Pre-Health 101Presented by:

Dr. Pickett from Biology Dr. Crumrine from Chemistry

Dr. Gangopadhyaya from PhysicsDr. Johnson from Pre-Health Advising

Good Experiences:Building a Better Pre-Med

Dr. F. B. PickettAssociate Professor: BiologyGraduate Program Director

Loyola MAMS Program

The Path to a Strong Application

There is a Lot of Lore Out There…What

Do Successful Applicants Have? Well…

Dr. Pickett’s Army of Pre-Meds Have Been

Doing Research…

Volunteering

Awesome Options:

Chicago Youth Programs, Centro Romero

Loyola Literacy Program,

Muslim Women Resource Center (Devon and Western)

Many Deserving Service Oriented Non-profits in Chicago…Reach Out!!

Clinical Volunteering: WHERE?

ResearchIn House: Loyola has 17 tenured/tenure track

faculty researchers in Biology. Research Credit for BIOL 396 or 397 H

BIOLOGY

LUROP is your second step, after meeting an advisor. LUROP

Psychology Dept, Neuroscience, Chemistry all do Science Research and Mentor Students.

External Opportunities: Many labs throughout Chicago host student researchers. BIOL 398

Feedback from Medical School Deans,

M1s are people who give of themselves, have outstanding academics, strong MCAT scores and extensive volunteering.

M1s don’t get off track by cheating, stealing or hurting others or themselves. M1s are mature adults.

M1s are not people who embrace failure, waste time, make excuses or accept their own limitations. Go past where you are to get to your future.

Good Experiences:Building a Better Pre-Med

Chemistry

Presented by:

David Crumrine, Ph.D.

Surviving Chemistry, an important step toward a

Healthprofessions Career

•General Chemistry ~ HS Chemistry, but more detailed and more intense

•Organic Chemistry ~a new language that will be vital for your career

General Chemistry

• Attend all lectures, discussion sects, & Labs.• Skim or read the chapter before lecture.• Read, in detail, soon after lecture.• Work all the suggested problems wo using the

answer key. (It takes more time…)• Ask questions of friends and in discussion.• Ask questions of faculty, TAs, tutors.• Don’t stay up all night before an exam, etc.

Activation of Adriamycin by AN-9

www.latrobe.edu.au/.../lab/phillips/index.htm

Organic Chemistry

• Attend all lectures, discussion sects, & Labs.• Review the Gen Chem material in ~first 2 chapters so

that you are prepared for new concepts.• Skim or read the chapter before lecture.• View Organic as a new language and work every day!• Depending on your learning style: take notes; make

flash cards; make graphic organizers; etc. • Get a model kit to help with 3D perceptions.• Develop a study-buddy for questions or see a tutor.

Why do this?

• These classes are easier than professional school, so develop good study habits now (better student)!

• Your level of understanding will be tested by national admission tests. Study now and save your money (better consumer).

• Competence in these areas will help you better understand details in biomedical classes as well as worldwide environmental, health, and safety issues (better citizen).

• Serious study in all three sciences will improve your chance of getting admitted to professional or graduate school.

• Research will help you decide if you want to be a healthcare professional or a Ph.D. (clinical practice vs research).

Physics

Presented by:

Asim Gangopadhyaya, Ph.D.

John Dykla1973

John Cunningham2005

Faculty

Aleksandr Goltsiker

2004

David Slavsky1982

Asim Gangopadhyaya

1989

WillettaGreene-Johnson

2004

Gordon Ramsey1982

Thomas Ruubel1987

Maria Udo 1997

Jonathan Bougie2007

Albert Claus1960

Jeffry Mallow1976

Emeritii

Physics Department

It is a small department with 7 tenure track or tenured members, three non-tenure track and two very active emeritii.

We have about 90-100 majors, which places us at the top in nation in number of undergraduates in a BS granting dept.

We have a very proactive curriculum committee that has added several new innovative programs in last 10 years.

Freshman Projects Program that encourages research.

Research with LUC faculty members and at other institutions.

Nature of student-teacher-advisor-mentor relationship

We have two BBQs. In Christmas parties students and faculty take part in various social activities

Students have a common place in “Issac and Al’s room”

They have a dedicated computer room

Undergraduate research with faculty member or outside

As a student member of the department you would find

Several faculty members have open door policy – students are always welcome.

A very familial environment.

You may even be a lab TA as an undergraduate

1. Major in Physics

2. Major in Biophysics-New Program (2008)

3. Major in Theoretical Physics/Applied Mathematics

4. Dual Degree Engineering Program

5. Dual Degree B.S./M.Ed. Teacher Education Program

6. Major in Physics/Computer Science

Academic Programs

There are only a handful of universities in the US with undergraduate programs in biophysics.

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary area that stands at the cutting edge of new developments in the sciences.

Biomedical engineering, Nano-science, Bio-technology, Pre-health professions or Graduate studies in Biophysics.

In the greater Chicago area, UIC has a biophysics concentration (not major) within their undergraduate physics program.

Northwestern University and the University of Chicago have graduate programs in biophysics.

BS with a major in BiophysicsStudents with interest in Pre-Health Profession

An interdisciplinary major

http://www.biophysics.org/education/biophyscareers.htm

Dual Degree Engineering Program

Supportive, personal environment helps develop the skills and confidence needed for success in engineering;

Entry into programs that are difficult to get into straight from high school;

Allows more time for irreversible career decisions while exploring and confirming long-term goals;

Leads to the completion of degrees in two reinforcing areas, one in physics and the other in engineering;

Provides an extensive and yet focused education. A background in physics provides an excellent base for launching new careers in many different branches of engineering.

Undergraduate Research

The best way to learn

Thrill of finding something new

Develops relation with a mentor that is very helpful in placement

Freshman Projects

Entry to Undergraduate Research

Program Description

• Groups consist of 3-5 students

• Working with a faculty member, each group writes a proposal for a project based on the material covered during the first semester.

• Each project must include: – Design and construction of an apparatus– Theoretical calculations– Data acquisition and analysis – Presentation in both written and oral form

Written about in Chicago Tribune

Current research projects involving students

Jonathan Bougie --- Granular Physics

John Cunningham --- Electronics

John Dykla --- Theoretical Astrophysics

Gordon Ramsey --- Theo. Particle Physics and Education

Aleks Goltsiker --- History of Physics

Asim Gangopadhyaya --- Theoretical Physics

Loyolans at National AAPT Meeting Austin TX – January 2003

L-R: Asim Gangoadhyaya; Chad Husko; Dr. Robert Richardson (Nobel Laureate); Brenton Knuffman; Gordan Ramsey

Stephen Reed - Univ. of Michigan - Applied Physics (2007)       ---  Post Doc at UT-Austin

Sogee Spinor - Univ. of Maryland - Theoretical Particle Physics (2008) ---  Post Doc at UW-Madison

Matthew Quinn - Notre Dame - Nuclear Physics (2008)        ---  Post Doc at LU Medical Center (Medical Physics)

Meghan Anzelc - Northwestern Univ. - Experimental Particle Physics (2008) ---  Post Doc at NU

Our students – recent Ph.D.s

Is Physics a good field to go into Med school?

Rigorous and unusual education will set you free.

MCAT – Last year, four of the five physics majors that took MCAT received 90% or higher. All in Med schools.

They all have heard that one can go to med school with any major.

Where are our graduates studying

Keith Carroll – Georgia TechBrenton Knuffmann – Univ. of Mich.Luara Loiccono – Univ. of TX, AustinVeronika Walkosz – Univ. of IL, Chicago – Best TA awardChad Husko – Columbia, NYC, Fullbright to FranceSteve Snyder – Univ. of Minn.Matt Gonderinger – Univ. of WisconsinMaciej Karcz – Indiana University

Med school Adam Rensing, Michael Ly, Saudur Rehman, Alex Cravenue, and many others

Students in Law school and other professional schools

Ph.D. in physics

Charles XxxxxxxBut the person who best personifies what we do best is

Charles XxxxxxxJoined LUC as 26 years old physics freshman

But the person who best personifies what we do best is

Charles XxxxxxxJoined LUC as 26 years old physics freshman

Had personal problem during sophomore year

But the person who best personifies what we do best is

Charles Xxxxxxx

Shape invariance and the exactness of the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi formalism with Binder, Yevgeny; Gangopadhyaya, Asim; Physics Letters. Section A, 2008; 372 (9)

Joined LUC as 26 years old physics freshman

Had personal problem during sophomore year

Wrote a paper during senior year

But the person who best personifies what we do best is

Charles Xxxxxxx

Shape invariance and the exactness of the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi formalism with Binder, Yevgeny; Gangopadhyaya, Asim; Physics Letters. Section A, 2008; 372 (9)

Joined LUC as 26 years old physics freshman

Had personal problem during sophomore year

Wrote a paper during senior year

Doctoral student at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque With full financial support

But the person who best personifies what we do best is

Charles Xxxxxxx

Shape invariance and the exactness of the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi formalism with Binder, Yevgeny; Gangopadhyaya, Asim; Physics Letters. Section A, 2008; 372 (9)

Joined LUC as a 26 years old physics freshman

Had personal problem during sophomore year

Published a paper during senior year

Doctoral student at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque With full financial support

A very happy alum

But the person who most personifies what we do best is

Pre-Health Advising

Presented by:

Jim Johnson, Ph.D.

Some Resources

• www.aamc.org (allopathic) • www.aacom.org (osteopathic)• www.adea.org (dental)• www.aacp.org (pharmacy)• www.apta.org (physical therapy)• www.opted.org (optometry)• www.aapa.org (physician assistant)• www.aavmc.org (veterinary medicine)• www.explorehealthcareers.org (ALL!)

Some More Resources

• MSAR and Other Siblings

• Pre-Health Professions Office– Damen Hall 201

• To be added to Pre-Health Listserv: – Email: pdeters@luc.edu

Generally Speaking

Two Sets of General Selection Criteria• Set 1

– Academic Record– Standardized Test– Clinically-Related Experiences

• Set 2– Pursuit of Values (Extracurricular)– Letters of Evaluation– Processing and Articulation of Motivation– Research– Professional Behavior– Special Circumstances

Generally Speaking

• Academic Record– Rigor– Breadth – Excellence

• Cumulative GPA• Science GPA (BCP and BCPM)

– Major?

Generally Speaking

• Standardized Tests– MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT, GRE, etc.

• MCAT for Example– MCAT Important Scores: 29, 31, 32; currently

30 or better should be minimum goal– When?– How Many Times?– MCAT Preparation:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/start.htm

Generally Speaking

• Exposure to Health Field– Suggested Minimum: 1 Calendar year; 100 to 300

hours– High School vs. College– Shadowing vs. Volunteering– Summer vs. School Year– When to Start?– When is too Late?

• Semester before application• Academic year before application

– Not a Family Affair!

Generally Speaking

• Pursuit of Values (e.g., extracurricular activities)– Follow Your Heart– Very Wide Range of Valuable Activities– Don’t Put Cart before the Horse– Do Get Involved

Generally Speaking

• Letters of Evaluation– Get to Know your Faculty– Get to Know Supervisors and Mentors in

Clinical Settings– Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee

Generally Speaking

• Processing and Articulating Motivation– Knowing it for Yourself is not Enough– Convincing a Critical (although not mean)

Audience – Journaling– Individual and Distinct– Research the Field

Generally Speaking

• Research– Intrinsic Interest– Passive Learning is not Enough

• Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it is likely not enough

– Self-Directed Learning = Life Long Learning– Opportunities at Loyola and Beyond (e.g.,

www.explorehealthcareers.org)

Generally Speaking

Professional Behavior• Negative: Bad Credit History• Negative: Academic Dishonesty• Negative: Misconduct

• Potentially Positive (more often positive) or Negative: – e.g., Interactions with the Pre-Health Office,

Interactions with Committee Advisor, Interactions with Other Offices and Departments at Loyola, Relevant Commentary in Letters of Evaluation, etc.

Generally Speaking

• Special Circumstances– Infinite Possibilities

• Full-Time Work• Illness• Difficult Period of Life• Other….

– Blame vs. Explanation

Generally Speaking

Journey Toward Greater Independence

“We do not receive wisdom, we must discover it for ourselves, after a journey through the

wilderness, which no one else can make for us, which no one can spare us.”

– Marcel Proust

Generally Speaking

Understanding of Interdependencies

Student

Citizen

Health Care Professional

Thank you very much!