Talking Admissions And Med Student Life

How does one become a Pediatrician, Adult Psychiatrist and a Child Psychiatrist in five years? Why is the University of Utah School of Medicine one of only nine in the country that offers this unique program? I interviewed Dr. Doug Gray, Residency Program Director for the Triple Board Program to discuss how and when the program came about, what characteristics are looked for in potential residents and how the program is good for students that are “really curious, love to learn and transition from one thing to another really well.”

Set against the beautiful back drop of Cedar City Utah, Southern Utah State University offers it 8000 plus students a private feel (but with public cost) environment. Well known for its high acceptance rate, cultural immersion trips and helping students to get involved with leadership with local communities, the Rural Health Scholars Program at SUU is successfully promoting rural and primary care medicine. I interviewed Rita Osbourn, premed advisor at SUU and Associate Director at the Utah Center of Rural Health to discuss what the secret to the success of the program is and why Cedar City is the place to be.

In a detail oriented profession, how important is it to be able to convey yourself accurately? What lessons does one learn in applying to medical school for a third time? Is it possible to play intramural sports while in med school? How does dressing well help you start off on the right foot? I sat down with Kyle, a three time applicant and current third year medical student at the UUSOM to talk about what he learned during the application process. We discuss how he focused on helping the admissions committee see him as a physician with improved writing which made all the difference in his successful application. Learn how intramural sports bring a class together and why his peers call him “the prince of medical school men's fashion".

What do the initials PM&R stand for? Does caring for a patient as a whole person and improving the quality of life interest you? Why is a strong background in Internal medicine important as a PM&R physician? Residency training director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program at UUSOM, Dr. Pamela Hansen and I sit down to discuss the growing field of PM&R. Learn how much variety is offered in the specialty and what the program looks for in future residents.

On April 15, 2013 as a crowd of over 500,000 took to the streets of Boston to cheer on the participants nearing the end of the Boston Marathon, two bombs exploded in the street killing 3 and injuring 264. As fear and chaos encircled the crowd, emergency rescuers and bystanders jumped into action providing medical attention to those in need. What was it like to be an ER physician that day? How did they respond? What type of training helped prepare them for the events of that day and what educational lessons were learned? I sat down with ER physician and graduate of the UUSOM, Dr. Keli Kwok, who was at Boston University Medical Center on that gloomy day to discuss her experience of the bombing aftermath. Discover how the response of the community became the “absolute most beautiful, best side of Boston during the event”, how technology became obsolete during the situation and how previous disasters played a part in how the Boston medical community prepared for that day.

Known for its “unique environment for learning”, Westminster College has much to offer students interested in pursuing a medical career. I interviewed Dr. Robyn Hyde, Organic Chemistry Professor and Premed Advisor at Westminster to discuss how their real world and student-centered approach leads to academic success. Dr. Hyde gives insight to what services are available to premed students at Westminster and how patient exposure and a connection to the community is important while preparing for medical school. Finally, I ask her, as a chemist, her thoughts about the TV show Breaking Bad.

Fourth year medical student Stephen answers these questions and more. From how he prepared for med school, what kind of Interest Groups students can become involved with and how working with the "Board Slayers" can help you prepare for the Step I exam at the end of your second year. Stephen gives insight to third year rotations as he and Dr. Chan discuss how "learning to anticipate when to take the initiative" becomes an important part of the process for growth and learning. Now into his fourth year with residency interviews awaiting him, Stephen talks about the process of the fourth year, what choosing a residency means, and what learning opportunities are available to the students.

How does a physician almost become an astronaut? What is it like to train with NASA in Space Medicine? What is the Bench to Bedside Program here at the University of Utah School of Medicine? Surgeon and Executive Director for the Center for Medical Innovation, Dr. John Langell discusses his advanced training in Space and Aeronautical Medicine. Discover what one most go through to be found fit for duty in the space program including time spent in the infamous “vomit comet.” Listen as Dr. Langell talks about how the Bench to Bedside Program was created and what is being done to “come up with ideas that can be real solutions in the clinical settings and how to validate the need.”

How do you stand apart when applying to an ophthalmology residency program? What is it like to give the gift of sight when traveling to a foreign country? Where is the field of Ophthalmology heading? Ophthalmologist and Residency Program Director Dr. Jeff Pettey shares his 1) insight into the changing world of Ophthalmology, 2) what it is like to work at the Moran Eye Center (one of the top programs in the world), 3) what his program looks for in potential residents and 4) how giving the gift of sight to “a mouth without hands” is one of the most rewarding aspects of international medicine.

Are there similarities between becoming a professional athlete and a physician? How does one make that decision to forever walk away from the playing field? What is the best way to get into a routine as a medical student? First year med student and former Major League Soccer player George discusses pursuing his twin passions of soccer and medicine and about striking a balance in life.

What is the Dead Cat Society? Why choose Snow College? What is the future of Snow College? Dr. Gardner from Snow College (located in Ephraim Utah) discusses the benefit of choosing Snow as a two year institution, how the Dead Cat Society came about and what the future holds for the school as they look at expanding their programs and facilities.

How do you get involved in medical education? What is the process for couples in the residency match program? Is a chinchilla a safe pet? Family Practitioner and Phase I Curriculum Unit Director for the University of Utah School of Medicine, Dr. Karly Pippitt shares her experience of matching with her husband for residency, the path that led her to becoming a family physician and how “letting your intentions be known early” is a good way to get involved in medical education. Learn on how you can become involved in the medical curriculum as a faculty attending and how an exotic animal became a medical school pet and family member.

Do you have what it takes to become a brain surgeon? How do you gain a PhD during your residency? Residency Program Director for the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Dr. Randy Jensen discusses the seven year integrated Neurosurgery Residency Program. Learn how many apply, interview and are chosen for a position. How can you stand out as a neurosurgery applicant and what opportunities are available to gain a Ph.D. during your residency? Dr. Jensen also gives valuable insight into how much time is spent in the Operating Room and what a typical day looks like for a Neurosurgeon.

How do you describe an LDS or Mormon mission in your medical school application? What’s it like to live in Poland as a missionary? What’s it like to be a first year medical student at the University of Utah School of Medicine? First year medical student and recent graduate of Brigham Young University, Susan, shares her challenging path in pursuing medical school while serving an LDS mission to Warsaw, Poland. Discover her unique journey as she discusses planning and applying to med school while overseas, what it was like to face an immediate medical school interview upon return to the states, why she chose the University of Utah School of Medicine and what life is like as a first year medical student.

"What is the fastest way to Med School?" Director of Preprofessional Advising at the University of Utah, John Nilsson discusses the answer to this popular question. Learn what his policy of “slowing down” means and how it helps to take advantage of all of the opportunities to become a more competitive applicant. Discover how the Preprofessional Advising Office at the University of Utah can help you navigate your path toward becoming a doctor. Outside UUSOM, where have other undergraduate students gone for medical school? The answers may surprise you.

"White matter in the spinal cord is like a bus in the amount of people that get on and get off." Known for his mnemonics, songs and useful ways to "make information sticky”, Gross Anatomy Course Director and Associate Professor David Morton discusses the ins and outs of the Gross Anatomy Lab, what first year med students can expect as they journey through the cadaver lab and the new technology that is impacting the way students learn.

Second year medical student talks about his experiences with the curriculum, maintaining a healthy life balance, and how to effectively commute from Utah county. Also as a non-traditional applicant, we touch on Matt's desire to pursue medicine and advice to others.

Dr. Fritzler, Pre–medical advisor for Weber State University, talks about the program at WSU, his love of parasites and the importance of roadkill. We also review criteria for UUSOM and how applicants can improve their application.

Dr. Milne talks about the program and what they look for in medical students. We also talk about how you can become involved in academic medicine and why Dr. Milne fell in love with Salt Lake City.

If you think it's too late to apply for medical school and you have no chance of getting in, think again.