They should tell you that…

1. They should tell you that… Laura Berg MS IV University of North Dakota School of Medicine

2. Finding a medical school • American Association of Medical Colleges • http://www.aamc.org • Link to Medical Schools, then “Find a Medical School: US and Canadian Medical Schools” • 126 Programs registered with the AAMC

3. AMCAS • American Medical College Application Service • http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm • 116 medical schools utilize AMCAS • Not all medical schools use AMCAS services! • Demographics • Detailed description of grades and coursework • Work and volunteer information • Additional applications will be required with added fee for many programs

4. What are they looking for? • Grade-point average • Breadth and difficulty of undergraduate coursework • Letters of recommendation • AMCAS form • Extracurricular activities such as student government and community service • Involvement in and quality of health-related work and research • Participation in activities demonstrating motivation, responsibility, maturity, integrity, resourcefulness, tolerance, perseverance, dedication to service • Knowledge of health care issues and commitment to health care • Interview • State of legal residence

5. Undergrad • The best major is one that interests you • Be sure to take Pre-med courses including: • Biology • ANATOMY • Biochemistry • Classes of interest • SPEECH • Art • Music

6. Biology – 2 semesters Inorganic – 2 sem Organic* - 2 sem * A student may substitute a semester or quarter of biochemistry for the final semester/quarter of organic chemistry Physics – 2 semesters College Algebra Psychology/Sociology Language Arts (English, Speech, etc.) – at least 2 courses A minimum cumulative and science (chemistry, physics, biology, psychology and math) grade point average of 3.0 is expected. Average GPA- 3.69 in my class Biology (w/lab) – 2 sem General or inorganic chemistry (w/lab) – 2 sem Organic chem (w/lab) – 2 sem Biochem – 1 sem Physics (w/lab) – 2 sem Calculus – 1 sem English composition and literature – 2 sem Social, Behavioral sciences, and humanities – 4 sem Psychology and at least 2 of the following (history, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, comparative studies, music or art) COURSE REQUIREMENTS University of North Dakota University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

7. The Application • Typed application form • Locate a typewriter or resume service company • Personal statement • Letters of recommendation • Most require 3 • Medical College Admissions Test scores • Official academic transcripts • Non-refundable application fee

8. Personal Statement • Attributes • Unique characteristics • Interest in medicine • Participation in research projects • Hobbies • Medicine-related employment • Motivation and commitment to a medical career • Demonstrate ability to work with people • Show compassion and empathy • PROOFREAD

9. Letters of Recommendation • Appraisals by persons who know the applicant well: • College advisors • Instructors • Employers • Clergy • Peer, roommate, spouse or friend • Should address • Relationship with applicant • Applicant's personality • Reliability • Motivation

10. MCAT • http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/ • 9 ½ hour test • 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. • Two 10-minute breaks • One-hour lunch break

11. 2004 MCAT Test Date Schedule • Test Dates • April 17, 2004 • August 14, 2004 • Regular Registration Deadlines ($190 fee) • March 12, 2004 • July 9, 2004 • Late Registration Deadlines ($190 + $50 late fee) • March 26, 2004 • July 23, 2004

12. MCAT Breakdown

13. Personal Interview • Applicants may be invited to interview • Usually 20-30 minutes • Team interviewing you • Team interviewing you and other candidates simultaneously • One-on-one interview • Applicants should prepare questions about the program • Be prepared to answer questions • Why did you decide on a career in medicine? • Where do you see yourself in 10 years? • What are your strengths/weaknesses? • How do you feel about healthcare in the US? • Do you feel that healthcare is a right or a privilege? • Who is your role model and why? • Ethical questions

14. What happens if you are not accepted… • Don’t give up! • Waiting list • Talk to admissions advisor about how to improve your application • Keep busy: work, volunteer, travel, peace corps, Americorps • Reapply

15. You’re accepted! Now what?

16. Financial Aid • Loans to cover: • Tuition (~ 10,000 to 45,000 per year) • Living expenses • Textbooks • Many scholarships available • Many medical schools do not allow outside employment

17. CURRICULUM • Year 1 • Physiology • Introduction to patient care • Year 2 • Pathology • Continued clinical experience • Year 3 – Core clinical clerkships • Year 4 – Elective clinical clerkships

18. Learning the Basics

19. USMLE Step 1 • United States Medical Licensing Exam • http://www.usmle.org/step1/ • Physiology and Pathology • Taken following the second year of medical school

20. Year 3 • Internal Medicine • OB/GYN • Psychiatry • Family Practice • Pediatrics • Surgery

21. USMLE Step 2 • http://www.usmle.org • More clinically oriented

22. Year 4 • All electives • Out of state/country rotations available

23. Year 4 example • Psychiatry --- Mayo • Internal Medicine • General surgery • Radiology • Eating disorders • 2 months off for interviews • Family Medicine --- Australia • Neurology • Medical genetics

24. Graduation • You are a Doctor! • The education continues…

25. Applying to Residency • ERAS – electronic residency application service • http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/start.htm • National Residency Match Program • http://www.nrmp.org/

26. There is still time for fun… Karaoke

27. Malpractice Bowl Medical School vs. Law School

28. Still Single?

29. Formal Parties

30. Informal Parties

31. Questions? • Please feel free to contact me with any questions • lberg@medicine.nodak.edu