Episode 77: Transferable Skills That Matter: Insights from SOF to SOM Leaders
All Access: Med School Admissions
Release Date: 02/18/2025
Episode 83: University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson
All Access: Med School Admissions
Here’s a show description for this episode of All Access: Med School Admissions: In this episode, host Christian Essman sits down with Dr. Tejal Parikh, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. They dive into everything prospective applicants need to know about UA COM, from the school’s innovative curriculum and block system, to its student support structure, distinction tracks, research opportunities, and what makes Tucson such a unique place to live and study. Dr. Parikh shares an insider's view on what makes her school...
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Episode 82: Your Guide to a Successful Medical School Interview
All Access: Med School Admissions
Are you prepping for your upcoming medical school interviews and not sure where to start? In this special episode of All Access: Med School Admissions, hosts Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, and Dr. Lina Mehta, Associate Dean for Admissions, at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine sit down for an in-depth, practical guide to mastering the med school interview process. From adapting to virtual formats like Zoom and making the most of your video presence, to handling nerves, navigating time zone challenges, and preparing for classic questions like...
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Episode 81: Starting Strong: Essential Strategies for Pre-Meds Heading Back to School
All Access: Med School Admissions
It’s back-to-school time with the All Access: Med School Admissions Podcast! In this insightful episode, host Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, sits down with Alexis Catanzarite, a seasoned pre-health advisor and Associate Director of Healthcare Careers at CWRU. Together, they dive into the real-life challenges, anxieties, and excitement that come with starting or returning to college as a pre-med or pre-health student. Alexis shares practical advice on avoiding the classic “September creep,”...
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Episode 80: Pre-Med Success: Shadowing, Service, Leadership, & Owning Your Unique Application Journey
All Access: Med School Admissions
In this special episode, host, Christian Essman, sits down with Dr. Darcy Holtgrave, Program Manager of the MEDOP Advising Office at the University of Missouri. Drawing from her unique background as a folklorist and advisor, Dr. Holtgrave shares candid insights into the real questions, anxieties, and misconceptions faced by pre-med students. Together, Christian and Darcy tackle four pivotal topics: The myth of the “checklist mentality” in building a med school application The true value of meaningful experiences over raw numbers of hours How non-medical activities (yes, even managing...
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Episode 79: Information Sessions + High Yield Application Tips
All Access: Med School Admissions
Join host Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, for a quick but information-packed update on the latest in medical school admissions. In this episode, Christian highlights important upcoming info sessions for prospective applicants, including dates and details on how to sign up. He also breaks down key updates for the 2025-2026 application cycle, sharing his expert insight on AMCAS timelines and why you shouldn’t stress about hitting “submit” on the first possible day. Plus, Christian offers high-impact...
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Episode 78: George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
All Access: Med School Admissions
In this episode of "All Access: Med School Admissions," host Christian Essman invites Dr. Ioannis Koutroulis, the Associate Dean of Admissions at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, to share insights into what makes GW's program unique. Dr. Koutroulis discusses his journey in medical school admissions and the rewarding challenges of selecting future physicians at such a prestigious institution. Dive into the innovative curriculum at GW, including their Clinical Public Health curriculum and Scholarly Concentration program, and discover how GW supports its...
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Episode 77: Transferable Skills That Matter: Insights from SOF to SOM Leaders
All Access: Med School Admissions
In this compelling episode of All Access: Med School Admissions, host Christian Essman sits down with medical students, Ricky Ditzel and Brentyn Jones, two remarkable individuals transitioning from the elite world of Special Operations Forces to the demanding field of medicine. Discover how skills from military training, such as resilience, leadership, and confident communication, are invaluable in medical school and careers. Ricky and Brenton share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of life experiences, vulnerability in applications, and continuous growth. They offer crucial advice...
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Episode 76: Preparing for the Application Process
All Access: Med School Admissions
Are you planning to apply to medical school in the next cycle? This episode is packed with practical advice to help you get ahead in the application process. From studying for the MCAT to drafting a compelling personal statement and identifying strong letter of recommendation writers, we cover the essential steps to set yourself up for success. My guest today is Dr. Kathy Lee, a northeast Ohio native with an impressive background in science, education, and student mentorship. Dr. Lee earned her PhD in Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology from the University of Cincinnati College...
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Episode 75: Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University
All Access: Med School Admissions
In this episode, we’re introducing one of the most innovative new medical schools in the country: The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont’s College of Medicine is committed to cultivating diverse physician leaders through a whole-person approach to healing, grounded in service-learning. With core values like 'Love Learning,' 'Lead by Serving,' and 'Welcome Difference,' the Frist College of Medicine is shaping the future of healthcare by focusing on both professional and personal formation. Joining us today is Dr. Caleb Marsh,...
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Episode 74: Project Horseshoe Farm with Founder, Dr. John Dorsey
All Access: Med School Admissions
In this episode, we take you to Greensboro, Alabama, home of the Horseshoe Farm Community Health Project. Imagine the peaceful charm of rural Alabama as we explore how this incredible initiative, which also serves as a gap year option for premedical students, provides mentorship, healthcare support, and a strong sense of belonging to the underserved. Our guest, Dr. John Dorsey, Founder and Executive Director of Project Horseshoe Farm, shares his inspiring journey and the profound impact this project has on rural healthcare. Join us as we dive into what makes this community so special and how...
info_outlineIn this compelling episode of All Access: Med School Admissions, host Christian Essman sits down with medical students, Ricky Ditzel and Brentyn Jones, two remarkable individuals transitioning from the elite world of Special Operations Forces to the demanding field of medicine.
Discover how skills from military training, such as resilience, leadership, and confident communication, are invaluable in medical school and careers. Ricky and Brenton share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of life experiences, vulnerability in applications, and continuous growth. They offer crucial advice for veteran applicants and all applicants, highlighting that success in medicine is about more than just academic readiness.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion that bridges the gap between military and medical professions, providing actionable insights for all prospective medical students.
Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and motivation!
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This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman
RESOURCES:
Special Operations Forces To School of Medicine (SOFtoSOM)
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Medical School Insights and Partnership
06:01 From Army Medic to Med Student
09:23 SOF Medicine School Initiative
10:48 Military Med School Support Group
15:31 Medical School Preparation Support Program
19:00 Medical Cohort Success and Growth
21:16 Resilient Medic Problem Solvers
26:33 "Earning Your Trident Daily"
28:43 Academic Challenges and Overcoming Failure
31:54 Confidence: Key Differentiator in Med School
37:43 Rise in Non-Traditional Applicants
39:16 Leveraging Skills in Non-Traditional Applications
43:48 Empathy Over Skills in Med Applications
47:21 Academic Success Beyond Initial GPA
49:04 Embrace Unique Skills for Admissions
52:49 Embrace Vulnerability in Storytelling
57:11 Simplify Military Award Statements