Richard A. Sheff, author of Doctor Confidential: Secrets Behind the Veil, is a Rhode Island family physician with over 30 years of experience in medicine. Dr. Sheff received his MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine before serving his residency with Brown University Division of Family Medicine at The Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
After practicing family medicine in Massachusetts for 12 years and teaching at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston for a decade, Dr. Sheff launched a company, CommonWell, with the goal of helping the healthcare system integrate the best of complementary and alternative medicine with the best of conventional medicine. He also began consulting with hospitals and physician organizations in the U.S. and internationally.
medical school
What Will You Do If You Don’t Get Into Medical School?
Dr. Jeremiah Fleenor discusses strategies for answering the question, “What will you do if you don’t get into medical school?”, as well as how to strengthen your application for future application cycles.
All About Competency: Part 2
Part 2: Identifying and Evaluating Your Strengths and Weaknesses
What is your biggest weakness? What is your greatest strength?
Ever been stumped by these questions on an interview? Who hasn’t? I assure you the range of answers given to these questions should be a subcategory in the LOLcats website. I’ve heard way too many “I focus a lot on my studies” as answers to both questions. Nevertheless, most companies and professional school admissions committees cite these questions (or similar variations) among their many sample interview questions.
Some of my advice on this topic can be found on the Kaplan Medical School Insider webinar [free pre-registration required], using the analogy that an applicant’s biggest weakness was (noting the pun) being overweight. While that particular example is quite valid, this article focuses on helping you identify a weakness that answers this question honestly.
All About Competency: Part 1
Think that great grades = great doctor? In the 21st century, success will require you build competencies that you can apply to evolving technology. Part one of a six part series.
An International Elective: How To Choose
Many medical students choose to participate in an international elective as part of their education. Dr. Alison Hayward provides tips for making your international experience as success.
Caribbean Medical Schools: What to Consider
Dr. Jessica Freedman discusses challenges Caribbean medical students face in obtaining rotation and residency positions.
The Multiple Mini-Interview for Medical School Admissions
Do you know what to expect when interviewing at a medical school that uses the multiple mini-interview format? Dr. Carleen Eaton provides an overview of this method and tips for success.
Interview Advice: What to Wear, What to Wear
“I base most of my fashion sense on what doesn’t itch.” Gilda Radner
Let’s face it, we live in a much less formal era than those preceding. The anomaly of casual Friday has become the norm in American culture. Many people work from home, conquering the world through a computer while wearing a comfy pair of sweatpants. This new trend can lead one astray when it comes to the medical school interview. The increase in informality is compounded by the fact that many of those being interviewed may never have had the opportunity to wear a suit for a formal event.
Often times, an applicant is left with an awful feeling shortly before an interview when they realize they may not be in compliance with the “dress code.” It can be distressing when you discover there are rules to the game but no one gave you a copy. Not to worry.
Interview Advice: Grades?! Part 2
Originally published 26 February 2007.
“A wise man can see more from the bottom of a well than a fool can from a mountain top.” Unknown
So you’re not happy with your grades. Are they at the bottom of a well? Do you feel that the GPA and MCAT scores on your application don’t reflect the true brain power you possess? This firmly plants you in the majority of applicants. So what can be done to help this common situation? Here are some tips to help you be the “wise man” and make the most of your grades.
Overview of Problem Areas
During the course of the medical school interview, it is important to proactively bring up weak areas of your application. I liken this to telling your parents you’ve done something wrong before they find out about it. Although I rarely practiced this philosophy as I was growing up, the times I did usually resulted in less trouble. I think the same is true for admissions committees. Students who can assess their own weaknesses gain credibility. Those who come to the committee with an honest assessment and plan (not excuses) to address weaknesses look much stronger than those who ignore or try to hide their shortcomings.
Interview Advice: Grades?! Part 1
Originally published 11 January 2007
“Doubt is not a pleasant condition…” Voltaire (1694 – 1778)
If you are concerned about your grades (GPA, MCAT, etc.), you are not alone. As an advisor and interviewer, it’s one of the most common issues I encounter. Nobody thinks they have perfect scores. It’s the equivalent of looking in the mirror and being a little displeased with that sag or roll. We all wish something was different. Applicants view their grades the same way. The good news is that changing your scores doesn’t involve a nip or tuck.
The topic of grades is a big one. There are several key concepts that need to be addressed and are paramount to your success. It’s too large and important to adequately cover in one column. That is why the next two articles will be dedicated to this subject.
Pirating Test Prep Material Doesn’t Pay
In the 21st century, piracy is more common in cyberspace than on the high seas. What are the risks and consequences of using or selling counterfeit test prep materials? An SDN Report.
Dual-Degree Medical Programs
Are you considering pursuit of a joint degree? Learn more about joint degree options for medical students and factors to consider before diving into a dual degree program.
Premedical Preparation
By Dr. Lisabetta Divita
While the profession has changed over the past few decades, being a physician is a challenging and esteemed calling. As such, medical school admissions are quite competitive. Medical school applicants are required to complete the AAMC or AACOMAS applications, take the MCAT and fly out for interviews. Even with all of these requirements, sadly, many excellent candidates are rejected each year. This can be a blow to your ego but if you are determined to reach your dreams, your premedical preparation cannot begin too early—some important decisions are made in high school.
Top Tips for Surviving Medical School
How can you achieve success in medical school? Dr. Lisabetta Divita, a recent graduate, provides her tips and recommendations.
Medical School 101: What Medical School Is Really Like
Your focus is getting into medical school, but what will you experience once you get there? Dr. Lisabetta Divita, a recent medical school graduate, describes life as a medical student.
Good Things Come to Those Who Are Waitlisted
Waiting is a key component of the medical school application process. Read more about one applicant’s experiences being waitlisted.
Caribbean Medical Schools: A Good Option?
Because the competition for admission to medical schools in the United States is extremely strong, many applicants consider attending medical school in the Caribbean. In fact, a great many bright and talented applicants are now opting to obtain their medical education in the Caribbean.
How can you decide what is the best choice for you? What must you consider in evaluating these schools? And will you be able to obtain a residency in the United States after you graduate? To help you decide if attending a Caribbean medical school is a good choice, this article provides a framework for evaluating these schools and the success of their graduates.
Opportunities in Medical Writing
As an active member and advisor on the Student Doctor Network forums, I’ve received countless … Read more
Medical School Admissions: Lessons Learned
AMCAS opens in early May and the next wave of applicants is preparing to submit applications, so it seems apropos to summarize some key observations I have made while privately advising medical school applicants. Here is my list of some essentials for medical school applicants to improve their chances of acceptance.
- Submit an early application
Everything you read tells you that the #1 rule of medical school admissions is to apply early. But, I find that many applicants still ignore this advice. You should not only submit your application as early as possible but also make sure that your transcripts and letters of reference are sent in promptly. - Take your MCAT exam early
Again, the key word here is “early.” Your application will not be reviewed until your pending MCAT scores are in so, if you have worked hard to submit your AMCAS application in June, don’t negate this effort by taking an August MCAT.
The Application Process: Why Apply Early
The application process for medical school begins earlier than the deadlines. Do you understand the importance of applying early?