The Road to Medical School

1. The Road to Medical School Dr. David Frank Chemistry Department CSU Fresno McLane 159 (278-2273; email is better) davidf@csufresno.edu

2. Bachelor Degree Possibly Post-bac work to shore up soft GPA Medical School - 4 years Residency - Minimum of 3 years (1st year often called internship) Optional: Fellowships for further specialization The Path to Becoming a Physician

3. Academics - Required Courses, Bachelor’s Degree Extracurricular Activities (including medical experience) MCAT Research Letters of Recommendation Finances for the Application Process Have A Plan Diploma

4. www.csufresno.edu/premed www.fresnostate.edu/premed

5. What Should I Major In? • Whatever interests you the most. • English, philosophy, history, and music majors have higher acceptance rates than Chem or Bio majors (fewer apply), but also may take longer to graduate to get all of the pre-reqs. • Advantages of Biology or Chemistry major • Premed prereqs are part of the degree requirements • Science (BCPM) GPA is buffered by taking more science classes • Better preparation for first year of med school • Higher priority at getting into impacted first year Chem 1A/1B and Biol 1A/1B.

6. Undergraduate Academic Preparation • 1 year of General Chemistry (1A and 1B), even if you have AP credit. NOT 3A/3B • 1 year of Organic Chemistry with lab 128 A & 129A, then 128B and 129B) • 1 year of General Biology with lab (Biol 1A and 1B), even if you have AP credit. NOT Biol 10 • 1 year of physics with lab (Phys 2A/B; Does not have to be physics for physics majors). • Math 75 & 76, or Math 75 and Math 101 (Statistical Methods; 4 units)

7. In general we advise pre-med students to take general chemistry and biology at Fresno State (not a community college) even if they have AP credit for these courses. However, you can check with the medical schools in which you are interested to find out about their policy on AP courses. The medical school might allow an upper division course in the particular discipline to fulfill the requirement. Hard to know early on which med schools you will choose to apply to… AP Credit

8. 1 year of English (composition stressed) 1 year of Math (calculus, statistics, computer science) 1 semester of Biochemistry Academics - Courses Required by Many Medical Schools

9. • Physiology (Comparative or Human; can help with the MCAT) Genetics (can help with the MCAT) Human Anatomy (just before entering; can help with first year med school) Cell Biology & Molecular Biology (can help with first year med school) Academics – Other Courses

10. Academics – Other Courses Because the the MCAT in 2015 will change, we strongly advise students who may take this exam to take… • One or two semesters in introductory psychology -PSYCH 10. Introduction to Psychology (3 units) -PSYCH 40T. Topics in Research Design and Statistics • One or two semesters in introductory sociology -SOC 1 or 1S. Principles of Sociology (3-3 units) -SOC 3. Critical Thinking about Society (3 units) • Introductory Biochemistry

11. Before applying, make sure that you have fulfilled the course requirements for the medical schools to which you intend to apply.

12. Aim for a minimum 3.6 GPA, for BOTH your overall GPA as well as your BCMP (Biology, chemistry, math and physics) GPAs. For allopathic medical schools, the GPA is calculated based on all courses taken, even those for which you applied for grade substitution. Academics Count

13. www.aamc.org/msar

14. Stanford = Irvine = Upper Division Biology Statistics

15. Nationwide: 18,000 seats and 43,000 applicants: 42%

16. Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Candidates for admission must have a minimum science GPA of 3.30, a minimum overall GPA of 3.30, and a minimum average MCAT score of 27.

17. Three Multiple choice parts: Verbal Comprehension Physical Sciences Biological Sciences Writing Sample is gone in 2013 Be sure that you have completed all the coursework required Take practice exams. Scores on these will determine whether you are ready to take the real one. These are available for only $35 each, after the first free one, from AAMC. The “Old” MCAT (Before 2015)

18. Natural Sciences: concepts in biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior: Concepts of introductory psychology and sociology, and introductory biology concepts that relate to mental processes and behavior. The “New” MCAT (Begins 2015)

19. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: be able to analyze, evaluate, and apply information provided by passages from a wide range of social sciences and humanities disciplines. Does not testing specific knowledge Does test analysis and reasoning skills you need for medical school may prompt you to read broadly as you prepare Along with many others, passages about ethics and philosophy, cross-cultural studies and population health are included. The “New” MCAT (Begins 2015)

20. The “New” MCAT (Begins 2015) https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/

21. The best timing is to take the MCAT in the spring of the calendar year prior to the year you plan to enter. (For most this will be April of their junior year.) However, do not take the MCAT before you are ready. The MCAT is now offered on-line on 24 different days during the year. The exam is now a half-day test; on some days, both a morning and afternoon exam is offered. There is a test site in Fresno. Register early to be sure you get the date and site you want. Go to the AAMC website for informationand registration. MCAT Timing

22. While taking chemistry, biology and physics, remember you are preparing for the MCAT. Check the AAMC website and consult The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam available from AAMC For MCAT2015, visit https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/ Remember to schedule in preparation time before taking the MCAT. Consider the Kaplan prep course ($2000). Don’t ever take the MCAT for practice: it’s expensive ($230). Plan to take it only once. MCAT Preparation

23. MCAT Preparation Change your high school study habits: • Rote memorization doesn’t work so well for the MCAT. • You need to develop conceptual thinking skills. • Start making notes from your text as well as lectures. • Organize the material by topic. • Look for logical connections between all of the facts, don't just memorize isolated facts. • Read and review notes for understanding. • This all takes TIME (2-3 hours of study for each hour in class)

25. There are lots of summer opportunities for students interested in being physicians. Check the internet, the AAMC and the aspiringdocs websites. Applications are due between January and March and are extensive. Look into programs early. What Do I Do In The Summer?

26. Medical Experience Leadership Volunteer Service Research Extracurricular Activities

27. Keep track of your extracurricular activities and the hours you devote. You might want to keep a journal of clinical experience to record your experiences and maturation: its good material for that personal statement. Keep Good Notes

28. Two science faculty, one non-science faculty, and one or two others Remember while taking courses that you are going to need letters of recommendation. Doing research with a professor helps him/her get to know you and write a more credible letter. Have the letters on file the spring semester before you apply (April/May of junior year). Letters Of Reference

29. Most med schools use the AMCAS letter distribution service. They only accept letters from AMCAS. You must provide each letter writer with your AMCAS Letter ID found on your AMCAS Letter Request Form, as well as your AAMC ID#. Letters Of Reference

30. Instruct the letter writer to either send your letter to AMCAS directly, or to Ms. Hall in the Information Center (S1-136). In either case, the letter must be accompanied with your AMCAS Letter Request Form, as well as your AAMC ID#. We shall send your letters to AMCAS on your instruction. If all are being sent to the same schools, they can be sent as a packet with the same Letter ID #. Advantages of our service: we keep copies of your letters which may be needed for scholarship applications, for non-AMCAS schools, and for AACOM applications. Letters Of Reference

31. Primary Application - takes time! transcripts from all college-level schools personal statement record of extracurricular activities names of letter of recommendation writers for those medical schools that use the AMCAS service for collecting letters of recommendation Secondary Applications more essays request letters of recommendation be sent to AMCAS, the MD application service*. (Letters to AMCAS can be sent after the primary application is submitted.) *unless school is not using the AMCAS letter distribution service. The Application Process

32. Secondary Application Institution 1 What is your interest in XYZ School of Medicine? Insitution 2 Describe your motivation to become a physician. What do you see as the most significant issue the medical profession will face in the next 40 years? What personal benefits have you gained from your major extracurricular activity? What personal benefits have you gained from your research/teaching experience? Given the opportunity to share dinner conversation with one person (deceased or alive) who has made a significant contribution to science, medicine or human service, identify the individual you would select and why?

33. Institution 3 • Please explain your reasons for applying to XYZ School of Medicine. We understand that you are probably applying to several medical schools. We are interested in why you have placed XYZ School of Medicine on your list of schools. (max character limit 1500) • Please describe any unique characteristics you have that will contribute to the diversity and bring educational benefits to the entering class. (max character limit 1500) • If you are not in a degree-seeking program, please indicate what you will be doing from the time you complete this application to the start of medical school.

34. Choose medical schools carefully. Know what they offer and what you offer them. Review your application and their catalog. Talk to medical students. Find out about hospital affiliations, curriculum, student support. If possible, engage in a mock interview. The Interview

35. Your experience in medicine. You need to explain your experiences that have helped you to understand the reality of a medical career. You have the longevity, discipline, motivation, and resiliency to succeed in medical school. How can you convey the evidence of these traits? You have thought about, and to some degree understand, the current and future state of medicine. How can you convey to the interviewer that you are “one of them.” The Interview

36. All professions have application expenses. Med school: ~$4000 to $8000 (+) MCAT review class: $2000 # schools you apply to & where you interview. AMCAS Application: $160 first school, $32 each additional school (UC Berkeley avg: 20 – 25 schools) Secondary applications: $70 to $100 each in CA AMCAS has a Fee Assistance Program. Don’t short-change yourself on the application process. Planning for Necessary Expenses

37. Stanford 463 interviewed, 86 accepted. Rush: 399/130 (19% – 33%)

38. Premedical Web Site Advising Informational Sessions, Conferences on and off campus (i.e., UC Davis conference) HCOP (Health Careers Opportunity Program, targets students from educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.) AEW (Academic Excellence Workshops, NSCI 40T, LSAMP program) Resources: Getting Started

39. Student Clubs: Fresno State Premed Club (only premeds), AMSA Chapter (anyone interested in a health profession), Tri Beta Biology Club Natural Science class: The Art and Practice of Medicine (NSCI 1; spring class) Academic Research Associate Program at Community Regional Trauma and Burn Center headed by Dr. Greg Hendey and administered by Brandy Snowden. (NSCI 110) Research Opportunities-during the year and in the summer Conferences Given by Medical Schools for Premed Students More Resources

40. Scribe Program at St. Agnes Hospital headed by Dr. David Claypool Other scribe programs via CEP America at Community, Clovis, and Madera. Workshops on Personal Statement Writing and the Application Process Service to Collect and Send Out Letters of Reference. (You must open a file with me and sign a form to either waive or not waive your right to see your letters of reference.) Yet More Resources

41. Plan B Postbaccalaureate Programs: academic record-enhancement, career changing, underrepresented groups, economically or educationally disadvantaged groups.. • CSU Fullerton • CSU East Bay • Charles Drew University • Mills College • San Diego State University • San Francisco State University • Scripps College • UC Berkeley Extension • University of Southern California UC Postbaccalaureate Consortium http://meded-postbac.ucsd.edu/ Helps educationally and economically disadvantaged students get into medical school. Must be committed to practicing in underserved communities of California. Post-bac nationwide: http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

42. Plan B Caribbean Medical Schools There are three medical schools in the Caribbean that stand out: St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, Ross University in the Commonwealth of Dominica, and American University of Antigua.  Students admitted to St. George’s have an average GPA of 3.34, and an average MCAT of 28. At Ross, the average GPA is 3.4, with a range of 2.7 - 4, but for early admission they require at least an overall GPA of 3.0 and a science GPA (BCPM) of 3.25, with an MCAT score of at least 24. Also: UAG School of Medicine in Guadalajara, Mexico

43. Options 1. Medical Doctor 6. Optometrist 2. Podiatrist 7. Physician Assistant 3. Dentist 8. Nurse 4. Pharmacist 9. Ph.D. 5. Veterinarian 10. Clinical Lab Technician Plan B

44. Excellent Books Medical School Admission Requirements The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande, M.D. Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande, M.D. The Checklist Manifesto, by Atul Gawande, M.D.

45. Interviews: www.studentdoctor.net/interview/index.asp Scholarships: www.fastweb.monster.com Useful Web Sites • Advising Information: • www.csufresno.edu/premed • www.aspiringdocs.org • General Information: • www.aamc.org/meded/start.htm • www.aacom.org • www.amsa.org • Summer Opportunities: • www.cmu.edu/hpp/intern.html • www.swarthmore.edu/Admin/health_sciences/ summer_opportunities.html • www.aamc.org/members/great/summerlinks.htm