Preparing for Medical School

Questions to Consider What is medical school like? What are the types of medical school? Why go to medical school? What preparation is necessary? What experiences should I have? What does a strong applicant look like?

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Traditional physicians and surgeons who practice medicine, and are concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments including invasive treatments. Over 125 schools in U.S. Some acceptable foreign medical schools Admission can be easier overseas M.D. accepted world-wide The best option for international work

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Can pursue any specialty training Can teach in M.D. medical schools Requires USMLE (three parts) U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Tests science and clinical skills Do not refer to as “allopathic”…

Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Fulfill all the roles of an M.D. within the philosophy of Andrew Taylor Still. Osteopathic physicians use all conventional methods of diagnosis and treatment, but are trained to place additional emphasis on the achievement of normal body mechanics as central to maintaining good health. D.O. degree after 4 yrs. req. to take the USMLE May not be accepted in some foreign countries Basic sciences & rotations same as M.D.

Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Includes osteopathic philosophy & techniques Holistic, “hands-on” approach with patients Musculoskeletal manipulation Other non-surgical, non-drug therapies Can pursue all medical specialties Most schools in Eastern US 2/3 of D.O. grads pursue residency in M.D. setting

Podiatry, D.P.M. 1st & 2nd years. – sciences, labs, intro to podiatry 3rd & 4th years. – core rotations, orthopedic & podiatry rotations, and podiatric surgery rotation 2 year residency required to become podiatric surgeon 3 year residency to become podiatric surgeon including rear foot and ankle Licensing exams required throughout training

Med School Curriculum Year 1 & 2: The Healthy Body Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, etc. Intro to clinical interviewing Some patient contact (more at some schools) Some schools use a ‘case study’ approach Science electives General topic electives Can begin research projects Take Part One of USMLE (science knowledge)

Med School Curriculum Year 3 & 4 “The Sick Body” Core rotations in clinics & hospitals (1-2 mos. each) Surgery, family, pediatrics, emergency, psychiatry, OB- GYN, internal medicine, etc. Elective rotations in subspecialties, e.g. Oncology, orthopedics, dermatology, neurosurgery, etc. Elective time for research, public health project, experience abroad, study at other med schools Apply & interview in 4th year for internship/residency Take Part Two of USMLE (Clinical Skills)

After Medical School One year internship in general medicine Part Three of USMLE after that year required for medical license 2 to 5+ years residency in specialty area Can then work as specialist (e.g., OB/GYN) 2 to 3+ years fellowship for “sub-specialty” Can then work as sub-specialist e.g., pediatric oncologist, neurosurgeon, etc.

Length of Specialty Training For all M.D. & D.O. graduates: 3+ years: pediatrics, internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine, general practice medicine 4-5+ years: psychiatry, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, dermatology, radiology, others 6-7+ years: neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, others

Cost of Medical Training You pay for medical school, 4 yrs: $20K to $60K/year, $30-40K average tuition Some financial aid available Students generally borrow significant amount You are paid for: Internship year (general medicine) ~ $35K to 40K per year Residency years (specialty) ~ $40 to 45K per year Fellowship years (sub-specialty) More $$$ than residents make

Why Go To Medical School? To help others through knowledge of science Your love of science, especially biology + chemistry) You are a problem-solver Your intellectual curiosity You want lifelong learning You enjoy teaching others It is a “calling” and becomes your “identity” You enjoy being a leader or making decisions You enjoy being in“authority” position

Personal Characteristics Needed Maturity & ethical integrity Motivation and determination to succeed Interpersonal & communication skills Demonstrated interest in helping others Willingness to accept responsibility Energy, enthusiasm, physical stamina Compassion, empathy, altruism

Personal Characteristics Needed Problem-solving skills & good judgment Awareness of the medical profession Exposure to various cultures & life problems “Cultural competency”is stressed Able to accept constructive feedback & criticism Ability to lead, teach or influence others

Academic Preparation General Biology: BIOL 110 and BIOL 240W Microbiology: BIOL 230W General Chemistry: CHEM 110/112 General Chemistry Laboratory: CHEM 111/113 Organic Chemistry: CHEM 210/212 Organic Chemistry Laboratory: CHEM 213 Biochemistry: CHEM 472 and B M B 402 (MCAT 2015 requirement) Anatomy BIOL 421 Physiology BIOL 472 Physics: PHYS 250/251 Calculus: MATH 140/141 Statistics: STAT 250 (MCAT 2015 requirement) Psychology: PSYCH 100 English (3 -6 credits): ENGL 15, 202C Sociology (3-6 credits):  SOC 001 (MCAT 2015 requirement) Although not required, many in the health professions run their own practices.  Business courses (3-6 credits) are strongly encouraged!

Your Transcripts AP units can count for required courses All grades count in GPA, except APs Original grades of repeated courses count No B-, C, D or F grades. Isolated instances only. Better to get “W” than to repeat “D” or “F” Not too many “W” or “CR/NCR” grades Upward GPA trends look good Light course loads do not look good; <12 credits

Medical College Admission Test Test of general biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, verbal reasoning, writing As of January 2015, MCAT will change into an area- based test Need average or better scores to be admitted – top 33% Repeated MCAT scores are not averaged Many take commercial MCAT prep course

Medical College Admission Test MCAT2015 has new components that should be addressed by your academic preparation: Sociology – freshman level course will suffice Biochemistry – CHEM 472 is necessary Statistics – STAT 250 or equivalent is suggested

Medical College Admission Test 4 Sections, 4 scores: Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills

Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems What it tests: Combine knowledge of foundational concepts in the biological and biochemical sciences with your scientific inquiry, reasoning, and research and statistics skills to solve problems that demonstrate readiness for medical school. The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Section. Asks examinees to solve problems by combining their knowledge of biology and biochemistry concepts with the scientific inquiry skills I just described.

Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Exam content in this section typically taught in: Introductory biology Introductory general chemistry Introductory organic chemistry First semester biochemistry The content of this section is typically taught in a two-semester introductory biology, introductory general chemistry, and organic chemistry sequence. As well as the first-semester of biochemistry. Schools can prepare their students for the MCAT Exam in different ways. We encourage you to look at the Preview Guide for the MCAT 2015 and review detailed content lists to determine which of your courses would best prepare students to the current exam.

Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems What it tests: Combine your knowledge of foundational concepts in the chemical and physical sciences with your scientific inquiry, reasoning, and research and statistics skills to solve problems that demonstrate readiness for medical school. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section asks examinees to solve problems by combining their knowledge chemical and physical sciences with their scientific skills.

Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Exam content in this section typically taught in: Introductory biology Introductory general chemistry Introductory organic chemistry Introductory physics First semester biochemistry As with the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section, students can prepare for the exam in a variety of different ways. The content of this section is typically taught in a two-semester introductory biology, introductory general chemistry, and organic chemistry, Physics sequences. As well as the first-semester of biochemistry. As noted earlier, remember to look at the Preview Guide for the MCAT 2015 and review detailed content lists to determine which of your courses would best prepare students to the future exam.

Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior What it tests: Knowledge and use of the concepts in psychology, sociology, biology, research methods, and statistics that provide a solid foundation for learning in medical school about the behavioral and socio-cultural determinants of health and health outcomes. The Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior tests asks examinees to solve problems by combining their knowledge of psychology, sociology, and biology concepts with their scientific skills.

Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Exam content in this section typically taught in: Introductory psychology Introductory sociology Introductory biology Exam content in this section is typically taught in typical one-semester introductory and sociology courses, as well as a typical two-semester introduction to biology sequence. Remember, students can learn this content in variety of ways. We encourage you to review the Preview Guide and talk to your students about the best way to prepare for this content at your school.

Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills What it tests: This section asks you to critically analyze, evaluate, and apply information presented in a passage. Comprehension Evaluation Application Incorporation of Information The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section tests analysis and reasoning skills by asking students to analyze, evaluate and apply information presented in passages. It is different from the other sections of the exam because specific content knowledge is not needed. All the information students need to perform well is included in the passage and associated items.

Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills MCAT2015 - The Basics 4/19/2017 Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills Passages from humanities & social sciences*: Ethics Philosophy Cross-cultural studies Population health The passages on this section address topics from a wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. The MR5 Committee asked us to emphasize passages about ethics, philosophy, cross-cultural studies, and population health. It’s important to note that no additional coursework or specific knowledge of these disciplines is required to do well on this section. Everything students need to know to answer questions is contained in the passages and questions themselves. For your reference – does not need to be read Humanities Passages in the humanities are drawn from the following disciplines: Architecture, Art, Dance, Ethics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Popular Culture, Religion, and Theater.   Social Sciences Social science passages are drawn from the following disciplines: Anthropology, Archaeology, Cross-cultural Studies, Economics, Education, Geography, History, Linguistics, Political Science, Population Health, Psychology, and Sociology. *Specific knowledge of these disciplines is not required for this section

Experiential Preparation Demonstrated commitment of service to others: Working, interning, or volunteering to help others Medically related experience highly suggested Hospital, clinic, nursing home, public health clinic Clinical research through a medical school Teacher’s aide or tutor (any school level) Community agencies (homeless shelter, geriatric) Leadership on or off campus – sports, SGA, etc. Medical mission work, other church work Emergency Medical Technician

Experiential Preparation One or two highly involved experiences are far more important than a laundry list of ‘hit-and-run’ experiences where you barely played a part!!! Keep record of your service hours Keep supervisor’s name, address, phone for reference letter when applying START YESTERDAY!!!

Scientific Research Research exp. required for M.D./Ph.D. program Pre-med research experience shows: Independent interest in science Dedication & initiative in independent work Intellectual curiosity Can be a good source of faculty reference letter Summer research programs Desire to contribute to scientific knowledge Length and breadth most important

Scientific Research Research does not/should not: …Take time from a higher GPA …Be a replacement for people-contact experiences …Make up for deficiencies in MCAT or GPA

What are Admissions Committees Looking For? THEY WANT YOU SUCEED IN MEDICAL SCHOOL They don’t want to waste their time or YOURS To predict success in 1st & 2nd years of medical school: Total college GPA (from all colleges) Science GPA: all math, biology, chemistry, and physics grades MCAT scores Rigor of academic experience Including caliber of bachelor’s degree institution Course load difficulty

What are Admissions Committees Looking For? To predict success in 3rd & 4th years & beyond: Reference letters (from faculty and others) Application essays, including life experiences Answers to specific application questions on: Challenges and hardships Diversity of background and experience Handling of ethical dilemmas Goals for the future Interview the applicant to learn: What is motivating the student Their interpersonal skills The sincerity of their goals

Many applicants take one or more years off after college graduation before applying to medical schools This is becoming the preferred route – apply once, apply right

The Screening Process Medical School Admission Committees WILL NOT read every applicant’s personal statement and the rest of the application.  Every school has to screen its applications to reduce the number they actually have to read.  Once the screening process is done, then they start reading the applications.

AAMC Data

AAMC Data

AAMC Data

Grades Matter I am a wonderful, amazing person who… Rescued children from burning houses Built 50 houses with my bare hands by myself for 50 different families Volunteered in the ER Holds leadership positions in 10 different organizations “It doesn’t matter that I have a 2.9 GPA and a 25 MCAT score, right???”

Grades Matter WRONG! Grades matter. Don’t bank on being the outlier case. It’s stressful to take that risk (both financially and emotionally). No one will see how wonderful you are unless your numbers get by the screening.

What criteria are used to screen applicants? GPA (Grade Point Average) MCAT (Medical School Admissions Test) Fact and figures can be found at: https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/ Table 19: MCAT scores and GPA’s for Applicants and Matriculants to US Medical Schools by Race and Ethnicity, 2009 Stacey-Ann

What To Do If You Are Rejected? Take a deep breath, then Call the schools and find out why Assess your chances for reapplication Assess what you need to improve Ask yourself how determined you are Choose best course of action Should you consider alternate careers?

Maybe You Need More Experience, or ? Peace Corps, Americorps, or ? More exposure to health care? More time helping others ? Could research experience help ? Should you repeat some courses ? Should you repeat the MCAT ? Do you need stronger reference letters ? Evidence of maturity & responsibility ? Post-baccalaureate programs ?

Post-baccalaureate Programs 1 to 2 year programs after B.A./B.S. degree To show potential to succeed in med school Can be a Master’s degree or just courses Some courses are with medical students MCAT prep included Research project usually included Strong programs at: Georgetown, Boston U., Chicago Medical College, Drexel U. Some programs for underrepresented applicants Good admission rates to medical school

Gather Information & Utilize Resources Rule #1: Decide to devote a significant time commitment to preparing for medical school. Rule #2: Research national medical school acceptance data based upon GPA and MCAT scores. Rule #3: Seek advice from those well-versed in the medical school application process. Rule #4: Get to know your pre-med office! Lindsay

Gather Information & Utilize Resources Confer with premed advisors, mentors, and upperclassmen who can support you through the application process. Attend a medical school recruitment fair to learn from representatives about their schools. AAMC Calender: http://www.aamc.org/calendar/careerfairs Lindsay

Gather Information & Utilize Resources Register with AspiringDocs for information, guidance, and inspiration about preparation for medical school and medical careers. http://www.AspiringDocs.org Read “Monetary Decisions for Medical Doctors” which assists premedical and medial students in their planning for the financial aspects of the medical education. http://www.aamc.org/md2 Lindsay

Helpful Links To start your journey to medical school, you should visit the American Association of Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.  Here you will find free guides to medical programs, statistics on application rates and acceptances, and information on the many medical career opportunities.  AACOMAS is the application service for D.O. medical programs. Resources for students interested in M.D. Association of American Medical Colleges Students
Association of American Medical Colleges "Road to Medicine" booklet
The Student Doctor Network (sdn - The Student Doctor Network contains forums for students in all areas of medicine)

Helpful Links Resources for students interested in D.O. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA - includes D.O. search feature; helpful for shadowing contacts)
What is Osteopathic Medicine (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine)
About Osteopathic Medicine (America Osteopathic Association)
 The Osteopathic Medical Student Website (Student Osteopathic Medical Association)
Frequently Asked Questions (AACOM)
Osteopathic Medical College Information Book (AACOM)
The Student Doctor Network (sdn - The Student Doctor Network contains forums for students in all areas of medicine)

Gather Information & Utilize Resources The MSAR aka Your Best Friend The Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) profiles every medical school in the US and Canada. Check the MSAR before applying to get a sense of what a school’s numbers are, their requirements, and their curricula. For example, more and more schools require biochemistry, and same require two semesters of calculus.