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Gearing Up for Medical School: What you need to know!
High School
College
Medical School
Profession
Kendy Oláguez, MAProj. Director, Pre-College & Research Initiatives UIC Hispanic Center of Excellence
Yolanda Campbell, MPHAssistant Director of Student DevelopmentUIC College of Medicine Urban Health Program
Introduction
Hispanic Center of Excellence (HCOE)To improve the medical care of Latinos in Illinois by providing programs that strengthen the pipeline and increase the number of Latino applicants pursuing health careers; enrich the education of Latino students, with an emphasis on producing linguistically and culturally-competent health practitioners; and build partnerships with others that share the same vision.
COM Urban Health Program (COM-UHP)The mission of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Urban Health Program (COM-UHP) is to recruit, retain, and graduate underrepresented racial/ethnic minority students, specifically African American, Latinos, and Native Americans, into the health professions [...] with the goals of eliminating health disparities and advancing health equity. The COM-UHP is located on all four College of Medicine campuses and serves over 3,000 individuals annually, including over 1,000 high school students.
Have you ever asked yourself…I. What does a doctor really do and what does it take to become a doctor?
II. What can I do as a H.S. student to get prepared to become a doctor?
III. What opportunities exist for me to get involved and further experience the field first-hand?
IV. What should I take into consideration as I think about college and how will I pay for college?
V. While in college, what would make me a competitive applicant for medical school?
VI. What does life look like after medical school?
Overview
I. Becoming a doctor….A. What does it take?
• Commitment• Motivation• Education• Passion
B. What does a doctor’s job entail?1. In general a doctor:
• Takes care of and treats patients• Diagnoses patients• Advises patients• Performs physical examinations/diagnostic tests/procedures• Recommends treatment options
2. Additional Paths:• Research• Academia
I. Becoming a doctor….C. What are the different types of physicians?
• Primary Care Physicians: provide first contact for patients and whom patients visit most frequently. They provide preventive care as well as treat illnesses.
• Specialists: have knowledge related to specific diseases as well as expertise in particular areas of the body, organs, and systems
• Surgeons: perform operations to repair injuries and treat diseases
Source:www.aamc.org
H.S.(4 years) Diploma
College/ University (4-6 years/ 90
credits) Undergraduate Degree: varies
Medical School
(4 years) Medical Degree
Residency
(2-7 years)
Fellowship
Training
(1-4 years)
Fig. 1 Pathway to a Career in Medicine
I. Becoming a doctor….
11-16 Years to Become a Doctor
II. What you can do NOW!
A. Build a good academic foundation & school rapport 1. Consider the courses you are taking
• focus on math, science, and writing• take advantage of advanced classes/programs (i.e. Honors,
IB) & Advanced Placement coursework• monitor progress in classes and maintain a strong GPA• start early and prepare for standardize tests (ACT/SAT)
2. Get to know your teachers and counselor/post-secondary coach!
• Visit your counselor at least every semester • Visit the post-secondary office and take advantage of the
opportunities (i.e. college visits, internships, scholarships)
II. What you can do NOW!
B. Develop & implement strong educational habits1. Time management skills
2. Study habits
3. Test taking skills
4. Written and verbal communication skills
II. What you can do NOW!
B. Build your resume1. Get involved in extracurricular activities at your school to develop
your leadership skills2. Volunteer outside your school in the community, medical setting,
lab or shadow your doctor3. Participate in academic enrichment programs
VERY IMPORTANT!!!!• Quality vs Quantity• Dedication• Don’t over involve yourself
III. Opportunities for YOU!!!
A. Your experience in a medical career can begin today! There are numerous programs and opportunities for you in Chicago and across the country:
1. Visit aamc.org to learn about research and summer programs opportunities
2. Visit the UIC College of Medicine (COM) to learn more about the Hispanic Center of Excellence’s (HCOE) and the COM Urban Health Program’s health preparation programs
III. Opportunities for YOU!!!
B. Hispanic Center of Excellence (HCOE)
Fig. 2 HCOE Health Professional Pipeline
College of Medicine Urban Health Program
CHICAGO- Med Day
- Bridging the Gap - UHP Health Professions
Conference- Summer Research
Opportunities-Campus Visits
ROCKFORDPipeline Project
PEORIAManual High School Enrichment Program
Undergraduate Student Development
(Advising, Post-baccalaureate Program, Summer Prematriculation Program, Recruitment, Med school
application assistance)
Medical School Student Development
(Academic support, Career and Leadership
Development)Community/Faculty and Alumni
(Health fairs, professional development workshops)
III. Opportunities for YOU!!!
Fig. 3 COM UHP Pipeline Programs
IV. College is around the corner, consider this…
A. Selecting a college/university that is right for YOU!!
1. Community College vs. University2. Size (small/medium/large)3. Location: In-state or out-of-state4. Public or Private5. Residential or Commuter6. Cost7. Support systems (personal and academic)
IV. Financing your education
1.Start saving today for tomorrow!
2.Know your financial options
3.Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
4.Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Federal St
ateInstitution
alScholarship
s
V. Preparation during collegeA. Selecting a major: major in something you’re passionate about, you’re not required to have a science major
1. Some colleges offer a B.S./M.D. Program (last 6-9 years)
B. What makes a competitive medical school applicant• Academics/college standardized test (MCAT)• GPA – varies by medical school (AP credits are not calculated into the GPA)• Required Course work: Biology, chemistry with labs, organic chemistry, physics, calculus,
social sciences (psychology, sociology)• Some schools may require statistics, biochemistry, other courses• Recommend not taking more than two science or math courses at a time (especially during
the first two years)• Demonstrated motivation for medicine/passion• Exposure to medicine through shadowing, employment and/or enrichment programs • Leadership• Outside of the classroom activities - Volunteer/Community Service/Extracurricular activities
(don’t over involve yourself)• Strong Letters of Recommendation (connection with professors)• Research (not required but strongly encourage)• Professionalism/Reputation
V. Preparation during college
C. Who can advise me about preparing for medical school?1. Pre-med or pre-health advisor can help you:
• Facilitate your medical school application• Select courses to satisfy requirements• Find tutoring if needed• Plan academic schedule • Prepare for interview• Arrange for letters of recommendation**If a pre-med or pre-health advisor is not available, contact your academic counselor or career counseling center or talk to a professor**
2. Other support services on campus (i.e. UIC COM-UHP, HCOE, AAAN, LARES, etc.)
IMPORTANT: Do not let anyone discourage you from your desire to become a doctor!Find someone who is invested in your success!
V. Preparation during Medical School
A. Items to consider for your preparation: • 4 years• Academics (Classroom/clerkships and standardize tests (USMLE Step 1 & 2)• Exposure to medical specialties• Leadership• Volunteer/Community Service• Research• Interpersonal/Professionalism/Reputation• Support systems (personal and academic)
VI. Life after Medical School
• Residency (specialty) training (2-7 years)
• Fellowship training (1-4 years)
• Standardized test USMLE Step 3
• Remember it can take 11-16 years to become a doctor after high school
Kendy Oláguez, MAUIC Hispanic Center of Excellence in Medicine
Yolanda Campbell, MPHUIC College of Medicine Urban Health
312-996-7166
ResourcesAssociation of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) www.aamc.org Aspiring Docs website: www.aamc.org/aspiringdocs
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)COM UHP: www.uicmeduhp.orgHCOE: www.medicine.uic.edu/hcoe LARES: http://lares.uic.edu/ AAAN: www.uic.edu/depts/aaan
