In recognition of National Financial Aid Awareness month, I’ve asked two of my friends in financial aid to come on the show to discuss financial aid-related topics primarily discussing how you pay for medical school.  We also discuss topics such as needs-based aid, loans, scholarships, and the importance of financial literacy and budgeting. We also spend a bit of time breaking down what the term “Cost of Attendance” means and why it is an important component of this process.  Contact information for Christine McDonough, Director of Student Financial Services at the Ohio State University College of Medicine: Christine.McDonough@osumc.edu Contact information for Michael Sabara, Director of Financial Services at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine:  msabara@pennmedicine.upenn.edu Show Notes  Paying for Medical School   Medical Student Education: Debt, Costs, and Loan Repayment Fact Card 2019 AAMC’s FIRST   FIRST Financial Aid Facts Sheets  AAMC Education Debt Manager - Matriculating / Current Students  How to set up a budget  Budget Sheet What is Financial Wellness?  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans Direct Plus Loans for Graduate/Professional Students Scholarship Sites: Scholarships.com  Fastweb.com

Episode 27: Financial Aid & Paying For Medical School

Applying to medical school can be a very complex and confusing process!  All Access: Med School Admissions by Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, brings listeners into informative and entertaining conversations between admissions colleagues from medical schools across the US.  Christian and his guests try to bring transparency to the medical school application process and help prospective applicants put themselves in the best position to be a competitive applicant. 

More info at: https://case.edu/medicine/admissions-programs/md-programs/podcast-all-access-med-school-admissions

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Science

Health & Fitness

 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: allaccess@case.edu 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

Episode 71: University of Michigan Medical School Updates

Welcome to this special episode where we delve into the treasure trove of resources available for prospective medical school applicants. Today, we're joined by Tami Levin, MA, the Director of Premed and Applicant Resources at the AAMC, and Laura Fletcher, PhD, a senior research analyst in the Admissions & Selection Research and Development team at the AAMC. In our conversation, they will highlight invaluable tools and guides like the Premed Competencies, the Anatomy of An Applicant Guide, the 2023 AMCAS Workbook, and the Medical School Application Guide. They'll also discuss the MSAR® online database, a vital resource for comparing U.S. and Canadian medical schools, and the Premed Navigator, a monthly newsletter packed with tips and important dates for applicants. Join us as we navigate these resources, designed to guide learners and applicants from preparation to application, medical school, and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for anyone embarking on the journey to becoming a medical professional. 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: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Christian Essman RESOURCES:  The Premed Competencies Full competency model  Process of Updating Competency Summary Paper  Competency-related Resources:  Anatomy of an Applicant Guide Anatomy of an Applicant Student Profiles Self-Assessment Worksheet: Experiences Self-Assessment Worksheet: Premed Competencies  Other AAMC Resources  2023 AMCAS Workbook Medical School Application Guide: The Official Guide to Medical School Admissions  The Medical School Admission Requirements™ (MSAR®):  is an online database that enables you to browse, search, sort, and compare information about U.S. and Canadian medical schools. You can save notes, favorites, and see how your MCAT, GPA, and completed coursework matches each medical school’s current first-year class and admission requirements. The Premed Navigator: A monthly free newsletter with important dates, information, and tips for applicants and pre-meds. Aspiring Docs Diaries: A blog with pieces written by premeds, med students, and residents. The free Virtual Medical School Fair, held in the Spring and Fall each year, which features several information sessions and typically about 90-100 medical schools from across the United States and Canada. The Fee Assistance Program which benefits include significantly reduced registration fee for the MCAT exam, MCAT prep products, a 2-year subscription to MSAR, AMCAS application with up to 20 medical school submissions, and fee waiver for the PREview professional readiness exam. 

Episode 70: AAMC Prospective Applicant Resources

 Dr. Roopal Kundu, Associate Dean for Admissions, highlights the unique curricular features and educational philosophy at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, shedding light on their innovative approaches to medical education. From fostering curiosity and inquiry to promoting equity through group and problem-based learning, Dr. Kundu explores how Northwestern's curriculum is shaping the physicians of tomorrow. In addition to the curriculum, Dr. Kundu provides valuable insights into the admissions process at Feinberg, offering guidance and advice for aspiring medical students. Whether you're considering Northwestern as your medical school or are simply passionate about medical education, this podcast provides a wealth of information and inspiration. Join us as we explore the world of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and gain valuable insights into med school admissions with Dr. Roopal Kundu, a dedicated faculty member and an expert in medical education. 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: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Christian Essman RESOURCES: AAMC Virtual Fair Registration - 10/17 & 10/18/2023 The Clinical Excellence Podcast Science Behind Science Podcast Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Curricular Phases Education-Centered Medical Home Student Research Characteristics of the Successful Candidate College Mentors CONTACT: med-admissions@northwestern.edu Music: I Had A Feeling by TrackTribe

Episode 69: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Join us for an exclusive Zoom event featuring Christian Essman, the host of "All Access: Med School Admissions." Are you an aspiring medical student with burning questions about the admissions process? Look no further! This is your chance to spend an engaging evening with Christian Essman and have all your inquiries answered. During this virtual gathering, Christian Essman will share his knowledge and expertise on the intricate world of medical school admissions. As a seasoned professional in the field, he has guided countless students through the challenging journey of getting into medical school. With his wealth of experience and insider insights, Christian will provide invaluable advice, strategies, and tips to help you navigate the complex admissions process successfully. The event will be structured as an interactive Q&A; session, allowing participants to ask Christian anything related to med school admissions. Whether you have inquiries about crafting an outstanding personal statement, preparing for interviews, selecting the right medical schools, or seeking guidance on how to stand out among other applicants, Christian will be there to offer his expert advice and address all your concerns. THURSDAY, JUNE 15th @ 7:00 pm EST *REGISTER HERE*  --------------------------------------------------------------- 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: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool

Bonus Episode: Listener Event Announcement!

 I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Tracy Kedian, the Associate Dean for Admissions, at the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA. Dr. Kedian sheds light on the unique aspects of UMass Chan's curriculum, known as VISTA. This innovative curriculum fosters curiosity, inquiry, and equity through group and problem-based learning, along with extensive use of medical simulation. One exciting feature of UMass Chan is its commitment to serving underserved populations. With a focus on health disparities and public and community health, the school offers two distinct tracks with its regional campuses - the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health track, based at Baystate Health Systems in western MA and the LEAD@Lahey track, located in Burlington, MA, that concentrates on leadership skills and health systems science to prepare future medical leaders. Dr. Kedian also provides valuable insights into the admissions process at UMass Chan. While the school predominantly admits students from Massachusetts, it remains an excellent resource for premeds from all backgrounds. Throughout this conversation, you'll discover a wealth of helpful advice for aspiring medical students, regardless of whether UMass Chan is your state school or not. Join us as we delve into the world of UMass Chan Medical School and med school admissions with Dr. Tracy Kedian, a dedicated family physician and an expert in medical school admissions. 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: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool RESOURCES: UMass Chan Medical School  2022 Year in Review YouTube Video VISTA Curriculum CONTACT: admissions@umassmed.edu Music: Kalte Ohren by Alex (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/AlexBeroza/59612 Ft: starfrosch & Jerry Spoon  

Episode 27: Financial Aid & Paying For Medical School

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