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The recession and medical school

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A friend was asking me how I thought the current recession was going to affect medical school applicants.

Historically, when the economy has worsened medical school applications have increased. Presumably, this is because medicine is a stable field; it’s rare to find a doctor who wants to work who’s unemployed. Furthermore, with the credit crunch, it’s probable that medical schools will have poorer financial packages available for potential students.

All in all, the financial situation makes things harder for medical school applicants in more ways than one. Because the application season already got underway prior to the most recent financial downturns, I’m hoping the changes won’t be felt until next year (or later).

For help optimizing your application to medical school please see www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .

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Personal statement and secondary essay pitfalls

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Here’s an oldie-but-goodie blog entry written by my colleague Ann Levine who is a law school admissions consultant. I have found these same errors in medical application essays, especially Ann’s number four “I believe” (and its corollary “I feel”). Along these same lines, please see my blog entry about the importance of brevity in essay writing.

For one-on-one help with your statement please contact me at insidermedical@gmail.com or see www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .

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Quick tip: ERAS and AMCAS pitfalls

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Here are a few errors to avoid in composing your ERAS and AMCAS:

1. Use full sentences. Some applicants erroneously use phrases in their activity descriptors. You’re submitting a formal application, and full sentences are appropriate.
2. Avoid abbreviations. Again, we’re talking about a formal application here so let’s treat it as such. Also, abbreviations you think are common might be unintelligible to the reader.
3. Ensure the email address you offer has a spam detector that is set low. You don’t want to miss important emails.
4. Do a spell and grammar check. Don’t submit only to be embarrassed by a simple error.
5. Get help. Do not send your application without having it reviewed. You cannot afford to submit suboptimal materials.

For professional, individually-tailored assistance with your AMCAS or ERAS please check me out at www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com. My

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IMGs and J-1 visa waivers

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As many international medical graduates know, the J-1 exchange visa is restrictive and its corresponding waiver is highly coveted.

There was an interesting article in the New York Times this week regarding the symbiotic relationship that can develop between medically-needy, non-urban areas and IMGs who want their J-1 waiver. Because medical school costs are so high, many American graduates focus their job hunting on urban centers, leaving the needy rural areas without adequate physician penetration.

The article is a good, short read, especially for IMGs considering their future options.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

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

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