Podcast Summary
Insights from UAB's Associate Dean for Admissions: Consider resources and advice from admissions personnel when selecting medical schools, as they can provide valuable insights into the application process and school specifics.
When it comes to choosing medical schools to apply to, there are numerous options with over 140 allopathic schools in the US alone. The process of selection can be overwhelming, but resources and advice from experts like admissions personnel can be invaluable. During this episode of the All Access Med School admissions podcast, host Christian Espin interviews the associate dean for admissions and enrollment management at the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Grabkowski. UAB, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is dedicated to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. The school has a diverse student body and accepts students outside of Alabama, but has specific GPA requirements and does not accept international or DACA students. In the interview, Dr. Grabkowski provides insights into UAB's regional campuses and programs, as well as tips for applicants on the application process and preparing for interviews. Listeners are encouraged to submit suggestions for medical schools they'd like to hear about on the show, and to listen through each episode for valuable insights from admissions personnel, even if a particular school may not be their top choice.
Background of Doctor Christina Grabkowski in Medical Education and Admissions: Doctor Christina Grabkowski, a national presence in medical admissions, started her career in admissions at a new med school and moved to UAB for a faculty role, drawn to the school's diverse missions. She holds a PhD in education, with research interests in access to professional education and holistic review.
Doctor Christina Grabkowski, the associate dean for admissions and enrollment management at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, has a rich background in medical education and admissions. She started her career in admissions at a new med school in Michigan and later moved to UAB for a faculty role, drawn to the school's diverse missions. Birmingham, Alabama, where she now works, is a beautiful city with a green environment, great food, and outdoor activities like golfing year-round. Doctor Grabkowski is a national presence in the admissions field and holds a PhD in education, with research interests in access to professional education and holistic review. She is a warm and insightful person, and her conversation on All Access promises to be enlightening.
Assessing medical school applicants holistically: The AAMC pilots a situational judgment test in medical school admissions to gather additional data beyond academic achievements, contributing to workforce diversity and making a difference in applicants' lives.
Working in medical school admissions is rewarding due to the opportunity to diversify the workforce and make a difference in people's lives, even if not directly providing healthcare. The AAMC is currently piloting a situational judgment test as part of the admissions process to assess applicants holistically and gather additional data beyond academic achievements. UAB, a pilot site for this study, is a part of the University of Alabama School of Medicine, which has a long history and multiple locations within the University of Alabama system. The legal name is University of Alabama School of Medicine, but the brand and common name is UAB. The first two years of medical school at UAB involve foundational courses, while the third and fourth years focus on clinical rotations.
Learning Foundational Sciences and Clinical Medicine in Birmingham: UA School of Medicine students begin with a patient-doctor society course, learn through small group activities, labs, and early patient exposure, and gradually build skills for active patient care roles.
The University of Alabama School of Medicine's curriculum for the first two years is structured in Birmingham with all students together, focusing on foundational sciences and clinical medicine. The curriculum starts with a patient-doctor society course, covering the history and ethics of medicine. Students then dive into their science curriculum while also getting clinical experience through patient interactions and small group sessions. The school aims to keep students in less than 50% lecture time, with a typical week consisting of lectures, small group activities, and labs. Students work in small groups and use problem-based learning, and get early exposure to patients through standardized patients and preceptorships. The curriculum gradually builds students' skill set, allowing them to take on more active roles in patient care as they progress.
Unique primary care track for first-year medical students: The University of Alabama School of Medicine's primary care track provides students with longer-term relationships with preceptors, more time with patients, and a mix of traditional clerkships and longitudinal integrated clinical curriculum. Selective and evaluative, it encourages students to pursue their preferred specialty in community-based medicine.
The University of Alabama School of Medicine offers a unique primary care track for first-year students, which is designed for those interested in community-based medicine. This track allows students to have longer-term relationships with their preceptors and instructors, as well as see patients over a longer period of time. The curriculum includes both traditional clerkships and a longitudinal integrated clinical curriculum. The primary care track is selective, with about 22 spots available each year, and applicants are evaluated based on their career plans and experiences. Examinations are structured with midterms and finals for each module, along with smaller assessments throughout the course. The primary care track is not limited to specific specialties, but rather encourages students to pursue their preferred specialty within the context of community-based medicine.
Combination of instructor exams and NBME exams for a realistic exam experience: Medical students at this institution undergo a unique exam preparation with instructor exams and NBME exams to prepare for STEP exams. They also have opportunities for research, global experiences, and scholarly activities during their curriculum.
The medical program at this institution provides a unique combination of instructor exams and NBME exams for students, giving them a taste of the question styles they will encounter during their STEP exams. The summer break between the first and second year is an opportunity for students to engage in research, global experiences, or simply rest. Scholarly activity is a required component of the curriculum, allowing students to explore a topic of their choice and present their findings through an abstract. The program offers individualized support for students seeking international experiences and provides dedicated time for scholarly activity during the third year. Students have the opportunity to present their research at various meetings and even submit their abstracts for publication.
UAB School of Medicine: Opportunities for Students to Showcase and Grow: Students at UAB School of Medicine can attend regional meetings, present posters, and choose their campus based on preferences for unique experiences and academic focuses.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine offers students various opportunities to showcase their work, learn, and grow throughout their academic journey. During the early years, students can attend regional meetings and participate in poster presentations. In their third year, students are assigned to campuses based on their preferences, with options in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Montgomery. Each campus offers unique experiences, such as research opportunities in Birmingham, smaller class sizes and hands-on experiences in Huntsville, and a focus on health policy in Montgomery. Students make their campus choices through a ranking process and are assigned accordingly. This system allows students to have a clear idea of their living arrangements and academic focus during their formative medical education years.
UAB School of Medicine: Flexible and Enriching Education: Students at UAB School of Medicine can't swap campuses but have freedom to explore interests, propose and teach courses, and gain valuable insights into medical school admissions and future careers.
Students at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine cannot swap campuses once assigned, unless there are special circumstances, such as life-altering illnesses. The university encourages students to explore their interests and customize their curriculum through self-directed learning and electives. Students have the opportunity to propose and teach special topic courses on subjects they are passionate about. Dr. Rascoe, a faculty member, is excited to launch a new course on holistic review, bias, and admissions, which will provide students with valuable insights and experiences related to medical school admissions and transferable skills for future careers. Overall, the UAB School of Medicine offers a flexible and enriching educational experience for students.
UAB's holistic review process for residency selection: UAB focuses on applicants with strong potential for patient care and academic success by implementing academic cuts and raising requirements, allowing them to efficiently advise students and prioritize interviews for the most promising candidates.
The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine values holistic review in their residency selection process and have implemented a thoughtful application process to ensure that applicants with strong potential for patient care and academic success are considered. UAB previously gave secondaries to almost anyone who applied, but due to the high volume of applications and limited interview spots, they implemented academic cuts for out-of-state applicants and raised the science GPA requirement for in-state applicants to get a secondary application. This change allows UAB to focus their resources on advising students who need help improving their application for the next cycle, rather than reading applications of students who are unlikely to be offered an interview. UAB values patient care and looks for applicants with strong academic backgrounds and a commitment to serving their community. The school is also exploring ways to incorporate holistic review into residency selection, recognizing the importance of this approach in selecting the best candidates for the program.
UAB Values Well-Rounded Applicants with Medical Exposure, Community Service, and Teamwork Skills: UAB prioritizes applicants with medical exposure, community service experiences, strong academics, and a connection to the school's mission, particularly in research, rural medicine, and serving underserved populations. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a strong commitment to the medical field and a willingness to learn.
The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) medical school values applicants with various forms of medical exposure, community service experiences, and teamwork skills. While hands-on patient experience is not expected, observing the patient-physician relationship and communication is essential. UAB also prioritizes applicants with a strong academic background and a connection to the school's mission, particularly in areas like research, rural medicine, and serving underserved populations. Additionally, UAB offers a preparedness assessment sheet to help applicants ensure they are ready to apply and reflect on their motivations and goals for pursuing a medical career. While research is not a requirement, it is encouraged for those who have the opportunity to gain a unique perspective on medicine. Overall, UAB values applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the medical field, a willingness to learn, and a desire to contribute to the diverse patient population.
Reflecting on experiences in medical school applications: Applicants should reflect on their growth in competency areas, be honest with themselves, and prepare for various interview formats during the application process
Reflection is a crucial component of a successful medical school application. Applicants should not only focus on accumulating experiences, but also on reflecting on what they learned from those experiences. The AAMC's "Anatomy of the Applicant" document is a helpful resource for this reflection, as it prompts applicants to consider their growth in various competency areas. Honesty with oneself is also essential, as applicants should be aware of any areas where they may be falling short and consider taking a gap year if necessary. During the interview process, applicants can expect a day that allows them to learn about the school as well, with opportunities to interact with students, faculty, and administrators. The interview day includes both traditional interviews and multiple mini interviews, providing applicants with a comprehensive assessment experience.
Assessing communication skills and problem-solving abilities through MMI: MMI is a unique interview format used by UAB School of Medicine, consisting of multiple stations with different scenarios, where students interact or respond individually, assessing their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. Prepare by being authentic, practicing pacing, and understanding silence is acceptable.
The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a unique and scenario-based interview format used by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine for assessing applicants' communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. Unlike traditional interviews, MMI consists of multiple stations, each presenting a different scenario, with applicants interacting with each other or responding individually. Students enjoy the experience, despite initial nerves, as they have a chance to start fresh with a new rater every 6 minutes. MMIs are not medically related and assess applicants' thought processes rather than the content of their answers. Preparation includes being authentic, practicing pacing and thinking through problems, and understanding that silence is acceptable for gathering thoughts. The 6-minute time frame may seem long, but applicants are encouraged to have a conversation rather than memorizing responses.
Effective communication skills during MMIs: Focus on clear, concise, and effective communication during MMIs, including nonverbal cues. Raters review files holistically, and offers are made on a rolling basis throughout the cycle.
During Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) sessions, raters are not only allowed to ask follow-up questions but also probe deeper into applicants' responses. Applicants should focus on effective communication skills, including nonverbal cues, to ensure a successful interview experience. After each interview day, applicants' files are reviewed by multiple committee members, who make decisions based on a holistic review of all available information. The admissions process involves careful consideration and time investment, with offers being made on a rolling basis throughout the cycle. For out-of-state applicants, the competition can be fierce, but there is still a chance for acceptance, even if an applicant is placed on the waitlist. UAB, for example, has a two-tier waitlist system, and students should understand that being placed on a higher tier does not guarantee acceptance. Instead, the university has been making more offers earlier in the cycle to help students make informed decisions about their future.
Researching and Applying to Out-of-State Medical Schools: Do thorough research on a school's mission and admission ratios before applying as an out-of-state student. Utilize tools like MSAR to gather information and be prepared to pay secondary application fees.
Once you've been placed in a tier during the medical school application process, there's no changing tiers. However, within the tier, students are welcome to upload letters of interest to their files if they've accomplished new things during the year. These letters may become more valuable as the landscape of medical school commitments changes. When choosing schools outside of your state, it's essential to do thorough research on the school's mission and admission ratios. Understanding what the school is looking for in applicants is crucial for out-of-state applicants, as they may need to be an even better match than in-state applicants. Tools like the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) can provide valuable information for applicants. Remember, name recognition should not be the sole factor in choosing a school, and applicants must be prepared to pay secondary application fees.
Factors beyond academics in medical school applications: Consider proximity, personal connections, MCAT scores, resources, and fit when applying to medical schools.
When considering applying to medical schools, there are several factors to consider beyond just academic qualifications. Proximity to home and personal connections to a particular state can play a role in the decision-making process. Schools may also use MCAT scores as an initial outreach tool, but it's important for applicants to do their own research and determine if the school is a good fit for them. Additionally, considering the availability of resources like pre-health advisors and the number of out-of-state students a school accepts can also be helpful. Ultimately, it's important for applicants to carefully consider all aspects of a potential medical program before making a decision.
Consider factors beyond reputation when choosing a postbacc program: Focus on curriculum, location, amenities, and alignment with career goals when selecting a postbacc program, rather than solely relying on reputation
The reputation or name of a postbaccalaureate (post bacc) program should not be the sole deciding factor when choosing one. Instead, it's essential to consider factors such as the curriculum, location, amenities, and how well the program aligns with your career goals. While medical schools may recognize lesser-known programs that have a proven track record of producing academically prepared students, it's crucial to focus on what each program offers and how it can help you achieve your objectives. Ultimately, the key is to find a program that fits your individual needs and circumstances, allowing you to excel and make the most of your postbacc experience.
Persist and improve for medical school success: Keep trying, seek advice, and engage in related activities to boost chances of medical school admission
Persistence and continuous improvement are key in the medical school application process. If you've been unsuccessful in the past, it doesn't mean you're "blackballed" at certain schools. Instead, consider seeking advice from admissions officers to understand where you fell short and how you can address those areas. Additionally, continuing to engage in activities related to medicine and healthcare can not only make you a stronger applicant in the future, but also help you grow as a future physician. As for resources, consider reaching out to prehealth advisors for guidance, and keep an open mind when considering schools to apply to. Remember, the process is competitive, but with determination and a focus on self-improvement, you can increase your chances of success.
Exploring Free Resources from AAMC for Medical School Applicants: Applicants can save money and gain valuable insights into the medical school application process by utilizing free resources from the AAMC's aspiringdocs.org website, including podcasts, videos, worksheets, research opportunities, and community service projects.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides extensive resources for medical school applicants, particularly those with financial disadvantages, through their website, aspiringdocs.org. These resources include podcasts, videos, worksheets, research opportunities, and community service projects, among others. The AAMC has made significant efforts to make their websites more accessible and user-friendly for applicants in various stages of their journey, from prospective applicants to current medical students and residents. By utilizing these free resources, students can save money and gain valuable insights into the application process, from financial literacy to RAS and AMCAS. Christina Grabkowski, an admissions professional at UAB, strongly recommends that applicants start by exploring the AAMC's offerings before seeking out paid resources.
