Foundation, explores the current and future capacity of California’s health care workforce to meet the expected increase in demand resulting from expanded insurance coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
http://www.futurehealth.ucsf.edu/Public/Publications-and-Resources/Content.aspx?topic=California%E2%80%99s_Health_Care%20Workforce%E2%80%94Are%20We%20Ready%20for%20the%20ACA?
Commentary: Sense and Sensibility: The Role of Specialists in Health Care Reform
How to redesign the incentives structure in the United States to reward effective coordinated care rather than production volume is a staggering public health policy challenge.
http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2012/03010/Commentary___Sense_and_Sensibility___The_Role_of.9.aspx
Trends in physician office visits shift as money worries affect behavior
A Florida doctor has seen patients in his office with broken wrists or hips. "These people would have generally gone to the emergency department."
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xanq,2kdo,i51o,gkkl,d051,er0i
Federal bill aims to preserve the physician-patient relationship
The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act would allow seniors to see physicians who do not participate in Medicare or are not accepting new Medicare patients.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/ama-president-blog.page?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&UID=967c531f-d6a6-4756-908e-70b00c4946e8&plckPostId=Blog%3a967c531f-d6a6-4756-908e-70b00c4946e8Post%3a2eff8308-9e58-4126-9e10-64b86b25f558&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest
FDA and industry not waiting for Congress on drug shortages
The Obama administration is permitting importation of one critical drug while a new third-party group seeks to help generic drugmakers coordinate to avoid shortages.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xm1h,2kdo,lfqk,dog8,d051,er0i
Economy leads physician to shutter solo practice, join U.S. Army
After considering employment offers from health systems and seeing a rough financial future, an allergist decides the military is his best bet.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xm1h,2kdo,ci5h,lggg,d051,er0i
U.S. leads many nations in health IT
Analysts point to a combination of private initiatives and government standards that helped American physicians pull ahead.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xm1h,2kdo,fky0,84a6,d051,er0i
SOAP replaces the scramble in this year's Match
Finding an open residency slot should be a more equitable process for qualified medical students and international medical graduates who weren't initially matched in the National Residency Matching Program's Main Residency Match this year with the advent of the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP).
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-march-14/2012-march-14.shtml?P=S&C=S&G=F&M=T&I=F&W=T&Y=F&S=F
Great Recession Accelerated Long-Term Decline of Employer Health Coverage
Between 2007 and 2010, the share of children and working-age adults in the United States with employer-sponsored health insurance dropped 10 percentage points from 63.6 percent to 53.5 percent, according to a new national study by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC).
http://www.nihcr.org/Employer_Coverage.html
Slower Growth in Medicare Spending—Is This the New Normal?
While the economic downturn and other temporary factors likely have a role in slowing Medicare spending growth, past cost-control efforts and the looming specter of broader provider payment reform may signal a longer-term slowdown in Medicare spending growth.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1201853?query=featured_home
Med schools shift focus to team-based care
Some are adapting to a changing health care system by giving students experience working with other future health professionals.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xz7o,2kdo,ig44,223u,d051,er0i
The ABCs of health literacy
Many patients struggle to understand written health materials, as well as their physicians' spoken instructions. Doctors can help their patients get the message.
http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=x8pbgr,xz7o,2kdo,2w11,8tew,d051,er0i
Physician Assistant Education Association
http://www.paeaonline.org/
PA Admission Statistics for 2010-2011 admissions cycle (PDF)
http://www.paeaonline.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/131537
Results and Data: Specialties Matching Service, 2012 Appointment Year (PDF)
http://www.nrmp.org/data/resultsanddatasms2012.pdf
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Maggie Maggie, Entering Class of 2008, UC San Diego School of Medicine Feb 27, 2012: "Hi Dr. Lewis, the first two years of medical school I was mainly involved class work, however, I was also lucky to be heavily involved in the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project and homeless outreach program during nights and weekends, serving those without any form of health insurance. I worked full-time for the free clinics the summer after my first year of medical school, and this turned out to be one of the best experiences I could have hoped for. The doctors who work for the clinics full-time are conscientious, hard working, caring family physicians who cemented my desire to be a family doctor and work with the medically-underserved. The third year of medical school consisted of clinical rotations, busy and time-consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable. I seemed to do well clinically, and learned a lot! I was also able to continue working for the free clinic one day per week. Following completion of my third year, I signed a leave of absence from UCSD to spend 8 months in Guatemala working at a small, rural hospital, solidifying my Spanish language skills, while helping the small staff of physicians working there (both native Guatemalan and foreign). I have been working at Hospitalito (www.hospitalitoatitlan.org) for 5 months now, after having studied Spanish for a month in a neighboring community. So far so good! Working as a student, in a different country and in a different language, has been interesting to say the least, but completely worthwhile. I will be working here in Guatemala until the end of April 2012, after which I will restart my fourth and last year of medical school. I have left only 7 months of elective rotations and two months of an independent study project, which will focus on medical care provided to the people living on the street (i.e. the homeless population). During my fourth year, I will be applying and interviewing at residency programs. Plans are less solid after 3 years of residency, but will likely include care for the homeless population and possibly some international work as well.
Thanks so much for everything, and hope life is good for you! I'm still grateful for your help. Maggie" |
 Leah Leah, Entering Class of 2010, University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine Mar 7, 2012: "Hi Dr. Lewis, school has been crazy. Just finished a round of midterms and stress is a little high for step 1 in June. After boards, I just got assigned to start surgery as my first rotation and will go from there for the next year. Starting with surgery was my last choice since I won't have time to recover from board exams, but guess that's how all of med school goes! Also, getting pretty involved with my Urban Medicine Practicum, which is really a brief overview, designing an intervention for type 1 diabetic kids with extremely high A1Cs at Cook County hospital. Also, still coordinating monthly health fairs for the Hispanic community through La Rama, our Hispanic organization on campus. I'm exhausted, but doing well. Looking forward to a small break after my surgery rotation ends, which will now be sometime in August 2012! Hope all is well, Leah" |
 Lisa Lisa, ND, Entering Class of 2005, National University of Naturopathic Medicine Mar 17, 2012: "Hi Dr. Lewis: I am opening my new practice as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). I’m thrilled to finally share my knowledge of natural approaches to curing illness, and to teach patients important preventive measures for staying healthy (and staying out of the hospital). I’m practicing as a primary care doctor so I’ll see patients for acute and chronic conditions, and refer out to specialists. I’m more than happy to coordinate on-going care with patients’ other physicians too. I’ve joined the Solana Beach Health Center which is home to a chiropractor, two massage therapists and a nutritionist who does iridology too. I’m blessed to be with such great practitioners. I’ll be specializing in a couple of areas in addition to primary care. Lisa" |
 Steven Steven, Entering Class of 2008, Arizona College Of Osteopathic Medicine Mar 16, 2012:" Hi Dr. Lewis, I recently passed my USMLE step 2, COMLEX-CE step 2, and COMLEX-PE step 2! That means I won't have to worry about taking any more Board exams until I am in residency! I am 32 units (8 clinical rotations) away from being called a physician. Thanks for your help. Steven" |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Kathy Kathy, Entering Class of 2012, UCSF School of Medicine As a freshman at UC Berkeley, I struggled to find my niche. I knew I always wanted a career involving science, but that left my options extensive. I took the general science courses that followed the pre-med curriculum, began chemical biology research and tutored organic chemistry. While research fulfilled my excitement in answering new questions, and teaching showed me how satisfying it is to enable others, I still felt that I was missing a deeper interaction with people, and that perhaps, I would find this in medicine. The summer before my junior year, I shadowed a pediatrician, and saw how her relationships with patients and their families could reduce their suffering and improve their quality of life. I finally realized what I wanted to do, but how could I get there? I wasn’t sure where to start or what I needed to do. A friend recommended that I contact Dr. Lewis. She started advising me in September 2010. She spent the time to get to know me as an individual, and gave me personalized advice on how to improve my weaknesses. We immediately started crafting my personal statement – in October, 9 months before applications! I had no idea I had to start so early, or which experiences would be more powerful. Dr. Lewis kept me on track, and with her expertise, helped me make the best choices. She also told me I should be getting letters from all my activities, not just my professors. Without her guidance, I would not have been ready to submit my AMCAS on time, nor would I have letters that highlighted my different strengths. Even more than advice, Dr. Lewis gave me encouragement to pursue my passion in helping children with special needs, and with this extra push, I was able to start my own art program dedicated to empowering these individuals. Her mentorship gave me the courage to try something I felt was near impossible. The application season was stressful, but my weekly meetings with Dr. Lewis kept me grounded. I am typically anxious during interviews, but after several mock interviews with Dr. Lewis, I felt confident that I could succeed and excited to visit the different MD programs. I have been accepted to my top choice, UCSF, and cannot wait to start in the fall! Thank you for everything Dr. Lewis! |
Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact those profiled in Success Stories: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
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By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
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