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)

 

 

In this episode, we take you to Greensboro, Alabama, home of the Horseshoe Farm Community Health Project. Imagine the peaceful charm of rural Alabama as we explore how this incredible initiative, which also serves as a gap year option for premedical students, provides mentorship, healthcare support, and a strong sense of belonging to the underserved.

Our guest, Dr. John Dorsey, Founder and Executive Director of Project Horseshoe Farm, shares his inspiring journey and the profound impact this project has on rural healthcare. Join us as we dive into what makes this community so special and how it offers a unique opportunity for those on the path to a medical career.

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:

Project Horseshoe Farm Community Health

The Blue Zones

Contact Information

In this episode, we're exploring gap year options with a focus on the Master of Science in Medical Sciences at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. I chat with Dr. Deborah Gutman, Director of Pre-health Advising at for the program, about the differences between post-bac and masters programs and how they impact GPA calculations for medical school applications along with insight into the offerings of this program. Dr. Guttman brings her extensive experience in medical education and her insights as co-founder of CapYear. 

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:

Brown Special Masters Program

SMP YouTube Video

AMCAS GPA Conversion (you can see the academic history chart that medical school admissions see)

Cap Year

AAMC Searchable List of Post-bac & Masters Programs

CONTACT: [email protected] 

 

It's been awhile! In this episode, Christian Essman brings you the latest updates and some tips for those currently navigating the application process. 

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

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:

Boots2Meds: Episode 6 “Holistic Admissions with Christian Essman”

Admissions Straight Talk with Linda Abraham: Reserve Your Spot at Case Western Medical School: An Interview with Christian Essman

CWRU School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts

AMCAS Postsubmission Actions

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with the recently appointed, dynamic Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Deborah Berman. Dr. Berman offers an in-depth look into the significant curricular updates, wellness initiatives, and the evolving admissions landscape at one of the premier medical schools in the United States.

Our conversation begins with a deep dive into the curricular updates that are setting new standards for medical education. Beyond the curriculum, we explore the comprehensive wellness initiatives that underscore the University of Michigan Medical School's commitment to student well-being. Dr. Berman discusses the resources and support systems in place to ensure that medical students can thrive academically, physically, and mentally throughout their rigorous educational journey.

Admissions updates and advice form a crucial part of our discussion. Dr. Berman sheds light on the latest changes in the admissions process, emphasizing holistic review practices that seek to identify well-rounded candidates passionate about making a difference in the medical field. She offers invaluable advice for applicants, from highlighting their unique experiences to demonstrating a genuine commitment to healthcare and community service.

Tune in to gain an insider’s view of medical education at the University of Michigan Medical School how they have forward-looking initiatives in innovative and compassionate physician training.

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

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:

Curriculum

M-Home Support Services

Dr. Lisa Meeks, Disabilities expert in medical education

Admissions