Celebrate Earth Day by joining an open dialogue onOne HealthThe One Health concept is a worldwide strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment. Sponsored by the Northeast Branch, American Society for Microbiology and the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine on

Monday, April 22, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM  A light supper will be provided BUT advanced registration is required!

TO REGISTER and for more detailed information, , please go to: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=g8sdkygab&oeidk=a07e77ydotd7902b556

For as long as I can remember I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine because of the personal medical challenges I faced throughout my own life. More specifically, I always thought I wanted to pursue a career in Orthopedic Surgery. During undergrad at NU I did everything I could to expose myself to as many aspects of medicine as possible. Whether it be via volunteer work or co-op, I took advantage of being in the backdrop of such a large medical community in the Boston area. I had the opportunity to shadow and learn about many different medical fields. However, it was not until the end of my senior year while working a Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Sports Medicine as a Research Assistant that I was exposed to Podiatric Medicine. For my senior Capstone project I wanted to complete a project on foot health so I began working with one of the podiatrists in our department. Through this interaction I was able to get to know him on a personal level and began shadowing him and one of the other podiatrists on staff. As I learned more about the profession, the opportunities available, and the work/life balance, I realized that Podiatric Medicine was the perfect fit for me.

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process?

In preparing for medical school, first and foremost, I focused on my studies. As you will learn in medical school, your basic sciences really become the foundation of your medical education. Grades via GPA and MCAT scores are a big part of the application process for acceptance by any medical school: podiatric, allopathic, osteopathic, and dental. You want to put yourself in the best position possible as an applicant and GPA and MCAT scores are the first step. However, it is not the only part of your application. I really prided myself in being a well-rounded student through volunteer work, employment, and extracurricular activities. Nonetheless, it is the quality not the quantity of your experiences that is important. To have 2-3 activities that you have done consistently for a number of years is much more valuable than being a part of 5 different clubs, jumping from job to job, or doing multiple one time volunteer activities. You need to be able to discuss why you participated in these activities and the effect they have had on you.

Logistically, have an understanding of how the application process works before the time comes when applications are open. Have your personal statement and descriptions for your extracurricular activities completed to meet the needs of the application before it opens. Application into podiatry school is a bit different than allopathic medical school in that from what I remember the allopathic application opens up a month in advance before you are actually able to submit your application. The podiatric application does not open in advance. Once it opens you are eligible to submit it at any time. As with all other medical schools, applying as early as possible increases your chances as most schools have rolling admissions.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success?

Cooperative education was the experience that was most instrumental to my success. It helped get me to where I am today and exposed me to the podiatric profession which I did not know existed beforehand. Additionally, I was able to foster great relationships with staff members and doctors in many aspects of medicine that I still keep in contact with today. It is my drive and constant curiosity to learn from those in the medical field which has served me far beyond any class I took.

What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your medical school journey?

One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the MCAT. It becomes very difficult to prepare for the exam while also studying for current courses. But it is your ability to effectively manage your time and stick to a schedule that works for you. This is a skill that is absolutely essential to have in medical school. I gave myself ample time to study, took a review course (which I would recommend doing) and set a schedule for myself leading up to the exam all while keeping to account classes and my work schedule. You will learn very quickly once entering medical school that your ability to begin managing multiple tasks at one time will serve you well in your future medical career.

Did you did matriculate directly from NU to medical school or did you have a gap year?

I took a year off after graduating from NU before matriculating to medical school. I worked full time expanding my co-op job as a Surgical Research Coordinator at the Division of Sports Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital.

6. Whether you entered medical school directly from NU or had a gap year (or more), looking back, are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not?

At the time taking a year off was not something I particularly planned on doing; however, I am glad I did. The gap year provided me with a wonderful opportunity to take part in all aspects of clinical research. It gave me the knowledge to begin an independent research project that I am currently conducting in medical school. I was able to learn even more about the podiatric profession which further expanded my excitement to matriculate into podiatric medical school. Additionally, it gave me time to relax and really do some things that I had not had the opportunity to do in undergrad. Things such as traveling, becoming a more integral part in volunteer activities, saving money, and just having fun. Medical school can be very intense at times and has the potential to put a large stress on you. Take some time to unwind before you begin studying like you never have before.

Is podiatric medical school what you thought it would be? Would you share your thoughts?

I did not have a great deal of knowledge of what medical school was like during undergrad. I knew it would be tough I just did not to how tough. The best analogy I have been given to describe medical school is as follows: as an undergrad it is like drinking out of a water fountain but medical school is like drinking out of a fire hose. The volume of material and level of detail that you receive in medical school is far beyond anything you will learn in your undergraduate studies. You will be challenged like you never have before. With that said anyone has the ability to succeed. As I previously said, effective time management is absolutely essential. As long as you stay driven and motivated you will succeed.

Clinically, you will be exposed to so many different pathologies and will begin grasping what medicine is all about, treating patients, etc. It is your clinical education that catapults you into applying everything you’ve learned to real life clinical scenarios. Additionally, as a medical student and resident you will be rotating on all types of medical services outside of podiatry such as emergency medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, infectious disease, etc. In podiatry you learn how to become a well-rounded doctor that specializes in podiatric medicine.

The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences is an inter-professional graduate institution which offers Medical School, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, Physical Therapy, Pathology Assistant, Nurse Anesthetist, Pharmacy and many other programs. Many of our courses in the first and second year are taken with students from other programs, more specifically the Chicago Medical students. It has allowed me to not only gain a knowledge base in my own program but to interact, learn and gain an appreciation for other medical specialties.

What are your career goals right now? Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies?

After podiatry school I will complete a 3-year Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Certification. All podiatric residencies are now 3 year programs. Each residency is unique in that they have special emphasis depending on where your residency is completed. As I have been exposed to more aspects of Podiatric Medicine, my current interests include reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine. However, I have gained a strong interest in pediatric podiatry, diabetic wound care, and limb salvage. As I begin my rotations and clerkships during my third and fourth year I will be fortunate enough to get exposure to all these different aspects of podiatry which will help narrow down potential hospitals to do elective rotations and ultimately a residency.

Applicants should make sure that podiatric medicine is the RIGHT choice for them. Find podiatrists in the Boston area or your home town and contact them. Ask about shadowing and sitting down with them to learn more about the profession. Have an idea of what you are getting into, what the process is like, and how the career has impacted their lives. Also shadow other medical professionals to make sure your interests do not lie in another field of medicine. Like any professional program you will invest so much time into, your education is for the rest of your lives. Learning will (and should) never stop so you make sure that this is absolutely what you want to do.

Take advantage of opportunities and don’t be afraid to try new things. One opportunity always has the ability to open a door to success or even present you with something new.

Being a medical student and ultimately a doctor who will care for patients is a tremendous privilege and gift. But it is up to you to get there. Medicine is changing every day and podiatric medicine in particular is a medical field that is rapidly expanding. I encourage all students interested in medicine to explore podiatry and open themselves to the opportunities it can provide.

Please join MAPS and guest speaker Catherine Hamilton, Manager of Admissions and Multicultural Recruitment at the MGH Institute, for an overview of the programs on March 19th from 6:00pm – 7:00pm in 408 Ell Hall.

Through research and patient narratives, health writer Lauri Edwards explores patient rights, the role of social media in medical advocacy, the origins of our attitudes about chronic illness, and more.

The public is invited!

Northeastern Alum: Ken Stuart, PhD, President Emeritus and Founder, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute

Reception to follow in 440 Egan. For more information, please contact s.balal@neu.edu

The goals of the program are to help participants improve their qualifications and competitive standing for admission to professional, graduate and/or medical school. The program includes enrichment activities to enhance participants’ academic and communication skills. Sessions include the professional school application process with emphasis on medical school admissions and financing profession.

HSDM’s American Student Dental Association (ASDA) & Oral Health Pursuit of Equity Network (OPEN) presents this year’s Pre-Dental Mini-Conference. All pre-dental students are invited to join us for this wonderful opportunity to become oriented to different aspects of dentistry, as well as life in dental school. Meet the Director of Admissions at HSDM, current dental students, and other pre-dental students from around the Boston and New England area. Learn about the admissions process and get all of your questions answered! Food will be provided.

For more information, questions and to RSVP, please go to:

http://www.pingg.com/rsvp/hxvps3dayiaxznkwz

St. George’s University School of Medicine will be at Northeastern University on Tuesday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. in 408 Ell Hall to speak about the medical program, clinical rotations, residency placement, admissions and campus life.

The purpose of this year’s panel is to facilitate open discussion about health disparities affecting minority groups in the United States today, and inspire a new generation of students that will work towards eliminating these issues. The panelists will discuss their knowledge of health disparities and give attendees a background of the work they’ve done around this topic. Additionally, panelists will provide career advice to our students interested in various health related professions.

Dinner will be served!

Guest speakers include Dr. Milagros Abreu, MD/MPH, founder of the Latino Health Insurance program in Massachusetts and Project Director of Epidemiology at BUSPH and Dr. Johnye Ballenger, MD, a pediatrician in Cambridge with special interests in urban pediatrics and adolescent primary care and robust experience in child psychiatric care. Dr. Ballenger also sits on the Harvard Medical School Admissions Committee.

Thursday, January 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm
Raytheon Amphitheater

Please join NEURONS, NUAMSA, ACS, and Biochem Club for an interactive panel experience featuring renowned representatives of a variety of professions in the sciences. Meet a physician specializing in addiction medicine and leading researchers in radiochemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, and neurogenerative disease. Get to know recent graduates who are just beginning their journeys toward solid careers, such as medical students, graduate students, and research assistants/coordinators.
The event will feature a short panel discussion followed by an interactive session where you will have the opportunity to have a small group discussions with guest speakers of your choice. Ask well-established professionals and individuals at the starts of their careers about the ins and outs of finding your way in the vast opportunities that a degree in science can afford you.

Refreshments will be served!

We are having a Healthcare Student Group Mixer on Thursday, January 17 @ 6PM in 448 CSC.

This is a great opportunity to meet students that are also in health science related majors and learn how to become active on campus. There will also be a raffle to win a $10 Dunkin Donut Gift Card!

Hope to see you there! Freshmen and transfer students are especially welcome!

Pursuing Career Opportunities in Global Health: An Interprofessional Panel Discussion

5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2012

Raytheon Amphitheater, Northeastern University

Panelists:
· Jennifer Fotiades, MPH, Human Resources Manager, Pathfinder

· Andrea Flynn, MBA, MSW, Vice President of the MAC AIDS FUND

· Richard Wamai, PhD, Assistant Professor of African American Studies, Northeastern University

· Brook Baker, JD, Professor of Law, Northeastern School of Law, Policy Analyst for the Global Access Project

· Colleen Larkin, Northeastern University alumna

Moderator: Shan Mohammed, MD MPH, Director, Master of Public Health Program in Urban Health, Northeastern University

Please Register:

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4696955721/

All interested students are invited.

Go to the CONTACT US link to request an appointment.

We wish you well as you move closer to the opening of the 2014 application cycle!

No need to RSVP.

No need to RSVP.

President Joseph E. Aoun hosts a conversation with world-renowned systems biologist, Dr. Leroy Hood

All are invited!

Reception to Follow!

Dr. Begley will talk about the upcoming application cycle and what you can expect before and after applying to Health Professional Schools. Learn about the application process at Northeastern and what to do if you come up short in one area of your application.

Questions about applying, selecting schools, interviews, and finances are encouraged.

See you there!

Wondering what the first year is like? Do you have questions about the application process and want tips from those who have successfully gained admission into a highly respected medical school?

If you answered yes to any (or all!) of those questions, come join NU-MAPS at our general body meeting! We are hosting a panel of 5 medical students from Tufts University School of Medicine, Class of 2016. The application process is fresh in the minds of these first-year medical school students, so come by to get your questions answered and hear about their experiences!

All are welcome!

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

Please come to one of these meetings to learn more about the components of a competitive application and how using MedAppTrak will help you get a headstart on preparing your application.

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP.

This workshop will present an overview of the new MCAT, to be introduced in 2015 and provide information that will help you in deciding which courses you should be taking in future semesters, starting in January 2013.

All are welcome.

More information about the speakers will be posted as it becomes available.

To date, we have three physicians who have confirmed that they will attend:

David Barbie, MD – Oncologist from Dana Farber who specializes in Lung Cancer.
Dr. John V. Chang (D.O.) University of New England Graudate, Primary Care and Emergency Medcine Speciality
Dr. Suzanne Berlin (D.O.) University of New England Graudate, Brigham and Women’s Oncologist

Chinese Food and drinks will be served.

• Provide a much-needed service in their community.
• Develop valuable skills, including public speaking, teaching, and leadership skills.
• Expand their career opportunities.
• Learn useful health information.
• Be an integral part of the campus community.

Questions? Contact northeastern@peerhealthexchange.org. Apply online at www.peerhealthexchange.org/apply by Sunday, September 16th at 5:00pm

• Provide a much-needed service in their community.
• Develop valuable skills, including public speaking, teaching, and leadership skills.
• Expand their career opportunities.
• Learn useful health information.
• Be an integral part of the campus community.

Questions? Contact northeastern@peerhealthexchange.org. Apply online at www.peerhealthexchange.org/apply by Sunday, September 16th at 5:00pm

• Provide a much-needed service in their community.
• Develop valuable skills, including public speaking, teaching, and leadership skills.
• Expand their career opportunities.
• Learn useful health information.
• Be an integral part of the campus community.

Questions? Contact northeastern@peerhealthexchange.org. Apply online at www.peerhealthexchange.org/apply by Sunday, September 16th at 5:00pm

She will present an overview of the Advising Program and its resources, including the PreHealth Advising website, workshops, presentations, and how to register as “premed”.

All are welcome.

Please feel free to visit his AAMC-sponsored blog at AspiringDocs.org:

http://aspiringdocsdiaries.org/devon/

All are welcome.

FRESHMEN WELCOME.

Freshmen Welcome!

There will be many opportunities at this event to interact with Harvard Medical School physicians, medical students, and pre-medical students from around the country.

Additionally, on Sunday September 16th from 9am-2pm there is a MAPS Leadership Retreat taking place at Northeastern University hosted by NU-MAPS as part of the NLI conference.

Below is the link to register and attached is the agenda for the event. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1133316

Thank you to the NU MAPS student organization for providing this information.

Please click on this link for more information about the event: http://www.tufts.edu/vet/open_house/.

Please DO NOT contact the PreHealth Advising Program for more information.

The objectives of the workshop are to provide information about the how and when to request letters of evaluation, what you should tell evaluators so that they will (hopefully) write strong letters in support of your application, and the Committee Letter process and important deadlines to consider.

No need to RSVP.

This workshop will review the dates that have been set and how your ability to meet these deadlines will help you to become fully prepared to submit your application as early in the 2014 matriculation cycle as possible – an important component of a competitive application.

This workshop is scheduled for:

Wednesday, November 7th, at 6:00pm in 220 Shillman.

We will also review the 2014 Applicant Agreement, which must be submitted by all applicants who plan to become eligible to request a PreHealth Advising Program Committee Letter to accompany the 2014 application. (The 2014 applicant agreement will be available on-line within the next few days and must be submitted by January 31, 2013.)

Please e-mail j.woolfson@neu.edu to RSVP your intent to attend this workshop. That action would be appreciated.

Thank you so much!

Ms. Woolfson

This workshop is intended for students and alums who are preparing to sit for the MCAT in 2013.

We will review the parameters of competitive MCAT scores, introduce the resources available at the AAMC website to help you prepare, and review how the 2013 MCAT differs from previous MCATS.

Dr. Begley and I will lead a discussion of the components of a competitive application AND provide an overview of the important dates and deadlines that we have established over the2012-2013 academic year for applicants who intend to be eligible to request a PreHealth Advisory Program Committee Letter.

We encourage you to prepare for this meeting by logging into your MedAppTrak account to obtain the NEW password (recently changed) for the Student/Applicant Section and then log into the Student/Applicant Section to review the information and the appropriate Self-Assessment Guide at the links that follow:

http://www.northeastern.edu/prehealth/student-applicant-pages/matriculation-information/

http://www.northeastern.edu/prehealth/student-applicant-pages/matriculation-information/priority-deadlines/

Re-Applicants or First-Time Applicants who have attended kick-off meetings previously – We encourage you to attend!

If you are new to Northeastern and you are exploring the fields of allopathic, osteopathic, dental, podiatric, optometric, or veterinary medicine as potential careers, please plan to attend this meeting.

We will provide an overview of the University PreHealth Advising Program and the resources that we provide. We will also present an overview of what you should be doing during the next four years in addition to excelling academically in order to achieve your goal.

If you are not in the Boston area, please log into the Student/Applicant section of the PreHealth Advising website and look for the Preparing for the Interview page in the 2014 matriculation pages to download a pdf of the most recent workshop.

If you plan to attend the workshop on September 12, 2012, please RSVP to j.woolfson@neu.edu.

As much as we encourage applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible, do not submit until you are sure that your application is complete and accurate, that your OAT score is competitive, and that you have completed your NU PreHealth Committee Letter Interview (if applicable).

Please log into the 2013 Matriculation Pages to locate the link to the OptomCAS application.

As much as we encourage applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible, do not submit until you are sure that your application is complete and accurate, that your GRE (or MCAT) score is competitive, and that you have completed your NU PreHealth Committee Letter Interview (if applicable).

Please log into the 2013 Matriculation Pages to locate the link to the VMCAS application.

CAUTION: As much as we encourage applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible, do not submit until you are sure that your application is complete and accurate, that your MCAT score is competitive, and that you have completed your NU PreHealth Committee Letter Interview (if applicable).

Please log into the 2013 Matriculation Pages to locate the link to the AACPMAS application.

Most US schools of dental medicine have a rolling admissions policy, meaning that they review applications as they are received. Competitive applicants may be offered interview as early as mid-august, depending upon the specific school.

CAUTION: As much as we encourage applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible, do not submit until you are sure that your application is complete and accurate, that your DAT score  is competitive, and that you have completed your NU PreHealth Committee Letter Interview (if applicable).

Please log into the 2013 Matriculation Pages to locate the link to the AADSAS application.

The first date on which you may SUBMIT your application has not been posted but it is typically in early June. Most US schools of osteopathic medicine have a rolling admissions policy, meaning that they review applications as they are received. Competitive applicants may be offered interview as early as mid-august, depending upon the specific school.

CAUTION: As much as we encourage applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible, do not submit until you are sure that your application is complete and accurate, that you know your MCAT score (and it is competitive), and that you have completed your NU PreHealth Committee Letter Interview (if applicable).

Please log into the 2013 Matriculation Pages to locate the link to the AACOMAS application.

The first date on which you may SUBMIT your application is June 5, 2012. US schools of medicine have a rolling admissions policy, meaning that they review applications as they are received. Competitive applicants may be offered interview as early as mid-august, depending upon the specific school.

CAUTION: As much as we encourage applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible, do not submit until you are sure that your application is complete and accurate, that you know your MCAT score (and it is competitive), and that you have completed your NU PreHealth Committee Letter Interview (if applicable).

Please log into the 2013 Matriculation Pages to locate the link to the AMCAS application.

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process? To apply to medical school, I had to prepare myself in many ways. My preparation included service, studying, academics, and gaining experience. There was not an official start and end to this preparation, everything was an ongoing process well before the official opening of the application season. Services included community work and clinical volunteering. Studying mostly centered around my preparation for the MCAT, but many aspects of the interviewing process can also be studied, or rather rehearsed. I prepared my academics throughout my undergraduate years, staying focused on all classwork. I also gained a great deal of experience in hospitals, and research labs. Here I was able to show my ability to apply what I am learning.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success? By far, my work in a laboratory on campus was most instrumental. Collaborating with scientists and physicians in an applied setting was very beneficial. This kind of experience is only beneficial if you really love medical research. I have found similar benefit from getting significantly involved in clinical volunteering.

What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your medical school journey? It was a long journey that took a great deal of perseverance. There will be a few set backs along the way, but if it is what you want then you will find a way to keep going. For me it was dealing with the long application cycle twice. It was difficult not to get in the first time. Depending on the number of schools to which you apply, it can even be very expensive. But, most of all, it can be frustrating. It is important to understand that things will work out. I did not think having the extra time between college and medical school would be something positive. However, I made it so. Getting a chance to work in the science field, do more research, and develop more as a whole person was something I would not trade back now.

Did you did matriculate directly from NU to medical school or did you have a gap year? I had a gap year. I actually applied directly from NU but was not accepted until my second time applying. In the gap, I worked for a company doing clinical research. I also maintained some of my responsibilities in the undergraduate lab I worked in. All the while, I maintained my effort to study and improve each aspect of my application.

Whether you entered medical school directly from NU or had a gap year (or more), looking back, are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not? Yes I am happy with the decision I made. The process took so long, that I was able to participate in so many experiences that reassured me of this decision. So, it’s not always a bad thing to not get in the first time, or to have a gap year.

Is medical school what you thought it would be? Would you share your thoughts? Medical school is an adaptive experience. It’s not so much the difficulty of the material, but the volume of the material that gets presented which makes it difficult. But what makes it amazing is how it all gets integrated. Every class is integrated into the curriculum, so you will be presented the biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, physiology, pathology of the same clinical correlation. Even better, you will begin seeing clinical examples if the patients you slowly begin encountering, or seeing, with physicians. So it’s a lot of independent book learning, very heavy, but more clinical experience than I expected.

What are your career goals right now? Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies? My career goals are generally the same. I would like to practice clinical medicine, rather than go into academic medicine. However, now that I am being introduced to the wide variety of fields and specialties of clinical medicine I am enjoying specialties that I never thought I would. So, if anything, my career goals have expanded.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine? Medicine is a great field of study because it is so interdisciplinary. I encourage you to explore as much as you can about medicine, community service, patient interactions, the academics, and even the research. When anything or everything that you are doing in your preparation (academics, research, volunteering etc) reminds you of medicine, then you should give applying everything you can.

Most Recent Update: 4/11/2012

Students of all ages, school counselors, advisors, and others interested in dental education are welcome to attend. This event is open to all attendees!!

Registration is open at http://info.adea.org/DEP/Highlights/2012_ADEA_Dental_School_Virtual_Fair-Dental_Schools/.

Students of all ages, school counselors, advisors, and others interested in dental education are welcome to attend.  This event is open to all attendees!!

Registration is open at http://info.adea.org/DEP/Highlights/2012_ADEA_Dental_School_Virtual_Fair-Dental_Schools/.

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process?   I didn’t do anything in particular to prepare myself for medical school. I felt like my undergraduate science training was quite strong and that would prepare me for medical school coursework (and it did!). I did take a year in between NU and Sinai to work, which gave me a break mentally.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success?  I think the coursework and research I participated in at NU was really fundamental in shaping my career. I met a lot of important mentors from whom I received good advice. They always encouraged me and really helped me develop as a researcher. They had career tracks that I wanted to emulate and so working alongside them was quite inspiring for me.

Did you matriculate directly from NU to medical school or did you have a gap year?  I took a year to work in a research laboratory. I don’t think I needed the extra experience, but it helped me to take a break from the rigors of school. I had a pretty intense senior year, filled with lots of activities, so it was nice to relax a bit before school started up again.

Whether you entered medical school directly from NU or had a gap year (or more), looking back, are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not?  I was already going to enter a very long program, so any years off would only prolong my medical school graduation. Despite this, I definitely relished my gap year and would do it again if given the choice. The gap year also allowed me to get a glimpse of life outside school. After working for a year I was really eager to get back into the classroom, which I may not have been if I had gone straight to medical school.

Is medical school what you thought it would be?  Would you share your thoughts?   Medical school is pretty much what I thought it to be, which is a good thing. It is a lot of hard work but it is certainly a privilege. It’s exciting to be able to directly apply your knowledge to help people. The journey isn’t for everyone, but I know I definitely made the right decision.

What are your career goals right now?  Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies.   My original inspiration to apply to MD/PhD programs was to have a career in both basic science research and clinical medicine. It’s certainly difficult to juggle both, but I have met mentors that are doing it well. It’s a great opportunity to be able to direct what goes on in the lab towards what is needed in the clinic. We’re in a fantastic age where cutting edge science is really influencing medicine and I’d really like to be a part of that.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine?  It’s certainly a difficult path but it can be quite exciting. Seek out mentors that will inspire and advise you. Keep doing what you’re interested in, whether that’s clinical volunteer work, research, global health, or something else you’re passionate about. That stuff will really form the base for a good application. Keep working hard- it will definitely pay off!

Most Recent Update: 4/11/2012

We will have special guest Dr. Alden Landry, an Emergency Medicine Physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, come in to visit. He will be hosting a special workshop for our group where students will get the chance to solve a fictional ER case!

MAPS, in collaboration with students from the NU Physical Therapy Program, is hosting a program entitled, “Working in the Culture of Homelessness.” The purpose of the program is to educate students about the problem of homelessness and help us to understand its social, political, and ecological implications.

It will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 325 Behrakis from 9:30am – 11:00am in place of our regularly scheduled meeting.

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process? It’s a bit hard for me to articulate that – things that seemed like disappointments ended up being opportunities and towards the end everything seemed to fall in place. I was surrounded by supportive friends who were going through the same process but at different times; we rallied around one another. Solidarity was important but we also gave advice and helped calm each other. I suppose I just became dedicated to the idea of the medical profession and tried to follow the guidelines delineated on what one should do during the process. I volunteered at BWH with the ambassador’s program, shadowed my PI in the clinic, read many medically-related books, some written by doctors (Abraham Verghese, Atul Gawande, Lisa Belkin, Ben Carson, Richard Preston, Michael Collins, Oliver Sacks, Tracy Kidder, Frank Vertosick…) and other books on whatever topics I liked. Reading a variety of media on different subjects is fun but also helps stimulate dialogue. Seeking advice at the NU PreHealth office and from Dr. Begley was tremendously helpful and a great source of guidance as well.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success? I absolutely loved my undergrad experience. I really enjoyed creating the Biochemistry Club; it almost became an obsession to make sure it took root and blossomed. I enjoyed my co-op experiences and the wonderful places I was able to work at. I did bio-organic research with a faculty member almost all 4 years with CEA-Way and FURI funding and it was a way to apply some of what I was learning in class to practical situations. My classes were also really engaging, fun and robust learning experiences so I appreciate all I was exposed to and able to do.

What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your medical school journey? Many of my obstacles and hurdles were personal issues that had to be overcome for me to progress further at the post-graduate level. Although, at the time, the personal issues were immensely burdensome, the circumstances that they created ironically allowed for so many amazing opportunities. Financial barriers are also something that one has to consider – attempts at saving and frugality really do help. Having a plan and identifying action points really do keep on one on track and is reinforcing when you see what you’ve accomplished.

Did you did matriculate directly from NU to medical school or did you have a gap year?
If you did not matriculate directly from NU to medical school, how many gap years? What did you do during your gap year(s)? I had 4 gap years between NU and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. I worked at the Harvard Institutes of Medicine in Boston for 3 years studying different autoimmune processes and targeted therapeutics. I learned so much from my colleagues. It was a really dynamic and fulfilling experience. I worked on my 21st Century Scholarship (from NU) project which was creation of a non-profit for HIV/AIDS awareness in Liberia and, later, women’s and girl’s empowerment. I videotaped their experiences for a documentary, which really resonated with me and helped direct my interests towards public health. I then attended Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for an MPH degree where I had another amazing experience. Everyone in our program was so experienced, down to earth, personable, and knowledgeable. The environment provided so many opportunities to get engaged at the local, state, national, and global level. I completed my thesis on adolescent pregnancy in Liberia and worked at the JHSPH Center for Clinical Global Health Education to develop a teaching collaboration with the medical education system in Liberia. I also learned a lot about global health project development and execution.

Whether you entered medical school directly from NU or had a gap year (or more), looking back, are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not? Many circumstances out of my control impacted the number of my gap years but I could not be happier. I feel I am so much more prepared for school and parsing through the kind of future I might want because of the time I spent before entering medical school.

Is medical school what you thought it would be? Would you share your thoughts? I expected medical school to be a formative experience in many ways. I was excited about the chance to learn a lot of interesting things, meeting really inspirational and dedicated people, and get involved in activities that challenged my ideas and capacity. I find school to be just this but even better.

What are your career goals right now? Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies. I don’t think my goals have changed but they have been refined as time has elapsed. I foresee myself learning how to encompass the various experiences I’ve had into an effective professional outlook. I hope to combine public health, basic science and clinical interests towards a life-long study in an area that I can work to impact patient care, outcomes and quality of life.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine? I was very happy taking time off and getting the opportunity to learn new and different things and almost everyone I know who took time off was very happy with what they accomplished. I think seeking help is important, taking time to research your interests and options, being aware of the dialogue about and trends in medicine and health care delivery and recognizing that everything you learn (from science to sociology) will impact the kind of doctor you will be is really beneficial. I would say to be excited about what you want to do and keep focused.

Want to make a living making a difference?

Meet with over 60+ organizations in health care, education, human and social services, international development, the environment, social enterprise, and the arts to find out about job and internship opportunities.

Dress professionally and bring resumes.

To see a full list of employers, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/7gahcaq

PLEASE RSVP TO j.woolfson@neu.edu BY MARCH 27th (9:00am) if you plan to attend.

This workshop will be held only if 10 individuals RSVP.

Please come to this workshop to learn more about the components of a competitive application and what you should be doing the the next twelve months to assure that you will be a competitive applicant. The material presented may also help you decide if you need more than 12 months to become competitive. That insight is OK – the best year in which to apply is the year in which you can be the most competitive applicant you can be.

Please look for an E-Mail from the PreHealth Advising Program (3/13/2012) and RSVP through that e-mail.  Please RSVP on or before Monday, March 19th.

FOOD and BEVERAGES WILL BE SERVED, BEGINNING AT 5:30PM.  Presentation will begin at approximately 5:45pm

For a preview of the information to be presented and discussed, please listen to (or download the text) the ONE YEAR AWAY PODCAST.

Speakers will discuss how individuals become homeless, what challenges they face, how we can get involved and help out, and why they chose a career in this field.

The NUAMSA 2nd General Body Meeting will take place after the presentation with a discussion of events that are planned for the remainder of the semester.

The general interest meeting for FACE AIDS at NU will be on Wednesday, February 29th at 7pm in 458 Richards Hall. The chapter leaders will introduce the group, followed by a presentation given by two staff members from Partners In Health, the organization supported by FACE AIDS fundraising efforts.

If you have any questions, feel free send an e-mail to faceaidsnu@gmail.com.

NU-AMSA has arranged a program at the Shapiro Clinic Simulation and Skills Lab of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The program will be held on Wednesday, April 11th and will run from 12:00pm-2:00pm. (Sorry – the center is open only during the daytime hours.)

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Sim labs, these are centers that are located in most medical schools (and teaching hospitals). The sim labs provide additional training for health professionals using virtual patients and body parts. The session on April 11th will be structured in the form of a 2-hour tour that includes skills stations such as blood draws, virtual reality simulators, and intubation practice. This session will provide an inside look about how medical professionals not only get their training, but also how they stay up-to-date with all those procedures.

To help cover the total cost of this program (sessions at sim labs are a bit expensive), there is a small fee of $10.

NU-AMSA needs to know as soon as possible who is planning to participate. Please note, the number of people who will be able to attend is limited. Attendees must stay for the whole session (12:00pm-2:00pm), meaning no late arrivals or early departures.

To register, please send an email to Pamela Rudnicki at rudnicki.p@husky.neu.edu. You must be a member of NUAMSA, meaning that you must pay your dues for the 2011-2012 school year. Please direct your questions to Pamela Rudnicki – NOT the PreHealth Advising Program.

More information/details will be sent to participants when as the date of the event gets closer.

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process?
I prepared for medical school by studying for my undergraduate courses. As a biology major at NU, in my final semesters, I completed several courses (Biochemistry Dr. Dmitry Blinder, Cell Biology Dr. Wendy Smith, and Medical ethic Dr. Kerry Dugan) that greatly benefited me in my first year of medical school.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success?
I was very focused when I began going to school. I transferred to Northeastern from Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn NY and my main goals were to do well in my classes, to graduate from NU, and to start medical school. Looking back, it would have be nice to take advantage of NU Coop program and spend a semester conducting research or working, but I was determined to complete the work I set forth for myself.

What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your medical school journey?
Growing up in Brooklyn NY was not very easy.  There were many distractions that caused me to lose focus of my dream of one day becoming a surgeon.  I was more involved in my extracurricular activities than doing well in my classes.  After high school my grades were so bad that I was not accepted into any colleges.  I decided to enlist in the United States Army at the age of 17 as a 13B Artilleryman. I excelled in the Army, was promoted to Sergeant at the age of 20. My mentors instructed me to continue on in the Army and become a career soldier. I was contemplating re-enlisting in the Army, when a good friend of mine was killed in an IED explosion on the streets of Baghdad.  His death was the deciding factor in my decision to leave the Army.  Not because his death scared me, but his death made me ask myself a very important question “Is this what I wanted to do with my life?” the answer was no, I wanted to be a surgeon.  Using the values, leadership skills, and the discipline I gained in the Army, I was honorably discharged from the Army and began the long journey to one day fulfilling my dream of becoming a surgeon.

Whether you entered medical school directly from NU or had a gap year (or more), looking back, are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not?
I am very happy with the decision I made. The time between finishing NU and starting medical school was very relaxing. I worked fulltime, but I got to take a break from studying all the time and I really enjoyed my job and my coworkers.

Is medical school what you thought it would be?  Would you share your thoughts?
Medical school is very challenging. I have found that the material is not extremely difficult but the amount of material you are required to absorb is enormous.

What are your career goals right now?  Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies.
Before starting medical school I already knew I wanted to become a surgeon.  Since starting medical school, and working with my preceptor, I have now decided to become a surgical oncologist specializing in breast surgery.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine?
Do the best you can in all your classes.  Shadow a physician, volunteer at a hospital or do something else that is medically related to gain experience in the medical field where you will eventually provide care for patients.

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process?
I mostly concentrated on doing as well as I could in my undergraduate classes and tried to balance that with gaining a good amount of clinical exposure.  As far as the application process goes, I tried to prepare my personal statement and MedAppTrak responses well in advance of when they would be needed.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success?
Northeastern provided me with the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills through the experiential education that I received on my first co-op. During this time, I was able to obtain a job at Professional Ambulance of Cambridge, which gave me extensive clinical experience working in a busy urban environment.  I found that I enjoyed the work and decided to work on a year-round basis.  During my service there, I obtained over 4,000 hours of direct patient care experience. While working at Professional Ambulance, I decided to take my medical education one step further by participating in an intensive paramedic training program which involved an additional 1,200 hours of classroom education as well as a clinical internship at Boston Medical Center.  The internship offered a broad exposure to different aspects of medicine.  Rotations included time in the emergency room, anesthesia, pediatrics, labor & delivery, psychiatry, and the intensive care unit.  Every rotation gave me a sample of the exciting possibilities each field had to offer.  As I moved through the departments, I imagined myself working as a physician on each of the services.

What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your medical school journey?
The MCAT!  I think it is definitely the most feared component of the process. However, I decreased my stress by studying early and testing early.

Did you did matriculate directly from NU to medical school or did you have a gap year? Whether you entered medical school directly from NU or had a gap year (or more), looking back, are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not?
I matriculated directly.  I am happy I did not take a gap year.  I felt that I was able to get my clinical experience through the coop program and did not see the need to take an additional year off.

Is medical school what you thought it would be?  Would you share your thoughts?
Medical school is more work than anyone will believe unless they have been there.  Even the top students are spending 10-12 hours studying and going to class every day.

What are your career goals right now?  Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies.
My goal when starting school was to become an emergency medicine physician.  I have not changed my goal but will be keeping an open mind when it is time for rotations.  I would eventually like to be in a position to teach and advise those who come after me.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine?
If you can see yourself doing anything besides medicine you should do that instead.  There are much better and more efficient ways to make a living.  I will be 31 years old when I finish my residency.  If you are going to spend 12 hours a day everyday for the next 4 years (and probably the rest of your life) learning medicine, you need to love what you’re doing and have a passion for it. Regarding the application process- the most controllable factor in all of this process is timing.  Applying as early as possible in the cycle is a huge advantage and involves no additional work.

Two Area D.O.s will come to Northeastern to speak about their experiences and Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Berlin and Dr. Chang are both leaders in their fields and graduates of the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Berlin (D.O.) is a Medical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. She Practices Gynecologic Oncology in the Medical Oncology department at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  Dr. Berlin was a graduate of the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and has completed a residency at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital and a fellowship at the Boston Medical Center.

Dr. Chang (D.O. MSc, FACEP, FAAUCM) is a primary care physician who practices family and emergency medicine in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was elected as the Vice President of the Massachusetts Osteopathic Society, to the Board of Directors of the American Board of Urgent Care Medicine, New England Osteopathic Association and as a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Growing up I had always been fascinated by science and by the potential it had in transforming the way we understand the world we live in today. My passion for the biological sciences propelled during high school, particularly due to the passion and motivation that my AP Bio teacher had when teaching it. At that point, I participated in a youth forum on medicine and was introduced to the world of clinical medicine. From that point on, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, I just wasn’t sure in what context that would be.

Coming to Northeastern, I then became involved in basic science research and was captivated by it. I began struggling with whether I wanted to get involved in medicine from the biotechnology side or the clinical side, and slowly things came together. As much as I loved basic science research, I felt that pursuing a career in clinical medicine was better suited for my personality and my overall goals in addressing the health needs of individuals from a population based perspective.

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process?

During my time at Northeastern, I made sure that I only participated and engaged myself in activities and programs that I was truly passionate about. I think this significantly helped from a few different perspectives. First, I developed strong relationships with the individuals that I worked with, including various professors, who were willing to write letters of recommendations on my behalf.  When completing the application process, the prompts and statements that I was asked to write about really came as second nature to me because all of my extra-curricular activities were things I had become emotionally invested in.

In terms of preparing myself for medical school, I took the summer before starting as a way to just relax and prepare myself for the challenges that were to come. I felt it was important to begin school relaxed and mentally prepared – especially given the pace of classes and the transformation that you go through during medical training.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success?  What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your medical school journey?

There were two major programs that truly allowed me take advantage of the opportunities available to me at NU. First was the financial and social support that the Latino Student Cultural Center (LSCC) provided me. After my freshman year, I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to continue to pursue my degree at Northeastern because my family didn’t have the resources to support me financially. Through the center, I was fortunate enough to be chosen for a scholarship that gave me the chance to stay at NU. Additionally the center provided me with a home away from home – a second family that I could turn to for support or advice – without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today.

In addition to the LSCC, my experiences with the Social Enterprise Institute (SEI) at NU really broadened the way that I viewed the world and the determinants of health. At its core, the SEI really focuses on the utilization of business and business principles as drivers for social change with programs such as microfinance. Participating in their programs made me recognize that the ultimate metric of health status was well-being, and that well-being was a function of more than just health care. It made me realize that to truly impact an individual’s well-being, systems had to be in place that effectively addressed various social determinants of health as opposed to those that just focus on healthcare delivery. These experiences encouraged me to apply to the MD/MPH program at Tufts.

Having entered medical school directly from NU – are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not?

Because of the educational model that NU utilizes, I was able to participate in co-op and get involved in activities that most traditional students can’t without taking time off after. So for me, NU’s unique educational model really contributed to me being happy with my decision.

Is medical school what you thought it would be?  Would you share your thoughts?

Med school is and isn’t what I thought it would be. If I were to try to compare it to anything – it would be taking college level classes that have a little more depth to them, on a high school schedule. Because of this, it’s really a matter of learning how to handle the volume overload of material, and then adjusting accordingly to make sure you still make time for family and friends (Although I’m sure that will change with 3^rd year!).

What are your career goals right now?  Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies?

I’m still in the air about what type of medicine I’d like to practice, but my goals have changed in that I now know that I want to also be involved in public health. I think it’s a fascinating perspective being able to translate the physician-patient relationship to the broader implications that this has on the health of populations.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine?

The best advice I received during college was to make sure I maintained a balanced life. It’s important to put your best foot forward in the classroom and do your part academically, but it’s equally important to let yourself get involved in activities that you are truly passionate about. I often find that students are so caught up in doing what is “traditional” to get in, that they forget that the goal of medicine is to allow people to truly enjoy the activities that make them happy.

Posted: 1/20/2012

Please join the team and donate to a great cause. The actual event is on Saturday, March 24th in Matthews Arena. The event starts at 5 PM Saturday and runs until 5 AM Sunday, but you don’t have to stay for the entire event.

Any contribution you can make will help!!

NUAMSA Relay for Life Team Page

Topics that will be discussed:

*    Where their interest in medical school came from
*   Advice for preparing for and going through the med school application process
*   What their strong points were as a candidate for medical school
*   What they are enjoying most about medical school so far, or finding to be the biggest   challenge
*   The different combined programs available (i.e. MD-PhD, MD-MPH, MD-MBA)

You will be able to ask the panelists any questions you may have for about 30 min after the panelists have finished speaking.

We really hope to see you there!

You will have the opportunity to hear inspirational personal stories… of how the panelists achieved their careers in health care. The evening promises to be filled with encouraging words, networking, and meeting new friends. This year the focus will be on mentorship, and the importance of having mentors at different stages of ones career and endeavors.

Dinner will be Served!!!!!

PLEASE RSVP through OrgSync
The panelists are:
Jose Alberto Betances, MD
O’Neil Britton, MD
Joan Y. Reede, MD, MPH, MS, MBA
Irene Porro, PHD

Co-Sponsors- NUAMSA, HDSC, PreSOMA and HSU

My interest stemmed primarily from my father’s undying love, commitment, and passion for his profession.  We have always had similar interests growing up, so naturally I found the dynamic field appealing and stimulating while assisting him. It is a career that demands mental toughness and physical excellence.  Knowing myself, dentistry matched up well to my athletic passion for strategy, desire to fulfill the needs of patients and love for utilizing my hand skills.

How did you prepare yourself for dental school? The application process?

I prepared myself for dental school through extensive hours (over 1,000) of dental assisting at my father’s office and shadowing of local oral surgeons- there is nothing like experience as a learning tool.  The more I observed –procedures, the art of explanation to patients on their options, treatment planning, diagnosis of x-rays—the easier and more comfortable clinic and lab sections became in Dental school.

The biology courses at Northeastern were instrumental to my success.  The higher level courses –biochemistry, parasitology, histology, molecular cell –provided a strong solid foundation for the didactic portion of Dental school.  As some of my fellow students struggled with the biological details and equations, I found most of the material review.  A part of Northeastern that was sometimes difficult, yet extremely beneficial for everyday life was the degree of responsibility instilled on every student. As you know, we have to fabricate our own class schedule, choose additional programs to boost our resume and apply for the co-operative programs.  It forced me to be organized, a skill that I am able to use as secretary of my Dental school class by constantly updating our demanding schedule.

What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your dental school journey?

One obstacle I had to overcome on my dental school journey was balancing sports, extracurricular programs and academics.  I was sure not let myself get caught up entirely in grades and placed heavy emphasis on exercise and being involved in other activities, like volunteer work.  Although school was my top priority, there were invaluable lessons to learn in life outside the world of academia.  You’re going to have off days.  I cannot stress the importance of having an activity outside of school to fall back on, that makes you happy and rejuvenates you for a new day with a different outlook.

Another obstacle I had to overcome was the fact that I did not have the perfect 4.0, although I tried extremely hard, I was not the “perfect” student.  Instead, I was a well-rounded student with a laundry list of extracurricular activities that had slightly impacted study time.  It was discouraging at first, but I quickly learned that grad programs are searching for a person who is in balance.  The interviewers were actually pleased to hear that I could handle all of my outside activities and maintain a reasonable academic average.

Did you did matriculate directly from NU to medical school or did you have a gap year?

I had one gap year in between Northeastern and Dental school.

I decided to graduate a year early (4 years instead of 5) and by the time I realized this, the deadline was the next week for the applications.  Instead of jumping the gun, I took the extra time to gain more experience and applied for a surgical assisting position down in Augusta, Georgia in the General Practice Residency Program at Medical College of Georgia.

If you did not matriculate directly from NU to medical school, how many gap years? What did you do during your gap year?

Working in the General Practice Residency Program at Medical College of Georgia, I learned a huge amount of invaluable information that has excelled me through Dental school and will undoubtedly help me thrive in private practice.  I became familiar with dental materials, customized procedure techniques, as well as taking x-rays and making impressions.  This program specialized in implant placement, surgical extractions, bone grafts and sinus lifts besides the usual realm of general dentistry, which meant I was in heaven 40 plus hours a week.

Whether you entered medical school directly from NU or had a gap year (or more), looking back, are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not?

I would not trade my gap year experience for anything.  I have the upmost respect for the attending and the residents who have been through that program. I have such a strong foundation that I am building upon right now.  I am more prepared for clinic then I would have been if I had matriculated right after undergrad.

Is medical school what you thought it would be? Would you share your thoughts?

I thought dental school would be incredibly fast paced and challenging and I would be struggling to keep up with the workload. Which was true at first, but it becomes a way of life and you get used to the pressure and heavy schedule.  I have always been one to react well in the face of a challenge; it becomes a competitive game to me.  I am constantly trying to better myself and as long as I am learning from my mistakes, I stay positive and consider myself doing well.  We, dental students, learn how to take criticism in a constructive manner very quickly, ask anyone of us.  We are here to discover our weaknesses, fix them, and become competent in our skills to help patients. I love what I am doing, so it makes dental school pretty simple and easy.  Plus, I believe that there is a reason and rhyme to all the madness: our curriculum is preparing us for real life situations so we will be able to react to all situations in a calm and collective manner. Being responsible for a human being is a serious matter, so I am glad we are put through continuous hurdles.

What are your career goals right now? Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies?

One of my goals is to be an associate dentist or own my own dental practice someday. I would also like to become a general dentist with the capability of placing implants, performing extractions, and doing IV sedation for my patients.  My goals have not changed since the start of dental school, but I still have two and a half years to go.  I have a strong background in dentistry, so I am pretty firm on that direction, but it could change at any second.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine?

My advice to future applicants of Dental school is that you need to be well rounded.  Dental schools would rather a 3.5 (GPA) student who is well rounded, than a 4.0 student who doesn’t have a clue what the world looks like outside of the library.  You live in Boston, so there is no excuse.  There are a million different activities happening around you at this very minute. You have to be able to relate to all different cultures and understand your future patient base. So get out and be social in different activities offered by Northeastern. Take advantage of the different clubs, sports and unique opportunities you have now.  Learn how to play the piano, paint, draw, learn sign language –refining those fine finger movements will make you a top candidate and put you ahead of your class in clinic and lab.  Be a leader –you need to learn how to motivate and inspire your peers, because if you can’t, how do you think you’ll gain that ability for future patients? Push yourself to the limit by packing your schedule full of activities, because it will make the transition in Dental school easier. Lastly, do not get discouraged.  Learn from your mistakes and keep going; you can always turn a negative into a positive.  One of my mottos has been “Never give up; challenges are put there to test how much you want something”.

Posted 1/17/2012

All interested in learning more about CFHI Global Health Education Programs are invited to call in and follow along online as staff and CFHI alumni talk and take questions about:

* CFHI’s 20+ programs in 5 countries;
* 2012 Dates and Deadlines
* How CFHI Supports Local Communities Abroad
* Our newest Intensive Beginner Spanish Program
* Effective CFHI Fundraising Tools
* Upcoming CFHI Scholarship Opportunities (deadline: Jan 16th!)

To Participate:

* January 19th @ 4pm Eastern: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
* January 25th @ 8pm Eastern: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

You will receive an email follow up with information on how to join the conversation. For more information visit our webinar info page or view the Facebook Events.

All interested in learning more about CFHI Global Health Education Programs are invited to call in and follow along online as staff and CFHI alumni talk and take questions about:

*   CFHI’s 20+ programs in 5 countries;
*   2012 Dates and Deadlines
*   How CFHI Supports Local Communities Abroad
*   Our newest Intensive Beginner Spanish Program
*   Effective CFHI Fundraising Tools
*   Upcoming CFHI Scholarship Opportunities (deadline: Jan 16th!)

To Participate:

*   January 19th @ 4pm Eastern: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
*   January 25th @ 8pm Eastern: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

You will receive an email follow up with information on how to join the conversation.  For more information visit our webinar info page or view the Facebook Events.

All are welcome to attend!

How did you prepare yourself for medical school? The application process?
Throughout my experience at Northeastern I remained focused and committed to my studies. Now in medical school, I am reminded quite often of how well the Northeastern curriculum prepared me. I also sought extracurricular opportunities while at Northeastern, which included participating in undergraduate research, and serving as a Resident Assistant in the Department of Residential Life.

What undergraduate experiences were most instrumental to your success?
My co-op exposure at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as an inpatient physical therapy assistant was deeply impacting. Working along such talented practitioners as our patients walked for the first time following joint replacement and other surgeries was remarkable. This was care in its most raw form, and I feel so fortunate to have spent time with the therapists and patients at BIDMC.

What obstacles or hurdles did you overcome in your medical school journey?
I have become very efficient in mapping out my day and managing my time to allow for school, studying, and personal time to relax and visit with friends and family.

Did you did matriculate directly from NU to medical school?
I graduated from Northeastern in January, and before starting school in August I returned to my second co-op employer and continued as a research technician for 8 months.

Having entered medical school directly from NU – are you happy with the decision you made? Why or why not?
I am happy with my choice. NEU prepared me well for medical school and I am glad I was able to enter Tufts after a terrific final semester at Northeastern. The momentum carried me into the start of medical school and since then I have been off and running.

Is medical school what you thought it would be? Would you share your thoughts?
Medical school is terrific. Yes, it is difficult at times and laborious throughout, but I could imagine no other path for someone who enjoys science and is dedicated to helping others in a compassionate and caring manner. The camaraderie at Tufts is also great, everyone in the class supports their peers, there is very little competition and it is an environment where we have all thrived together.

What are your career goals right now? Have they changed since you begin your medical school studies?
I have joined the Maine Track Program at the medical school since enrolling. This will give me the opportunity to conduct my third year rotations in Maine in addition to learning more about the health care climate in the state. This is a real privilege for me as someone who intends to stay and practice medicine in Maine, where I was raised and where my family resides.

What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine?
I would encourage anyone considering medicine to shadow someone in the healthcare field (Nurses, physical and occupational therapists, physicians, physician assistants, etc.) Not only will this impress upon them the importance of all these roles in healthcare, it will allow one to consider these many roles and what may be the best fit for each individual. My advice: Keep an open mind regardless of where you end up in healthcare, and remember that our ultimate goal is to provide thoughtful and compassionate care as a team.

Posted 1/5/2012

If you are eligible* to apply for 2014 matriculation and plan to apply, we encourage you to attend
the Information Session to be held at Tufts School of Medicine on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 5pm.

Location: Sackler Building, Room 114 – 145 Harrison Avenue, Boston MA

*Please be sure that you have requested NU PreHealth Advising Program confirmation of your eligibility through MedAppTrak.

Please attend this workshop to learn more about what you should know before you sit for the MCAT.

• Should I take a Prep course offered by Kaplan, Exam Krackers, etc.

• How do I know when you are ready to sit?

• What are the potential consequences of a poor MCAT score?

• How many times can I sit for the MCAT?

Although intended for students and alums planning to sit for the MCAT in 2012, it may be helpful for those planning for a 2013 MCAT, too!