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Choosing a Health Professions School – Finding the Best Match. Health Professions Advising Program Informational Seminar Series Trinity College Developed by Bill Church – Spring 2009. Connecticut University of Connecticut Massachusetts Boston University Tufts
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Choosing a Health Professions School – Finding the Best Match Health Professions Advising Program Informational Seminar Series Trinity College Developed by Bill Church – Spring 2009
Connecticut University of Connecticut Massachusetts Boston University Tufts University of Massachusettes New Jersey UMDNJ-RWJ Vermont University of Vermont Arizona University of Arizona Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine New York Albany Albert Einstein Columbia Mt. Sinai NY Medical College New York University SUNY Downstate University of Rochester Washington DC Georgetown International Schools St. Georges/Grenada Health Profession Schools Attended by Trinity College Graduates
Sources of Information • Medical School Admissions Requirement • Individual School Webpages • HPAC Faculty
From AAMC WebPage It's a process similar to choosing an undergraduate school (only much more intense) Ask yourself these questions: Do I prefer a small or large school? Do I like a large class or a small class? Am I interested in a career in research, in clinical practice in academic medicine? While every school offers opportunities to prepare for careers in all areas, the variety of curricular experience varies from school to school. Try to select schools that fit best your career goals. Which schools have a learning approach that emphasizes primary care, patient education, prevention, and preparation for community practice? What schools have a teaching approach that will work well for me? What kind of financial resources will I need to attend medical school? What are the costs? What types of financial aid are available at the schools I am considering? Are the schools in a location that meets my needs? Are the schools connected to a university or are they free-standing institutions?
Factors for Consideration • Area of Service • Location of School of Medicine – Urban, Suburban, Rural • Type of physician you want to become – Academic or Practicing • Student Organizations • Level of Community Engagement – Optional or Required • Living Amenities – On-campus dorms, apartments/condos, subsidized rents • Initiation of clinical exposure • Lecture vs. Problem-Based Learning • International service learning – Optional or Required • Science CourseCurriculum – Organ-based vs. Departmental-based
Commitment Track record reflecting a desire to serve the public through: • Community involvement. • Volunteer service. • Tutoring. • Cultural activities. • Scholarly pursuits.
Committee Decision Leave quantitative variables out of the final decision as individual items of great importance, and answer simple questions: • How will this candidate contribute to and benefit from the learning climate at your institution? • Will accepting this candidate be in line with the mission and the values of the school?
Scoring the Application • Scholarly activities • Depth of involvement, independence, productivity • Leadership and Honors in Service Roles • Student government, ethnic centers, Peace Corps, teacher • Originality and creativity • Academic, service or artistic accomplishments: innovation, legacy • Non-academic accomplishments or required work • Sports, arts, business or other organizations
Barometer for Participation in Any Extracurricular Activity Showing up Showing up for a long time Leadership Advocacy Innovation Legacy
Explicit Educational Goals • To assure excellence in clinical medicine. • To develop effective communication skills with patients, colleagues, and the public. • To promote leadership training in the various branches of medicine. • To promote ethical and moral behavior, the humane and caring practice of medicine, and a sense of obligation to improve the health of the public. • To promote cultural competency in the science and practice of medicine. • To teach the skills necessary to sustain a lifetime of learning.
Advice and Resources • Consult the Medical School Admissions requirements (MSAR) • AAMC Curriculum Directory • Evaluate emphasis on research, clinical experience, grades, student initiatives, flexibility… • Individual Medical School Websites and Catalogs • Network with current and former students