Hospitalists

by Jessica Freedman MD, www.MedEdits.com

There is an excellent article in the New York Times about hospitalists that I encourage all medical school and residency applicants to read. The corresponding comments also bring up some interesting points.

MCAT Score Improvement

By Jessica Freedman MD, www.MedEdits.com

An interesting summary in Academic Medicine outlines behaviors of MCAT examinees. What I found most interesting regarding this data is that applicants identify personal study habits and taking practice exams as the two factors that have the greatest influence on score improvement.

MCAT Verbal Score

By Jessica Freedman MD, MedEdits

Many clients ask what they can do to improve their MCAT verbal score. I have some advice from one of my clients who earned an outstanding verbal score and is also an MCAT tutor:

1) Be sure to finish the verbal section. Do not "go back" to any questions or passages until you have finished the entire section.

2) Get the general idea of each passage and, if you are unsure of an answer, guess, based on the main purpose of the passage.

3) Do not leave questions unanswered with the intent of answering them later.

4) Do not waste time highlighting, underlining, mapping etc.

In other words, achieving your best score requires finishing the section and answering every question.

AMCAS can be submitted on or around June 1st! If you are interested in working with me to ensure that you submit the best application possible, please contact me soon.  Be sure to read my newly published Medical School Interview book which can be purchased on Amazon.

Medical School Enrollment

By Jessica Freedman MD, MedEdits

As most medical school applicants know, the Association of American Medical Colleges planned to increase United States allopathic medical school enrollment by 30% by the year 2015. The actual increase will be 23% by 2015. This data is outlined in the 2009 Medical School Enrollment Survey. Based on the results of the 2010 residency match, the competition for residency positions is increasing. Unless the number of residency training positions also increases, matching will become even more competitive. This is especially concerning for US citizen and non-US citizen international medical graduates.

The Medical School Interview Book

By Jessica Freedman MD, MedEdits

I am happy to announce the publication of The Medical School Interview: From preparation to thank you notes. Empowering advice to help you succeed. This book offers applicants practical and straight-forward guidance so they are prepared and confident on interview day.

Here is some feedback we have received on the book:

"This book was the best thing out there. I searched everywhere for a book that would help me to do well on interviews. After reading Dr. Freedman's book, I had such a clear vision of what to expect and the different types of interviewers. I read all that existed and this was the best!!!" - a medical school applicant

"I wanted to personally thank you for all that you have done for my son. He was ACCEPTED to medical school. I used your interview book as a guide to help him prep for his interviews and I think this helped him greatly. THANK YOU!" - parent of a medical school applicant

"The book is easy to read and the topics flow logically from one to the other. I like that you can zoom in on a topic easily and that you don't have to search for the information you need if the reader doesn't want to read the whole book in sequence. I also like how you provide just enough information to be instructive and not overwhelm the student since, as you state in the book, you can't prepare for everything. I think your book helped raise my son's confidence as he prepared for interviews [at Harvard, Columbia and Duke]. Thank you." - parent of a medical school applicant

If you are interested in working with me this season on your application to medical school or residency, please contact me soon. I work personally with all of my clients and do not employ outside consultants.

The Residency Interview Book!

By Jessica Freedman MD, www.MedEdits.com

You asked for it, you got it.

I am happy to announce the publication of The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression. This book is based on my experience as a residency admissions officer together with my experience while privately advising clients with MedEdits. This comprehensive MedEdits guide will provide applicants with practical advice to help them perform well on residency interviews. Be the first one to buy this book and, if you are applying for residency this year, be sure to read it before you hit the interview trail!

Visit: MedEdits

The Cost of Medical Care: Teaching Medical Students and Residents

By Jessica Freedman,MD, www.MedEdits.com

"How will the results of this test change your diagnosis or treatment?" This was a question I would routinely ask my medical students and residents when they presented their patient treatment plans. Unless they could provide a good reason that justified ordering the test, I typically advised them it was a waste of resources.

A great article in the New York Times discusses the importance of educating medical students and residents about treating patients while considering the cost of care. It also outlines what some medical schools are doing to better educate students about this issue. Yasmin Meah MD, a former colleague of mine from Mount Sinai, is quoted in this article and there is a corresponding video about the East Harlem Outreach Program (a Mount Sinai student-run free clinic) where she is interviewed.

Another aspect of this issue should also be considered, however. Sometimes patients insist on having certain tests ordered based on what they have read or heard on television. Many doctors find that, at times, it is easier to simply order a test they feel may be unnecessary, rather than try to convince a patient that the test is not needed.