PREHEALTH PLANNING GUIDE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

Transcription

1 PREHEALTH PLANNING GUIDE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS August 2013 prehealth.duke.edu Office of Health Professions Advising For contact information and how to make advising appointments, see pages 18 and 21

2 CONTENTS Introduction... How to view your time at Duke 3 Premed planning 4 MCAT 2015 and changing premed requirements Recommended premed courses for Trinity students Recommended premed courses for Pratt students Scheduling of classes Where to take classes New requirements AP/IPC credits Online courses Grades Choice of major International students Sample premed schedules Ideas for research 13 Ideas for jobs, service, volunteering 13 Ideas for shadowing 15 What do health profession schools look for in an applicant 16 Your conduct as a student 16 A timeline 17 Advisestream 18 Who the prehealth advisors are and how to make appointments 18 Reading and sources of information 19 Planning for other health professions: Dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, physicians assistant, nursing 20 This guide is for first-year students who are just beginning to consider and plan for a career in medicine or other health career. Much of the material discusses preparation for medical school. Over 90% of our prehealth students are premed. However, our overall recommendations on preparation also apply to students interested in other health professions such as dentistry, physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, and veterinary medicine. See the last pages for specific information on these. If you have questions, just let us know. We hope you have a stimulating and rewarding first year. From the first-year prehealth advisors, Donna Kostyu, Alyssa Perz-Edwards, David Rabiner, and Chris Roy For suggestions and corrections on this guide, contact Donna Kostyu ( , ddkk@duke.edu) 2

3 INTRODUCTION... How to view your time at Duke If you are thinking about a health profession, you will want to use your time at Duke to complete required courses, gain experience in clinical areas, and also to become an accomplished, unique individual knowledgeable about the world we live in. Eventually after testing your interests and evaluating choices, you will make the decision to apply. There is no rush. There are many paths to medical school and other health professions and we encourage you to take a route that works best for you, based on your background and interests and skills. One of the first questions you might ask is "what do health professions schools look for?" All health professions schools look for applicants who are skilled, passionate, and committed. They expect a strong foundation in the sciences and experience in the health field you will work in. Life experiences that come through activities such as study abroad, leadership roles on campus, service to the school and community, jobs, internships etc., are particularly important as they will demonstrate your resilience, maturity, organization, cultural sensitivity, motivation, and drive. Your undergraduate years at Duke should not be viewed as just preparation for a health professions school. Instead, see these years as a chance to test your ideas, gain life experiences, and show who you are and what you can achieve. Your time at Duke is preparation for the next fifty years of your life. Some of your experiences at Duke may have a profound influence on your life after medical or health professional school. NUMBERS: For medical schools: % of Duke students (seniors) who were accepted in 2011 (98 of 122): 80% % of Duke students (undergraduates and alums) who were accepted in 2011 (261 of 346): 75% National average of accepted students in 2011: 46% Average science GPA* of Duke students who were accepted : 3.4 Average total GPA of Duke students who were accepted: 3.4 For dental, veterinary, nursing, physician assistant and physical therapy schools: The number of Duke students applying is < 20 per year. The acceptance rate or percentage isn't meaningful with such small numbers, but nearly all of our students have been as successful as those applying to medical schools. * the science (BCPM) GPA is based on biology, chemistry, physics, math, statistics and science courses in some other departments; for a complete listing of Duke courses that are included, see prehealth.duke.edu/applying/the-primary-application/calculating-the-bcpm-gpa/ 3

4 PREMED PLANNING MCAT 2015 AND CHANGING PREMED REQUIREMENTS You will take the new MCAT (Medical School Admissions Test) which begins in March It will be helpful if you understand why there will be a new MCAT and how this will affect your preparation. Historically, most medical schools have had a relatively simple set of required courses: 2 semesters of inorganic chemistry with lab 2 semesters of organic chemistry with lab 2 semesters of biology with lab 2 semesters of physics with lab (usually calculus-based physics) 2 semesters of English Some medical schools added requirements of biochemistry, math and/or statistics, or additional biology courses. You will still see the above listings on most medical school websites and in publications. However, there is recognition that it takes more than a proficiency in chemistry, math, biology and physics to be a great physician. Doctors today need to view medicine holistically, be aware of the sociologic factors that influence health and health care, the biologic factors in behavior, how life-style plays a role in health, and the ethical questions that can arise. The new MCAT addresses these issues. The new exam will have four sections: Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems Chemical and physical foundations of biologic systems Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior Critical analysis and reasoning skills In addition to the changes in the MCAT, medical schools are transitioning to "competency-based admissions" where applicants will be expected to demonstrate competency rather than just completing a list of required courses. The intent is to allow applicants more flexibility and diversity in choosing courses and preparing for medicine. This is a time of flux. Not all medical schools have transitioned to competency-based admission and still will expect the traditional semesters of chemistry, biology, and physics as a foundation. And even medical schools that are diverging from a "list" of required courses will still expect an applicant to have taken coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. Since Duke students often apply to 15 to 20 medical schools or more, your coursework needs to be sufficient for all the schools you will apply to. You can check the requirements of medical schools in your home state (as these are normally your first choice or back-up choice) and other potential schools during your sophomore or junior year, to see what their current requirements are. Meanwhile, you should begin with foundation courses in science and math at Duke. Our course recommendations for premed students are on the following pages; these take into account the broad expectations of medical schools as well as the new requirements for psychology, sociology, statistics and biochemistry in the 2015 MCAT. For more information on the new MCAT, see the 2011 AAMC Report on Behavioral and Social Science Foundations for Future Physicians aamc.org/download/271020/data/behavioralandsocialsciencefoundationsforfuturephysicians.pdf Preview Guide to the 2015 MCAT: aamc.org/students/download/266006/data/2015previewguide.pdf aamc.org/students/aspiring/330910/mcat2015.html 4

5 RECOMMENDED PREMED COURSES FOR TRINITY STUDENTS ************************************************************************************ Chemistry 101DL and 210DL (general/inorganic chemistry) or Chemistry 20 (AP) and Chemistry 110DL or Chemistry 21 (AP) Chemistry 201DL and 202L (organic chemistry) Biochemistry 301 Biology 201L (molecular biology) and 202L (genetics, evolution) Physics 141L and 142L (AP credit can replace one of these) Writing 101 and one English/Lit course or Writing 101 and English 20 or 22 (AP) Math 111L (calculus) or Math 21 (AP) or Math 121 (transfer) a physiology course (Biology 329D or Biology 329L or Cell Biology 503) a psychology course (or experience) a sociology course (or experience) a statistics course (or experience) ************************************************************************************ Note that some courses have discussion/recitation or laboratory sessions that you enroll in separately; these are not included here for simplicity. You may need to take additional science/math courses for your major, or a specific statistics course for some majors. 5

6 RECOMMENDED PREMED COURSES FOR PRATT STUDENTS ************************************************************************************ Chemistry 101DL (Chemisty 210DL is recommended, but optional) or Chemistry 110DL or Chemistry 21 (AP) Chemistry 201DL and 202L (organic chemistry) Biochemistry 301 Biology 201L (molecular biology) (Biology 202L is recommended, but optional) BME 244L (physiology) Physics 151L and 152L Writing 101 and one English/Lit course or Writing 101 and English 20 or 22 (AP) Math: follow Pratt requirements for your major; these supercede all premed requirements a psychology course (or experience) a sociology course (or experience) statistics - no specific course is required; you will find statistics covered in your Pratt courses ************************************************************************************ Note that some courses have discussion/recitation or laboratory sessions that you enroll in separately; these are not included here for simplicity. 6

7 Table 1 List of courses to complete before taking the MCAT, depending upon your background and AP/IPC credit: Basic set of Extra AP Chem 20 AP Chem 21 AP Math 21 AP Physics 25 AP Physics 26 AP Chem 21 Courses for courses prepreparation for AP Math 21 BME/Pratt students mamath, chem AP Physics 25 - Chem 99 - Chem 110DL Chem 101DL Chem 101DL Chem 101DL Chem 101DL Chem 101DL - Chem 101DL or 110DL or AP 21 Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 201DL Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 202L Chem 210DL Chem 210DL Chem 210DL Chem 210DL Chem 210DL - Chem 210DL optional Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biochem 301 Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 201L Biology 202L Biology 202L Biology 202L Biology 202L Biology 202L Biology 202L Biology 202L Biology 202L BME 244L Physiology Physiology Physiology Physiology Physiology Physiology Physiology Physiology - - Math 105L - - Math 106L - Math 111L - Math 111L Math 111L - Math 111L Math 111L - Math 111L Physics 141L Physics 141L Physics 141L Physics 141L Physics 141L - Physics 141L - Physics 151L Physics 142L Physics 142L Physics 142L Physics 142L Physics 142L Physics 142L - Physics 142L Physics 152L Also add: Statistics Statistics Statistics Statistics Statistics Statistics Statistics Statistics - Psychology Psychology Psychology Psychology Psychology Psychology Psychology Psychology Psychology Sociology Sociology Sociology Sociology Sociology Sociology Sociology Sociology Sociology Remember to add an English or Literature course if you don't have AP English Recommended physiology courses: Biology 329D, Biology 329DL, Cell Biology 503 Some possible psychology courses: Psychology 101 (or AP), 102, 103, 104, 106, 205, 207, 208, 209, 220 and more Some possible sociology courses: Sociology 110D, 111, 211, 212, 263, 263, 264, 316 and more Some possible statistics courses: Statistics 30 (AP), Sta 101, 102, 103, 111, Psy 201, Biology 204 and more Note that the University of Texas medical schools require four semesters of biology (2 courses should be lab courses); you can use biology AP credit, BME 244L (Pratt students) and Biochemistry 301 to fulfill this requirement. However, if you have Chem 21 AP credit and go directly into organic chemistry, then Biochemistry 301 needs to count as a chemistry course instead of a biology course. In this case, add a fourth biology course, whatever seems useful and appealing to you. 7

8 SCHEDULING OF CLASSES It is easiest to work premed courses in over four years. You would take the MCAT at the end of your senior year (usually in May or June), send in your applications to medical schools around July 1, and then take a gap year to work, travel, teach, do research, work in health care, or follow other interests. The median age of applicants accepted to Duke medical school and similar schools is 24. Medical schools prefer applicants who are older, wiser, more mature, and with more life experiences. Take the time to enjoy your four years at Duke and take advantage of opportunities that appeal to you. More than half of our applicants choose a gap year. For Trinity students, the order in which you take premed courses is up to you. Most students will begin with chemistry and math, then add biology and then physics. Bio 201L has a prerequisite of chemistry and the biology department recommends beginning students start with chemistry. Enrolling in your first biology course in the spring of your first-year or fall of your sophomore year is common. Math courses are a good introduction to logical thought for someone just beginning prehealth work. Biology often comes before physics as students want to see if biology is a possible major and a background in biology can be useful in clinical experiences and research. However, prospective physics or chemistry majors should confer with these departments as physics classes should be scheduled earlier. Pratt students should follow the normal Pratt schedules and work in premed requirements whenever possible. If you have entered Duke with many AP credits in math and science, you may finish the required courses by the end of your junior year. In this case, you could take the MCAT and apply the summer between your junior and senior years, or you could take the MCAT whenever you are ready, but wait to apply at the end of your senior year. WHERE TO TAKE CLASSES Most premed courses should be taken at Duke, so that medical schools will know that you've received a sound foundation in science. Your coursework and grades will tell them that you have skills and achievement in the sciences and are capable of doing the work in medical school. Summer school at Duke or the Duke Marine Laboratory is always acceptable. You might also take courses at home during the summer at a local university or college. Trinity students can transfer 2 courses/credits back to Duke, Pratt students can transfer 4 credits. Or if the courses you take are not necessary for a major or graduation at Duke, you don't need to transfer them to Duke at all. When you apply to medical schools, you will send a transcript from any university or college you've enrolled in, so they will see that you have completed requirements away from Duke. We discourage community college work for biology, chemistry, physics and math courses; such courses cannot be transferred back to Duke and the level of instruction can be too general. Note that medical schools will not accept requirements taken abroad. NEW REQUIREMENTS (Biochemistry, Statistics, Psychology, Sociology) For biochemistry, we recommend you enroll in Biochem 301. Many medical schools already recommend a course in biochemistry and this course will serve you well for the MCAT. For statistics, any of several statistics courses should be sufficient (see a list on page 7). There are a few medical schools that require a year of math. For these, a semester of calculus (Math 111L or 21 or 121) and a semester of statistics should suffice. However, a few medical schools requiring statistics may prefer to see a statistics course that is taught in a math or statistics department. We generally recommend that you choose a statistics course that fits with your major, and that you check the math/statistics requirements of medical schools in your home state before choosing a statistics course. Statistics 101 and 102 are always good choices. Note that the statistics course in psychology (Psy 201) requires two prior classes in psychology or neuroscience. For psychology and sociology courses, you might take an introductory course (e.g. Psy 101, Sociol 110D), a higher level course in these departments or others that address behavioral and social determinants of health care, or have experience. Also useful might be online courses, courses taken elsewhere, practical experience and self-study. Since the 2015 MCAT is still under development, the guidelines are still fairly general. 8

9 AP / IPC CREDITS If you have AP/IPC credit, we recommend you bypass courses you have credit for and go on to more advanced courses, following placement guidelines by departments. The exception might be if you think that your AP course was not recent and that you have forgotten much and need a review. In this case, you might choose to begin at an introductory level. Talking with the instructor(s) and taking a look at the syllabus and textbook might help you decide. Most medical schools accept our recommendations for Duke students and will accept AP/IPC credit for chemistry, math, physics and English. Even if a medical school says on their website that they require 2 semesters of general chemistry with lab and 2 semesters of organic chemistry with lab, they usually will accept AP chemistry and Biochem 301 (which does not have a lab) as a substitute. The following combinations are acceptable: Chem 20 (4 on AP) + 110L + 20lL + 202L + Biochem 301 or Chem 21 (5 on AP) + 201L + 202L + Biochem 301 However, if you are in Pratt, please note that Chem 20 (4 on AP) is not recognized for the BME program. There is one exception for AP credits. If you are from California, the UCLA Medical School states on their website that they will not accept AP credits for required courses. If this is a school you would apply to, we recommend the following: AP chemistry: Enroll in Chem 110L or 210L + 201L + 202L + Biochem 301 AP math: Enroll in one semester of calculus (Math 122L or 212) AP physics: Enroll in both Physics 141L and 142L (or 151L, 152L or 161L, 162L) ONLINE COURSES Courses taken to fulfill requirements (chemistry, physics, biology) should be taken in a classroom setting, not online. However, courses such as psychology and sociology that are taken for MCAT preparation might be taken online. Note that Duke's Biology 329 Physiology course has been offered on Coursera (although we recommend you take it at Duke, in person) and Sta 101 was offered as an online course in the first term of Duke summer school this year. GRADES Medical schools will usually not accept grades of C- or less for required courses. If you are having difficulty with grades, consult with your prehealth advisor, work with the Academic Resource Center to develop your study skills and time management, and don't set up unreasonable academic loads each semester. CHOICE OF MAJOR Medical schools do not have a preference for any major. You should choose what you most want to study at Duke. Note that double majors can be difficult to work in and offer no advantages to an applicant. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Students who are here on a visa have two obstacles. First, some medical schools will only accept US Citizens (or those holding a green card). Second, US government funding and loans are not available. Nevertheless, each year we have a small number of international students who apply and are accepted to US medical schools. For more information, see prehealth.duke.edu/applying/international-students 9

10 SAMPLE PREMED SCHEDULES (for Trinity students) The schedules below illustrate some of the many ways you can schedule your prehealth classes. You will need to finish all science/math/psychology/sociology/biochemistry/statistics courses before taking the MCAT, but the order in which you take courses may depend on your interests and major. Remember that you may need to work in additional science/math courses depending on your major, and some majors require specific statistics courses. There also may be time conflicts that come up; plan ahead during your sophomore year as you work on your junior and senior schedules, and be adaptable. Pratt students should confer with Dean Connie Simmons for prehealth scheduling. EXAMPLE #1: AN EXAMPLE OF A BASIC SCHEDULE, NO AP CREDIT SUMMERS ARE FREE, STUDY ABROAD IN JUNIOR YEAR Fall Spring Summer First year Chem 101DL Chem 201DL Math 111L - Writing 101/Seminar Writing 101/Seminar Sophomore Chem 202L Chem 210DL Biology 201L Biology 202L Junior STUDY AWAY Physics 141L - - Senior Physics 142L Biology 329L Biochem MCAT, apply, Gap year Add psychology, sociology and statistics where they fit best NOTES: This is a common schedule. It keeps all three summers free for Duke Engage, enrichment programs, research, jobs, and other interests and the fall of the junior year is open for study abroad. You begin with math and chemistry, then add biology, and then add physics. Students thinking of majoring in physics usually take physics (Physics 161L) in their first semester; chemistry majors usually take physics in their sophomore year. In this schedule, you would take the MCAT in May or June after graduation, send in your application around July 1, and then work for a year (a gap year) before entering medical school. The application process takes about 9 months to complete. 10

11 EXAMPLE #2: AP CREDIT: CHEM 20 Fall Spring Summer First year Chem 110DL Chem 201DL Math 111L - Writing 101/Seminar Sophomore Chem 202L - Biology 201L Writing 101/Seminar Biology 202L Junior STUDY AWAY Physics 141L Senior Physics 142L Biology 329L Biochem MCAT, apply, gap year Add psychology, sociology and statistics where they fit best. A score of 4 on the AP chemistry exam gives CHEM 20 credit. Note that Chem 210DL is not required. EXAMPLE #3: AP CREDITS: CHEM 21, MATH 21, PHYSICS 25 OR 26 Fall Spring Summer First year Chem 201DL Chem 202L - Biology 201L Writing 101/Seminar Writing 101/Seminar Sophomore Biology 202L Biology 329L Biochem Junior STUDY AWAY Physics 141L or 142L - - MCAT, apply Senior or apply here, gap year Add psychology, sociology and statistics where they fit best. A score of 5 on the AP chemistry exam gives CHEM 21 credit; a 5 on the calculus AB exam or a 3 or higher score on the calculus BC exam gives MATH 21 credit; a 4 or 5 on the Physics C Mechanics and the Physics C, E &M exams give credit for PHYSICS 25 and

12 EXAMPLE #4: ADDING CHEM 99, MATH 105L AND MATH 106L Fall Spring Summer First year Chem 99 Chem 101DL Math 105L Math 106L Writing 101/Seminar Writing 101/Seminar Sophomore Chem 201DL Chem 202L - Biology 202L Junior Chem 210DL Biology 201L - Physics 141L - - Senior Physics 142L Biology 329L Biochem MCAT, apply, gap year Add psychology, sociology and statistics where they fit best EXAMPLE #5: BEGINNING PREMED COURSES LATER Fall Spring Summer First year Writing 101/Seminar Writing 101/Seminar Sophomore Math 111L Chem 201DL Study Abroad Chem 101DL Biology 202L Junior Chem 202L Chem 210DL Physics 141L Biology 201L - Senior Physics 142L Biology 329L Biochem MCAT, apply, gap year Add psychology, sociology and statistics where they fit best. Moving study abroad into the summer allows for easier course loads during the fall/spring semesters. Alternatively, fall-spring coursework could be moved into summer school. 12

13 IDEAS FOR RESEARCH Medical schools and other health profession schools appreciate applicants with experience in research. You gain knowledge about research techniques, learn how to ask questions, formulate hypotheses and devise methods to test them. You see the applications of science as well as the challenges and rewards. For most schools, it is recommended but not required. If you are interested, try volunteering. Later, you might receive academic credit for research as an independent study, and you might complete an honors thesis as a senior. Much research is done in a natural science like biology, but you can also find research opportunities in sociology, psychology and the humanities and social sciences. Here are a few suggestions for how to start. 1. The Undergraduate Research Support Office has information on how to begin in research, Duke programs like the Howard Hughes Summer Research, Duke LEAP, and Research Scholars Program, as well as grants, research links, and more: undergraduateresearch.duke.edu/ 2. DukeList will post research opportunities: dukelist.duke.edu/ 3. For a broader view of research that is taking place at Duke: research.duke.edu/ and medschool.duke.edu/research-1 and the Faculty Research Database (FReD): scholars.duke.edu/ and the Duke Undergraduate Research society (DURS) dukegroups.duke.edu/dursociety 4. For research in the Pratt School of Engineering: pratt.duke.edu/research/index.php 5. Interested in working in a specific Duke department? Contact the department directly and see if jobs/positions are available. Faculty, staff, the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), post-doctoral students, graduate students, or other undergraduate students may all have suggestions. 6. The Biology Department has information on its web site regarding research opportunities and also independent studies: biology.duke.edu/undergrad/independent/index.html 7. Enjoying a class? Ask the instructor if he/she is doing research or if he/she can refer you to someone else who is 8. Take a class with an R (research) code. You can do an advanced search on ACES for courses coded R IDEAS FOR JOBS, SERVICE, VOLUNTEERING 1. DukeList advertises research, jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities: dukelist.duke.edu 2. Check with the Career Center for information/assistance on: studentaffairs.duke.edu/career general website studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/internships/ summer internships studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/career-services/career-counseling strategies for contacting individuals/businesses: studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides writing resumes, cover letters etc studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/erecruiting E-recruiting dukeconnect.com Duke alums who might serve as a mentor or advisor 3. DukeEngage: dukeengage.duke.edu 4. Duke Center for Civic Engagement: dcce.civic.duke.edu/ 5. Duke Community Service Center: csc.civic.duke.edu/main/programs-and-services 6. Take a service-learning class. You can do an advanced search on ACES for service-learning classes. See also: servicelearning.duke.edu/ 13

14 7. Duke Hospital/Duke Health System (requires training, often a 2 semester commitment), examples are below: (links are under "programs" at dukehealth.org/patients_and_visitors/volunteer_services/volunteering_at_duke/ ) Best Buddy Program Cancer Patient Support Program Child, Adolescent Life Program: playroom, bedside play in pediatric bone marrow unit Children's Health Center Patient Support: play in waiting areas Eye Center/Touchable Art Gallery/Pediatric Art Cart: hospitality, working with children Heart Center Patient Support Program Helping Hands Intensive Care Waiting Rooms: liaison between patients, visitors, staff Kidz Need Hugz Program: work directly with children Oncology Recreation Therapy, Laugh Mobile, Hospitality Cart Rainbow Volunteers: work with patients in Pediatric Blood/Bone Marrow unit REMEDY at Duke: recover useable surplus medical supplies for overseas; no patient contact Ronald McDonald Family Room: organizational, instructional 8. Duke Partnership for Service; some examples are below: dps.dukegroups.duke.edu/category/service-organization-database Adopt-a-Grandparent America Reads and Counts Innoworks: organize a week long summer program for underprivileged middle school students Camp Kesam: for children who have or had a parent with cancer Engineers without Borders and Engineering World Health GANO: one on one tutoring on English for Spanish -speaking adults FEMMES: outreach program to promote science, math, engineering to girls in grades 4-6 Duke Global Brigades: sustainable health care Operation Smile Duke PAWS (animals) McKids: volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Science Days at Duke The Girl's Club: mentoring WISER: Women's Institute for Secondary Education and Research WOODS: Wilderness Outdoor Opportunities for Durham Students Unite for Sight 9. For global and civic opportunities, talk with a Director of Academic Engagement: advising.duke.edu/what-daes-do 10. EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Training: duems.groups.duke.edu/ 11. Check for positions and programs at home: local hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent center, rehabilitation centers, emergency rooms, hospice programs, medical schools, and universities 12. For ideas about community service away from Durham: Volunteer.org and idealist.org 13. SMDEP (Summer Medical and Dental Education Program) is a free six-week summer academic enrichment program that offers freshman and sophomore college students intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation smdep.org 14. The Rochester Institute of Technology has a webpage listing many opportunities: people.rit.edu/gtfsbi/symp/premed.htm 15. AAMC (American Association Medical Colleges) Summer Enrichment Programs: services.aamc.org/summerprograms 14

15 IDEAS FOR SHADOWING Shadowing a physician or health care provider lets you observe his/her work and see health care from their perspective. You may spend a few hours a week during a semester at Duke, or a few weeks at home during the summer. There is no minimum number of hours, nor specific number of shadowing experiences. For example, you might spend 2 or 3 days (14 to 24 hours) with your home physician, then move on to more specialized physicians or health care providers so that you can compare and contrast their work. When you find an area of particular interest, you might consider a longer shadowing experience, or return several times to that practice or service. Sometimes a health care provider will become a long-term mentor. Remember that shadowing doesn't replace the need for direct contact with patients - that is also important. What you can learn: The responsibilities of a physician or health care person during a normal working day The working conditions and lifestyle The challenges and rewards in this area of medicine The people skills required to be effective The medical and psychological needs of patients What you can gain: Better sense of your strengths and weaknesses Confidence that this is a career you are suited for and are passionate about Ideas on how to interact with patients of different ages, ethnic groups and backgrounds How to find experiences: Duke University Medical Center and Durham sites Personal physician at home (often a pediatrician) Network: family contacts, doctors and health care professionals you know Duke alum in your hometown (use the Career Center's alum search) If you are working in a research lab with an MD or MD/PhD, ask if they do clinical work If you like physical exercise--shadow someone in sports medicine or orthopedics When you find one shadowing experience, use that person for suggestions for others Premed students can also shadow nurses, physical therapists, physician assistants, and others Check in advance to see if the health practice has requirements for shadowing Things to do while shadowing: Keep a journal of your experiences and observations; add it to Advisestream Keep track of the individuals you work with, their names, titles and contact information in case you want to contact them later on or use them as a reference Read books by or about physicians, articles on health care, and internet blogs on health Your experience may give you ideas for classes at Duke or research that you might become involved in See if can you extend your experience by attending grand rounds, seminars, patient conferences Use best practices (be respectful of patients, know proper procedures, when to ask questions, show up on time or early, follow through with your commitments and cancel only for emergencies) and send a thank-you note or when you are done More information on how to shadow at Duke is at: prehealth.duke.edu/shadowing-a-provider-2 Note that shadowing physicians outside the US usually has little relevance to health care in US. It may give you experience in global health issues, but it will not replace the need for shadowing within the US health care system, as this is where you will study and work. Be wary of programs that advertise international clinical experience that you pay for, as some may be poorly supervised, require you to interact with patients without adequate training, expose you to infection, or allow you to be accused of ethical lapses for performing medical care without proper education and credentials. 15

16 WHAT DO HEALTH PROFESSION SCHOOLS LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT (and what will your experiences tell them about you)? Communication and Interpersonal skills: Well-developed oral and written communication skills Active listening Ability to listen to criticism Work Characteristics: Achievement in class and outside of class Self-motivation Self-discipline Maturity Resilience Reliability, dependability Capacity for improvement Ability to adapt Engagement with People: A commitment to serve others, with compassion and empathy Cultural competency Responsibility and leadership Ability to work with a team Respectful behavior toward others Awareness of community, political, social, and health issues Desire to Learn: Intellectual curiosity Critical thinking and quantitative reasoning Scientific inquiry Independent learning Integrity and Ethics: Awareness of ethics and choices Commitment to an honest, ethical life style YOUR CONDUCT AS A STUDENT Think about your behavior at Duke and away. Health school applications require you to disclose if you have been dismissed, disqualified, or suspended for unacceptable academic performance or student conduct or found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony. Using a fake ID, drinking under age, drunk driving, plagiarism, conduct issues in dorms, marijuana and drug use can all make your admission more difficult. Medical schools expect good judgment, honesty and integrity in applicants, beginning with the first day at Duke. Be careful. Don't let a momentary lapse in judgment affect your life goals. For more information, see prehealth.duke.edu/applying/the-primary-application/conduct-violations/ 16

17 A TIMELINE First semester Sign up for the list so you receive announcements (use the link at prehealth.duke.edu) Begin an Advisestream account Watch the listserve announcements First year and sophomore year Contact your prehealth advisor as you have questions Think about your major Get involved in community service or service to others Get involved in research if you are interested; it is not required Consider possible opportunities for summers Begin clinical experiences (shadowing, working with patients) when you are ready and have time Use your Advisestream account to keep track of experiences and accomplishments Get to know some of your instructors. They can be interesting individuals, long-term mentors, and they will sometimes write letters of recommendation for you. In large classes, sit near the front of the class, ask questions and discuss issues that are important to you after class or during walk-in hours, have conversations with instructors. Junior and senior years Look at the websites of schools you think you may apply to, to confirm admission requirements Set a time to take the MCAT or other standardized exam Plan some extra time during the months prior to the exam for study and review Applications are submitted only once a year. For medical schools, it's around July 1. Some medical schools accept students on a rolling admissions basis, meaning that they will take the first 100 or 150 qualified students in October or November. Other, often private medical schools like Duke, review all applications and then make final choices in March. The application process can take about 9 months while you wait to hear from schools Gap year(s) The majority of Duke premed students take a gap year, graduating and working a year before beginning medical or health profession school. This special time allows you to take a break from classes, be an adult, and work in an area you are interested in. Students have worked on Wall Street, in business, in theatre, have taught school, worked for the CDC in Atlanta and the NIH in Washington DC, worked in research, done Peace Corps and Teach for America, been EMTs, physical therapy assistants, and so on. Some have traveled, been athletes, and set up businesses. The year off can be rewarding, educational, and exhilarating and we encourage all students to do this. Note that medical schools prefer students who are older, wiser, and mature and who have enough life experiences to be confident and resilient physicians. The median age of students entering medical schools is 24. For more details on the application process, see prehealth.duke.edu/applying 17

18 ADVISESTREAM Advisestream is a personalized online planning, reporting and tracking tool (think of a detailed resume). You can keep track of your courses, grades, experiences, plans, research, leadership activities, reflections and more. Later, you'll use your Advisestream data as a basis for your applications to medical or other health profession school. WHO THE PREHEALTH ADVISORS ARE AND HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Premed/prehealth advisors for first-year students and sophomores: Dean Donna Kostyu if you live/lived in Alspaugh, Bassett, Brown, and Pegram: ddkk@duke.edu, Academic Advising Center, East Campus, call for appointments Dean Alyssa Perz-Edwards if you live/lived in Blackwell, Bell Tower, and Randolph akperz@duke.edu, Academic Advising Center, East Campus, call for appointments Dean David Rabiner if you live/lived in Gilbert-Addoms and Southgate. drabiner@duke.edu, Academic Advising Center, East Campus, call for appointments Dr. Chris Roy if you live/lived in Aycock, Epworth, Giles, Jarvis, and Wilson chris.roy@duke.edu, call or Dr. Roy for appointments Pratt students should confer with Dean Connie Simmons, as well as an advisor above. Note that junior year, your premed advising changes to Dean Dan Scheirer and Ms. Deborah Wahl; they work with juniors, seniors and alums on the application process and final preparations PreVet: Dr. Bernard Fischer bernie.fischer@duke.edu, Duke Pre-Vet Society: sites.duke.edu/dukepvs PrePhysical Therapy: Dr. Rosie Canizares rcc4@duke.edu, Duke Pre-Physical Therapy Association: sites.duke.edu/prept PreDental: Dr. Martha Ann Keels, MarthaAnn.keels@duke.edu Duke Pre-Dental Society: sites.duke.edu/predental Advisor for shadowing and training workshops: Ms. Heather Stanford heather.stanford@duke.edu, B267 Smith Warehouse Bay 6, Prehealth liaison in the Career Center and also Pre-pharmacy advising: Ms. Cynthia Broderius cynthia.broderius@duke.edu, Smith Warehouse, studentaffairs.duke.edu/career 18

19 READING AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION There are many easy ways to begin finding out about health care, and you can start them at any time. 1. Read stories by or about physicians, veterinarians, etc. 2. Set your internet browser to a news site that carries articles on health, such as cnn.com, nbcnews.com, and nytimes.com. The NY Times carries a blog called "Well" in which Tara Parker-Pope discusses medical science, nutrition, fitness and family health. The reader comments are sometimes very interesting. 3. Attend seminars at Duke that are offered occasionally on health care. Sometimes these are on global health, public policy, etc. Watch the Chronicle and the prehealth listserve for announcements. 4. If your parents have a local newspaper subscription, read it while you are at home. Your state legislature may be debating policies that affect health care of your community, such as support for early childhood teaching, funding for local clinics, abortion rights, etc. 5. The next time you are at your pediatricians, ask your pediatrician (and nurse) what they think of health care today. What changes have they seen? 6. Ask your family what their health care experiences have been like. Do they have easy access to their doctor? Do they have insurance? How much does medication cost and is it covered? Have they ever needed to use the Emergency Department? 7. If you study abroad, find out what health care is like in that country or locale 8. Browse through the websites of medical or health profession schools in your state, or others you might be interested in. 9. For general advice on the MCAT and preparing for medical school, browse through the AAMC website. The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is a non-profit organization representing 141 accredited US and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools: aamc.org 10. To find which medical schools are in your state or other states and their acceptance rates, check the AAMC website below. You will see some medical schools accept only in-state students (like East Carolina Medical School in NC which accepts only NC residents, in contrast to Duke in which 90% of the entering class are from states other than NC): aamc.org/download/321442/data/2012factstable1.pdf 11. For an online database of admissions requirements of all medical schools, as well as other information on applicants and acceptance details, check the MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements). But note that this is not free. You need to subscribe; current cost is about $25/year; aamc.org/students/applying/requirements/msar 19

20 PLANNING FOR OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONS For the careers below, you will want to follow the general premed courses, namely chemistry, math, biology and physics. Then check the requirements of the appropriate schools in your home state or in the area of the country in which you might practice. There may be additional requirements (such as economics, public speaking, anatomy) that you will add to your Duke plan. Or you may take some courses elsewhere during the summer. For all, we recommend that you shadow or gain clinical experience so that you are familiar with the challenges, rewards and lifestyle of that specialty. Here are some websites to help you start. PHYSICIAN/SCIENTIST (MD/PHD) These programs offer combined MD and PhD degrees. Many of these programs are also known as MST (Medical Scientist Training) Programs funded by the National Institutes of Health. MD/PhD programs usually involve 2 years of medical school, followed by three to five years of graduate school leading to a PhD, then your final years of medical school yielding an MD. To apply, you should fulfill the usual premed requirements and have significant research experience. You will find it helpful to talk with or shadow physician scientists to find their views on training and careers. nigms.nih.gov/training/instpredoc/predocoverview-mstp.htm nigms.nih.gov/training/instpredoc/predocinst-mstp.htm aamc.org/students/research/mdphd/ DENTISTRY When you shadow, try to find dentists in different specialties (general, orthodontics, surgery, pediatrics etc.). You might also consider volunteering in free outreach dental clinics in NC or at home. The Pre-Dental Advisor is Dr. Martha Ann Keels, MarthaAnn.keels@duke.edu Join the Duke Pre-Dental Society: sites.duke.edu/predental For a list of DDS/DMD programs: ada.org/267.aspx For an example, see the UNC School of Dentistry: dentistry.unc.edu VETERINARY MEDICINE When you shadow, try to find veterinarians in different specialties (general, small animal, large animal, equine, emergency, radiology, surgery etc) The Pre-Vet Advisor is Dr. Bernard Fischer ( , bernie.fischer@duke.edu) Duke Pre-Vet Society: sites.duke.edu/dukepvs List of Veterinary Medical Schools: aavmc.org/member-institutions.aspx Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges: aavmc.org For an example, see the NC State University College of Vet Medicine: cvm.ncsu.edu PHYSICAL THERAPY There are often different requirements among schools so be sure to check. PT schools also require extensive often documented health care experience working in physical therapy or with patients; the expectation may be in hundreds of hours. And you will want to work or observe in different aspects of physical therapy (pediatrics, sports, orthopedics, geriatrics, cardiovascular, pulmonary, etc) The PT Advisor is Dr. Rosie Canizares ( , rcc4@duke.edu) Join the Duke Pre-Physical Therapy Association: sites.duke.edu/prept For an example, see the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program: dpt.duhs.duke.edu For a list of accredited PT Programs: apta.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?navid= PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT Most PA programs are 2 to 3 years in length and vary widely in requirements. Be sure to research programs of interest to make sure you take the required courses and complete clinical experience requirements; schools may require anywhere from 200 to 2000 clinical experience hours. Consider shadowing both physicians and physician assistants, as well as PAs working in different specialties. Physician Assistant Education Association: paeaonline.org/ US Physician Assistant School Web Sites: paeaonline.org/index.php?ht=d/contentdir/pid/255 For example see the Duke Physician Assistant Program: paprogram.mc.duke.edu 20

21 NURSING You might want to shadow both physicians and nurses. Nursing programs can offer several degrees, including an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) which you complete after a regular undergraduate degree, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). American Association of Colleges of Nursing: aacn.nche.edu For an example, see the Duke School of Nursing: nursing.duke.edu Nursing specialties: allnursingschools.com/nursing-careers/article/careers PHARMACY Pharmacists earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree; pharmacists may work in community pharmacies as well as in hospitals, research, government offices, and pharmaceutical industries. Be sure to check specific prerequisites for your pharmacy schools of interest to plan your academic coursework appropriately. For advising, see Cynthia Broderius in the Career Center (cynthia.broderius@duke.edu, ) For a list of Pharmacy schools: aacp.org/resources/student/pages/schoollocator.aspx American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP): aacp.org Pharmacy School Admission Requirements: aacp.org/resources/student/pharmacyforyou/admissions/pages/psar.aspx American Pharmacists Association: pharmacist.com/ Career Options in Pharmacy: aacp.org/resources/student/pharmacyforyou/pharmacycareerinfo/pages/default.aspx For an example see UNC-CH School of Pharmacy: pharmacy.unc.edu/programs/the-pharmd/prospective-pharmd-students/the-unc-pharmd 21