Podcast Summary
A New and Diverse Medical School with Full Tuition Coverage: The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, California, is a new medical school with a mission to provide world-class education and full tuition coverage to its students. It is committed to producing physician leaders and accepted 50 students in 2021, with 52% being women and 40% from underrepresented groups.
The Kaiser Permanente Bernard j Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, California, is a new and diverse medical school with a mission to provide world-class education and full tuition coverage for its students. The school, which opened in 2020, is committed to producing physician leaders who serve and improve the health and well-being of patients and communities. Ageisha Lanier, an admissions counselor and recruitment coordinator at the school, guides applicants through the admissions process and creates recruitment strategies. The school received over 11,500 applications in 2021 and accepted 50 students, with 52% being women and 40% from underrepresented groups in medicine. The school is a private institution that accepts applications from outside of California but not from international students or Canadians. It was recently named the 6th most diverse medical school in the nation and second in California by US News and World Report. If you missed the webinar about the school, you can find the recording in the description of this episode.
From Academic Advising to Nursing Admissions at Kaiser Permanente: Geisha's passion for education and unexpected opportunities led her from academic advising to nursing admissions at Kaiser Permanente, where her experiences make her an excellent fit.
Geisha's journey into higher education and her current role in admissions at Kaiser Permanente Medical School is the result of her passion, experience, and unexpected opportunities. She started in academic advising but found her true calling in nursing admissions at her alma mater, Mount Saint Mary's University. After 11 years in higher education, she received an unexpected email about a position at Kaiser Permanente and, with encouragement from colleagues and family, decided to apply and was hired. Geisha, a lifelong Californian, enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, and rooting for her favorite sports teams, particularly the Los Angeles Rams. Her experiences and dedication to education make her an excellent fit for her role at Kaiser Permanente.
Innovative Medical Education with Early Clinical Interaction and Virtual Reality Anatomy: This medical program stands out with its early clinical interaction, focus on family medicine and internal medicine, addition of specialties, virtual reality anatomy, real human specimens, access to traditional dissection labs, and partnerships with top universities for advanced degrees.
The discussed medical program offers a unique curriculum with early clinical interaction, a focus on family medicine and internal medicine in the first two years, and the addition of specialties in the second year. Students also learn anatomy through virtual reality and simulation without the use of cadavers. The program's anatomy resource center features real human specimens, called plastinates, designed to last for a long time. While some students may prefer traditional dissection labs, the program also offers access to various institutions, including Caltech, for those who desire that experience. Additionally, partnerships with UCLA and USC allow for master's programs. Overall, the program's innovative approach to medical education, including its focus on technology and clinical experience, sets it apart.
A holistic medical education at Geisha University: Geisha University's INSPIRE curriculum provides students with small group case-based learning, research opportunities, community service, and a well-rounded education without lectures.
The INSPIRE curriculum at Geisha University's medical school offers a unique learning experience with a strong focus on small group case-based learning, research opportunities, and community service. Students are required to complete a scholarly project and have access to substantial resources to help them succeed. Additionally, they are situated at community health clinics every month during their first two years to address community needs and extend their experiences with the Kaiser Permanente centers. This curriculum, with its emphasis on integration, nurturance, scholarship, public population health, innovation, resilience, and equity, sets students up for a well-rounded education. The curriculum does not include lectures, so prospective students should consider if small group learning is a good fit for them before applying.
UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy's Clinical Immerison Program: Building Community-Engaged Pharmacists: UC San Francisco's clinical immersion program equips students with hands-on experience, fosters community engagement, and prioritizes student wellness, creating well-rounded healthcare professionals.
The University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy's innovative clinical immersion program aims to prepare students not only as future healthcare professionals but also as active members of their communities. During their first year, students familiarize themselves with the clinic, patients, and staff, fostering a holistic understanding of social and environmental influences on health and well-being. In their second year, they begin working on projects and directly contributing to the clinic. The school prioritizes student support through affinity groups and academic resources, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment. UCSF's small class sizes provide ample opportunities for students to connect with faculty and advisors. Moreover, student wellness is a significant focus, with wellness programs integrated into the curriculum. Overall, this comprehensive approach to pharmacy education sets UCSF students up for success both personally and professionally.
Geisha University's REACH program: Prioritizing personal growth and well-being: Geisha University offers a REACH program with academic rigor, personal development, and financial support, setting it apart and attracting over 11,000 applications
Geisha University's innovative curriculum includes a comprehensive personal and professional development program called REACH. This five-module series, which stands for reflection, education, assessment, coaching, and health and well-being, takes place every quarter and is led by Kaiser Permanente physician coaches. Students receive tuition and fees scholarships, as well as grants to cover living expenses, and even free health care. The REACH program is a favorite among students and sets Geisha University apart by prioritizing their personal growth and well-being alongside academic success. The tuition waiver is set to last until 2024, but discussions are ongoing to extend it beyond that. With this unique combination of academic rigor, personal development, and financial support, it's no wonder Geisha University received over 11,000 applications last year.
Emphasizing Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity with Holistic Review: Medical school prioritizes equity, inclusion, and diversity, requires behavioral/social science and humanities courses, and interviews 700 applicants annually, looking for excellent critical thinkers, mature individuals, those who desire to serve, humble leaders, good team players, and lifelong learners.
This medical school places a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, and diversity in its mission and principles. They require applicants to complete a behavioral or social science course and a humanities course, reflecting their holistic review process. Despite not requiring organic chemistry or biochemistry for admission, they expect applicants to have a solid foundation in the relevant subjects for the MCAT. They interview close to 700 applicants annually and look for applicants who are excellent critical thinkers, mature and adaptable, have a desire to serve, demonstrate humility and commitment to leadership and advocacy, value coaching and small group learning, and are good team players who appreciate an experiential curriculum and are committed to becoming lifelong learners. These qualities align with the school's curriculum and values.
Demonstrating adaptability and maturity in medical school applications: Applicants who adapt to unexpected circumstances, reflect on their experiences, and align their applications with a school's values stand out in the medical school application process.
Medical schools value applicants who are adaptable, self-reflective, and mature. These qualities can be demonstrated through personal statements, activities, and experiences. Applicants who take the initiative to adapt to unexpected circumstances, such as virtual shadowing experiences, are highly regarded. Schools place great importance on how applicants write about their experiences and what they have learned from them. To stand out in the application process, it's essential to read mission statements and vision statements and tailor your application to align with the school's values. The quality of experiences and the insights gained from them are more important than the format they come in. Virtual shadowing experiences, although less common in the future, are still valued by medical schools and demonstrate an applicant's ability to adapt and take initiative.
Virtual sessions offer human touch during pandemic: Educational institutions conduct virtual office hours and info sessions to stay connected with applicants, providing valuable human interaction and reducing anxiety during the admission process.
During the pandemic, this educational institution started virtual office hours and information sessions to stay connected with prospective applicants. These sessions have become popular and offer applicants the opportunity to ask questions, receive updates, and get reassurance throughout the admission cycle. The sessions include weekly office hours, monthly information sessions, and even an evening format. The interview process is a hybrid of multiple mini interviews (MMI) and traditional one-on-one interviews. In the MMI stations, applicants receive a scenario and discuss it with an interviewer for 2 minutes before reading the scenario, and the interviewer has not had access to the applicant's file. In contrast, the traditional one-on-one interview is more personal and lasts about 29 minutes, with the interviewer having access to the applicant's file. Overall, these virtual sessions provide a valuable human touch and help reduce anxiety for applicants during the lengthy admission process.
Personalized Interview Experience at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine: Applicants receive a meaningful and personalized interview day with traditional interviews, opportunities to connect with faculty, and a chance to meet with the dean CEO.
That during the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine interview day, applicants can expect a meaningful and personalized experience. The interviews are not just for the school to assess the applicants, but also for the applicants to get to know the school better. The interviews are traditional and last for approximately 29 minutes, followed by opportunities to connect with current students, deans, and even the dean CEO, Dr. Mark Shuster. Dr. Shuster personally meets with each applicant to share his story and answer their questions. The school values authenticity and encourages applicants to be themselves during the interview process. The school is considering offering virtual interview options for those who cannot attend in person. Overall, the interview day is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience for applicants.
Interview Day at Kaiser Permanente: Making You Feel Comfortable: Kaiser Permanente interviewers prioritize creating a comfortable and approachable environment, aiming to engage in a dialogue, and will guide the conversation to help you showcase your best self.
During your interview day at Kaiser Permanente, the admissions team prioritizes making you feel comfortable and putting you at ease. They understand that the interview process can be stressful, and they aim to create a personable and approachable environment. It's important to remember that the interviewers are there to engage in a dialogue, not for you to give a lengthy speech. They will ask follow-up questions and allow you to ask clarifications. Practicing the MMI format and timing is recommended, but don't worry too much about memorizing lengthy responses. Instead, focus on reflecting on the scenarios and sharing your thoughts. The interviewers are experienced professionals who will guide the conversation and help you showcase your best self. Additionally, take advantage of mock interview opportunities to familiarize yourself with the format. Acceptances are typically put out after the interview day, so stay tuned for updates from the admissions committee.
Staying in Touch with Medical Schools During Application Process: During medical school applications, wait for interview invitations before sending updates. After interviews, attend office hours or support group sessions for guidance. Application process is extensive, and schools have enough information to make decisions.
During the medical school application process, it's important for applicants to understand the role of updates and communication with the admissions office. While some schools may consider updates if an applicant has been invited for an interview, it's crucial to wait for that invitation before sending any new information. Applicants are encouraged to stay in touch after interviews and can attend office hours or support group sessions for guidance and clarification. The application itself is extensive, and schools have enough information to make an interview decision without additional updates. Overall, clear communication and patience are key during the application process. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out directly to the medical school for clarification.
University Encourages Direct Communication with Prospective Students: Prospective students are encouraged to attend virtual office hours, information sessions, or email the university for accurate information and guidance. The university values communication and engagement with students and advisors.
The University is inviting prospective students to reach out to them directly for accurate information and guidance. Agesha, the university representative, emphasized the importance of having the right information to achieve desired results. She encouraged students to attend virtual office hours, information sessions, or email the university to get their queries answered. Agesha was excited about being on the podcast and expressed how far the university has come in terms of engagement with students. She also welcomed advisors and other admission personnel to their sessions, emphasizing the importance of their involvement. Overall, the University's open-door policy towards communication and engagement with prospective students is a key takeaway from this discussion.
