All Access: Med School Admissions

Christian Essman
All Access: Med School Admissions

Applying to medical school can be a very complex and confusing process! All Access: Med School Admissions by Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, brings listeners into informative and entertaining conversations between admissions colleagues from medical schools across the US. Christian and his guests try to bring transparency to the medical school application process and help prospective applicants put themselves in the best position to be a competitive applicant. More info at: https://case.edu/medicine/md/admission/all-access-med-school-admission-podcast

  1. 3D AGO

    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: allaccess@case.edu 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: medadmit@gwu.edu  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

    1h 8m
  2. Episode 77: Transferable Skills That Matter: Insights from SOF to SOM Leaders

    FEB 18

    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: allaccess@case.edu 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

    59 min
  3. 11/22/2024

    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: allaccess@case.edu 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

    1h 1m
  4. University of Michigan Medical School Updates

    02/04/2024

    University of Michigan Medical School Updates

    In this enlightening episode, I sit down with the recently appointed, dynamic Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Deborah Berman. Dr. Berman offers an in-depth look into the significant curricular updates, wellness initiatives, and the evolving admissions landscape at one of the premier medical schools in the United States. Our conversation begins with a deep dive into the curricular updates that are setting new standards for medical education. Beyond the curriculum, we explore the comprehensive wellness initiatives that underscore the University of Michigan Medical School's commitment to student well-being. Dr. Berman discusses the resources and support systems in place to ensure that medical students can thrive academically, physically, and mentally throughout their rigorous educational journey. Admissions updates and advice form a crucial part of our discussion. Dr. Berman sheds light on the latest changes in the admissions process, emphasizing holistic review practices that seek to identify well-rounded candidates passionate about making a difference in the medical field. She offers invaluable advice for applicants, from highlighting their unique experiences to demonstrating a genuine commitment to healthcare and community service. Tune in to gain an insider’s view of medical education at the University of Michigan Medical School how they have forward-looking initiatives in innovative and compassionate physician training. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Christian Essman RESOURCES: Curriculum M-Home Support Services Dr. Lisa Meeks, Disabilities expert in medical education Admissions

    46 min
4.9
out of 5
220 Ratings

About

Applying to medical school can be a very complex and confusing process! All Access: Med School Admissions by Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, brings listeners into informative and entertaining conversations between admissions colleagues from medical schools across the US. Christian and his guests try to bring transparency to the medical school application process and help prospective applicants put themselves in the best position to be a competitive applicant. More info at: https://case.edu/medicine/md/admission/all-access-med-school-admission-podcast

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