There’s a provocative debate going on at my alma mater Harvard Med (HMS). A group of students is leading the fight against pharmaceutical influences on HMS teaching faculty. Another group of students says that drug company money is necessary for the vitality of Harvard.
I can say that as a student at HMS in the 90’s, I was rather oblivious to the influences that are delineated in a recent NYT article on the topic. The NYT piece is worth a read.
Michelle
www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com
The Scramble starts this year on Tuesday, March 17 at noon EST. The Scramble represents the two-day period, ending when Match results are published on March 19 at noon EST, in which unmatched applicants and unfilled programs “find each other.” During the Scramble, unmatched candidates can send up to thirty applications to ACGME-accredited programs to which they have not applied previously and up to fifteen to those to which they have applied.
Here are two links to more detailed descriptions of the Scramble process: The ERAS Preparing for the Scramble page and an on-line document called Post-Match Scramble Information for ERAS 2009 IMG Participants .
There are companies that will fax applicants’ materials to unfilled programs. If you think you may need to participate in the Scramble, I recommend researching the quality and professionalism of those companies now – prior to the chaos of the Scramble period.
Although I can assist candidates who want to enhance their written materials for the Scramble, I do not offer services to fax applicants’ paperwork to unfilled programs. If you think you may need to participate in the Scramble and need to improve your written materials, please contact me right away: www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .
For those considering an application to post baccalaureate premedical programs, I’d recommend the AAMC searchable database. The search options are comprehensive, including degree type and special program focus.
With regard to program focus, it’s important to consider the courses you’ve completed before applying to a post baccalaureate program because some are intended to offer science curriculum to those who have not had it, while others act as academic-record enhancers. Along those lines, remember that not all courses in a program may be classified as BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics and math) by AMCAS so ensure you review a post bacc program’s classes and their classification before applying.
Most post baccalaureate programs require an updated resume and essay. I’ve had experience editing written materials for post bacc applicants and am happy to help more candidates: InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
