TRiO Community College Outreach Alliance For Equal Representation in Medicine (A.F.E.R.M)

Table of Contents ●Medicine as a Career ●Planning for Medical School ●Application Process ●So what matters? ●Pro tips!

A career in MEDICINE

How much education does it take? This is a serious educational commitment! -4 years of college (undergraduate) -4 years of medical school -3 to 8 years of training after medical school

What is the lifestyle and salary like? Salaries for physicians are among the highest for all occupations Work hours can be long and unpredictable Many doctors work more than 60 hours a week They may have to respond to emergencies and be on call for their patients Work hours vary depending on the type, size and location of practice

Salaries vary depending on where physicians live and the type of medical specialty they practice

Planning for MEDICAL SCHOOL

What should I major in? ANYTHING. You can choose any major as long as you complete the pre- med course requirements before starting medical school.

What are the prerequisites? Generally required General chemistry w/ labs Organic chemistry w/ labs Biology w/ labs Physics w/ labs English Requirement is variable Biochemistry Calculus / Statistics Psychology Social Sciences AAMC.ORG/MSAR

MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements) What each school requires for admission Admissions contacts GPA, MCAT statistic breakdown for each school Where can I get this? aamc.org/MSAR

What else should I take? WHATEVER YOU ARE INTERESTED IN! Additional coursework that will be useful for the MCAT Biochemistry Courses that focus on human behavior like psychology and sociology Statistics

Do community college classes count? UW School of Medicine says: You may take the prerequisite courses at any accredited university or community college of your choice. Many medical schools say: You should try to complete your pre- requisite courses at a four-year institution. What does this mean for Seattle Central students? If you’re ready, start taking prerequisites at Seattle Central. As long as you take upper level sciences classes at a four-year university and do well in them you’ll be fine.

Findings from community college pipelines study ●You’re not at a disadvantage coming from a community college. ●Medical students who started at a community college are more likely to have plans to work with underserved and minority populations in their career. ○We currently have a HUGE doctor shortage in these communities.

I JUST GOT A C IN BIOLOGY/CHEM/PHYSICS

One low grade is not the end of the world Schools look at your overall GPA and science GPA Science GPA: all biology, chemistry, math, and physics courses Don’t worry about retaking the class – spend that time taking another science class and doing well in it. Many students take a few years after graduation to strengthen their academic records. -- Take more science classes at a 4-year university -- Post baccalaureate programs

Shadowing is important!! You need to observe physician-patient interactions so you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to be a physician. How much is required? At least 40 hours before you apply to UWSOM

I don’t know any doctors. How can I find some to shadow? Work or volunteer as a medical scribe or medical interpreter. Networking is the key! Ask your friends and family if they know doctors who might be willing. Try volunteering or working somewhere where you can meet physicians and build relationships with them. Find physician s on the internet and spam them politely. Be persistent ( at least 2 x) WAFP Student Mentorship Program

What kind of experiences are valuable?  Can be paid or not paid  Can be health-care related or not  Keep in mind that heath-care experiences can help you learn how to work with patients and understand the roles of everyone on the team  For UW: can include life experiences that have changed you and helped you reflect on why you want to study medicine (ie, like having a child) Key point: DO SOMETHING YOU ENJOY and that helps you learn about yourself! Teach for America Americorps Volunteer Abroad Nursing Home Food Bank Coaching Youth Sports

THE MCAT

MCAT Breakdown 4 sections Biology/Biochemistry Chemistry/Physics Psychology/Sociology Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 7.5 hours long Offered certain days between April and September each year When do I take it? Best to take it after you have finished your pre-med coursework and have had time to prepare. But don’t wait too long so you can use what you learned in class.

APPLICATION PROCESS Submit one primary application (AMCAS) Submit secondary applications for specific schools Interviews

Primary Application Coursework Letters of recommendation Personal Statement Descriptions of Experiences This is one of the most time-intensive parts of the application. Pro tip: Start early. Revise, revise, revise.

Letter of Recommendation 3 to 6 letters from people who can speak to your: academic ability commitment to service leadership potential clinical or research experiences interpersonal skills ability to function on a team Pro tip: Ask early. Check out Interfolio. Stay on top of deadlines.

Secondary Application Each medical school has their own and sends them out to students who meet minimum requirements Usually requires more essays and $$ Pro tip: Make time for this – turnaround times matter.

So what matters?

What factors affect medical school admissions? ●Volunteering ●Shadowing ●Clinical Exposure ●Life Experience ●Communication Skills ●Demonstrated Commitment to Service ●Letters of Recommendation ●GPA ●MCAT

UW School of Medicine Admissions MCAT Scores 25 (50th percentile) 29 (73rd percentile) 36 (97th percentile) 40+ (100th percentile)

PRO TIPS! (as if you haven’t been overloaded with information yet) Attend office hours and get to know your instructors! This way you get more out of the class and they can potentially write you a more personal letter of recommendation. Study what you love and take your time. Many people start medical school in their late 20s and 30s after doing other things. Apply early! Be ready to complete your AMCAS application in June of the year you are applying.

More pro tips… Start a journal, include: Volunteering experiences Shadowing experiences Dreams, aspirations, challenges Where do you picture yourself in the medical profession? Use the journal when you write your application and prepare for interviews.

Fee Assistance Program (FAP) aamc.org/fap Discount on MCAT Free access to MSAR Primary application fee waiver for 15 MD schools Possible secondary application fee waiver

Tips for time management ●Learn to make a schedule, and stick to it ●Build in time for wellness

Web Resources AAMC: Student National Medical Association (SNMA): UW School of Medicine Applicants Checklist: UW Undergraduate Pre-Health Advising advising/fields/medicine/ SMDEP