The Premed Years – Details, episodes & analysis

(00:01) - Journey to Becoming a Physician

(13:41) - Navigating the Pre-Medical Journey

(23:15) - Entering Medical School Bridge Program

(30:02) - Forging Connections in Medical School

(38:02) - Inspiring Generations

Witnessing a family member in distress can change the course of a life. As a child, watching her father endure mistreatment in a hospital emergency room ignited Rosemary's passion for compassionate care and set her on the path to becoming a physician. Her journey, however, wasn't straightforward. As a first-generation college student, Rosemary faced the dual challenges of academic setbacks and adapting to college life. Yet, these hurdles only reinforced her resolve, highlighting the importance of resilience and support systems in pursuing dreams in the medical field.

Rosemary's story is one of embracing unconventional paths and finding strength in persistence. Faced with initial setbacks in her pre-medical journey, she opted for a post-baccalaureate approach, focusing on improving her academic record and cultivating a love for research. Her determination led her to contact nearly a hundred labs in search of research opportunities—a testament to her tenacity and the notion that success often requires forging one's own path. Rosemary's experience underscores the value of being open to non-linear routes and the powerful impact of seeking out unique opportunities.

Our conversation with Rosemary also touches on the transformative decision to join a combined master's and MD program in Michigan. With the courage to seize unexpected opportunities, she balanced MCAT prep with a full-time job, ultimately making a brave move across the country. Through fostering connections in her program and becoming a trailblazer in her family, Rosemary emerges as a role model for aspiring medical students. Her ambition to become a general surgeon and trauma educator reflects her commitment to mentorship and enhancing the medical field for future generations. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey and the lessons learned along the way.

(00:01) - Pre-Med Journey and Clinical Experience

(12:42) - McAt Preparation and Application Process

(24:45) - Navigating Medical School Challenges and Success

Eunice, a third-year medical student with an unwavering passion for medicine, joins us to share her extraordinary journey that began at the tender age of eight. Her story takes us from her Nigerian roots to the complexities of navigating pre-med challenges in the United States. Eunice opens up about the trials and triumphs of balancing academics with extracurriculars, offering candid insights into her regrets and the invaluable guidance she received from mentors and peers. Her narrative underscores the importance of pursuing diverse interests and finding balance amidst the often overwhelming pre-med expectations.

As we continue our conversation, Eunice delves into the rigorous world of MCAT preparation and the medical school application process, offering a firsthand account of the unique hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her strategic approach to applying to medical schools and the role of organization and journaling in her success are illuminating. Eunice's excitement for the clinical experiences ahead, particularly in pediatrics and global health, is both refreshing and inspiring. Listeners will find her advice on navigating medical school challenges invaluable, as she shares her wisdom on learning from mistakes and relying on camaraderie and support systems to thrive amid the demanding environment.

(00:02) - Journey to MD-PhD

(09:23) - Premed Success and Multiple Applications

(20:47) - MD-PhD Application Reflection and Growth

(31:10) - MD-PhD Interview Contrasts and Reflection

(40:12) - MD-PhD Program Interview Insights

From the aroma of a bustling kitchen to the sterile halls of a hospital, Andres's journey is anything but ordinary. Abandoning his initial culinary dreams, Andres found a new calling in the world of medicine, sparked by a profound humanities class and his great-grandfather's inspiring legacy as a physician in Colombia. His experiences volunteering in a pediatric cancer unit and engaging in spinal cord injury research further cemented his path. Join us as we explore how his passion for cooking seamlessly transformed into a dedication to patient care, and how the skills and lessons from both fields intertwine.

Andres's story is a powerful narrative of resilience and growth, particularly in the face of multiple MD-PhD application cycles. Listen as he shares the challenges and triumphs of refining his professional identity and application strategy, gaining insights from each setback. Through this journey, he highlights the critical importance of self-awareness, the role of professional organizations, and the resources available online that can provide guidance and enhance academic performance for aspiring medical students.

In a candid reflection, Andres discusses the unique challenges of pursuing an MD-PhD, emphasizing genuine passion and commitment to both medicine and research. He also sheds light on the often misunderstood demands of these rigorous programs, challenging the notion that they offer an easier path due to benefits like tuition waivers. Through his experiences, Andres offers invaluable insights into the personal and professional growth that comes with navigating the complex world of physician-scientist training.

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Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

American Medical Student Association (AMSA)

In this session, we'll focus on the MCAT. Let's hear from Hunter Enright, a premium MCAT tutor & instructor with Blueprint MCAT Prep, on how to best prepare yourself for this milestone exam!

While similar, the physician and physician-assistant path are not completely the same. Let's talk with Savanna Perry, the founder of The PA Platform to learn about the PA path as well as how to decide which path is best for you!

Varinia Grannum, one of our expert premed advisors at MSHQ joins us to talk about the stress and fear of failure that premeds have and how to overcome.

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Mappd.com (Use the referral code: VARINIA and get three months free of Mappd App Pro)

Blueprint MCAT

Storytelling is a powerful tool to support deeper and more meaningful relationships. But how do we tell good stories? Why should you care about stories on your path to becoming a physician? In this session, we will talk with Doctor Jeff Polish, a Storytelling Coach and the founder of the non-profit storytelling organization, The Monti in Durham, NC. Doctor Polish co-led a course on storytelling in medicine and health at Duke University.

Tyra joins us today to talk about how she has made the most of her time in the states and in community college, networking and making the process easier all.

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mcatscholarship.com

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

To kick off our day, we will talk through how to understand application systems with the current Director of TMDSAS, Enrique Jasso Jr, & the Assistant Director of Application Services & Digital Outreach at AACOM, Taylor Jaczko.

Dr. Scott Wright is the former Director of Admissions at UT Southwestern. He used to run the entire TMDSAS system as well. He is now an advisor at Mappd.

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Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT