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!

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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