Applying to medical school can be a very complex and confusing process! All Access: Med School Admissions by Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions & ...
Are you planning to apply to medical school in the next cycle? This episode is packed with practical advice to help you get ahead in the application process. From studying for the MCAT to drafting a compelling personal statement and identifying strong letter of recommendation writers, we cover the essential steps to set yourself up for success. My guest today is Dr. Kathy Lee, a northeast Ohio native with an impressive background in science, education, and student mentorship. Dr. Lee earned her PhD in Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, with post-doctoral fellowships at Cornell and Case Western Reserve University. After nearly two decades at John Carroll University, where she served as Director of Pre-Health Professions, Dr. Lee brought her expertise to our admissions Dream Team this past June. Join us as we discuss actionable strategies and insights to help you navigate this exciting journey toward a career in medicine. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected] Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman RESOURCES: Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists University of Utah Health - The Scope - The Scope - AAMC AMCAS Workbook TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preparing for med school application essentials. 10:57 Record experience details accurately for AMCAS application. 16:59 Examples show personal growth through public speaking. 19:42 Plan MCAT prep with practice tests, schedule meticulously. 27:18 Carefully research and choose target medical schools. 33:06 Start early for recommendation letters, avoid rush. 37:36 Start drafting a thoughtful personal statement now. 41:03 Generative AI in admissions: Fair but personal. 47:18 Identify application gaps; plan realistically. 53:34 Acknowledging mistakes and growth shows determination. KEY TOPICS Application Preparation Overview MCAT preparation Personal statements Recommendation letters Recording Experiences and Achievements Importance of a Living Document Value for medical school applications Comprehensive Record-Keeping Recording all types of experiences AMCAS Application Requirements Detailed information and limits on entries Reflection and Stress Reduction Value of reflective writing Reduced stress with thorough records Writing Essays Challenge and need for consistency across schools Reading materials and time commitment Holistic review process Use of Generative AI in Applications Appropriate use and authenticity in personal submissions Attestation of originality Personal statement drafting tips Recommendation Letters Early planning and discussions Communication and follow-up with recommenders Providing relevant materials like resumes and personal statements MCAT Preparation Planning schedules and commitments Study time investment and practice tests Discipline and commitment required Selecting Medical Schools Strategic selection beyond local options Use of resources like MSAR Evaluating schools on various factors Creating a spreadsheet for comparisons Timing and Gap Year Considerations Preparedness for application timing Importance of reflecting engagement and passion Ownership of past mistakes and personal growth
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Episode 75: Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University
In this episode, we’re introducing one of the most innovative new medical schools in the country: The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont’s College of Medicine is committed to cultivating diverse physician leaders through a whole-person approach to healing, grounded in service-learning. With core values like 'Love Learning,' 'Lead by Serving,' and 'Welcome Difference,' the Frist College of Medicine is shaping the future of healthcare by focusing on both professional and personal formation. Joining us today is Dr. Caleb Marsh, Director of Pathway Programs and Recruitment at Belmont’s College of Medicine, to discuss what sets this groundbreaking institution apart in medical education and why it’s a transformative place for aspiring physicians. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with with your friends! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected] Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Christian Essman RESOURCES: November 9, 2024 AAMC Annual Conference Career Fair (in-person event) Frist College of Medicine AAMC Pre-Med Competencies EAM (Experiences, Attributes, and Metrics)
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Episode 74: Project Horseshoe Farm with Founder, Dr. John Dorsey
In this episode, we take you to Greensboro, Alabama, home of the Horseshoe Farm Community Health Project. Imagine the peaceful charm of rural Alabama as we explore how this incredible initiative, which also serves as a gap year option for premedical students, provides mentorship, healthcare support, and a strong sense of belonging to the underserved. Our guest, Dr. John Dorsey, Founder and Executive Director of Project Horseshoe Farm, shares his inspiring journey and the profound impact this project has on rural healthcare. Join us as we dive into what makes this community so special and how it offers a unique opportunity for those on the path to a medical career. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with with your friends! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected] Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Christian Essman RESOURCES: Project Horseshoe Farm Community Health The Blue Zones Contact Information
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Episode 73: Special Medical Masters Program of Brown University Alpert Medical School
In this episode, we're exploring gap year options with a focus on the Master of Science in Medical Sciences at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. I chat with Dr. Deborah Gutman, Director of Pre-health Advising at for the program, about the differences between post-bac and masters programs and how they impact GPA calculations for medical school applications along with insight into the offerings of this program. Dr. Guttman brings her extensive experience in medical education and her insights as co-founder of CapYear. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with with your friends! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected] Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Christian Essman RESOURCES: Brown Special Masters Program SMP YouTube Video AMCAS GPA Conversion (you can see the academic history chart that medical school admissions see) Cap Year AAMC Searchable List of Post-bac & Masters Programs CONTACT: [email protected]
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Episode 72: Updates & Applicant Tips with Christian Essman
It's been awhile! In this episode, Christian Essman brings you the latest updates and some tips for those currently navigating the application process. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected] Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Christian Essman RESOURCES: Boots2Meds: Episode 6 “Holistic Admissions with Christian Essman” Admissions Straight Talk with Linda Abraham: Reserve Your Spot at Case Western Medical School: An Interview with Christian Essman CWRU School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts AMCAS Postsubmission Actions
Applying to medical school can be a very complex and confusing process! All Access: Med School Admissions by Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, brings listeners into informative and entertaining conversations between admissions colleagues from medical schools across the US. Christian and his guests try to bring transparency to the medical school application process and help prospective applicants put themselves in the best position to be a competitive applicant.
More info at: https://case.edu/medicine/admissions-programs/md-programs/podcast-all-access-med-school-admissions