Lewis Associates e-Newsletter

Volume 4 Issue 3
March 2005

Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, Phd., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with your comments. Enjoy!

What's inside:
=>Welcome to Success Stories Newsletter!

=>Important News: 2007 Computer-based MCAT; FDA to get tougher on ads; and More

=>Useful Links: Women in Medicine, Pharmacy, Naturopathic Medicine and More

=>Dates and Reminders: AMCAS v2.0 and Recommended Reading

=>Success Story of the Month: Sam, General Surgery Resident

=>Question of the Month – What kinds of community service activities should I become involved with?

=>Our Services

=>Contact

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Welcome to Lewis Associates!

March continues on the downhill side for the Class of 2005 application season. Most applicants have interviewed by now, and of those, almost all are accepted. Congratulations to John Fiszer....accepted in February to University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School!!! Another doctor launched! John writes, " I want to thank you for working with me over the past year, and for remaining insistent upon my attending to all the non-academic aspects of a quality medical school application. Your insights in this regard were of tremendous benefit to me. Moreover, the urgency with which you emphasized the importance of practical volunteering experience caused me to get out and do more, and this gave my biography a substantially more forceful appeal to admissions committees. " By the way, John used to be a prosecuting attourney!

I predict that the Class of 2006 application process will speed up even more than the Class of 2005. So, Class 2006 applicants beware - begin your preparation NOW!

To date, our 30 Class of 2005 applicants are interviewing at 157 schools (that is more than 5 interviews per applicant!) including the Texas schools, Harvard, Vanderbilt, Hawaii, UCLA, UCSF (and MANY more) and have been accepted at many, including Drexel and George Washington Medical Schools; Western University and NOVA Southeastern Osteopathic Medical Schools; UCLA, Mayo and Baylor's MSTP programs, Boston University and Case Western Dental Schoolsƒ..the list goes on! We even have applicants accepted into highly competitive BA-MD programs!

In order to be a competitive applicant, one needs to have submitted a quality (as evaluated by your experience and your GPA/MCAT/DAT/GRE etc profile) application in a timely fashion---this requires a well-thought out strategy to carry you through the difficult application process. You should have completed all secondary applications, and submitted your letter packets to complete your files at all your schools by October/November at the latest. Your competition did! This is the most intense time you will experience as a pre-health student. It is a roller coaster ride. Let us know how we can assist you.... sooner is now!

For Class of 2006 applicants, we have TIME....a precious commodity: Time to plan, to locate and use new opportunities, to gather all your important letters, time to live up to your potential! I am working with my Class of 2006 students NOW, drafting application personal statements and experiences, and collecting letters. Is this what YOU are doing?

For those who choose to wait to begin these tasks in May or June or even later, you do yourself a big disfavor. Who do YOU know who can whip out an essay in a week on top of gathering letters of recommendation and developing your experiences, while deciding if you need to take the MCAT or DAT in the summer---these tasks hold your future in the balance! Do NOT wait!

If you are serious about making your dreams to become a physician, dentist, Physician Assistant, veterinarian, optometrist or pharmacist a reality --- Lewis Associates can help you. We have made the difference for over 700 students during the last 20 years.

What are your chances?
If you want to change your career or reach your new career goal, but do not know how to begin or how to jump over all those hurdles, Lewis Associates will implement strategies to change your life. Read about it in our newsletter and website, then phone or email us directly to get started with your personal Assessment!

You may be like our 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. 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) and received the 1990 NACADA Outstanding Institutional Advising Program in the U.S. She teaches Professionalism, Leadership, and Quality, and sets high standards for her Advisees.

Lewis Associates will save you money and heartache on your application process. Contact the experts! For more information email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com or call 805-226-9669 and ask Zakiya to set up your first appointment.

Eric T. Lee, one of our Class of 2004 applicants who previously applied without success wrote to us: "ƒI would just like to send along my eternal gratitude. The medical school application process is daunting, as I am sure you know, and I obviously had little success at it until I began working with you. I received 2 acceptances and several wait-list options this year, which means my medical school dream has actually come true. ƒ Once again, thank you so very much for your time, patience and guidanceƒ"

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n e w s & l i n k s


N E W S-HOT TOPICS for premedical students:

For Freshmen and Sophomores--News about the 2007 Computer-based MCATƒhot off the press
from AAMC's MCAT section:

How will computer-based testing affect testing sites?

" One of the reasons for continuing to offer paper until 2007 is to give the testing vendor the opportunity to build out sites to meet our needs. We have given them the locations of our current test sites and the zip codes of our examinees as starting points. We have stressed repeatedly that our goal is to make CBT more, not less, convenient for examinees. One option we are pursuing is the provision of afternoon appointments on some days. This would allow examinees who must drive some distance to reach the site to use the morning to do that, without the fear that any traffic delay would make them miss their appointment, and without having to spend money on a near-by hotel the night before. Reducing the test day to about five hours should allow us to do this.

Will the online MCAT still have an essay portion, and will it be similar in nature to current MCAT writing samples? Will there be any changes in the scoring?

Yes and Yes, probably. We are committed to continuing the Writing Sample, because the ability to construct and articulate a logical argument is no less important for physicians now than it was when the WS was first introduced in the mid-1980s. It will look somewhat different on a computer, and we hope it will be easier to produce, because basic word-processing functions will be available. We do have some research underway to figure out if there is some way to shorten it while retaining its reliability, but we don't have an answer to that question yet. We will use one human and one automated scorer, as the GRE and GMAT have been doing for some time. In the event those 2 disagree, an even more expert human will have the final word."

Ethiopia Records Polio Case as Virus Spreads (Reuters)
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=751&e=2&u=/nm/20050225/hl_nm/health_polio_dc
The epidemic is spreading across Africa, the World Health Organization (news - web sites) (WHO) said on Friday.

Use of AIDS Medicine Might Be Altered to Avert Drug Resistance (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51848-2005Feb24.html
AIDS experts have reached the conclusion that nevirapine, the workhorse drug that has prevented tens of thousands of cases of HIV infection in newborn babies, has enough drawbacks that its use is likely to change markedly.

FDA to get tougher on ads (Boston Globe)
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/02/25/fda_to_get_tougher_on_ads/
Citing the boom-bust history certain blockbuster drugs that jeopardized the health of thousands, the Food and Drug Administration says it will be more vigilant in monitoring drug advertising to consumers.

Poll: Most Want U.S. Price Limits on Drugs (Associated Press)
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=528942
Nearly two-thirds of Americans want the government to play more of a role in the prices charged for prescription drugs, according to a new survey.

10 voters on panel backing pain pills had industry ties (New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/politics/25fda.html?
Ten of the 32 government drug advisers who last week endorsed continued marketing of the huge-selling pain pills Celebrex, Bextra and Vioxx have consulted in recent years for the drugs' makers.

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L I N K S :

Women in Medicine
http://www.mommd.com
MomMD® - An association and online magazine for allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) women in medicine. The MomMD community provides resources, forums, and info for women physicians, residents, medical students and premed students. Professional and educational services, and personal support for women with medical careers.

University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy
http://pharmacy.ucsf.edu/
Top-Ranked Pharmacy School in the U. S.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org/
Founded upon a holistic philosophy, naturopathic medicine combines safe and effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern medicine. Naturopathic medicine is appropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting all people of all ages.

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d a t e s   &   r e m i n d e r s

AACOM Announces Osteopathic Medical School Forum
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine will host an Osteopathic Medical School Forum at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2005 at The Portland Marriott Downtown in Portland, OR. The event is designed to introduce osteopathic medical education and the 20 Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and 3 branch campuses.

This is one of several forums to be held nationally for prospective students, health professions advisors, and the general public who are interested in learning more about osteopathic medicine and osteopathic medical education. Topics to be discussed include admission requirements, application procedures, and osteopathic medical school curriculum. Otherscheduled activities include a student panel and an opportunity to visit with admission directors from osteopathic medical colleges. Registration is free and open to the public. For more information and to register for this event, please contact Jennifer Richardson at jrichardson@aacom.org. Please register for this event by Friday, April 1, 2005.

Reminder For Junior, Seniors and Postbacs-Launching the "Brand New AMCAS v.2" for Class of 2006 !

New power point presentation available on our website!

AMCAS v2.0 online student application offers one-stop shopping for applicants to AMCAS-participating schools. The 2006 admissions cycle promises to be exciting„download the Powerpoint Presentation here.

In April, a 2006 "button" will be added to the AMCAS website with an applicant checklist, glossary, flow chart to follow where your AMCAS goes, etc.

In early May, applicants can open the AMCAS and begin inputting their application information

In early June, applicants can submit their AMCAS

It takes 4-6 weeks to process a COMPLETED application

As always, the biggest issues are:
--getting your complete transcripts (from ALL colleges EVER attended at ANY time in your life) to AMCAS in ADVANCE of submitting your AMCAS
--course work errors (missing classes, wrong course classifications or grades or academic status)
--verifying you have a computer system and browser that supports AMCAS v.2
--having electronic payment arrangements: NO increase in fees this year! $150 for the first school and $30 for each additional school
--missed deadlines
--typographical errors in the essay and experiences sections due to cut/paste
--lack of notification due to blocked or unavailable email account

For MD-PhD applicants:
2 NEW essays:

1. What are your reasons to pursue the combined Md-PhD? 3000 characters
2. Describe your significant research experiences, including your supervisor's name and affiliation, and the nature of the problem you studied with your contribution to the project. --10,000 characters

Recommended Reading:

The DOs and Osteopathic Medicine; A Reformation in Progress by R. Michael Gallagher and Frederick J. Humphrey II. It's important to be informed when you go for your interviews!

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s u c c e s s s t o r i e s

Sam


General Surgery Resident, applicant for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship

Sam and his fiance, recently invited me to attend their wedding in Portland Oregon this April. And, I am going---one of the wonderful perks of my job. But, maybe you have already figured out that often my Advisees become part of my extended family!

Sam wrote on February 23, 2005: "[My fiance] and I will be staying in Oregon after the wedding. I am currently interviewing for a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Just returned from an interview at Duke. I will return to Portland to practice after I have completed my training. I love the fishing, the weather and my family is moving back to the Northwest. Looking forward to seeing you. -Sam"

I have known Sam since 1992 when he was selected into my HCOP grant program. Sam was born in Atlanta to a Mexican-American civil engineer father and to a geriatric nurse mother. They moved soon after to Olympia, Washington, in beautiful Douglas fir forest country, and SamÍs younger sister was born. SamÍs mother taught him to read before he entered kindergarten. The family then lived for five years in suburban Washington, D.C.

In the eighth grade, Sam played football and basketball. He says, ñThrough sheer tenacity, I became a starting player on a team which later became city champions. This was my first formal experience with goal setting and hard work."

Sam also entered science fair projects for several years. He says, ñMy ties to science have stemmed from a love of investigation and discovery. I have always loved exploring, and science represents a frontier to me. I was always interested in the history of explorers who chose to leave the security of their own countries in order to find a more promising land. I saw them as men and women of courage and vision.î

Sam entered a large public high school, lettered in football and soccer, and was elected Homecoming King his senior year.

Sam also took many jobs in college from assistant law clerk to waiter to ER volunteer, and also volunteered in surgical ICU. He says, ñThese were the most intense experiences of my life. I became passionately interested in medicine and was hooked. My desire to become a doctor came from my own clinical experience and from testimonials from doctors, nurses, and technicians. The challenge and role of the physician as an investigator and healer was exciting. I became interested in the physician's role in a patientÍs total health and the tremendous contribution that a physician can make to the community. The commitment which I saw in attention to quality, and constant education about new techniques was very appealing. I saw a profession that would allow me a great deal of mobility. I firmly believe that medicine is a vocation to which one is called to integrate science with compassion for the greater good of the community.î

Sam graduated with a degree in English and came to San Diego State University as a post-baccalaureate premedical student in my HCOP program. Sam also became an educator, as a Mentor to disadvantaged high school students. He says, ñI became involved with the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Mission Bay High School, an elective class designed to give students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, preparation for the college application process. I worked as a certified teaching assistant for 2 years, instructing students in English, math and science. I had the opportunity to give a lecture on PlatoÍs allegory of the cave on a day we simulated college classes. AVID is incredibly rewarding because I was able to relate my college experiences to students to help them through their studies and the college application process. Every senior in our program was accepted to a college or university. AVID also allows me to give my time and knowledge to students of Mexican-American heritage. The majority of their parents were immigrants who did not have the opportunity to attend college. I am able to make a difference in their lives and help them realize their dreams.î Sam was also a guest columnist and the Health Writer for the SDSU Daily Aztec newspaper.

As a post-baccalaureate, Sam was not eligible to receive financial aid, thus he worked in 3 or more jobs up to 40 hours per week for 3 years. He developed his own tutor service, was an HCOP Enrichment Instructor, was an HCOP Mentor to younger Hispanic students, and worked as a phlebotomist in a hospital.

One faculty member stated, "Sam has been involved in community outreach programs, such as the Tijuana House Building Project, and the Joan Kroc Soup Kitchen. He has a strong desire to help make his mark for mankind. He has worked as a teaching assistant, tutor, volunteer in the emergency room and surgical intensive care unit at Paradise Valley Hospital, UCSD Medical Center, USD campus ministry, etc."

In summary, Sam sought to define his Mexican-American heritage in San Diego. I empathize, as I am also adopted and went through a search for my own parentage over 20 years ago. Sam has a keen focus on becoming a physician, which is reflected by his strong academic record despite working almost full-time as a post-baccalaureate student after earning a degree in English; and by his outstanding leadership skills. He also overcame the problem of living with an alcoholic father. Sam was a Peer Advisor in my office one year at SDSU and also did research at the Pasteur Institute in Paris his last summer.

Sam was accepted to many medical schools in the entering class of 1996, waitlisted at Harvard and entered UCSF. From there, he selected a general surgery program at the Oregon Health Science University.

Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact Sam: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

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q u e s t i o n o f t h e m o n t h
by Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD

I have recently asked audiences at workshops that I provide to write down their questions. Here is one of them:

What kinds of community service activities should I become involved with?

Actually, this is the WRONG way to look at your journey to medical or other health professions school. The first thing you should do is to explore your personal interests. Do you like teaching others? Working with kids? Are you good at languages? Do you have a skill you can share? Anything that actually helps other people is fair game. And, the key is that you actually CARE about what you are doing, develop this service activity, and maybe even create something or extend a program to be more effective. You need to do it long enough that you make a real difference for someone or a group. Although I was never a premedical student, when I was a sophomore in college, I joined a student group dedicated to the idea to evaluate our faculty. This was in the 1960's before faculty were regularly evaluated by students…(there were no websites or even PC's back then!). By the end of the year, I was elected President and for the next 2 years, we established the first student evaluation of faculty at our college. I knew the college President (who later wrote a letter of recommendation for me), debated faculty in public forums, and developed a team with many different majors via student groups…our computer majors wrote the evaluation programs, the agriculture majors made metal drums where we collected student ballots, etc. This was something I believed in and it made a very big difference at our school. This was my community service.

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.com with newsletter question in the subject line.

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.

"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 23 years of a successful track record.

Call or email today to set your first appointment!

805.226.9669 imaclewis@lewisassoc.com

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to any friends, classmates, or colleagues you feel would find its contents beneficial.