In our conversations we will often discuss your motivation for a career in medicine. In that spirit, I am sharing below the motivation for my work.
Why am I doing this?
Because I have been given the opportunity to work for 26 years at one of the top universities in the country, learning about all aspects of premedical advising, medical school admissions and financial aid;
Because I find joy in working with those who are considering devoting their lives to a career of service, such as medicine;
Because too many young physicians regret their career choice – you must make the decision for medicine only after an intentional, well informed exploration of what a career in medicine will mean for your future;
Because I have the skills and knowledge to help make applying to medical school a less confusing and intimidating process for premedical applicants and their families;
Because too many colleges and universities do not make high quality premedical advising available – if you have a good premedical advisor, make good use of that resource – if you do not have a good premedical advisor, find one.
And, Why You May Choose me as Your Advisor
In my time as the Chief Advisor in the Health Professions at the University of Chicago, and later as the Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, I was able to develop unusual insights and experience with the premedical journey and medical school application process. Having been a leader on “both sides” of the application process I can share these insights with you.
As a member of the Admissions Committee at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine for 25 years I developed a depth of understanding for "what a medical school is looking for". From my screening of 4,000+ applicants each year, to personally interviewing 150+ applicants each year, to participating in the final decision discussions for 600+ each year I developed a knowledge of how applicants can best present themselves for consideration.
My family and I were privileged to spend ten years as Resident Heads in the dorms at the University of Chicago. I was able to live with many premedical applicants over the years as they experienced the joys and challenges of all aspects of the medical school application process. This allows me to bring recognition of, and respect for, the pressures at particular stages in the journey.
In my work as Assistant Dean I was privileged to work with applicants in meetings before their application through their medical school choice. In this process I was able to develop an understanding of the mission and admissions policies of medical schools around this country. This can be very helpful as we work together to find the best medical school for you.