Clark University’s Medical Careers

Advising Program

Presented by Dr. David Thurlow, Premedical Advisor and Chair, Premedical and Predental

Advising Committee (C. Landee, T. Lyerla, D. Larochelle, M. Wiser)

Choices of Professions in Medicine:Human medicine:

Allopathy (MD)

Osteopathy (DO)

Dentistry (DDS or DD)

Optometry (OD)

Podiatry (DPM)

Animal medicine: Veterinary (DVM)

Other related professions: Nursing

Chiropractic

Physician Assistant

Nutrition

Sports Medicine

Public HealthGenetic Counseling

Pharmacy

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Planning for a career in medicine: e.g., allopathic (MD)

What does it take to get into medical school?

Medical schools will ask two questions:

1. Can you do the work in medical school?

Numbers and NCVs

2. Will you make a good doctor?

Letters, applications, interviews, and NCVs

1. Undergraduate GPA (overall and science): ~ 3.5

2. MCAT scores: ~10 (out of 15) on each of the 3 sectionsVR, PS, and BS

1. Can you do the work in medical school?

Data medical schools will use to try to answer this question:

3. Non-cognitive variables (NCVs) as predictors of success:

Sense of self Realistic self appraisal

Balance in recognizing and dealing with “discrimination”

Setting goals and receiving rewards

Leadership Role models

Ability to identify and thrive in a community

Nontraditional (experience based) learning

1. Positive letter of evaluation from Committee:

Based primarily on letters of reference from Clark faculty

2. AMCAS application: personal essay and list of experiences

2. Will you make a good doctor? i.e., are you the type of person someone on the medical school’s admissions committee would identify as the type of person they would want as their own doctor?

Data medical schools will use to try to answer this question:

3. Answers to questions on secondary applications

4. Interview

5. NCVs in all of the above

GPA

MCAT

Faculty Letters

Research

Academics Humanism

Campus,Community,and ClinicalExtracurricularActivities

Curriculum

AMCAS Application Essay Experience descriptions

Application Process

Medical Schools

Interview

Secondary Applications

Choosing Schools

Committee Letter

Year 1 Fall SpringIntro Chem I Intro Chem IIIntro Biol I Intro Biol IIxxx xxxxxx xxx (Precalc)

Year 2 Fall SpringOrganic I Organic IICalculus I* Calculus II* *not all schoolsPsychology XXX (Genetics or Microbiology)

xxx xxxYear 3 Fall Spring

Intro Physics I Intro Physics IIxxx (Cell or Biochem) xxx (Physiology)

English (any) English (any)xxx xxx

Medical School Requirements (bold) It is possible to complete them in 3 years

Other desirable courses: computer science, Spanish

What we can provide for you:

1. Curriculum

2. MCAT

3. Invited Speakers (First Wednesday Series)

4. Letters of Recommendation and Committee Letter of Evaluation

5. Extracurricular and volunteering activities (ER volunteering program at St. Vincent Hospital)

6. AMCAS Application: Timing, Basic information, List of experiences, and Personal statement

7. Secondary applications

8. Mock Interviews

9. Where to apply: appropriate tier, compatible programs, suitable geography

10. Networking: contacts with Clark alumni, conferences, open houses

Invited Speakers Program

Workshops and lectures by invited speakers: provide insight into how to prepare for the challenges of the medical profession and how to take advantage of the rewards.

Clark now hosts a two-year repeating cycle of workshops and lectures:

Year 1 Year 2

1) September – MCAT 1) September – MCAT

2) October – Ob/Gyn 2) October – Family

3) November – Pediatrics 3) November – End of Life

4) February – Emergency 4) February – Surgery

5) March – Medical School Admissions 5) March – Medical School Admissions

6) April – AMCAS 6) April – AMCAS

Emergency Room Volunteer and Shadowing Program

Clark University and St. Vincent Hospital are partners in a newly established program that provides the following opportunity for Clark premeds:

Applicants are recommended by Clark's Premedical Advisor. Accepted participants make a commitment of at least 50 hours over the year.

Participants work the first 35-40 hours in ER volunteer activities.

Shadowing opportunities with an ER physician are then provided.

At the completion of the program, the participant submits a written summary of their experiences in the program to Clark's Premedical Advisor.

At the completion of the program, the ER physician submits a letter of recommendation to Clark's Premedical Advisor.

Clark’s Prehealth Website: www.clarku.edu/departments/prehealth

What is the best way to approach your college career?

1. ExploreCoursesMajorsCampus activitiesCommunity

2. EnjoyAll of the aboveFind your passionMake time for you

3. FocusGradesMCATServiceApplication process

Final ThoughtsThe health profession is one of the most rewarding careers one can choose.

Medicine may be one of the most demanding professions one can choose.

Start the process of becoming the type of individual to whom you would trust your own health and well being now.

There are many fields. You will have plenty of time to decide which is most attractive to you.

We are here to help. Please come see and talk with us soon and often.