All Access: Med School Admissions

• Episode 80: Pre-Med Success: Shadowing, Service, Leadership, & Owning Your Unique Application Journey

  In this special episode, host, Christian Essman, sits down with Dr. Darcy Holtgrave, Program Manager of the MEDOP Advising Office at the University of Missouri. Drawing from her unique background as a folklorist and advisor, Dr. Holtgrave shares candid insights into the real questions, anxieties, and misconceptions faced by pre-med students. Together, Christian and Darcy tackle four pivotal topics: The myth of the “checklist mentality” in building a med school application The true value of meaningful experiences over raw numbers of hours How non-medical activities (yes, even managing a car wash or fencing club) can enhance your candidacy The bridge (not “gap!”) year—how to reframe and maximize intentional time between undergrad and med school Dr. Holtgrave also introduces her approach of guiding students through values-based decision-making, urging pre-meds to align applications with personal purpose and authenticity—not just external comparison. Whether you're overwhelmed by advice on Reddit, uncertain about your path, or just seeking reassurance on your journey, this episode is packed with honest guidance, practical strategies, and empathy for every stage of the pre-med process. Don’t miss this wide-ranging, energizing, and deeply human conversation! 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:  AAMC Pre-Med Competencies Characteristics of 2nd year students: Gregg-Jolly et al, Sterling Intrinsic motivation, flow: Pink, Csikszentmihalyi Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Hayes And values decks! The Values Deck Shalom H. Schwartz Living Into Our Values Brené Brown, Dare to Lead Personal Values Card Sort Miller et. al. Motivational Interviewing Core Values List James Clear, Atomic Habits The Live Your Values Deck Lisa Congdon & Andrea Niculescu  

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• Episode 79: Information Sessions + High Yield Application Tips

  Join host Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, for a quick but information-packed update on the latest in medical school admissions. In this episode, Christian highlights important upcoming info sessions for prospective applicants, including dates and details on how to sign up. He also breaks down key updates for the 2025-2026 application cycle, sharing his expert insight on AMCAS timelines and why you shouldn’t stress about hitting “submit” on the first possible day. Plus, Christian offers high-impact tips for crafting an application—covering everything from storytelling and feedback to owning your unique experiences and perfecting the details. If you’re thinking about applying to medical school, you won’t want to miss these brief strategies and important reminders to help you on your journey. CWRU School of Medicine MD Programs:  May 14, 2025 at 7:00-8:00 pm EST - Register Application Tips and Insight - don’t hit send to AMCAS until you attend!:  May 22, 2025 at 4:00-5:00 pm EST - Register CWRU School of Medicine Admissions Site with more information. 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

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• Episode 78: George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences

  In this episode of "All Access: Med School Admissions," host Christian Essman invites Dr. Ioannis Koutroulis, the Associate Dean of Admissions at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, to share insights into what makes GW's program unique. Dr. Koutroulis discusses his journey in medical school admissions and the rewarding challenges of selecting future physicians at such a prestigious institution. Dive into the innovative curriculum at GW, including their Clinical Public Health curriculum and Scholarly Concentration program, and discover how GW supports its students with various programs and community engagement opportunities. Additionally, Christian and Dr. Koutroulis break down the nuances of the admissions process, including the importance of holistic review, PREview scores, and how applicants can best showcase their personal attributes. Whether you're a prospective medical student or just curious about the world of medical school admissions, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the heart of GW's medical program. Tune in for an engaging conversation on navigating the path to becoming a physician citizen. 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:  2024 Enrollment Infographic AAMC Fee Waiver Assistance Program AAMC Virtual Fair - April 16 & 17, 2025 - Register Here! George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences Curriculum Resiliency & Well-Being Center Admissions > Experiences > Attributes > Academic Achievement CONTACT: [email protected]  TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 AAMC Fee Assistance Program Update 10:30 Passion for Academic Medicine 15:02 Optional Scholarly Concentration Program 19:11 Hybrid Medical Education Approach 25:45 Campus Wellness Initiative Success 29:54 Diverse Clinical Exposure in D.C. 37:17 Cultivating Community-Focused Physicians 40:03 Quality Over Quantity in Experience 44:00 Evolving Communication Skills 49:41 MCAT Attempts and Score Consideration 55:16 AI's Role in Medical Admissions 01:02:12 Avoid Reading from a Screen 01:05:30 Showcase Unique Attributes in Applications  

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• Episode 77: Transferable Skills That Matter: Insights from SOF to SOM Leaders

  In this compelling episode of All Access: Med School Admissions, host Christian Essman sits down with medical students, Ricky Ditzel and Brentyn Jones, two remarkable individuals transitioning from the elite world of Special Operations Forces to the demanding field of medicine. Discover how skills from military training, such as resilience, leadership, and confident communication, are invaluable in medical school and careers. Ricky and Brenton share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of life experiences, vulnerability in applications, and continuous growth. They offer crucial advice for veteran applicants and all applicants, highlighting that success in medicine is about more than just academic readiness. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that bridges the gap between military and medical professions, providing actionable insights for all prospective medical students. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and motivation! 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:  Special Operations Forces To School of Medicine (SOFtoSOM) TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Medical School Insights and Partnership 06:01 From Army Medic to Med Student 09:23 SOF Medicine School Initiative 10:48 Military Med School Support Group 15:31 Medical School Preparation Support Program 19:00 Medical Cohort Success and Growth 21:16 Resilient Medic Problem Solvers 26:33 "Earning Your Trident Daily" 28:43 Academic Challenges and Overcoming Failure 31:54 Confidence: Key Differentiator in Med School 37:43 Rise in Non-Traditional Applicants 39:16 Leveraging Skills in Non-Traditional Applications 43:48 Empathy Over Skills in Med Applications 47:21 Academic Success Beyond Initial GPA 49:04 Embrace Unique Skills for Admissions 52:49 Embrace Vulnerability in Storytelling 57:11 Simplify Military Award Statements  

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• Episode 76: Preparing for the Application Process

  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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