All Access: Med School Admissions

In this episode, host, Christian Essman, welcomes Dr. Brian Steele , the inaugural Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Georgia (UGA) School of Medicine . Together, they explore the birth of Georgia's newest medical school - the 159th MD-accredited institution in the U.S., a fitting tribute to the 159 counties it was built to serve. Dr. Steele discusses the school's mission-driven ap...

In this episode, host Christian Essman sits down with Dr. Wendy Jackson, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Medicine. Together, we dive into the unique "Kentucky Integrated Curriculum" that blends foundational science with clinical training from day one, and explore the school's innovative multi-campus system that spans the Commonwealth. Dr. Jackson shares...

For many pre-meds, the USMLE Step exams are a distant, high-stakes mystery. We know they can be the "gatekeeper" to residency, but who actually decides what's on the test - and why is it designed the way it is? In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on how the "USMLE sausage" gets made. Joining us are Dr. Amanda Clauser (VP of Psychometrics and Data Analysis) and Dr. Dan Jurich (AVP for t...

In this episode, host Christian Essman sits down with Dan Kallenberger, Assistant Dean for Recruitment, Admissions, and Whole Health Initiation at the brand new Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) in Bentonville, Arkansas. Together, they dive into what makes AWSOM stand out—from its innovative, art- and humanities-integrated curriculum and unique whole health approach, to the striking, stat...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 na...

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 Serv...

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 Execut...

In this episode, we're exploring gap year options with a focus on the  Master of Science in Medical Sciences at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University . I chat with Dr. Deborah Gutman, Director of Pre-health Advising at for the program, about the differences between post-bac and masters programs and how they impact GPA calculations for medical school applications along with insight i...

It's been awhile! In this episode, Christian Essman brings you the latest updates and some tips for those currently navigating the application process.  If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: allaccess@case.edu Visit our websit...

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with the recently appointed, dynamic Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Deborah Berman. Dr. Berman offers an in-depth look into the significant curricular updates, wellness initiatives, and the evolving admissions landscape at one of the premier medical schools in the United States. Our conversation begins with a...

Welcome to this special episode where we delve into the treasure trove of resources available for prospective medical school applicants. Today, we're joined by Tami Levin, MA, the Director of Premed and Applicant Resources at the AAMC, and Laura Fletcher, PhD, a senior research analyst in the Admissions & Selection Research and Development team at the AAMC. In our conversation, they will highlight...

Dr. Roopal Kundu, Associate Dean for Admissions, highlights the unique curricular features and educational philosophy at  Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , shedding light on their innovative approaches to medical education. From fostering curiosity and inquiry to promoting equity through group and problem-based learning, Dr. Kundu explores how Northwestern's curriculum is shapi...

Join us for an exclusive Zoom event featuring Christian Essman , the host of "All Access: Med School Admissions." Are you an aspiring medical student with burning questions about the admissions process? Look no further! This is your chance to spend an engaging evening with Christian Essman and have all your inquiries answered. During this virtual gathering, Christian Essman will share his knowledg...

I had the pleasure of speaking with  Dr. Tracy Kedian , the Associate Dean for Admissions , at the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA. Dr. Kedian sheds light on the unique aspects of UMass Chan's curriculum, known as VISTA. This innovative curriculum fosters curiosity, inquiry, and equity through group and problem-based learning, along with extensive use of medical simulation. One exciting...

Dr. Judianne Kellaway , the Associate Dean for Admissions & Outreach , at the  Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at University of Texas Health San Antonio joins me for a entertaining and wonderfully informative conversation .  Dr. Kellaway takes us through the highlights and unique aspects of their CIRCLE curriculum including, professional identity formation, wellness programming, ult...

The Assistant Dean of Medical Education and Admissions, Dr. Liesel Copeland , joins me to discuss the curricular highlights and admissions process at Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School . In 2021, the medical school launched the 5 C's Curriculum: Curiosity, Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, Competence and Compassion which we talk about during our conversation. We also discuss t...

I sat down with Dr. Lina Mehta , Associate Dean for Admissions at the CWRU School of Medicine to discuss some admissions-related topics. We reflected on the previous application cycle, current topics is admissions, and looking ahead to the next cycle. We think you'll find this episode to be informative and, hopefully, entertaining!  If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource,  RATE, REVIEW,...

Join me for an informative conversation with the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Dr. Dustin Fulton, from UTHSC.  As one of two public allopathic medical schools in the State of Tennessee, it is a popular destination for many premed students.  The College has a strong commitment to training physicians who plan to go into primary care practice. Throughout the 4-year curriculum, students are exposed to...