Podcast Summary
Insights from Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for medical school applicants: Understand the holistic review process, attend networking events, and stay informed about medical school opportunities to increase chances of success as a medical school applicant.
The Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, despite primarily accepting applicants from Washington state, provides valuable insights for prospective medical school applicants. The medical school, located in Spokane, Washington, and founded in 2015, focuses on improving patient care, population health, and cost reduction. Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered residents and receive a secondary application. With over 1,500 applications and 80 spots in the entering class of 2019, competition is fierce. However, understanding the holistic review process, which values individuality and resourcefulness, can increase applicants' chances. The AAMC's annual meeting and minority student career fair in Phoenix, Arizona, offer opportunities for applicants to connect with various medical schools, including Washington State. By staying informed about these opportunities and understanding the admissions process, applicants can improve their chances of success.
Washington State University's College of Medicine values diversity and inclusivity: The college has a diverse student body with a focus on inclusivity, reflecting a holistic review admissions process. Lead by interim senior associate dean Leila Harrison, the college has a long-standing commitment to inclusion and trains other medical schools on holistic review.
Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine values diversity and inclusivity in their student body. With 54% women, 14% underrepresented students, 26% rural students, 37.5% first-generation college graduates, 55% low SES backgrounds, 6.5% military veterans, and 59% nontraditional students, the college reflects a holistic review admissions process. Leila Harrison, the interim senior associate dean for student affairs, admissions, and recruitment, has 17 years of experience in medical school admissions and has led efforts in this area across three public medical schools nationally. Her passion for helping students and commitment to inclusion make her a perfect fit for her role at the College of Medicine. Harrison's background includes leading national and regional initiatives for the AAMC and training other medical schools on holistic review. Her experience and dedication to the field are evident in her work at WSU.
Spokane: A Surprising Haven for Nature, Culture, and Medical Education: Spokane, Washington, offers unexpected natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and medical education opportunities.
Spokane, Washington, a city of approximately 200,000 residents, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences that has surprised and delighted newcomers like Dr. Harrison. The city's proximity to pine forests, ski areas, and the Spokane River, along with its four distinct seasons, has made it an unexpected haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Spokane's rich cultural history, being located on the lands of the Spokane tribe, provides ample opportunities for learning and appreciation. The College of Medicine in Spokane, a relatively new institution, has also made a significant impact in the region. Accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in 2016, the college offers a comprehensive medical education experience with clinical campuses in Spokane, Vancouver, Tri Cities, and Everett. Dr. Harrison, a resident of Spokane, expressed his surprise and excitement about the city's offerings, including its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. He also shared his personal interest in rock climbing, an activity that his colleagues might not expect from him given his professional persona.
Washington State University's Medical School: Community-Focused and Accessible: Washington State University's medical school focuses on community service, small group learning, and overcoming barriers to provide access to care in underserved areas.
Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is a community-focused medical school that was founded to serve all communities within Washington state. With over 100 clinical partners across the state, the school is committed to providing access to care in underserved areas. The curriculum in the first two years is case-based and heavily focused on small group learning. Students receive a case on Monday and work through it throughout the week, culminating in a master clinician session on Friday. This approach allows for active learning and collaboration among students. The school's history is marked by overcoming legal barriers to establish multiple clinical campuses and recruit students from all over the state. Despite the challenges of constant accreditation cycles, the college is dedicated to fulfilling its mission of serving Washingtonians.
Early Clinical Immersion at University of Washington School of Medicine: Students at UW School of Medicine begin clinical exposure early through a unique program that assigns them to clinical campuses for extended periods, fostering community connections through homestays.
The University of Washington School of Medicine implements a unique clinical immersion program during the first two years of medical school. Students are assigned to clinical campuses early on, with three weeks spent at each campus in the first and second years. This program allows students to begin clinical exposure, meet faculty, and become familiar with their communities before their third year. Additionally, a homestay program is in place, where students are hosted by local families during their clinical campus weeks, further fostering community connections. Students can rank their preferred clinical sites during the admissions process, with certain factors considered, such as family situations. In the first two years, students spend their mornings primarily in small groups and labs, with some afternoon sessions. The program's focus on early clinical immersion sets it apart, providing students with valuable experiences and connections in their formative years.
Flexible scheduling in first two years of medical school: First two years of medical school offer flexible schedules, but require strong time management and self-discipline. Pass/fail grading reduces stress and competition, while integrated clinical experiences provide practical skills and feedback.
The first two years of medical school offer a significant amount of flexible scheduling for students, allowing them to structure their time according to their individual learning styles and needs. However, this flexibility requires strong time management skills and self-discipline. The pass/fail grading system in place during these years reduces stress and competition among students, and clinical experiences are integrated through preceptorship opportunities, standardized patient encounters, and faculty-led patient interactions. This structure allows students to gain practical clinical skills and feedback early on in their medical education.
Encouraging research and leadership development from the start: Medical students are required to complete a scholarly project and participate in a leadership certificate program to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
This medical school places a strong emphasis on research and leadership development for its students. Starting from the first year, students are required to complete a scholarly project, which can take various forms, from hypothesis-driven research to community-based projects. The goal behind this requirement is to encourage students to think critically and find solutions to problems, as well as to inspire them to make an impact in underserved communities. Additionally, the school offers a leadership certificate program, which is a required component of the MD program. This program focuses on leadership theory and self-reflection, providing students with essential skills for effective leadership in any context, not just in the medical field.
UCF's unique LIC program for medical students: UCF's LIC program offers students continuity of care and long-term relationships with clinical faculty, enhancing their leadership and management skills for future careers
The University of Central Florida's College of Medicine offers master level leadership courses and a unique longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) program for their students. The LIC program allows students to gain exposure to various core areas of medicine concurrently rather than consecutively, enabling them to follow patient cases throughout their 3rd year and build long-term relationships with clinical faculty. This resource-intensive program is not common, with only a few medical schools, including UCF, implementing it across their entire student body. The benefits of LICs, such as continuity of care and long-term relationships with faculty, are expected to make a significant impact on students' development as better leaders and managers in their future careers. The popularity of LICs is increasing, with more medical schools considering adopting this innovative curricular change.
Medical Education Reform at College of Medicine: College of Medicine innovates with new curriculum, emphasizing experiential learning, community engagement, and student feedback.
The College of Medicine in Washington is leading the way in medical education reform by implementing a new curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement. Students will be required to complete clinical experiences in rural or underserved areas, ensuring they gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities. The college values student feedback and has made adjustments based on student suggestions, demonstrating a commitment to creating a curriculum that caters to the needs and desires of the students. The administration is open to changes and has given students a significant voice in shaping the educational experience. Overall, the College of Medicine is dedicated to providing a rigorous and effective medical education that prepares students for successful careers in healthcare while making a positive impact on their communities.
Unique eligibility requirements for UW School of Medicine applicants: To apply to UW School of Medicine, US citizens or permanent residents need Washington ties or meet specific MCAT/GPA thresholds.
The University of Washington School of Medicine has unique eligibility requirements for applicants seeking a secondary application. To be considered, applicants must be a US citizen or permanent resident, have all required letters of recommendation from AMCAS, and demonstrate ties or connections to Washington. These ties can include being born in the state, having a childhood address in Washington, graduating from a Washington high school, or having parents or current residents in the state. If an applicant does not meet these ties, they must establish residency in Washington. Additionally, applicants must meet one of three combinations of MCAT and GPA thresholds. These requirements are data-informed and aim to increase the likelihood of applicants' success in medical school. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review these eligibility requirements carefully to avoid unnecessary application fees and time spent in the process.
Focusing on personal attributes and experiences: The University of Washington School of Medicine values applicants with rural and underserved community experience, clinical exposure, and a passion for serving these populations, prioritizing the quality of experience over quantity.
The University of Washington School of Medicine is unique in its admissions process as it blinds MCAT and GPA scores after the initial application review. This process allows the admissions committee to focus on applicants' personal attributes and experiences, aligning with their mission to serve Washington and solve problems in challenging healthcare environments. Applicants who have experience with rural and underserved communities and populations, clinical exposure, and a passion for serving these communities are highly valued. The quality of experience is prioritized over the quantity of hours. This holistic approach ensures that applicants are not only academically qualified but also well-equipped to carry out the school's mission.
Demonstrating Passion and Commitment in Medical School Applications: To increase chances of getting accepted into medical school, applicants should show a genuine passion for healthcare and commitment to serving others through diverse experiences. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped their goals and motivations.
When applying to medical school, it's essential to demonstrate a genuine passion for the field and a commitment to serving others through both healthcare and non-healthcare experiences. Medical schools value applicants who have a clear understanding of the challenges and demands of a medical career and have actively sought out opportunities to help others. It's not enough to simply claim a desire to be a rural physician or to volunteer in a hospital to check a box. Instead, applicants should find experiences that resonate with them and reflect on how those experiences have shaped their goals and motivations. By doing so, they can show admissions committees that they are not only passionate and dedicated but also well-informed and self-aware.
Reflecting on Volunteer Experiences for Medical School Applications: Reflect deeply on volunteer experiences, emphasizing personal growth in empathy, self-awareness, and cultural humility. Admissions committees evaluate holistically, focusing on readiness for the profession.
Volunteering and gaining real experiences outside of academic settings is crucial for medical school applicants. However, it's not just about checking a box or listing facts. Applicants should reflect deeply on what they learned and how it helped them grow, especially in terms of empathy, self-awareness, and cultural humility. Admissions committees look for these insights to assess an applicant's readiness for the profession. The evaluation process is holistic, with multiple screeners using a defined rubric to ensure fairness and objectivity. Interview invitations are based on these evaluations, not the whims of an individual admissions dean. The interview day is a full day of activities, including presentations from faculty and student affairs, designed to give applicants a better understanding of the program and the expectations of the medical profession.
Transparent, fair, and stress-reducing interview process: Applicants receive curriculum overview, lunch with students, blinded MMIs without prep materials to level the playing field and reduce stress.
The medical school interview process at this institution is designed to be transparent, fair, and stress-reducing for applicants. During the interview day, applicants receive a curriculum overview, information about the clinical campuses, and have lunch with current students. The Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) are scenario-based and completely blinded, with interviewers not having access to applicants' applications. Applicants are given a list of interview stations but not told who their interviewer is to reduce stress. The school does not provide applicants with materials to prepare for the MMIs, ensuring a level playing field and focusing on how applicants approach and think through scenarios rather than right or wrong answers. The process is intentionally designed to reduce distractions and stressors, allowing applicants to focus on the interview itself.
Reflecting on past ethical dilemmas and stressful situations: Reflecting on past experiences can help individuals navigate new ethical dilemmas and handle stress effectively. Trust the admissions committee to make fair decisions based on LCME guidelines.
Ethical dilemmas and stressful situations are a normal part of life and can be used as learning experiences. Reflecting on past experiences can help individuals navigate new ethical dilemmas and handle stress effectively. In the admissions process, MMI or HMMI evaluations are reviewed by individual admissions committee members who make recommendations for acceptance. These recommendations are then discussed and considered by the entire committee to make final decisions. Applicants should be prepared for decisions to be made in a timely manner but not given specific dates to avoid disappointment and frustration. The admissions committee, composed of faculty members, makes the final selection decisions, not individual administrators. It's important for applicants to understand this process and trust that the decisions are made fairly and in accordance with LCME guidelines.
Understanding the Medical School Interview Process: Medical school admissions committees prioritize transparency and value all applicants, regardless of when they apply. Holistic review considers experiences, attributes, and metrics to get a well-rounded understanding of applicants.
Medical school admissions committees make the decisions, but the interview process is crucial for applicants to understand their standing. Admissions committees prioritize transparency and want applicants to know they are valued, regardless of when they apply. Holistic review is a critical aspect of medical school admissions, and committees approach it differently based on their school's mission. The mission drives the selection criteria, and committees consider an applicant's experiences, attributes, and metrics in a balanced manner. Traditionally, metrics have been prioritized, but holistic review aims to give equal importance to experiences and attributes to get a well-rounded understanding of the applicant.
Balancing metrics, experiences, and attributes in holistic review: To ensure fairness and equity in medical school admissions, holistic review should consider all three factors - metrics, experiences, and attributes - equally from the start, using defined rubrics and a structured evaluation process.
In the process of holistic review for medical school admissions, it's crucial to balance three important factors: metrics, experiences, and attributes. This balance should be considered from the beginning when screening applicants, as the narrowing of the applicant pool happens during the interview selection process. Ideally, you wouldn't narrow the pool by one factor alone, but rather, consider all three equally. Additionally, having defined rubrics and a structured evaluation process for every person involved in the application review ensures consistency and reduces bias. This structured approach helps create a fair and equitable applicant experience. When implementing holistic review, determine your mission, the qualities and experiences that align with it, and develop a structured evaluation tool. This will help ensure that all applicants go through the same process and are evaluated based on a balanced consideration of metrics, experiences, and attributes.
Implementing holistic review in medical school admissions: A long-term commitment and faculty buy-in are essential for successful holistic review implementation. Focus on starting early, emphasizing importance, and considering non-academic factors like communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Successful implementation of holistic review in medical school admissions requires a long-term commitment and faculty buy-in, which can be achieved by providing data that supports the effectiveness of the process. The speaker emphasizes that starting with a holistic approach from the beginning and continuously emphasizing its importance to faculty can help make it a standard practice. However, it's important to note that not every metric, such as MCAT scores, has a clear relationship with student success, and holistic review should also consider other factors like communication skills and emotional intelligence. The speaker recommends reading books on growth mindset, emotional intelligence, leadership, and management, as well as those on imposter syndrome, to help applicants develop the necessary skills for medical school and beyond. Overall, the successful adoption of holistic review requires a shift in perspective and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of each applicant.
Recognizing and addressing mental health in medical students: Aspiring medical students should prioritize mental health by recognizing impostor syndrome, setting realistic goals, and developing healthy coping mechanisms before entering medical school to maintain them during the rigorous program. Unhealthy coping mechanisms can negatively impact their ability to handle stress and succeed.
Taking care of mental health is crucial for aspiring medical students. Dr. Harrison emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing impostor syndrome, setting realistic goals, and developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress. She suggested starting these practices before entering medical school to make it easier to maintain them during the rigorous program. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as binge drinking or lack of sleep, can negatively impact a student's ability to handle stress and succeed in their medical education journey. By focusing on mental health, students can build resilience and thrive in their academic and professional pursuits.
