Podcast Summary
Growth and Traditions at the University of Colorado School of Medicine: The University of Colorado School of Medicine, with its focus on education, research, patient care, and community service, has expanded from its humble beginnings to a reputable institution with advanced research facilities and clinical opportunities throughout Colorado.
The University of Colorado School of Medicine, which began with just two students and two professors in 1883, has grown into a reputable institution with state-of-the-art research facilities on a 230-acre campus in Aurora. The medical school offers various educational programs for students, residents, and fellows, as well as clinical opportunities throughout the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado. The mission of the school includes a focus on education, research, patient care, and community service. During the podcast, the host also shared information about a unique tradition at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine called Doc Opera, which is a student-written, directed, and starred variety show that raises funds for the student-run clinic and free clinic in Cleveland. This year's event, which has a theme of "Traumia," has been converted to a virtual format, allowing people from outside of Cleveland to attend. Additionally, the host invited listeners to suggest admissions-related topics for potential bonus episodes of the podcast. The guest of the episode was Doctor Jeffrey Soohoo, who has extensive experience in medical education and joined the University of Colorado School of Medicine as the assistant dean of admissions in 2020.
Exploring the Admissions Process at University of Colorado School of Medicine: The University of Colorado School of Medicine values diversity and received over 10,000 applications last year, with a commitment to selecting applicants with potential to succeed in their rigorous curriculum.
The University of Colorado School of Medicine is committed to providing top-notch clinical care through innovative programs and serving the community. Doctor Suhoo, an assistant dean for admissions and ophthalmologist, shares how he found himself involved in the admissions process, which involves looking for applicants with the potential to succeed in the curriculum and thrive on campus. The medical school encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and received over 10,000 applications last year, with 57% being female and an average age of 24. Doctor Suhoo, a Denver resident, shares his personal journey to becoming involved in admissions and his excitement for the opportunity to lead the process.
Denver: Urban and Outdoor Experiences: Denver's unique blend of urban and outdoor activities, accessible weather, and world-renowned venues make it an ideal place to live with something for everyone, allowing residents to enjoy them as weekend getaways or daily experiences.
Denver, Colorado offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor experiences, making it an ideal place to live with something for everyone. The city is known for its sunny weather, cultural attractions, and world-renowned outdoor venues, such as Red Rocks Amphitheater. Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, an ophthalmologist and assistant dean at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, emphasizes the accessibility of these activities, allowing residents to enjoy them as weekend getaways or even daily experiences. Additionally, Dr. Goldberg emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the lack of a significant difference between himself and those he interacts with, regardless of their roles. He also acknowledges the personal and impersonal nature of the medical school admissions process, where applicants must present their lives on paper, making it a challenging experience for all involved.
Colorado Medical School's New Curriculum: TREK: The TREK curriculum at the University of Colorado School of Medicine accelerates clinical and foundational science learning, emphasizes leadership, curiosity, and commitment, and prepares students for residency through a multidisciplinary approach.
The University of Colorado School of Medicine is implementing a new curriculum named TREK for the class of 2025. This curriculum, which has been in development for several years, emphasizes leadership, curiosity, and commitment as its primary tenets. The TREK curriculum is designed to accelerate clinical and foundational science learning, with students entering their clinical year as their second year of medical school. The curriculum is divided into stages, including the Plains (Foundational Sciences), Foothills (advanced science courses), and the Summit (focused residency preparation). The Plains curriculum focuses on clinical and foundational science training, while the Foothills stage introduces advanced science courses and individualized learning. The Summit stage prepares students for residency and their future careers as physicians. The curriculum is named after different parts of a hike in Colorado and aims to create a multidisciplinary learning environment by requiring students to interact with basic scientists after clinical experiences.
Personalized Medical Education with Longitudinal Clinical Experiences: The LIC model at the University of Colorado School of Medicine provides students with longitudinal clinical experiences, fosters curiosity and problem-solving skills, and prepares them for successful careers in medicine.
The Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) model at the University of Colorado School of Medicine offers students a unique and personalized medical education experience. Unlike traditional clerkships, which are fragmented and disconnected, LICs provide students with longitudinal clinical experiences and relationships with both patients and faculty. Students have the opportunity to establish rapport and provide continuity of care for patients over an entire year. Additionally, the scholarly activity requirement, which is a mentored and broadly defined project, fosters curiosity and problem-solving skills essential for physicians in any practice setting. The program's partnerships with various hospitals throughout Colorado provide students with diverse clinical experiences and patient populations. Overall, the LIC model at the University of Colorado School of Medicine offers a comprehensive and personalized medical education experience that prepares students for successful careers in medicine.
Exploring Learning Opportunities Beyond Denver: The University of Colorado School of Medicine provides students with diverse learning opportunities at LIC sites and branch campuses, including a focus on '1 Health' in Fort Collins and an optional global health track.
The University of Colorado School of Medicine offers various learning opportunities for medical students beyond its main affiliate hospitals in Denver. These opportunities include Learning Institution (LIC) sites in surrounding towns and branch campuses in Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. Students can express interest in these branches during the application process, but acceptance does not depend on it. The curriculum remains the same across all locations, but delivery methods and faculty mentors may vary. The Fort Collins branch, in collaboration with Colorado State University, has a unique focus on "1 Health," which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Additionally, the school offers an optional global health track with partnerships in various countries. Despite the virtual interview process this year, the dean of admissions meets all applicants on interview days.
Interdisciplinary Learning at the University of Colorado School of Medicine: The University of Colorado School of Medicine fosters interdisciplinary education and collaboration among students and faculty, preparing them for teamwork in hospitals and promoting excellence in patient care, education, and research.
The University of Colorado School of Medicine values interdisciplinary education and collaboration among students and faculty. The unique feature of this school is the opportunity for students from various health professions to interact and learn together, mirroring the teamwork found in hospitals. The students are described as a laid-back, collaborative group with diverse backgrounds and goals. Although it's challenging to convey the "vibe" of the campus during virtual interviews, the school is proud of its students' shared goal of becoming physicians and their commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research. The school takes pride in accepting students with diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering a supportive community where everyone can succeed.
Emphasis on faculty mentoring and holistic admissions: The University of Colorado School of Medicine values deep relationships between students and faculty, and its admissions process prioritizes applicants' experiences, attributes, and competencies beyond just academic achievements.
The University of Colorado School of Medicine's new curriculum places a strong emphasis on faculty mentoring and coaching, aiming to develop deep relationships between students and faculty members. This unique feature, along with the commitment to holistic review in the admissions process, values applicants' experiences, attributes, and competencies beyond just academic achievements. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their experiences have affected them and how they have grown from them, showcasing their communication skills, leadership abilities, service orientation, and cultural competency. While it may be challenging for applicants to fully understand the medical school before attending, the admissions process values a clear understanding of why an applicant is drawn to the school and how their goals align with its mission.
Understanding the complex medical school admissions process: The University of Colorado School of Medicine values holistic evaluations, but decisions remain challenging as applicants' unique experiences and attributes are considered beyond test scores, GPAs, and clinical hours.
Medical school admissions is a complex and nuanced process. The University of Colorado School of Medicine, like many other institutions, strives to evaluate applicants holistically, considering their unique experiences, attributes, and opportunities. However, this approach doesn't make the decisions any easier. Applicants may not have the resources or insider information to fully understand what makes a school like the University of Colorado School of Medicine a good fit for them. Admissions committees recognize this and understand that applicants cannot be reduced to just their test scores, GPAs, or clinical hours. The value placed on clinical experiences can vary, and it's not always straightforward. Pre-pandemic, applicants had more opportunities to gain clinical experience, but this year, it's been more challenging. Admissions committees are trying to understand how applicants have demonstrated a commitment to the values of the school in various ways. The holistic approach is about putting context to the applicant's story, but the decisions are still difficult. As an applicant, understanding this process and knowing that you're not reduced to any one specific thing can provide some comfort.
Gaining experiences outside of hospital settings: Non-clinical experiences in healthcare can provide valuable insights and shape future careers in medicine. Reflecting on these experiences and sharing growth is essential.
Gaining experiences related to medicine and healthcare can come in various forms and does not always require being in a hospital setting. The experiences we have, whether clinical or not, can significantly inform our decision to pursue a career in medicine and shape how we approach patient care. The ability to reflect and grow from these experiences is also crucial. For instance, working as a receptionist in a medical office or being a full-time caregiver for a family member with dementia can provide valuable insights into the healthcare system and patient experiences. These roles intersect with the healthcare system in numerous ways, from scheduling appointments to managing medications and transportation. Therefore, these experiences should be considered clinical experiences, and applicants should focus on sharing what they learned and how they grew from these opportunities.
Showcasing intellectual curiosity through experiences: During medical school applications, focus on the depth and curiosity demonstrated in your experiences, whether medical or non-medical. Older applicants are not preferred but commitment and passion are valued.
During the medical school application process, the specific label you give to your experiences, whether medical or non-medical, is less important than the depth and curiosity demonstrated in the description. While research experience can be valuable, it's not the only way to showcase intellectual curiosity. Working on projects that address community problems, develop new solutions, and demonstrate a hypothesis and outcome can also be compelling. Regarding age and gap years, the admissions committee at the Colorado School of Medicine looks for applicants who have a well-developed sense of their path to becoming a physician and can demonstrate leadership and commitment. Older applicants are not preferred, but the applicant pool often includes students at various stages in life, and the goal is to admit individuals who are passionate about medicine and committed to learning.
Evaluating Applicants through Competency-Based Interviews: Medical school interviews assess applicants' experiences, leadership abilities, and cultural competence, allowing admissions officers to understand personal growth and future impact in the medical field.
Medical school admissions involve a competency-based assessment process, which includes group and individual interviews. While the format has changed due to the pandemic, the goal remains to evaluate applicants based on their experiences, leadership abilities, and cultural competence. Admissions officers are not fortune tellers, but rather seek to understand how applicants have grown from their mistakes and how they plan to make a positive impact in the medical field. The interview day also provides an opportunity for applicants to learn about the medical school's curriculum, financial aid, and other programs.
Getting a feel for the school and its community is challenging online: Trust instincts, consider logistics, communicate effectively in group interviews, be authentic and honest.
While the structure of medical school interview days may be similar this year despite the absence of campus visits, the intangible aspects of getting a feel for the school and its community cannot be replicated online. Applicants should trust their instincts when making their decision, but also consider logistical factors such as cost and support systems. Group interviews are an essential part of the process, designed to assess an applicant's ability to communicate effectively in a team setting, as medicine is a collaborative field. Applicants should not view group interviews as a competition but rather an opportunity to meet and learn from their peers. There is no "secret sauce" to acing an interview, and applicants should aim to be authentic and honest throughout the process.
Virtual interviews: Making the best of a necessary situation: Both applicants and interviewers should prioritize authenticity, follow etiquette, and communicate openly during virtual interviews to create an effective experience.
While virtual interviews may not be ideal, they are necessary in the current situation. Applicants should be themselves, follow basic etiquette, and understand that interviewers are doing their best to create an authentic experience. Interviewers, on the other hand, should aim to shorten interviews and make information more asynchronous to reduce virtual fatigue. It's important for both parties to communicate openly about the use of multiple screens during interviews to avoid misunderstandings. Ultimately, everyone involved recognizes that virtual interviews are not perfect, but everyone is doing their best to make the process as effective and authentic as possible. Applicants should focus on being prepared, but not rehearsed, to ensure their authenticity shines through during the interview.
Adapting to Virtual Interviews: Maintaining Eye Contact and Understanding Admission Decisions: Maintain eye contact during virtual interviews as best as possible, and be patient when waiting for admission decisions as the school does not provide rank-ordered lists or specific numbers on how many students typically come off the alternate list.
Adapting to virtual interviews is a challenge for both applicants and interviewers. While it's important to maintain eye contact during in-person interviews, it's not always possible in a virtual environment. Additionally, the interview process at the school involves notifying applicants of their admission decisions within about 4 weeks after the interview day. Students who are placed on the alternate list will be tiered into groups at the end of the season, but the school does not provide a rank-ordered list or specify how many students typically come off the alternate list. For applicants waiting on decisions, the school discourages sending updates or "love letters" due to the volume of communication and the need to maintain fairness for all applicants. As for recommendations, Jeff mentioned the podcast "The Nocturnist" as an excellent resource for understanding the experiences of healthcare workers during the pandemic.
The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptation in Medicine: Stay updated, build relationships, maintain a growth mindset, and adapt to new ideas for a successful career in medicine.
Key takeaway from this conversation with Jeff is the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the field of medicine. Jeff shared his experiences and insights into the ever-evolving world of medical research and how staying updated and flexible is crucial for success. He emphasized the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry, as well as the value of mentors and collaborators. Additionally, Jeff highlighted the significance of maintaining a growth mindset and being open to new ideas and perspectives. Overall, this conversation underscored the importance of dedication, adaptability, and a passion for learning in the pursuit of a successful career in medicine.
