Oh, the things you'll see!

The majority of students at Case Western School of Medicine matriculate into the University Program. Every year starts with a class of approximately 150 students. Even the PPSP students become a part of the University Program. The MSTP and CCLCM programs are not a part of the PPSP guarantee - PPSP students must submit a full application, including MCAT scores.

I will be entering the UP track in July and I can't wait! With the majority of Case med students in this program, you know that there is a diverse crowd. When I interviewed, Dr. Mehta (the Dean of Admissions) asked all of us interviewees to say something interesting about ourselves. I had expected an icebreaker - I expected to find out that my future classmates were interested in soccer and liked to bake in their spare time. Perhaps, the most adventurous would say that they were a karate fanatic. Instead, I was AMAZED and completely floored by the volume and variety of talent. There were fencing champions and professional bakers and black belt martial artists! Not knowing how to cook and living in a city like Cleveland, I was more than just "a little happy" to find out I'll be going to school with Zorro, the Cake Boss and Jackie.

Safe and fed? What more could a girl ask for?

University Program (UP)

Case is a great medical school and consistently turns students into phenomenal doctors. There are three reasons for its success:

1.) Its prime location in Cleveland. The School of Medicine (SOM) is the only medical school in Cleveland. This means that we are the only students seeking the attention of the doctors at all of the great area hospitals - Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Metro Health, the VA. World class surgeons and internists are ready to teach you everything you desire to ask. The opportunity in Cleveland is CRAZY amazing. All you have to do is step into the city, and you will be surrounded by medical wonder! Like they say in real estate: "Location, location, location." 

2.) The WR2 curriculum. Case is known for its cutting edge curriculum. The emphasis in the curriculum is learning collaboratively. When I arrived at Second Look Weekend, I found out how true this is! I was introduced to the Inquiry (IQ) group.The IQ session almost entirely student run and helps everyone voice their concerns, ask questions, and work together to figure out a solution. Every week, students are handed new cases to discuss in their IQ groups and this small, discussion based learning really mimics the real life work of doctors - working in collaboration with their peers so that patients may receive the most thorough care.
3.) The sense of community. The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Second Look Weekend was how close all of the students and faculty were. Case was so much more than a school to all of them, but a shared community - a smaller city integrated within Cleveland. That is not to say that friendly competition is not a factor: Case has four societies - Blackwell, Robbins, Satcher and Wearn. It's like Hogwarts over there! As future doctors working within communities, it is incredibly important to maintain the personal touch in order to be able to connect with patients and peers. Case, from Day 1, emphasizes this importance.

College Program (Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine)

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

These two programs are geared for the more research oriented students, but they receive the same benefits of being in Cleveland and being a part of the Case school system. Both of these programs, however, are longer than the traditional four years (CCLCM is 5 years and MSTP is 7 years). The great thing though, both of these programs come with hefty scholarships and stipends. Extra degrees and no debt? Why not?

Oh, the people you'll meet!

When I first imagined the students at medical school, I thought that the students would all be very similar. I had imagined a medical school crowd to simply be an extension of the pre-med group in college. I had thought that entering medical school would be entering a world of like-minded people and I was excited about that prospect. I soon found out, however, that medical school is a wide and diverse place - an even BETTER prospect. I find it that when I am surrounded by people who are not like me, I have a greater opportunity to learn from our differences and a great chance to experience something new and exciting.

Everyone comes into school with a different background that this breadth of experiences is what contributes to the positive learning environment. At Case Western, I find this to be especially true. Just looking at the diversity of medical program offerings can showcase the different types of people. This week, I will be going through the different types of programs offered at Case. I'll share my insight mostly on the two programs I am most familiar with - PPSP and UP, but feel free to ask me about anything and I'll try to find out for you!

Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP)

The PPSP program is offered to high school seniors. Along with the regular Case Western college application, students have to submit an additional essay describing their desire to enter medicine. A number of students will then be invited to spend a day at the medical school and undergo a medical school interview. The key is to show maturity and a passion for becoming a physician. As an 17-18 year old, you are experiencing the same interview process usually faced by someone four years older and four years more mature. The admissions committee is hedging a bet on you, on whether or not in four years, you'll be a student they would like to see matriculate into the school of medicine. Every year, there are only a handful of admitted PPSP students. 

The obvious benefit of this program is the assurance of a guaranteed spot. In order to retain this spot, however, students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA (in the 2008 application cycle, the expectation was 3.60 GPA) and to show contribution to Case community by actively participating in clubs and organizations. No MCATs are required, BUT if you do choose to take the exam, you must reach at least the average score of the entering class in order to retain your spot (for 2008, the score cut-off was 32). Many of the students do not take the MCATs. Can you imagine the stress free life they're living? WOW!

The greatest benefit of this program, however, is not the lack of MCATs - it's the freedom. With a guaranteed spot, students no longer have to worry about fulfilling the "must-haves" of a usual resume. If a student has no interest in research, there's no need to work himself to the bone at a research lab, hoping to get published. The guarantee allows the students to open up their undergraduate careers to do whatever may interest them. You can pursue a degree in English, peruse history books, check out a archaeology dig or volunteer with at a hospital or set up a band. One of my friends in the program is a DJ with his own radio show! The beauty of the program is that it allows students - future doctors - to become more well-rounded individuals who will, in the future, better serve and better connect with their patients. 

Let me know if you have any questions regarding the program or how to apply. Leave your comments below. Thanks!

Still To Come: 

University Program

College Program (Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine)

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

Stay tuned!!