Podcast Summary
Authenticity in medical school applications and interviews goes beyond just being yourself: Geisel School of Medicine values authenticity in applicants, encompassing various aspects of their lives, and accepts applications from diverse backgrounds.
Being yourself in medical school applications and interviews goes beyond just being your authentic self, but also encompasses your various selves in different aspects of your life. Roshneet Pandopal, the associate dean of admissions at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, shared this insight inspired by an episode of Adam Grant's podcast, "Work Life." Established in 1797, Geisel School of Medicine is the 4th oldest medical school in the US, located in Hanover, New Hampshire. With a mission to improve lives and foster diversity, Geisel boasts a strong reputation for educating future leaders in healthcare. In our conversation with internist and infectious disease specialist, Dr. Rajneet Pinto Powell, we'll explore her experiences practicing medicine and living in Hanover with her family. Geisel accepts applications from all US citizens, international applicants, and DACA status holders, with the entering class of 2021 receiving over 8,000 applications and interviewing 600 applicants for a class size of 92.
A Committed Physician's Journey in Hanover: Dr. Pinto Pyle, a dedicated physician, excels in education, research, and patient care, leading courses, receiving awards, and maintaining a large patient panel, all while staying connected to Hanover's community through its natural beauty and cultural offerings.
Dr. Pinto Pyle is a highly accomplished and dedicated physician who excels in education, research, and clinical care. She has taught at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine for decades, leading courses and faculty development sessions, and has received numerous awards for her teaching abilities. Despite expanding administrative roles, she continues to maintain a large patient panel, emphasizing the importance of patient care. Her experiences in Hanover, a picturesque college town, have influenced her decision to return to Dartmouth after brief stints away. Hanover's natural beauty and rich cultural offerings keep her connected to the community. Overall, Dr. Pinto Pyle's commitment to her patients, students, and profession is evident in her long and impactful career.
From Indoor to Outdoors: Embracing New Experiences: Be open to new experiences and don't hold on to dreams past their expiration date. Unexpected opportunities can lead to rewarding experiences in both personal and professional life.
Life is full of surprises and opportunities. The interviewee shares her journey from being an indoor person who enjoyed reading to an outdoorsy person who loves gardening and various outdoor activities. She also emphasizes the importance of being open to new experiences and not holding on to dreams past their expiration date. In her professional life, she took on the role of the associate dean for admissions, which was unexpected but turned out to be a rewarding experience. She encourages people to have a big picture of their goals but be open to trying new things when opportunities arise. Her enthusiasm and genuine love for her work are evident, making her experiences exciting and inspiring.
Collaborative medical school admissions process led by a dedicated team: The admissions process is a team effort that positively impacts medical education and student outcomes. Dedicated committee members build relationships with students, and new curriculums foster a broader perspective for physicians-in-training.
The medical school admissions process is a collaborative effort involving a dedicated team, and the work put in by the committee members results in positive, measurable outcomes. Furthermore, the importance of this committee is underscored by the fact that without students, there would be no medical education or student performance and conduct committees, among others. At Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, with a small class size, the committee members get to know students even before they arrive, fostering relationships throughout their academic journey. Regarding the curriculum, the impetus for change was the recognition that training "incomplete physicians" was not sufficient. While the old curriculum produced excellent physicians, the new curriculum is designed to train physicians with a broader perspective, encompassing critical thinking, compassion, communication skills, and a scientific way of thinking. The integrated curriculum, which scaffolds learning, has been found to promote better retention and understanding compared to the traditional year-based curriculum.
Integrated curriculum bridges foundational sciences and clinical relevance: The integrated preclinical curriculum in medical education strengthens foundational knowledge while maintaining clinical relevance, enabling students to apply essential concepts to clinical situations earlier in their education and excel as exceptional physicians and professionals.
The integrated preclinical curriculum in medical education is designed to provide a strong foundation in foundational sciences without sacrificing clinical relevance. This approach allows students to retain essential knowledge and apply it to clinical situations earlier in their education. The ultimate goal is not just to pass exams, but to prepare students to become exceptional physicians and professionals. The curriculum may not seem clear in the beginning, but as students progress, the connection between foundational knowledge and clinical application becomes clearer. It's important for students to trust the process and understand the "why" behind the curriculum, even if they don't fully grasp it right away. Additionally, students are encouraged to aim for solid grades, rather than just passing, to ensure they have a strong foundation for their future medical practice.
Emphasizing Knowledge and Exploration at Dartmouth Medical School: Dartmouth Medical School emphasizes a strong foundation in the sciences, encourages exploration of various career paths, and provides personalized support through unique programs like 'unbiased' and 'patients and Populations'.
Dartmouth Medical School values a solid foundation of understanding in their curriculum, even though it's moving to a pass/fail grading system. The Dean of Student Affairs emphasizes the importance of learning for knowledge's sake and encourages students to explore different career paths and not hold onto dreams too tightly. Some unique aspects of Dartmouth's curriculum include longitudinal courses like "unbiased," which teaches students how to be doctors, and "patients and Populations," which focuses on healthcare delivery science. Additionally, Dartmouth offers a coaching program to provide students with mentors and advisors throughout their education. Overall, Dartmouth Medical School prioritizes a strong foundation in the sciences, exploration of different career paths, and personalized support for students.
A strong focus on leadership and community service in medical education: This medical school emphasizes leadership skills and community service, offering unique programs and resources to help students develop these abilities, beyond formal titles.
Medical schools value not only academic achievement but also leadership skills and community service. At this particular school, they prioritize a strong service orientation, with students involved in various scholar and service groups. They offer unique programs like an MD MBA and coaching to help students tailor their interests and develop leadership skills. Leadership is not limited to titles, but can be demonstrated in various aspects of life, including the classroom, lab, and community. The school's curriculum places a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning and critical thinking, making it a robust non-doctoring program. Applicants should aim to showcase their leadership abilities and authenticity in their applications, not just through formal positions, but also through their actions and behavior in small groups and everyday life.
Impactful words in small teams or leadership roles: Quality and impact of words matter more than quantity in leadership roles. Medical education integrates clinical training from the start, allowing students to build skills gradually and confidently before seeing patients.
In a small team or leadership role, the power of making a meaningful impact lies not in the quantity of words spoken, but in the quality and impact of those words. In the context of medical education, students begin clinical training from the very first week of medical school, gradually stepping into the process with simulated clinics and shadowing, before officially seeing patients in clinical practices around February. This integrated approach allows students to build skills and gain confidence before interacting with actual patients, ensuring they are well-prepared and effective in their roles.
Innovation born out of necessity: Simulated clinics at DASL: DASL's simulated clinic solution addresses shortage of clinical preceptors, benefits students with competency and preparedness, allows preceptors to focus on teaching, aligns curriculum-clinic, offers longitudinal patient work, and provides ample research opportunities
Necessity can lead to innovation. When DASL faced a shortage of clinical preceptors, they created a simulated clinic as a solution. This simulated clinic has proven to be beneficial for both students and preceptors. Students feel more competent and prepared when they enter real clinics, and preceptors can focus on teaching without the added responsibilities of writing notes or billing. The simulated clinic also allows for more consistent curriculum-clinic alignment and the opportunity for students to work with longitudinal patients. Additionally, research opportunities at DASL are plentiful but not required, with students conducting projects across various fields and specialties. The emphasis on research skills is crucial for physicians today, and DASL provides ample opportunities for students to gain experience in this area.
Dartmouth Medical School's Diverse Patient Population: Dartmouth Medical School offers a diverse patient population and clinical experiences, partnering with hospitals nationwide to provide a high-touch education and prepare students for the medical field.
Dartmouth Medical School provides its students with a diverse patient population and clinical experiences, going beyond the local community and reaching across the country and even internationally. The broad catchment area includes patients from urban and rural areas, with various diagnoses and needs. This diversity requires strong communication skills and shared decision-making. To accommodate the growing class size and provide a high-touch education, the school partners with hospitals across the country, creating a network of clinical sites that offer a wide range of cases for students. This approach allows Dartmouth Medical School to maintain its unique imprint and focus on personalized education while ensuring students are well-prepared for the realities of the medical field.
Dartmouth's partnerships with diverse health systems prepare students for complex healthcare industry: Dartmouth's unique partnerships offer students exposure to diverse healthcare systems, fostering a strong sense of community and a supportive alumni network, preparing them for the complexities of the healthcare industry.
Dartmouth College's diverse partnerships with various health systems, including Indian Health Services in Alaska, New Mexico, and Arizona, provides unique advantages for their medical students. This exposure to regional variations and different healthcare systems prepares students for understanding the complexities of the healthcare industry and the importance of shared decision-making. Students at Dartmouth value the strong sense of community and collegiality among their peers, which lasts beyond their time at the institution. The alumni network is also tight-knit, reflecting the supportive and collaborative environment that fosters a sense of caring for one another and a desire to help others. Despite the challenges of virtual interviews, the admissions committee strives to create a sense of community during the application process, recognizing the importance of authentic and passionate individuals in contributing to the rich learning environment.
Dartmouth considers the whole applicant: Dartmouth's holistic review process focuses on an applicant's capacity to learn, personal attributes, and experiences, rather than solely academic achievements and test scores.
Dartmouth's holistic review process goes beyond just looking at academic achievements and test scores. Instead, the admissions committee considers the whole applicant, focusing on their capacity to learn, personal attributes, and experiences. They aim to create clinicians for the 21st century and value individuals who can contribute to the community and grow within the program. A bad semester or low grades should not deter applicants, as the committee reads every application carefully and looks for potential in each candidate. They understand that everyone's circumstances are unique and consider the challenges each applicant has faced. This individualized approach allows Dartmouth to create a dynamic and evolving learning environment.
Medical schools adapt to challenges, consider applicants differently: Despite uncertain times, medical schools are committed to admitting applicants without punishing them for circumstances beyond control. They prioritize community and connection, even in virtual settings.
During these uncertain times, medical schools are adapting to the changes and are committed to providing opportunities for applicants despite the challenges. Last year, some schools, including the one being discussed, entertained and admitted students without an MCAT score. This year, while requiring an MCAT, they have trained their screening and admissions committees to look beyond traditional metrics and consider applicants differently. The schools understand that candidates cannot be punished for circumstances beyond their control. The importance of community and connection is still a priority, even in a virtual setting, with initiatives like "Geisel Conversations" providing opportunities for applicants to interact with current students. The medical community remains grateful for the resilience and dedication of applicants, despite the challenges of the curriculum and career demands.
Geisel's Student-Centered Admissions Process: Geisel values student connections and encourages applicants to make their own, offers virtual interviews with access to applicant files, and emphasizes authenticity
At Geisel School of Medicine, the admissions process is collaborative and student-centered. The admissions committee does not curate connections between applicants and scholars or faculty, but instead encourages students to make those connections. The interview process is virtual this year, with the possibility of limited in-person campus visits for accepted students. Faculty interviewers have full access to applicant files, and the interview day includes a group exercise designed as an icebreaker to help applicants get to know each other. Geisel values students as integral members of the admissions committee, with students serving on the committee and having full access to applicant files. The interview process is flexible, with some committee members reviewing files beforehand and others meeting the candidate first. The admissions process emphasizes authenticity and encourages applicants to be themselves.
Getting to know each other during medical school interviews: Medical school interviews are a reassuring and low-stress process for well-vetted applicants to showcase their skills and desire to attend the school. Decisions are based on interview performance, and being on the waitlist doesn't mean low chances. Well-prepared candidates are valued, and the interview day is an essential step in the process.
The medical school interview process is designed to be reassuring and low-stress. Applicants are already well-vetted and meant to be there. The interviews are an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other, and decisions are made based on the candidates' performance during the interview day. The process is rolling admissions, and being on the waitlist does not mean the applicant's chances are low. In fact, the admissions committee values applicants who express their strong desire to attend the school. The candidates who get interviewed at Geisel are incredibly well-prepared, and the school regrets having to turn away talented individuals due to limited class size. Overall, the interview day is an important step in the process, but it's essential to remember that the applicants are already strong and well-prepared individuals.
Being authentic is essential throughout medical school applications: Authenticity is crucial for acceptance into medical schools and residencies, making it easier for the system to authenticate a candidate's desire to attend. Provide guidance and insight to help students make informed decisions.
Authenticity is crucial throughout the medical school application process. From the perspective of admissions, it's important to accept students who are genuinely committed to attending the school. Authenticity is especially important during the residency application process, where many more people are applying due to virtual interviews. Being honest and authentic makes it easier for the system to authenticate a candidate's desire to attend the school. The admissions process is tough, and there are many factors that influence a candidate's decision, but being authentic is a key message from beginning to end. It's an honor for those in the medical field to help students who may not have the opportunity to meet with admissions directly, and it's important to provide guidance and insight to help them make informed decisions. One book recommendation from the speaker for those interested in medical history is "How to Read a Book" by Mortimer J. Adler. This classic text provides valuable insights into the art of reading and understanding complex ideas.
The role of medical discoveries in shaping American medicine: Exploring medical history helps us understand the foundation of modern healthcare and appreciate the contributions of individuals like Doctor Florey, Alexander Fleming, and Charlie Best.
The history of medical discoveries is often overlooked despite their significant impact on modern healthcare. The influenza pandemic played a crucial role in shaping American medicine, leading to the establishment of institutions like Johns Hopkins. However, it's essential not to overlook the contributions of individuals like Doctor Florey in the discovery of penicillin, which was initially recognized by Alexander Fleming. Medical history is a fascinating subject, and it's sad that with the rapid pace of medical science, it's often neglected. Discoveries like insulin, which was discovered by a medical student named Charlie Best, are essential to understanding the foundation of modern medicine. It's crucial to appreciate the past to fully grasp the present and future of healthcare. I encourage everyone to explore the rich history of medical discoveries and the individuals who made them possible.
