APPLYING Spring or Summer 2011

If you are planning to apply Spring or Summer of 2011 and did not make it to either of the MANDATORY APPLICANT MEETINGS you will need to contact Dr. Barbara Trask or set up an appointment as soon as possible. This is the beginning of the application process - DO NOT DELAY!!!

TO SET UP APPOINTMENT CALL SUSAN: 801-626-7755

or e-mail DR. TRASK: btrask@weber.edu

GET ON TOP OF THIS BEFORE IT
SLIPS OUT FROM UNDER YOU!

FREE PRACTICE MCAT!!!

This Saturday Kaplan is offering a FREE practice MCAT on Weber State's campus. It will begin at 10:00am and is located in Lind Lecture 130. 

Click here to register for the exam!

What it takes to be an ER physician

This last week we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Croft. He is a local ER physician that gave us some pointers on the current changes in medicine and some advice on how to be a good physician. Dr. Croft was very optimistic about the use of technology in medicine, and worried about the increased debt load of new physician and the increase in malpractice suits. He also gave us some pros and cons about emergency medicine, noting that you must look at yourself and understand what you are good at to see if you are a good fit.

Finally, he gave some advice to anyone looking into medicine. 1) Must enjoy working with people, hard work, and be smart enough to handle the challenges of medicine. 2) He recommended getting a background in finance, business and accounting. 3) Be opened minded, with respect to your ultimate specialty choice. 4) Don't put off happiness for some arbitrary date. In other words, those that are happy now in life will be happy in the future. There is always something on the horizon, and we should not put off happiness till after we finish our undergraduate, medical school, residency, or whatever. Be happy now.

Medical Malpractice and Classes

Over the last two weeks we have had some awesome speakers. Last Wednesday we had a Jack Helgesen, a malpractice attorney come and speak to us. He spoke about both the process of malpractice suits, and how not to be sued. He had great statistics and a tons of information. He gave some great advice at the end on how not to be sued. He said the key was to be honest and humble, doctors who are liked by their patients are not sued.

Today we had a guest speaker talk about Kaplan's test prep program, and offered a $300 discount to AMSA members. If anyone is interested contact an AMSA officer. Dr. Trask then took up the remainder of the time informing us of a new and upcoming class being offered in the Spring. "Life in Medicine" will be a one credit, pass/fail class offered Thursdays 7:30-8:20. Two local surgeons, Dr. Goff and Dr. Moesinger, will teach the class and discuss everything from getting in to medical schools, to current problems in health care, to everyday activities of a physician. It should be a super class, look for it when you register Chem/Zoo/Micro 1810!

DAY OF THE DEAD @ U of U

CLICK to download the APPLICATION

MCAT and Science Saturday

This last weeks meeting focused on different methods to prepare for the MCAT. We had some outstanding students inform us about the pros and cons of Altius, Princeton, Kaplan, and self prep study. The bottom line was that the most important thing is to know yourself and your study habits.

Saturday we had great time teaching kids about viruses and bacteria. Some of our students made a slide show of bacteria, viruses, and how they compare in size to a hair. The kids enjoyed it while they made bacteria and viruses out of craft supplies.

Guest Speakers

Last week was a very busy week for us!

During Wednesday's AMSA meeting we put the finishing touches on our Science Saturday project. Science Saturday is October 2nd, this Saturday from 12-5PM, come help us build viruses and bacteria with the kids.

Wednesday night we had a meeting with Dr. Samuelson. He is the Dean of Admissions at U of U. He spoke about the 8 criteria that the U looks at to determine interview candidates. Applicants must be "average" in five out of the eight areas; GPA, MCAT, extracurricular, community/volunteer service, leadership, research, shadowing, and patient exposure.

Thursday night we had a meeting with Gina Moses, the assistant director of AACOMAS. She spoke about D.O. programs and had a couple recruiters from D.O. schools around the country with her.

Friday we were able to listen to a former alumni speak about pediatric neurosurgery. Jodi Smith, M.D., Ph.D. spoke about her background and her decision to be a surgeon. She then shared many wonderful case studies with us. She had some awesome videos and stories!