In this episode, host Christian Essman sits down with Dan Kallenberger, Assistant Dean for Recruitment, Admissions, and Whole Health Initiation at the brand new Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) in Bentonville, Arkansas. Together, they dive into what makes AWSOM stand out—from its innovative, art- and humanities-integrated curriculum and unique whole health approach, to the striking, state-of-the-art building that literally features a rooftop park and garden.

Dan shares his journey in setting up another new medical school and talks candidly about making the move to Northwest Arkansas, revealing the hidden perks of the area, from the lively food and arts scene to abundant outdoor activities. You'll get the inside scoop on AWSOM's mission to serve rural and underserved communities, their hands-on curriculum focused on collaboration over competition, and robust student support services.

If you're a prospective applicant, you'll hear valuable advice on the admissions process—including what makes an applicant stand out, tips for interviews, choosing effective letter writers for recommendations, insight into MCAT and prerequisite expectations, and what holistic review really means at this innovative institution.

Tune in for an "awesome" conversation about building a medical school from the ground up, rethinking medical education, and what it means to create a compassionate, community-centered culture for future physicians.

Perfect for aspiring med students, pre-health advisors, or anyone curious about what it takes to launch a new medical school and apply with purpose!

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

RESOURCES:

AAMC Virtual Fair - October 29 & 30, 2025 Registration

https://www.alwmedschool.org/ YouTube ARCHES Curriculum

CONTACT:

[email protected]

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Medical School Recruitment Leader Dan

10:18 "Choosing Warmer Opportunities"

15:06 "Arches Curriculum Overview"

16:53 Engaged, Interactive Learning Approach

26:51 Community Engagement and Service Initiative

29:08 New Med School Growth Journey

38:38 Aligning Applicants with School Values

39:36 Holistic Medical School Admissions Criteria

48:33 Unexpected Benefit of Seeking Help

55:09 Reapplicants: Focus on Self-Reflection and Progress

57:47 Reflective Reapplication: Lessons Learned

01:03:23 Interview Day: Mutual Evaluation Focus

01:08:23 Preparing for Interview Day

01:16:50 Subscribe, Review, Share: Podcast Growth

In this episode, host Christian Essman sits down with Dr. Tejal Parikh, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. They dive into everything prospective applicants need to know about UA COM, from the school's innovative curriculum and block system, to its student support structure, distinction tracks, research opportunities, and what makes Tucson such a unique place to live and study.

Dr. Parikh shares an insider's view on what makes her school special—including its tight-knit community vibe, stunning campus, and the outdoorsy, food-loving culture of Tucson. Hear firsthand how mentorship, mental health resources, and dedicated learning specialists shape the student experience. Plus, get tips on writing effective applications, what the admissions committee is really looking for, and how the MMI interview process works at U of Arizona COM. Christian and Dr. Parikh swap stories about admissions, offer candid advice on MCAT preparation, gap years, and reapplication strategies, and even share some memorable med school acceptance moments.

Whether you're considering applying, prepping for interviews, or just curious about med school life in the Southwest, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and practical advice you won't want to miss.

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

RESOURCES:

https://medicine.arizona.edu/

CONTACT:

[email protected]

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Meet the Trailblazing Medical Dean

10:46 "The Power of Pause"

14:15 Stress-Free, Supportive Medical School

18:02 Free Counseling for Medical Students

23:42 Medical Education Distinction Tracks Overview

27:54 Four-Year Medical Research Project

36:37 Applicant Qualities and Demonstration

41:19 Blinded MMI Process Explained

47:36 Clinical Observation Recommendation Required

48:53 Unique Med School Recommendation Requirements

56:16 "MCAT Prep: Academic Athletes' Routine"

01:00:31 Assessing Med School Momentum

01:05:25 Virtual Tour and Student Insights

01:13:48 A Fulfilling Life's Work

01:16:17 Support & Share the Podcast

Are you prepping for your upcoming medical school interviews and not sure where to start? In this special episode of All Access: Med School Admissions, hosts Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, and Dr. Lina Mehta, Associate Dean for Admissions, at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine sit down for an in-depth, practical guide to mastering the med school interview process.

From adapting to virtual formats like Zoom and making the most of your video presence, to handling nerves, navigating time zone challenges, and preparing for classic questions like "Tell me about yourself" and "Why medicine?"—Christian and Dr. Mehta cover it all. The episode is packed with honest advice on being authentic, outlining your personal story, what not to do, and even how to follow up after the big day.

Whether you're looking for advice about tech setup, the importance of body language, managing interview disruptions, or making a great impression in Q&A sessions—this conversation delivers expert tips straight from leaders with years of admissions insight.

If you want to feel confident and well-prepared for your next med school interview, don't miss this episode!

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Medical School Interview Tips

08:55 Embrace Authentic Conversations Over Scripts

12:30 Interview Procedure Explained

21:15 Transparency and Global Interviewing Insights

26:01 Interview Communication Tips

27:06 Overcoming Nervous Speech Habits

33:13 "Embrace Individuality, Know Yourself"

42:23 Research Schools Before Interviews

44:54 Effective Questions for Residency Interviews

52:19 Debrief After Every Experience

58:03 Balancing Seriousness with Lightheartedness

01:00:03 Subscribe, Review, and Share Podcast

It's back-to-school time with the All Access: Med School Admissions Podcast! In this insightful episode, host Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, sits down with Alexis Catanzarite, a seasoned pre-health advisor and Associate Director of Healthcare Careers at CWRU. Together, they dive into the real-life challenges, anxieties, and excitement that come with starting or returning to college as a pre-med or pre-health student.

Alexis shares practical advice on avoiding the classic "September creep," managing FOMO, and striking a healthy balance between academics, extracurriculars, and personal well-being. Christian and Alexis break down the myths around perfect GPAs, what makes an experience "meaningful" on med school applications, and the realities of taking gap years. They also tackle the importance of executive functioning, building relationships with advisors and faculty, and making the most of available campus resources—including mental health support.

Later in the episode, Alexis flips the script, asking Christian burning questions that pre-health advisors constantly get from students. The pair's honest, encouraging dialogue is packed with actionable tips for thriving in college and building a compelling med school application—reminding listeners that self-care, authenticity, and a growth mindset are just as critical as grades and resume-builders.

Whether you're an incoming first-year, a returning student reassessing priorities, or just curious about medical school admissions, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to start the year off informed, empowered, and energized!

Follow Alexis and read her posts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acatan/

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Advisor Insights with Alexis Catanzarite

06:42 Proactive Semester Planning Tips

11:00 Prioritize Meaningful Opportunities

20:51 Freshman Transition Challenges and Advice

25:17 Join Study Groups Early

27:59 Lasting Instructor-Student Connections

37:17 Connecting Students to Resources

38:37 Prioritizing Mental Health in College

44:04 "Importance of Prompt Email Response"

51:04 Pre-Med Advising: Retake Strategy

55:37 Discovering Fencing Through Friendship

59:48 Categorizing Medical Experience Hours

01:05:07 Soul Searching for Career Choices

01:12:58 "Subscribe, Review, Share Podcast"

In this special episode, host, Christian Essman, sits down with Dr. Darcy Holtgrave, Program Manager of the MEDOP Advising Office at the University of Missouri. Drawing from her unique background as a folklorist and advisor, Dr. Holtgrave shares candid insights into the real questions, anxieties, and misconceptions faced by pre-med students.

Together, Christian and Darcy tackle four pivotal topics:

• The myth of the "checklist mentality" in building a med school application

• The true value of meaningful experiences over raw numbers of hours

• How non-medical activities (yes, even managing a car wash or fencing club) can enhance your candidacy

• The bridge (not "gap!") year—how to reframe and maximize intentional time between undergrad and med school

Dr. Holtgrave also introduces her approach of guiding students through values-based decision-making, urging pre-meds to align applications with personal purpose and authenticity—not just external comparison.

Whether you're overwhelmed by advice on Reddit, uncertain about your path, or just seeking reassurance on your journey, this episode is packed with honest guidance, practical strategies, and empathy for every stage of the pre-med process. Don't miss this wide-ranging, energizing, and deeply human conversation!

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

RESOURCES:

AAMC Pre-Med Competencies

Characteristics of 2nd year students: Gregg-Jolly et al, Sterling

Intrinsic motivation, flow: Pink, Csikszentmihalyi

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Hayes

And values decks!

The Values Deck Shalom H. Schwartz

Living Into Our Values Brené Brown, Dare to Lead

Personal Values Card Sort Miller et. al. Motivational Interviewing

Core Values List James Clear, Atomic Habits

The Live Your Values Deck Lisa Congdon & Andrea Niculescu

Join host Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, for a quick but information-packed update on the latest in medical school admissions. In this episode, Christian highlights important upcoming info sessions for prospective applicants, including dates and details on how to sign up. He also breaks down key updates for the 2025-2026 application cycle, sharing his expert insight on AMCAS timelines and why you shouldn't stress about hitting "submit" on the first possible day. Plus, Christian offers high-impact tips for crafting an application—covering everything from storytelling and feedback to owning your unique experiences and perfecting the details. If you're thinking about applying to medical school, you won't want to miss these brief strategies and important reminders to help you on your journey.

• CWRU School of Medicine MD Programs:
  • May 14, 2025 at 7:00-8:00 pm EST - Register
• Application Tips and Insight - don't hit send to AMCAS until you attend!:
  • May 22, 2025 at 4:00-5:00 pm EST - Register
• CWRU School of Medicine Admissions Site with more information.

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

In this episode of "All Access: Med School Admissions," host Christian Essman invites Dr. Ioannis Koutroulis, the Associate Dean of Admissions at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, to share insights into what makes GW's program unique. Dr. Koutroulis discusses his journey in medical school admissions and the rewarding challenges of selecting future physicians at such a prestigious institution. Dive into the innovative curriculum at GW, including their Clinical Public Health curriculum and Scholarly Concentration program, and discover how GW supports its students with various programs and community engagement opportunities. Additionally, Christian and Dr. Koutroulis break down the nuances of the admissions process, including the importance of holistic review, PREview scores, and how applicants can best showcase their personal attributes. Whether you're a prospective medical student or just curious about the world of medical school admissions, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the heart of GW's medical program. Tune in for an engaging conversation on navigating the path to becoming a physician citizen.

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

RESOURCES:

2024 Enrollment Infographic

AAMC Fee Waiver Assistance Program

AAMC Virtual Fair - April 16 & 17, 2025 - Register Here!

George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Curriculum

Resiliency & Well-Being Center

Admissions > Experiences > Attributes > Academic Achievement

CONTACT: [email protected]

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 AAMC Fee Assistance Program Update

10:30 Passion for Academic Medicine

15:02 Optional Scholarly Concentration Program

19:11 Hybrid Medical Education Approach

25:45 Campus Wellness Initiative Success

29:54 Diverse Clinical Exposure in D.C.

37:17 Cultivating Community-Focused Physicians

40:03 Quality Over Quantity in Experience

44:00 Evolving Communication Skills

49:41 MCAT Attempts and Score Consideration

55:16 AI's Role in Medical Admissions

01:02:12 Avoid Reading from a Screen

01:05:30 Showcase Unique Attributes in Applications

In this compelling episode of All Access: Med School Admissions, host Christian Essman sits down with medical students, Ricky Ditzel and Brentyn Jones, two remarkable individuals transitioning from the elite world of Special Operations Forces to the demanding field of medicine.

Discover how skills from military training, such as resilience, leadership, and confident communication, are invaluable in medical school and careers. Ricky and Brenton share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of life experiences, vulnerability in applications, and continuous growth. They offer crucial advice for veteran applicants and all applicants, highlighting that success in medicine is about more than just academic readiness.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that bridges the gap between military and medical professions, providing actionable insights for all prospective medical students.

Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and motivation!

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

RESOURCES:

Special Operations Forces To School of Medicine (SOFtoSOM)

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Medical School Insights and Partnership

06:01 From Army Medic to Med Student

09:23 SOF Medicine School Initiative

10:48 Military Med School Support Group

15:31 Medical School Preparation Support Program

19:00 Medical Cohort Success and Growth

21:16 Resilient Medic Problem Solvers

26:33 "Earning Your Trident Daily"

28:43 Academic Challenges and Overcoming Failure

31:54 Confidence: Key Differentiator in Med School

37:43 Rise in Non-Traditional Applicants

39:16 Leveraging Skills in Non-Traditional Applications

43:48 Empathy Over Skills in Med Applications

47:21 Academic Success Beyond Initial GPA

49:04 Embrace Unique Skills for Admissions

52:49 Embrace Vulnerability in Storytelling

57:11 Simplify Military Award Statements

Are you planning to apply to medical school in the next cycle? This episode is packed with practical advice to help you get ahead in the application process. From studying for the MCAT to drafting a compelling personal statement and identifying strong letter of recommendation writers, we cover the essential steps to set yourself up for success.

My guest today is Dr. Kathy Lee, a northeast Ohio native with an impressive background in science, education, and student mentorship. Dr. Lee earned her PhD in Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, with post-doctoral fellowships at Cornell and Case Western Reserve University. After nearly two decades at John Carroll University, where she served as Director of Pre-Health Professions, Dr. Lee brought her expertise to our admissions Dream Team this past June.

Join us as we discuss actionable strategies and insights to help you navigate this exciting journey toward a career in medicine.

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, FOLLOW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman

RESOURCES:

• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists
• University of Utah Health - The Scope - The Scope - AAMC
• AMCAS Workbook

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Preparing for med school application essentials.

10:57 Record experience details accurately for AMCAS application.

16:59 Examples show personal growth through public speaking.

19:42 Plan MCAT prep with practice tests, schedule meticulously.

27:18 Carefully research and choose target medical schools.

33:06 Start early for recommendation letters, avoid rush.

37:36 Start drafting a thoughtful personal statement now.

41:03 Generative AI in admissions: Fair but personal.

47:18 Identify application gaps; plan realistically.

53:34 Acknowledging mistakes and growth shows determination.

KEY TOPICS

Application Preparation Overview

• MCAT preparation

• Personal statements

• Recommendation letters

Recording Experiences and Achievements

• Importance of a Living Document

  • Value for medical school applications

• Comprehensive Record-Keeping

  • Recording all types of experiences

• AMCAS Application Requirements

  • Detailed information and limits on entries

• Reflection and Stress Reduction

  • Value of reflective writing

  • Reduced stress with thorough records

Writing Essays

• Challenge and need for consistency across schools

• Reading materials and time commitment

• Holistic review process

Use of Generative AI in Applications

• Appropriate use and authenticity in personal submissions

• Attestation of originality

• Personal statement drafting tips

Recommendation Letters

• Early planning and discussions

• Communication and follow-up with recommenders

• Providing relevant materials like resumes and personal statements

MCAT Preparation

• Planning schedules and commitments

• Study time investment and practice tests

• Discipline and commitment required

Selecting Medical Schools

• Strategic selection beyond local options

• Use of resources like MSAR

• Evaluating schools on various factors

• Creating a spreadsheet for comparisons

Timing and Gap Year Considerations

• Preparedness for application timing

• Importance of reflecting engagement and passion

• Ownership of past mistakes and personal growth

In this episode, we're introducing one of the most innovative new medical schools in the country: The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont's College of Medicine is committed to cultivating diverse physician leaders through a whole-person approach to healing, grounded in service-learning. With core values like 'Love Learning,' 'Lead by Serving,' and 'Welcome Difference,' the Frist College of Medicine is shaping the future of healthcare by focusing on both professional and personal formation.

Joining us today is Dr. Caleb Marsh, Director of Pathway Programs and Recruitment at Belmont's College of Medicine, to discuss what sets this groundbreaking institution apart in medical education and why it's a transformative place for aspiring physicians.

If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Also, please share this with with your friends!

Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

HOST: Christian Essman

RESOURCES:

November 9, 2024 AAMC Annual Conference Career Fair (in-person event)

Frist College of Medicine

AAMC Pre-Med Competencies

EAM (Experiences, Attributes, and Metrics)