The Oath

MedEdits Medical Admissions

If you are premed, applying to medical school, or thinking about the residency match, the Oath is the podcast for you. Hosted by MedEdits' Jessica Freedman, M.D., we will discuss topics related to the medical education continuum and the practice of medicine. Our goal is to offer timely, up-to-date, and informed guidance for everyone interested in premedical, med school admissions, and residency match topics.  We will discuss everything from what to do as a first year premed, how to think about the med school application timeline, how to approach your med school personal statement, what to do as a first year med student, and how to position yourself for the residency match. Dr. Freedman's goal is offer transparency, decrease stress, and bring more calm to these inherently stressful processes.

Episodes

  1. MAR 6

    499 MCAT, No Gap Year, TMDSAS and AACOMAS Applicant: Where is he Going to Med School?

    Summary In this episode of The Oath Podcast, Dr. Jessica Freedman interviews Cason Cox, a Texas A&M senior accepted to medical school, sharing his journey through pre-med, TMDSAS and AACOMAS application strategies, and insights into the med school application process. Discover practical advice, inspiring stories, and tips for aspiring medical students. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:05 Meet Cason Cox: A Texas A&M Senior Accepted to Med School 02:01 Cason's Background and Motivation for Medicine 02:55 Applying as a Traditional Applicant at end of Junior Year 03:56 Cason's Community and Healthcare Experiences  05:46 The Impact of Rural Healthcare Disparities 08:11 Cason's Academic Path and Pre-Med Planning 11:11 Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Roles 15:50 Research and Healthcare Shadowing Experiences 29:08 TMDSAS Application Components and Personal Statements 34:55 Writing a Compelling Personal Statement 38:03 TMDSAS Personal Characteristics and Unique Experiences 41:04 Applying to Texas and Osteopathic Schools 42:06 Interview Experiences and Tips 44:54 The Texas Match Process and Pre-Match System 47:57 Cason's Med Schol 50:56 Aligning Mission and Personal Values in Applications 53:12 Final Advice and Gratitude Join our Facebook Group! LINKS AND RESOURCES ❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor. 📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon 👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    54 min
  2. FEB 27

    July 31st AMCAS Submission, Early August MCAT: What Happened to His Application?

    Summary In this episode, Jessica Freedman and Laurie Tansey discuss the journey of a unique medical school applicant who submitted a late application but ultimately achieved remarkable success. They explore the importance of individual paths in the admissions process, the significance of research experience, and the impact of mentorship and feedback. The conversation highlights the applicant's meaningful experiences, the role of personal statements, and the intricacies of the interview process, culminating in the applicant's acceptance into prestigious medical schools. Takeaways This applicant's journey is an outlier, showcasing unique circumstances.Late applications can still lead to success with the right strategies.Research experience is crucial for competitive medical school applications.Individual paths to medical school vary greatly and should be embraced.Mentorship and feedback play a significant role in applicant confidence.Meaningful experiences can be diverse and do not need to align perfectly with career goals.Personal statements should tell a cohesive and engaging story.Interview preparation is key to success in the admissions process.Patience is essential throughout the medical school application cycle.Engagement with the application process can lead to better outcomes.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Applicant's Journey 03:05 Understanding Late Applications and Strategies 05:50 The Importance of Research Experience 08:48 Exploring the Applicant's Unique Background 12:07 The Role of Mentorship and Feedback 15:12 Highlighting Meaningful Experiences 17:58 The Impact of Personal Statements 20:52 Navigating the Interview Process 24:11 Outcomes and Acceptance into Medical Schools 26:48 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways LINKS: VIDEO: How to Get Into Harvard Medical School: Applicant Data and Results LINKS AND RESOURCES ❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor. 📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon 👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    44 min
  3. FEB 20

    Late AMCAS, Pushed-Back MCAT, Humanities Major: What Happened to Her Application?

    SHOW NOTES In this episode, Jessica Freedman and Laurie Tansey discuss a real applicant's journey to medical school, highlighting the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the ultimate success achieved. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal narratives, meaningful experiences, and the unique timelines of each applicant. Through a detailed case study, listeners gain insights into the medical school admissions process and the qualities that can lead to success, regardless of traditional pathways. Whether you’re worried about a late MCAT, a 3.6-range BCPM GPA, choosing a humanities major, or taking multiple gap years, this case study will show you what’s still possible when your application is authentic, reflective, and strategically constructed. TAKEAWAYS The medical school admissions process is highly individualized and personal.Overcoming hurdles is possible with the right support.A strong medical school personal statement can significantly impact an application.Humanities majors can excel in medical school admissions.Confidence in one's abilities is crucial during the application process.Engagement with mentors can enhance the application experience.Not all experiences need to be directly related to medicine.A med school application late application can still lead to success.Writing skills are essential for compelling applications.Maintaining motivation and engagement is key throughout the process.CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Case Study 02:46 Understanding the Applicant's Journey 07:01 Academic Background and Unique Challenges 12:42 Evaluating the Applicant's Experiences 16:20 Diving into Most Meaningful Experiences 21:10 Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement 29:09 The Impact of Personal Narrative 34:31 Final Thoughts and Outcomes LINKS AND RESOURCES ❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor. 📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon 👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    43 min
  4. FEB 13

    The Importance of Authenticity in the Premed Process and Med School Admissions Process

    SUMMARY In this episode of The Oath podcast, Dr. Krystal Ripa and Dr. Jessica Freedman discuss the critical role of authenticity in the medical school admissions process. Dr. Ripa emphasizes the importance of intentionality in choosing experiences that align with personal values and aspirations, rather than simply checking boxes. The conversation explores various aspects of the pre-med journey, including clinical exposure, community service, and the significance of personal narratives in applications. Dr. Ripa shares insights on how students can differentiate themselves through genuine experiences and the impact of their backgrounds on their medical aspirations. TAKEAWAYS Authenticity is crucial in the medical school admissions process.Students should focus on experiences that genuinely resonate with them.A checkbox approach can hinder a student's application success.Community service and advocacy are essential components of a strong candidacy.Clinical exposure should be meaningful and not just a requirement.Research experience is valuable but not the only path to success.Personal narratives can significantly influence admissions decisions.Students should explore diverse interests and how they relate to medicine.Engaging with local communities can enhance understanding and empathy.It's important to critically assess whether activities serve personal growth or just the application. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Authenticity in Medical Admissions 03:05 The Importance of Authenticity in the Premed Process 06:11 Examples of Authenticity in Student Applications 09:01 Navigating the Premed Journey 12:06 Exploring Clinical Exposure and Community Service 15:07 The Role of Research and Non-Traditional Experiences 18:07 Building a Unique Candidacy 20:51 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Medical Aspirations 23:51 The Importance of Community Engagement 27:04 Creative Approaches to Clinical Exposure 29:50 The Value of Diverse Experiences in Medicine 32:45 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Medical School Admissions LINKS AND RESOURCES ❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor. 📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon 👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    59 min
  5. FEB 6

    From Medical School to Residency: Navigating the Match (part 2 of 2)

    SUMMARY:  In this episode of the Oath Podcast, Dr. Jessica Friedman and Sydney Webster discuss the intricacies of the residency application process. They cover essential topics such as residency signaling, geographic preferences, crafting a compelling personal statement, and the new scholarly work section. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity, mentorship, and strategic planning in becoming a competitive residency applicant. TAKEAWAYS: • Residency signaling is crucial for competitive specialties. • Geographic preferences help demonstrate commitment to a program. • The residency personal statement(s) should reflect authenticity and personal narrative. • Activities should showcase depth and impact, not just breadth. • The ERAS new scholarly work section emphasizes quality over quantity. • Mentorship is vital for guidance and support in medical school. • Students should be honest about their competitiveness when choosing specialties. • Tailoring applications to specific programs can enhance chances of success. • Every part of the application should tell a cohesive story. • Planning early in medical school is essential for success. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Residency Process 01:38 Understanding Residency Signaling 14:09 Geographic Preferences in Residency Applications 24:14 Crafting the Personal Statement 27:57 Crafting a Personal Statement 36:25 Navigating Experiences and Activities 41:48 Understanding the New Scholarly Work Section 50:51 Final Tips for Medical Students LINKS AND RESOURCES ❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor. 📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon 👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    55 min
  6. JAN 29

    From Medical School to Residency: Navigating the Match (Part 1 of 2)

    SHOW NOTES In this episode, Dr. Jessica Freedman and Sydney Webster discuss the intricacies of the residency match process, especially in light of the recent changes to the Step 1 exam. They cover essential strategies for medical students, including the importance of mentorship, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. The conversation also delves into the significance of research and away rotations in building a competitive profile for residency applications. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for medical students navigating their journey toward residency. Takeaways The residency match favors applicants, providing them with a slight advantage.Starting day one in medical school, students should seek mentors and shadow professionals.Letters of recommendation are crucial for distinguishing candidates in a competitive match process.The MSPE (Medical Student Performance Evaluation) summarizes a student's performance and is vital for residency applications.Engaging in community service helps build a narrative that resonates with residency programs.Research involvement is important, but it doesn't have to be limited to a specific specialty.Away rotations can help students break into competitive regions and programs.Building relationships during medical school is key to a successful residency application.Extracurricular activities should demonstrate leadership and commitment to the medical community.Students should be proactive in seeking research opportunities and mentorship throughout their medical education.PLAY BY PLAY 00:00 - Introduction to the Residency Match Process 04:47 - Understanding the Residency Match Algorithm 05:36 - Starting Medical School: Day One Considerations 10:45 - The Importance of Metrics in Residency Applications 14:47 - Exploring the MSPE: Medical Student Performance Evaluation 20:47 - Core Rotations and Grading in Medical School 23:40 - Setting Yourself Apart: Activities and Involvement 27:17 - The Importance of Community Engagement 29:44 - Hobbies and Personal Interests in Medicine 32:00 - Research and Scholarly Work 39:20 - Letters of Recommendation and Their Impact 44:46 - Navigating Away Electives 56:53 - Building a Competitive Medical Profile RESOURCES: VSLO: Everything You Need to Know Residency Match Timeline 4 Residency Match Changes NRMP Data and Reports Program Director Survey LINKS AND RESOURCES ❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor. 📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon 👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    57 min
  7. JAN 29

    Am I Ready to Apply to Medical School?

    Show Notes In the inaugural episode of The Oath podcast, Dr. Jessica Freedman and Laurie Tansey discuss the essential aspects of preparing for medical school applications. They cover the importance of self-assessment, understanding GPA and MCAT requirements, the significance of experiences, and the application process. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and realistic expectations in the journey to becoming a physician. Takeaways Self-assessment is crucial for determining readiness to apply to medical school.GPA and MCAT scores are fundamental metrics for medical school admissions.The trend of taking a gap year has become the norm for applicants.Experience in healthcare settings is vital for a competitive application.Students should pursue authentic experiences that reflect their interests.Research experience is valued, but not mandatory for all applicants.Medical schools look for a balance of scholarly work, community service, and exposure to medicine.Authenticity in applications is more important than following a checklist.The application process is nuanced and requires careful planning and timing.Not every student is suited for medical school; exploring other healthcare paths is important.Play by Play 00:00 - Introduction to The Oath Podcast 02:12 - Assessing Readiness for Medical School Applications 12:33 - Understanding GPA and MCAT Requirements 19:57 - The Importance of Premed Experience Profiles 22:18 - Navigating the Medical School Application Timeline 27:36 - Understanding Student Anxiety in Medical Applications 29:56 - The Importance of Early Medical School Applications 32:29 - Navigating Medical School Decisions 35:36 - The Value of Distinctive Experiences 39:39 - Authenticity in Medical School Applications 46:16 - Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts RESOURCES: MSAR - Medical School Admissions Requirements What MCAT Score Do You Need to Get Into Medical School LINKS AND RESOURCES ❓Need Help? Sign up for FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits physician advisor. 📘 Purchase the MedEdits Guide to Medical School Admissions on Amazon 👋 Find MedEdits on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

If you are premed, applying to medical school, or thinking about the residency match, the Oath is the podcast for you. Hosted by MedEdits' Jessica Freedman, M.D., we will discuss topics related to the medical education continuum and the practice of medicine. Our goal is to offer timely, up-to-date, and informed guidance for everyone interested in premedical, med school admissions, and residency match topics.  We will discuss everything from what to do as a first year premed, how to think about the med school application timeline, how to approach your med school personal statement, what to do as a first year med student, and how to position yourself for the residency match. Dr. Freedman's goal is offer transparency, decrease stress, and bring more calm to these inherently stressful processes.

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