Podcast Summary
Attending Virtual Office Hours and Updating Resumes: Connecting with professors during online learning is vital, do so by attending virtual office hours and keeping your resume updated for potential recommenders.
Building relationships with professors during online learning can be challenging, but attending virtual office hours is crucial for developing those connections. Additionally, keeping a resume updated and sharing it with potential recommenders can help them get to know you better. This year, safety measures like wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding large gatherings are essential for keeping communities safe during the ongoing pandemic. Duke University School of Medicine, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a top medical school with a diverse and inclusive community of students committed to understanding and treating human disease. The school received over 7,600 applications for the entering class of 2020, with 674 applicants being interviewed for a class size of 120. The school values academic excellence and provides unparalleled resources and education, clinical care, and research opportunities. My guest, Doctor Linton Yee, is the associate dean for admissions at Duke's Medical School and an associate professor in the department of pediatrics, division of emergency medicine. His role involves leading the admissions process and teaching future doctors.
Doctor Yi's Unique Experiences: Doctor Yi's diverse background in music and medicine shaped him into a well-rounded individual. His experiences include various roles in academia and music performance.
Doctor Yi's diverse background and experiences have shaped him into a well-rounded and interesting individual. Before deciding on a career in medicine, he had a strong passion for music, specifically jazz guitar performance. Although he had to abandon his music aspirations due to financial constraints, his scientific interests drew him back towards medicine. Throughout his medical journey, he has held various roles, including interim co-associate dean of admissions, vice chair and chair of the School of Medicine's admissions committee, clinical course director, and Asian Pacific American Student Association faculty advisor. His love for music never faded, and he even started the student faculty show band at Duke, where he still plays and performs with students. This just goes to show that Doctor Yi's unique experiences have contributed significantly to his personal and professional growth.
A career move for pediatric emergency medicine education: Individuals may prioritize professional opportunities over personal preferences, leading to significant life changes.
Personal and professional opportunities can lead individuals to take risks and make significant moves, even if it means leaving behind familiar surroundings and cherished hobbies. In this case, a career focus on pediatric emergency medicine education brought a family from California to Durham, North Carolina, despite the children's love for surfing. The individual's background and connections played a role in the decision, as they had the chance to establish a curriculum from scratch and work alongside respected mentors. The attraction to admissions began in medical school, where they helped with the process, and continued throughout their career. The move to Durham was a change for the entire family, but the professional opportunities proved worthwhile.
Interacting with students brings joy and motivation to admissions work: Working with students in admissions provides inspiration and rejuvenation, highlighting the importance of their presence in the educational community
Working in admissions at a university is a rewarding experience due to the interaction with students, who bring life and energy to the institution. The students serve as a constant reminder of the potential and positive impact that can be made within the educational community. Additionally, unexpected passions and skills, such as writing for fantasy hockey, can provide valuable experience and contribute to success in the admissions field. The students' enthusiasm and drive help rejuvenate and inspire admissions staff, making the work more meaningful and enjoyable. Working with students is the heart and soul of the university, and their presence challenges and motivates staff to strive for excellence.
Sharing hobbies or interests builds connections: Discovering common hobbies or interests can help establish a personal connection, making interviewees more relatable and effective in professional settings and improving patient interactions in the medical field.
Having shared interests or hobbies outside of professional contexts can help build connections and relationships, even in unexpected situations. This was discussed in relation to writing for Fantasy Hockey and interview experiences. In these instances, bringing up hobbies or shared interests allowed for more personal and engaging conversations, making the interviewees more relatable and competent in the eyes of the interviewer. This concept applies not only to professional interviews but also to patient interactions in the medical field. By finding common ground, medical professionals can establish a connection with their patients, making the experience less daunting and more effective. This is why having diverse experiences and interests is valued, as it increases the chances of finding common ground with a wide range of people. In essence, connecting over shared interests can help break down barriers and facilitate better communication and understanding.
Designing leaders in medicine through accelerated learning: Duke Medical School's innovative curriculum compresses the first two years into one, integrating basic sciences with clinical applications early on to enhance understanding and prepare students for effective leadership roles in medicine.
Duke Medical School's unique curriculum is designed to produce leaders in medicine by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, leadership, teamwork, and the role of research. The accelerated first year compresses the first two years of a conventional medical school into one, requiring students to learn and work at a faster pace. The second year is the clinical year, where students integrate the material they've learned from basic sciences with clinical applications. This early integration helps students appreciate the relevance of basic sciences to clinical practice and enhances their understanding of complex medical concepts. For instance, learning about vitamins in the first year might seem abstract, but encountering a patient with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) in the clinical setting makes the concept come alive. Overall, Duke's curriculum aims to provide students with a strong foundation in both basic sciences and clinical applications, preparing them to be effective leaders in medicine.
A well-rounded medical education experience at Duke: Duke University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive curriculum with small group learning, large lectures, clinical rotations, hands-on experience, and research opportunities, preparing students for diverse careers in medicine.
Duke University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive medical education experience with a combination of small group learning, large lectures, and clinical rotations. The curriculum is designed to actively engage students in the learning process, starting from the preclinical phase in the first year and continuing throughout their clinical years. Students will have opportunities to work with patients and gain hands-on experience, both in small groups and large groups. The convenience of having most facilities within a small radius makes for an efficient and accessible learning environment. Additionally, Duke offers various special programs and tracks, such as the Primary Care Leadership Track and the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), for students to explore different areas of interest. The research-focused third year is a crucial part of the program, allowing students to choose their research direction and develop advanced thinking skills. Overall, Duke University School of Medicine provides a well-rounded medical education experience with ample opportunities for student growth and exploration.
Duke's Third Year Curriculum: Empowering Students to Explore and Decide: Duke's unique third year curriculum empowers medical students to explore interests, prepare for advanced studies, and travel, with protected time for boards and future careers.
Duke University's unique third year curriculum offers medical students a valuable opportunity to explore their interests, reflect on their future careers, prepare for advanced studies, and even travel and gain global experiences. Unlike traditional curriculums where students are often told what to do next, Duke's program empowers students to make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths. They can choose to conduct research projects, pursue advanced degrees, or take specialized clinical electives. Moreover, students are given protected time to study for boards and prepare for their future careers. The third year also provides an excellent opportunity for students to travel and gain global experiences, broadening their horizons and enhancing their education. Overall, Duke's third year curriculum provides students with the flexibility and resources they need to make informed decisions about their future and pursue their passions.
Unique opportunities at Duke Med despite COVID-19 challenges: Despite travel restrictions and in-house learning, Duke Med students benefit from unique opportunities, strong community, and valuable experiences.
Duke University's medical program offers students unique opportunities for learning and growth, but the current situation with COVID-19 has led to changes in the curriculum. There are two scholarship spots in Singapore, but travel restrictions make it uncertain if students will be able to go. The fourth year is typically used for away rotations and research, but this year, students must be productive and make the most of their time in-house. Student organizations, like Duke Elementary and Boost, provide opportunities for students to engage in the community and inspire future generations. Students appreciate the strong sense of community and camaraderie at Duke Med. Durham, where Duke is located, has seen significant growth over the years, offering more opportunities for food and entertainment. Overall, Duke University's medical program offers valuable experiences and a strong sense of community, even amidst the challenges of the current global situation.
Duke University's School of Medicine: Emphasizing Teamwork and Continuous Learning: Duke University's School of Medicine prioritizes teamwork, collaboration, and continuous learning in its unique curriculum, preparing students for the complexities of the medical field in a progressive and diverse community.
Duke University's unique curriculum in its School of Medicine emphasizes a dynamic, ever-changing approach to medical education, focusing on teamwork and collaboration to tackle the complex logarithmic curve of medical knowledge. The community in Durham is progressive, diverse, and offers numerous opportunities for exploration and growth, making it an ideal environment for students. The admissions process values applicants who understand the importance of teamwork and the need to continually adapt and learn in the ever-evolving field of medicine. Duke's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing students with the best possible education sets it apart.
Experiencing different aspects of healthcare, like hospice care, shows compassion, motivation, and dedication.: Duke values compassion, motivation, and dedication in applicants. Hospice care experience highlights these traits and offers a unique perspective on compassionate care in medicine.
Duke University values compassionate, motivated, and dedicated applicants for their medical program. The ability to care for people and deal with challenging situations is crucial. One way to demonstrate these qualities is by experiencing different aspects of healthcare, such as hospice care. Hospice care requires dealing with ambiguity and focusing on the human element, making it an excellent opportunity to develop these essential skills. It also provides a unique perspective on the importance of compassionate care in medicine. Therefore, applicants who have experience in hospice care or similar situations are highly regarded by Duke University.
Assessing compassion and clinical experience in medical school applications at Duke: Duke values compassion, clinical experience, and understanding of research principles in applicants. Essays assess compassion and motivation, while clinical experiences demonstrate interest and ability to work with patients.
Compassion and clinical experience are essential components of becoming a competitive medical school applicant at Duke University. The essays are used to assess an applicant's sense of compassion, understanding of why they want to be in medicine, and their ability to work with people. Clinical experiences are crucial in demonstrating that an applicant can work with patients and has a genuine interest in the field. Duke, being a research-focused institution, values an applicant's understanding of the hypothesis-driven thought process, which is not necessarily tied to having conducted extensive research. Instead, it's about being able to propose, verify, and reach conclusions based on evidence. While research experience is not a requirement, having a solid foundation in research principles can help move medicine forward and improve patient care. Gap years are also becoming more common and can provide valuable experiences that strengthen an applicant's application.
Taking a gap year before medical school: Logistical benefits and valuable experiences: A gap year before medical school offers logistical advantages, including focusing solely on applications, and provides opportunities for valuable experiences through programs and reflection.
Taking a gap year before applying to medical school can be beneficial in several ways. From a logistical standpoint, students can focus solely on their application process without the added stress of graduating and other senior year responsibilities. Additionally, gap years provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experiences through programs like Teach For America, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or research labs. These experiences not only broaden students' horizons but also make them more well-rounded applicants. Furthermore, taking a gap year allows students to reflect, prepare, and ensure they are ready to apply to medical school with a clear mind and focus. However, it is essential that students use their gap year productively and avoid wasting time on unproductive activities. Ultimately, a gap year can be an excellent investment in a student's future, providing them with valuable experiences and preparation for medical school.
Duke Medical School Adjusts Application Process for 2021-2022 Due to COVID-19: Duke University Medical School waives MCAT score requirement for initial interviews, extends application deadline, and decreases interview volume for safety during COVID-19, while still requiring MCAT scores for acceptance and maintaining informative interview days.
Duke University Medical School has adopted a more flexible approach to the application process for the 2021-2022 academic year due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the school is evaluating applicants without requiring an MCAT score for the initial interview stage. However, applicants will still need to provide an MCAT score for acceptance into the program. Duke has also extended the application deadline and decreased the volume of interviews per day while maintaining safety protocols. The interview day experience includes a gathering with current students the evening before, as well as a breakfast, introductory session, and either a tour or interview on the day of the event. These changes aim to provide applicants with a more relaxed and informative experience while ensuring a safe and effective evaluation process.
Assessing communication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork through MMI: MMI evaluates applicants' ability to think on their feet, communicate effectively, and work in a team by presenting unique scenarios and questions at each station.
The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) process is designed to assess applicants' abilities to think on their feet, communicate effectively, and remain professional under pressure. During the interview, applicants will face a series of stations, each with a unique scenario or question. It's essential to be yourself, remain courteous and professional, and answer honestly. Preparation is helpful, but being overly rehearsed may hinder authenticity. Each station is focused on a specific question or scenario, and applicants should not ask questions outside of the given prompt. The teamwork station is an essential part of the process, requiring effective communication and collaboration with colleagues. Overall, the goal is to evaluate applicants' problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to work in a team.
Teamwork and adaptability key in MMI interviews: Effectively communicate, stay positive, and adjust strategies during MMI interviews to showcase problem-solving skills and increase chances of acceptance from waitlist. Develop observation and communication skills for success in medical school.
Effective teamwork and adaptability are crucial in overcoming challenges during the MMI interview process. It's important to maintain a positive attitude, communicate openly, and be willing to adjust strategies when faced with obstacles. The MMI format offers applicants the opportunity to showcase their problem-solving skills and personal stories in a more comprehensive way. After the interview, maintaining interest and communication with the admissions committee can increase chances of acceptance from the waitlist. Additionally, developing all senses, particularly observation and communication skills, are essential for success in medical school.
Developing the common sense, 6th sense, and good humor of a vet student: Successfully navigating vet school requires a strong foundation of knowledge (common sense), the ability to quickly identify issues (6th sense), and maintaining a positive attitude (good humor).
Becoming a successful vet student and eventually a vet requires a combination of common sense, a 6th sense, and a good sense of humor. During the first year, students learn the foundational knowledge, which can be compared to the five traditional senses. This knowledge is like common sense, and it forms the basis for understanding various formulas and connections in anatomy. In the clinical year, students develop their 6th sense, which allows them to quickly identify issues and take action to prevent negative outcomes. Lastly, maintaining a good sense of humor is crucial for dealing with the challenges and stresses of the field. It's essential to be able to step back and recharge, as medicine isn't always an easy or straightforward profession. By combining these three senses, students can make a difference and become the go-to person for diagnosing complex cases.
Exploring the world of knowledge: Books, anime, and beyond: Dr. Duke recommends 'The Butchering Art', 'The Traveling Cat Chronicles', 'Your Name', and 'Weathering With You' for expanding knowledge and bonding experiences.
Continuously striving for improvement in healthcare and the well-being of patients is essential. Dr. Duke shared his recommendations for those interested in expanding their knowledge, whether related to medicine or not. He suggested reading "The Butchering Art" by Lindsey Fitzharris, which delves into the history of medicine and how it evolved from non-sterile practices to more hygienic methods. Another recommendation was "The Traveling Cat Chronicles" by Hiro Arikawa, a heartwarming story about a dying man and his cat's travels to visit various people. For those who enjoy anime, Dr. Duke recommended "Your Name" and "Weathering With You." These movies resonated with him due to his daughter's interest in anime and mangos, making it easier for him to bond with her. The conversation with Dr. Duke was both informative and enjoyable, and his insights and experiences in Duke were truly powerful. The opportunity to discuss various topics with him was a great experience. Thank you, Dr. Duke, for taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences with us.
