Thursday, April 30, 2020
Emory PA Open House
Emory University School of Medicine Physician Assistant program invites you to join us online to learn more about Admissions and the application process, curriculum, the student experience, and much more during our virtual Open House.
Our next Open House is May 1, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register at this link: https://tinyurl.com/emorypaoh51
Find more information about virtual open houses, virtual campus tour, and other resources at the bottom of the Emory PA Program page here: https://med.emory.edu/departments/family-preventive/divisions-programs/physician-assistant-program/admissions/index.html
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the MCAT Exam
2020 MCAT TESTING CALENDAR (MAY 29 -- SEPTEMBER 28, 2020)
We
know how disruptive the COVID-19 pandemic has been to MCAT examinees
during these critical weeks and months as they prepare for their journey
to medical school. The AAMC is expanding the testing calendar to help
students impacted by recent cancellations as a result of COVID-19. Three
new dates have been added to the calendar (June 28, September 28, and
September 29) and three test appointments will be held per date. The
AAMC has temporarily shortened the MCAT exam to increase capacity and
follow social distancing practices in all test centers.
Registration will open on May 7 for the updated MCAT Testing Calendar.
This update is based upon current information, as of April 24, 2020,
about the spread of COVID-19 and the anticipated ability for in-person
testing. The AAMC will provide further updates should circumstances
change.
SHORTENED EXAM FOR MAY 29 – SEPTEMBER 28 ADMINISTRATIONS
A
shortened exam will be administered from May 29 to September 28 to
accommodate three test appointments per test date at test centers. The
exam will be 5 hours and 45 minutes. Examinees will be tested on content
from all four sections of the exam and are responsible for knowing the
same concepts and skills that are tested on the full-length exam.
Scores
will not change. You will receive five scores from the shortened
version of the exam: one from each of the four sections and one combined
total score, just like examinees who took the full-length test. Learn more.
TEST RESCHEDULING AND CANCELLATIONS
All
rescheduling fees for all exam dates have been waived until further
notice to provide examinees with the flexibility to prepare for their
new exam date and follow health and safety guidance in their local
communities. If your exam was canceled due to COVID-19, you may elect to
reschedule or receive a refund. Please submit an Emergency Refund
Request. See the FAQs on Cancellations and Rescheduling for more information.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Your
health and safety are our top priority. When testing resumes, robust
health and safety measures will be in place at all test centers, and
examinee workstations will be six feet (2 meters) apart. Please see Pearson VUE’s website for more information.
ACCOMMODATIONS
For information on COVID-19 and MCAT Accommodation Services, please visit the Accommodations Homepage.
SUPPORTING STUDENTS DURING COVID-19
The AAMC is committed to supporting examinees throughout the MCAT testing and application process.
- We have waived all MCAT rescheduling fees so you can adjust your test date to accommodate your preparation and health and safety needs. See FAQs on Cancellations and Rescheduling.
- We have extended all subscriptions to MCAT preparation products through the end of the year to provide access to materials to support your adjusted exam date. Visit www.aamc.org/mcatprep.
- As of April 20, 2020, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program has expanded its eligibility guidelines to help more students with financial need qualify for benefits. Visit www.aamc.org/fap.
- MSAR is updating medical school admissions policies with COVID-19 information readily available to students without a subscription. Visit www.aamc.org/msar.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Information Session
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Information Session
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Public Health is more important now than ever. Join Lauren Black, the Assistant Director of Recruitment and Events from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for a virtual session to learn more about how you can be part of the mission of saving lives—millions at a time. Learn about the degree program options, how to apply & alumni career outcomes. Questions before the session? Contact Lauren Black at laurenblack@Jhu.edu.
Loma Linda University Upcoming Info Sessions
Loma Linda University is offering Virtual Information Sessions at its various health professional schools.
You can find more information about their Info Sessions and Contact Information of an enrollment counselor/counselors for each school. If you have questions regarding finances, applying, if courses will transfer, or general program information, please feel free to reach out through email or sign up for the info session.
School of Allied Health Professions
Info Session
Session 1- All Programs Zoom, Wednesday, April 29 at 3PM, PST
Session 2- All Programs Zoom, Friday, May 1 at 10PM, PST
Session 2- All Programs Zoom, Friday, May 1 at 10PM, PST
School of Dentistry
Marlise Perry mdperry@llu.edu
Info Session
Individual sessions available Mon-Thurs and scheduled via email
Group Sessions not offered at this time
Group Sessions not offered at this time
School of Nursing
Brianna Bolanos bbolanos@llu.edu
Info Session
Undergraduate Zoom Link: Monday, April 27 at 4 PM, PST
Graduate Zoom Link: Wednesday, Apr 29 at 4 PM, PST
Graduate Zoom Link: Wednesday, Apr 29 at 4 PM, PST
School of Pharmacy
Nelky Rodriguez nrodriguez01@llu.edu
Info Session
Registration link and Zoom link: Tuesdays at 4 PM, PST
School of Public Health
Bobby Brown babrown@llu.edu
Info Session
Doctorate programs: Sunday, May 24 at 10:30 AM, PST
Master's programs: Sunday, June 28 at 10:00 AM PST
Master's programs: Sunday, June 28 at 10:00 AM PST
Please contact Bobby Brown to register for a Info Session.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
VMCAS 2021 Application Overview
Join the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) for an overview of the 2021 application. During the webinar, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about the application, troubleshoot, and generally learn about the application process.
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 29 at 1:00pm EST
Register: https://aavmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6NSSoTdMQCiqc9OMpPxnFQ
Monday, April 20, 2020
Global Health Virtual Hackathon
The Emory Global Health Institute is hosting a virtual hackathon focused on developing solutions for specific COVID-19 problems. The virtual hackathon is a partnership withthe Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech & Emory, Georgia Tech’s CREATE X Startup Launch accelerator program, and the Emory University School of Medicine.
The virtual hackathon will take place May 8-16. Teams comprised of Emory University and Georgia Tech students will attempt to hack problems around COVID-19 screening, prevention, treatment, monitoring,and recovery efforts. The winning teams will each receive $10,000, the opportunity to take their solution to market through Georgia Tech’s CREATE-X, and other potential investment opportunities. All Emory students, including 2020 graduates, are eligible to participate.
Visit https://eghigt-hackcovid19.devpost.com/ for more details and to register. Apply by April 30 to form teams and gain early access to the problems you’ll be tackling. Registration will remain open until the event.
Register now! If you have any questions, please email eghi.gt.hack@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Wy'east Pathway Application Open
The Wy’east Pathway was created for American Indian and Alaska Native students to prepare them to excel as medical students and physicians and is intended for individuals who were not accepted to medical school or who do not possess a qualifying MCAT score for admission. The pathway is nine months long, over the course of which the scholars take courses on the foundations of biomedical science, academic skills and wellness, a MCAT preparation course, clinic observation, community-based research projects, and engage in cultural activities. If the scholars complete the pathway successfully and receive a qualifying score on the MCAT they earn conditional acceptance to the OHSU School of Medicine or the Washington State University College of Medicine for matriculation in fall of 2021. The primary application for next year’s cohort opened April 1st and secondary applications are due May 31st.
Click the following links to see a brief Wy’east overview and pathway application.
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry
Looking for a way to volunteer virtually? Add yourself to the bone marrow registry with Gift of Life.
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine Virtual Events
Join upcoming virtual events hosted by University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM).
Event Date
|
UNE COM Live Event
|
Event Time
|
Thursday, April 9, 2020
|
Drop-in Chat Session with COM Recruitment Team
|
12:15 - 1:15pm (EST)
|
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
|
National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week Virtual Event – Celebrate and Discuss Osteopathic Medicine with
Matched (!!!) 4th Year Students
|
12:15 - 1:15pm (EST)
|
Thursday, April 23, 2020
|
Drop-in Chat Session with COM Recruitment Team & the Office of Graduate Admissions
|
12:15 - 1:15pm (EST)
|
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
|
Chat with Current UNE COM Students
|
12:15 - 1:15pm (EST)
|
Thursday, May 07, 2020
|
Tips for Applying to UNE COM
|
12:15 - 1:15pm (EST)
|
Prior registration is required for all virtual events.
Friday, April 17, 2020
Humans of Pre-Health Emory (HOPHE): Julian Rodriguez
Julian Rodriguez (17C, 20R), is a College alum and a current student at Rollins School of Public Health.
We had a chance to sit down with Julian and ask him a few questions about his pre-health journey.
1.
What helped guide you to where you are
now?
I have had several formative experiences throughout my
academic and professional career, and in each of these experiences, the
presence of a mentor was essential to my path. Having the opportunity to join
the Lab of Vector Ecology as an undergraduate and travel for research made me
realize that public health was a very enriching and viable way to be involved
in health. My mentor and advisor helped me create a path where I could turn
those skills into practice. Taking a gap year to work after graduation was also
a significant experience. On the one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed working with
communities and being able to advance public health efforts in my home. On the
other, it made me realize that I needed an MPH in order to increase my
footprint. Which is why I am here a few weeks away from graduation. In all, it
is important to be present and mindful throughout your journey; to use every
experience as a steppingstone, learning just as much from the negatives than
from the positives.
2.
What do you wish you knew 5 years ago?
I wish I knew how wide the world of health actually is. I
grew up with the idea that my only option for having an impactful career in
healthcare was being a doctor. However, there are a many paths people can take
when interested in making a career in health.
3.
If
you could start over, what would you change?
However cliché this may sound, I would not change a thing.
Not because it has been a perfect path (it has not), but because every
challenge I overcame and every mistake I made was instrumental to getting where
I am today. The important thing is not to think about what you would change,
but learn to appreciate how every moment has helped shaped who you are and who
you will become.
4.
Did you have a specific mentor that
inspired you to get to where you are now?
Definitely. Finding and fostering a strong relationship with
a mentor is so important in the process of defining your career. It is also not
just one mentor; throughout every phase of your life and every experience,
identify someone whom you can share your thoughts, bounce ideas, and simply
serve as a supporter and advocate of your goals.
5.
What challenges did you face and how did
you overcome them?
When switching gears
and paths you will find yourself in unknown and perhaps uncomfortable
situations. This can be daunting. When you are in an environment where the
everything seems unknown, it can be difficult to feel comfortable contributing
and asking questions. You may start to question whether you fit in with this
group of people at all. However, it is in these moments where we stand to grow
the most. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed by an unfamiliar situation or
environment, I remember that I made it this far for a reason, and being here is
a testament to my drive and hard work.
6.
What is the best advice you could give
someone pursuing the same track as you?
The best advice I can give is to not compare yourself with
others. It is very easy to fall into this habit, especially given the amount of
exposure we have to others’ activities and successes. Everyone has their own
path and moves at their own pace. Just because one person met certain goals earlier
does not mean you are behind.
Trinity School of Medicine Webinar
Webinars are a unique and powerful way to research your future medical school. At Trinity, our admissions directors provide these online information sessions so you can take part from the comfort of your home, while also enjoying a free-form Q&A session with admissions directors and a mix of alumni and current students as guests.
Trinity's webinars are an excellent way to get to know the administration and student body, getting the answers you need to proceed with confidence on the next step towards a career as a physician.
Register at the following link:
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Volunteer Surge
The COVID-19 epidemic is pushing the American healthcare system to the breaking point—and leaving frontline medical providers overwhelmed and exhausted.
Many of the most basic caretaking tasks can be performed by volunteer assistants, so the professionals can focus on tending to the most acute needs.
VolunteerSurge was formed to rapidly train one million volunteer Community Health Workers. The training is based on “Ready CNA,” a video-based online course which can be completed in about 30 hours. It’s hosted on Absorb LMS and produced in cooperation with General George Casey (US Army Ret.) and the Yale School of Public Health. VolunteerSurge has partnered with a leading Health Care NGO, ADP Workmarket and Salesforce.com to match graduates with volunteer opportunities in communities all across the country.
When you join their network, you will build a profile that includes your special skills and areas of interest, and they can pair you with a volunteer assignment that fits your needs.
Learn more and sign up at https://volunteersurge.com/
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Humans of Pre-Health Emory (HOPHE): Amanda Delgado
Amanda Delgado (19C), is a current first-year medical student at Medical College of Georgia. She graduated from Emory with majors in Biology and Music, and was a former Pre-Health Peer Mentor.
We had a chance to sit down with Amanda and ask her a few questions about her pre-health journey.
1.What is the best advice you could give someone pursuing the same
track as you?
I would encourage anyone else on the pre-med track to not lose sight of what they are passionate about. The best way to do this is by continuing to make time for what and who is most important to you. For example, I have continued to play piano in medical school and talk to my family on the phone each night.
2 What was the most difficult part of your pre-health career?
The
biggest challenge I faced during my pre-med journey was balancing school life
and personal life. While my ambition pushed me to study hard and dedicate
myself to my extracurricular activities, it was also hard to battle when it
came to making time for self-care. For me, learning to say "no" and
create time for myself each day was a big hurdle to overcome.
3.
What moments have solidified your path to pursue medicine?
For me, patient
interaction has been key to solidifying my path in medicine. As an
undergraduate, it peaked my initial interest in medicine and in medical school,
it continues to drive my studies. While the hours dedicated to studying may be
dense at times, I draw motivation from my most recent volunteer or clinical
experience to keep me going.
4. What have you learned
since entering medical school?
Since entering medical school, I have been
surprised by the strong connection between teaching and medicine. I have been
fortunate to have some excellent mentors since starting medical school, and I
have actually found a passion for teaching and leadership that I hope to one
day apply to academic medicine.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Pre-health Opportunities during Spring 2020
On the lookout for opportunities this semester? See below for ideas from the NAAHP!
Focus Locally
- Be an active, helpful member of your home community. Volunteer to cover childcare needs for neighbors or to check in (by phone/from a distance) on the elderly. If you’re part of a religious community, see if there are ways that you can provide support through them. Check with organizations where you have volunteered in the past to see if you can step back into previous roles.
- Use idealist.org or volunteermatch.org to seek other local options, but be ready for slow responses.
- Idealist article: Nine ways to help others during the coronavirus pandemic (https://www.idealist.org/en/careers/help-others-coronavirus)
- Look into the volunteer National Medical Reserves Corps branch near you
- Donate blood and volunteer to help the Red Cross address blood delivery and donation support needs in your community. (Remote volunteering options exist for those at high risk.)
- Check to see if Meals on Wheels needs more volunteers in your community. Inquire whether other local organizations focused on supporting the elderly need volunteers; for example, Caring Connections is asking for volunteers willing to deliver groceries in NJ/PA counties to step forward.
- Operation Warm has a list of 25 ways to volunteer virtually
- Paper-airplanes.org invites volunteers to provide online tutoring to “bridge gaps in language, higher education, and professional skills training for conflict-affected individuals”
- Dosomething.org’s nine places to volunteer online and make a real impact
- Once the current situation has stabilized: Contact alum physicians near your home by searching by location in your school’s Alum Directory and on LinkedIn. It will be interesting to talk with them about their experiences as physicians, especially during this time. Of course, they may be far too busy to connect with you for quite a while. Consider seeking out retired physicians who are watching this unfold, or medical students who are currently not allowed on the wards. Shadowing is unlikely to be possible in the near future.
- Surf through websites for schools in your chosen profession in your home state
- Medical school links are available below:
- AAMC Allopathic (MD) Medical Schools
- AACOM Osteopathic (DO) Medical Schools
- Watch this video to learn about osteopathic medicine.
- For other professions, check NAAHP Links of Interest
- Class about pandemics from Harvard
- Class about community change in public health from Johns Hopkins
- Essentials of global health from Yale
- Ivy League free courses list via freecodecamp.org
- Class “An Examination of coronavirus-COVID-19” from St George’s University
- Medical School Headquarters YouTube: premed.tv
- Georgetown offers free MOOCS including Bioethics, Biomedical Big Data, Globalization, or Genomic Medicine.
Do some pre-health reflection and journaling
- Premeds: Use the AAMC Anatomy of an Applicant Self Assessment Guide and AACOM’s Qualities of a Successful Medical Student to consider your preparation for medical school and the medical profession.
- Use past secondary application essay prompts as reflection questions.
- Advice about prehealth journaling from Princeton Health Professions Advising; Missouri State University
Read & Listen & Watch
- Read books that provide insight about being a doctor, applying to medical school, or learning about other health careers.
- Book lists:
- Book recommendations from advisors:
- The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
- Being Mortal
- When Breath Becomes Air
- The Emperor of All Maladies
- My Own Country
- Teeth: Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America
- Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies: Migrant Farmworkers in the United States (Seth Holmes, MD/PhD)
- Read Blog posts from current medical students
- Podcasts are a great way to learn and engage.
- Top 10 podcasts for pre-meds from Diverse Medicine
- Premed Mondays with Dr. Dale: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/premed-mondays-2
- The Short Coat Podcast: http://theshortcoat.com/tag/dave-etler/
- Talking Admissions & Med Student Life hosted by Dr. Benjamin Chan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-admissions-and-med-student-life/id722416493
- All Access Medical School Admissions podcast with Christian Essman, director of admissions at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Watch documentaries
- Making Rounds features cardiologists at Mt. Sinai
- Vaccines--Calling the Shots
- The website of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions has the most comprehensive list of pre-health events around the country. This list includes both in-person and virtual events, but you will notice many in-person events are canceled, and this will continue.
- AAMC Upcoming Webinars: Navigating the 2021 AMCAS Application Cycle for Upcoming Applicants on 4/21. There are other pre-recorded webinars.
- March 27: AAMC Virtual Fair with 70+ schools, AAMC representatives, and volunteer pre-health advisors to answer your questions
- March 31st: Veterinary Medical Admissions Virtual Fair
- April 7th: PAEA Physician Assistant Virtual Fair
- Emory Premedical Engagement Program: Admissions Unveiled on 4/21
- Do you know how to cook? Offer to cook and deliver a meal to neighbors trying to manage childcare and work obligations at home.
- Develop an at-home exercise routine (this is also good self-care!)
- Take up or revisit a craft or hobby -- origami, bike repair, gardening, the instrument or art supplies you put down at the end of high school…
- If you’ve never tracked your budget and expenses before, analyze your spending from the last year and develop a budget moving forward (see Nerdwallet tips)
- CDC Advice on Managing Anxiety and Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- World Health Organization Mental Health Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak
- Advice from thewirecutter.com
- Daily meditation and advice from experts via the folks at Ten Percent Happier: https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide
News Stories Highlighting Prehealth/Professional School Student Efforts
- Medical Students, Sidelined for Now, Find New Ways to Fight Coronavirus, NYT, March 23, 2020
- Students form Harvard-wide Task Force, The Harvard Crimson, March 20, 2020
- Premed student develops grocery service for seniors, KSBW TV, Las Vegas, March 16, 2020
This list was created cooperatively by members of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions.
Pass / Fail Guidance Document from Medical Schools
Student Version
Medical schools are trying to respond to the changing landscape regarding grades. Not all medical schools have filled out this Google Sheet, but here is a consultation document available for students to review about how medical schools are responding and considering pass/fail grades for this semester.
Please understand that the COVID-19 crisis is a fluid
situation and procedures and processes may continue to evolve. We are doing our
best to provide the most up-to-date information that we have at this time, but
answers to questions may change in response to the circumstances. The attached
information is accurate as of March 31, 2020. If process or procedures change,
we will alert you.
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